According to this article, running shoes are generally expected to last 300-500 miles or up to six months. The pair of New Balance shoes I am using are the same ones I started with back in May 2009 (three years ago) and I’ve put about 1200 km on them (roughly 745 miles).
Which is to say I am way past the point where they should have been replaced. With my feet actually getting sore in the last two runs (the first time this has happened in three years of jogging) it was time to finally get some new shoes.
By coincidence, Mountain Equipment Coop had just sent out a newsletter highlighting running gear and when I followed the link a vibrant pair of New Balance trail running shoes were staring back at me. I went to the store, tried on a pair of New Balance size 8½ MT110s and fell in love with the stubby soles. As a bonus, the laces are not three times longer than they need to be. The laces are orange and bright enough that the inclination is to avoid making direct eye contact with them.
Unlike my current shoes, these are designed specifically for trail use, which should help with the somewhat uneven terrain I typically face. Also unlike my current shoes, these are a more minimalist design, with less padding and bulk. They are noticeably lighter, something else I should appreciate.
I shall be trying them out on Monday.
