How to tell when your running shoes are shot?

[tofucheesecake]

I use the elliptical/treadmill at the gym and run occasionally. I know that shoes are good for a certain number of miles, but if you don't count miles, is there another way to tell? My shoes look fine, but lately my feet/shins have been more sore. I'd hate to toss a perfectly good looking pair, but I don't want to be risking injury. Is there another way to tell? Like when you fold your pillow over and it doesn't spring back, it's time to get a new one?

[A*O]

How long have you had them? If your feet/shins are beginning to get sore then it's probably time to change. I reckon to change my runners at least once a year, sometimes more often according to the amount of wear and brand. My current faves are ASICS which are ultra lightweight and give fantastic support (I have very high arches). They are not the cheapest but they are SO comfortable they are worth every cent.

[FierceKiten]

When someone puts change in your coffee cup after looking at your shoes.

[tofucheesecake]

LOL FierceKiten...
Thanks for the advice A*O. I use Asics, too. They're the absolute best.

[pacific breeze]

I like Asics, but I switched to New Balance a couple of years ago and they are excellent as well and sweatshop-free.

[A*O]

I think different brands suit different people. I can't wear Adidas or Puma (too narrow) and Nikes give me terrible cramps in my calf muscles. I think it's because they don't provide enough arch support in my feet. New Balance simply don't fit me, dunno why. I know it's wrong of me, but I'm afraid any concerns about ethics fly out the window when it comes to finding comfortable runners that do the job so it's ASICS for me. Sorry.

I didn't know until I read the label that ASICS stands for Anime Sana In Corpore Sano (A Healthy Mind In a Healthy Body).

[tofucheesecake]

Oooh, Interesting A*O, I didn't know ASICS stood for that, either. Neat!

[mermaiddelsol]

tofu..i wear new balance and i wear them 1/2 a size larger cause feet swell when running and i think the problem you're having with shin splints is probably because you're running on your tippytoes....believe me, i learned the hard way....i used to run on my tippytoes, but someone told me to run heel first then toe and it's helped tremendously!! i hope this helps you a little!

[tofucheesecake]

Thanks! I think you just solved the problem; even though the elliptical is low/non-impact, I am always on my toes the whole time I do that. I will be more conscious of how I am...(ellipticaling?) when I go to the gym tomorrow.