How To Tell When To Replace Sneakers For Basketball, Tennis And Running

[@FootDoctorZach]

Nike React Foam VS Adidas Lightstrike Foam : kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZfPnJJoZsyoe6c

[@PHjerome802]

I was brought up as to not be wasteful, so back then I tend to keep shoes for waaaay too long (some already had hole in the soles). However as time went on I realized that it's more economical to buy new pairs than compromise my long-term health. And so I found this video so thanks for reinforcing that thought, doc.

[@kevinbarr2910]

Same 😢

[@ShatteredRift44]

My basketball shoe outsole forefoot is balding. However the heel part literally stay fresh. So I'm thinking using it as a walking shoe but I'll try to be careful since there's no traction on the forefoot

[@ryohazuki222]

Have tried to research this pretty heavily. I remember reading through some basketball research at basically made a compelling case that I’d been keeping shoes too long. That said, I’m always worried about being too wasteful. Would be cool to see a video from you on this same topic but from the other direction. “‘how can I tell that it’s too early to get new shoes?”

[@FootDoctorZach]

I think you just reverse the points I lay out in there- if I don’t see the signs then at least I would keep a shoe

[@Keeperg12]

It's never too early to get new shoes 😀😀. Buy those babies 😜

[@williamboyd8825]

Zach, can you please do some more comparisons of foam types by manufacturer as you did for Adidas? And, a like for like across manufacturers/brands would be interesting too. Thanks.

[@FootDoctorZach]

I’ll be doing every foam eventually - probably one head to head every 2 weeks so more are coming, I also did this one in case you haven’t seen it yet : kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZfPnJJoZsyoe6c

[@pedromtorres]

Doc is a content machine

[@FootDoctorZach]

The wheel just keeps on turning...

[@brucemark]

Thanks for these! Appreciate the pickleball acknowledgment!

[@FootDoctorZach]

Glad you liked it! Yep look out for a few dedicated pickleball videos coming up

[@brucemark]

@@FootDoctorZach Awesome, looking forward to it! I struggle finding shoes that work for my low volume (skinny), high arch, wide forefoot- feet. I end up putting an extra foam "spacer" then an insole so that I can cover the length as well as take up some of the volume. Adidas Solecourts have worked but it is a pain to find shoes that work for me....

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yeah that’s a tough foot to fit for sure- the SCB is your best bet along with the blushields

[@andreevans9665]

Finally this channel recommends me at a right time. Cheers 🥂

[@saiken811]

This is one of the most educational sneaker channel on KZbin! I'm glad I found you Doc. I have a question, is there a scientific way to determine whether I'm a narrow or normal or wide footer? Like if the length-to-width of my foot is within a range then I'm a whatever footer? Thanks!

[@FootDoctorZach]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaLRaZ5pqbufbMU

[@bowsershark]

When my outsole has a hole. Mid sole failure. No support from the upper. These are common reasons for me. I have several sneakers on the edge of being tossed due to excessive wear. I did save a good pair of sneaker by shoe goo. The tread is good but the upper was separating from the bummer. The glue has done a great job of holding the shoe together. But, the shoe goo did not hold up when I used it on the outsole of my shoes. It wore off/scoffed off in a couple of days.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yeah I’m not surprised about the outsole , sometimes if the rip is in an area that doesnt get a lot of strain it can hold for a while

[@virtual_warbirds]

Question: Can using a performance insole or orthotic help prolong the life of the shoe and/or compromise for a somewhat bottomed out midsole? I almost never wear through the shoe or tread, but the midsoles crease very quickly.

[@davidh5429]

No, the insole adapts to your feet. A new insole will just sink into the bottomed out midsole... if its no longer bouncy, get new shoes.

