How many miles are running shoes good for?
 

Ii have, by my estimation about 600 miles on my Asics. I am experiencing some hamstring/nerve type pain discomfort. Could it be the shoes because they are all done? They still feel OK. I do all my running on a tread mill and run only to stay in shape for tennis. Any suggestions as to other types of exercise to get the heart rate up as well? I think I will try walking on the treadmill at a brisk pace too.

depends on the runner and the shoes. I go through shoes around 500 miles, but I'm 6'5", 230. However, a marathoner friend who is 5'2" 125 gets quite a bit more mileage, but not much more time as she runs much more than I do...
(the 500 miles is in combo with the next pair or two, so my mileage is probably closer to 250-325 for one pair)

I usually plan on around 4 pairs/year, and start working in the new pair when only about 1/4 in to the former pair. That lowers the shock of the new pair as you transition, and you'll think they last longer. Also, if I find a pair that I like, I buy a few extra pairs... it's a pain to find a good fit sometimes, especially in size 14.

Check out www.coolrunning.com They've got forums like this that are extremely helpful.

I like bicycling for cardio, and if you can handle the monotony of a treadmill, you'll do fine on a stationary bike.

cheers,
kevin

A new pair of performance insoles may help extend the life of the shoes. If new shoes help to keep you exercising, it is time for new shoes.

Be sure that you isolate your hamstrings when you stretch. You MUST maintain lumbar lordosis (backward curve in lower back) to properly stretch your hamstrings. I lie on the floor with a roll under my lower back to stretch mine with a jump-rope.

Stretching is as least as important as exercising. Even if you don't have the time or energy to work-out, stretch anyway.

Thanks for the tip!

Re shoe mileage - I get up to 500 miles out of a pair of cushioning-type shoes but I know others that get more and less from a pair. You'd probably get more mileage from stability or motion-control shoes, having harder rubber compounds, but of course you gotta run in the shoe that best suits your gait.

I wonder if time also affects shoes...how old are they?

A question: Who got those shoes for you? I get my shoes at a shop where they are runners themselves and know the ins and outs of it. You see, I used to go with 10.5 Nikes. Only problem with that was that it was a little long. Now I use 9.5 Extra Wide Asics that have more support because I have flat feet. Before I went to that store, I would have aches and pains in the legs if I walked a bit too much. Now I am fine because the shoes are more supportive and when I don't wear them and walk around, I feel the strain. The shoes are 1 size down but extra wide because my feet are flat and wide. They would fit the shoes on me and have me walk around while the watched how I would pronate my feet. Also, they allowed me to run around the block with the shoes and see how I reacted to them before sale.

I found these shoes myself at a retailer (Finish Line)

I've had them 2 years

The hamstring stretch with the jump rope is a great idea, I'll try that tonight.

depends how long you wear em and how hard you use em.

mine last for years since i wear sandals pretty much everywhere. i run several times a week now and try to rotate my shoes. ill have three or fourpairs at any given time.

i am having a lot of heel pain so im opting for all new shoes and they are so comfortable :D ive bought sauconys that are like walking in heaven and adidas trail running shoes in the last three weeks. im planning on buying at least three more pairs in the next month or so.

there is nothing more comfortable than a new pair of running shoes.

you know what? I had a revelation today playing tennis. I think the problem with my hamstring might be a strained ligament. A ligament is what holds muscle to muscle right? The sciatic theory for this pain in the leg doesn't hold. Anyway I have a new pair of Asics Kyano XI coming in the mail so I hope this helps.