[@Tennisbull-match-statistics]

Do you have any guidelines for when to replace the insole? Are most insoles designed to wear out before the shoe?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Not really, the factory insole doesn’t really provide much support so if its worn through, replace it but as long as its intact i usually dont see an issue just keeping it- also a lot of people replace them with orthotics

[@gordanmileusnic1426]

To be honest if I switched my tennis shoes judging with these criteria I’d have to switch them every 2 weeks haha

[@FootDoctorZach]

Haha- yeah it’s a rough outline but some people do burn though shoes much faster than others

[@masonwrisley2748]

I can say my shoes have needed to be replaced for a while now, just is hard to keep replacing gear economically

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yep for sure- I usually hold onto shoes well past wear date for the same reason but this is just a guideline for performance

[@markmoore5981]

It also costs money to get treated for ankle, knee, and hip pain and injury caused by playing in shoes way past their prime.

[@ivannevarez2331]

Thank you Doc. I also wanted to know 2 questions. What do we do with our old shoes, I don’t want to throw them away because of pollution how can I repurpose them or give them away? Also can we use tennis shoes for jogging? Like 2-5 miles like twice a week?

[@FootDoctorZach]

I wouldn’t jog in them but I usually use mine either for yard work or other around the house things - there are a lot of places to donate to the homeless which is what I’ve been involved with- theres usually local charities that will take them to upcycle

[@Leon-eu7fc]

Did not expect to see that much 🔥 in this vid. Those AJ13s and Zoom Vapor x Kyries are gems, respect👌🏼

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks! I have a few surprises hiding out in my shoe pile back there- If you like those you’ll love my Jordan video coming up soon

[@jpdoc5722]

does rubber gets too old? ( even if not really worn out)

[@playingindies6730]

After a while i get holes in the heel part of the shoe by that time the bottom is worn too, especially in the heel corner and they don't feel as nice anymore That's when i say goodbye to a shoe, even before the holes get really bad. So just before they fall apart, but not too early either Like with my last dailies, they looked fine on the outside, the rubbing to become holes had started but it didn't tare apart yet. But they weren't as comfortable anymore and in longer walks my feet hurt. So I replaced them, feet are happy again. So look (where does shoe break first), feel (do feet hurt after walk?), act :)

[@markmoore5981]

Thanks for this video. VERY useful information. I - like many players these days - probably hang on to my shoes longer than I should. I Googled a bunch of articles on then subject that echoed your advice in this video. They also suggested strongly replacing your shoes every 45-60 hours of playing time. If you play once a week (given 52 weeks in a year) they suggested replacing your shoes once a year. You play twice a week, then replace them twice a year - and so on. I just looked at my shoes that I bought about 20 weeks ago and they are definitely heavily creased in the midsole. That makes sense as I play 3-4 times a week. Would you agree with this guideline Doc?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yup thats the standard wear profile- but everyones different so watch out for the different things in the video and youll get an idea where your own foot is in terms of this

[@jonathanchen1026]

That would mean I should be replacing my shoes close to every 6 weeks 😱

[@markmoore5981]

@@jonathanchen1026 According to all the research I have done, that would be about right. I know, it seems like a lot of shoes to buy if you play a lot, but the research and evidence is there that doing this reduces injuries and improves performance. Take it for what it is worth.

[@princesampl]

I just know you put so much effort into this video, thank you. This was so helpful🤍🤍

[@garret930]

Love the channel! Question regarding shoe fitment: Do you want the shoe to be super snug, with the front of the shoe touching your big toe or do you want space between? When I measure my foot, by big toe is just barley touching the 9.5 marker. When I put on a 9.5 Nike shoe (GP Turbos or Vapor Pros) there is a space between my toe and the frontend of the inside of the toe box. Any advice? Thank you!

[@FootDoctorZach]

I typically like a bit of room up there, maybe a finger breadth or so just so I’m not jamming all the time- I just don’t like when there’s too much space up there because that’s when the shoe becomes floppy

[@garret930]

@@FootDoctorZach makes sense thank you! Also, I tried on the GP Turbos today, you were right about how much they pop when jumping. However I love the vapor pros lightweight, they just might not last as long

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yep the turbos are a springboard- the pros are great but yeah short lived

[@parijatmathur8489]

A finger or half thick gap is probably not apt. Think in context of minimalist shoes, there oughn't be any more of a gap than a couple of mm.

[@KoBizme]

Thank you. This is so important to know. Also according to this it means my wilson shoes are reaching its end and and they didn't make it 100 miles. I've got those huge creases in the heel. I did think it was strange. I've had shoes gor years before I've seen that but I've never played tennis in those shoes. Just walking.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Glad you got something out of it 👍- some shoes are like that , bad batch of foam and they’re shot- doesn’t mean you can’t use them just got kicking around but yeah it may be an issue for performance

[@KoBizme]

Yeah I'm not going to get new once just yet. But iy was just crazy to think of shoes as tools and how to know when they are worn out or bad.

[@FootDoctorZach]

👍

[@robwilliams6820]

There’s are some Nike shoes that crease the second you wear them. Thinking of the air zoom super rep which creases the heel almost before you even try them on! They have a massive thick slab of heel foam.

[@FootDoctorZach]

The super reps are interesting how they bend- but then again; exceptions to every rule

[@sukjunglim7670]

I have been enjoying your videos a lot! Thanks for your work! I have one question if you could answer. I have been wearing court FF2 for a few months, I love it, no major complaints. I am trying to get a second pair of shoes and I need some guidance. To me, heel support/height is very important. What are some shoes that have the best heel support and high heel height?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks! Solecourt boost, GP turbo, blushield flys

[@julianhasler1505]

If i have a shoe like the gp turbo with full length zoom, do foam creases matter as much? Because zoom doesn't wear or bottom out, it's just the foam underneath, but the zoom will still work as cushion

[@FootDoctorZach]

Awesome question and no , they will last a lot longer because of the air bag/ pebax / zoom

[@maxkozlov3901]

Thanks I was wondering when I had to replace my tennis shoes

[@FootDoctorZach]

👍hope this helped!

[@TheDrakulie]

I've been wearing Ubersonic 4 for 2 months now, playing 2 times a week, and i can see alot of creases that you are talking about. i will likely throw this shoe out even though there is plenty of tread remaining.

[@FootDoctorZach]

The lightstrike is particularly short on wear time

[@TheDrakulie]

@@FootDoctorZach in your opinion, how many hours of play time does lightstrike last ?

[@FootDoctorZach]

It totally depends on the player body/ court/ game style - impossible to nail down an exact time frame

[@TheDrakulie]

@@FootDoctorZach i am seeing alot of creases you are talking about after just 8 weeks on the court. Time to throw it away ? so that i don't risk injury

[@FootDoctorZach]

If you can see them from a foot away easily that’s my usual rule, also when the midsole burns out your foot usually starts feeling bottomed out - unfortunately lightstrike creases really easily so it’s harder to tell unless the creasing is enormous

[@TerrenceKeenan]

Would love to see a video on the use of shoogoo to extend tread life (i wear my left forefoot out fairly quick +- 2.5 months)

[@villiam7941]

Great vid 👍🏽 If I play tennis 4 times a week for 1h, not wearing off upper too much and pretty gentl to the midsole, how long the shoes can service? How many month would you give?

[@FootDoctorZach]

It’s impossible to say, depends on the shoes, body weight, court surface, how much you drag your feet, how much you bounce - I’d just look for the signs in this video and see if a trend appears that after a certain amount of time they appear that’s your window

[@hazkalchunk5405]

Hi Zach, I stumbled on your channel doing research recently when I started to develop some Achilles Tendintitis. Your channel has a wealth of really good detailed information, and I really like how you take the time to explain a lot of reasons why the shoes do ro don;t work in different scenarios. For me, I have been wearing Wilson Rush Pros (probably 3.0 to 3.5s) for the last few years, and they keep failing in the foam behind the heel along the Achilles (Heel Counter?) - I assume from your videos this means my heel is probably not getting locked in properly? I also am seeing the creases you mentioned on the side of the foam in this video concentrated around the midsole area. Have ordered a pair of Solecourt Boosts, hoping they will do the trick for me.

[@slimm0027]

A 13 Zse. We Liz. , mNqp

[@jah-leah]

this is class

[@tiattahiscupcakecandykatan2453]

I bought the jordan 35 6 month ago and wore them for 3 day a week and i see the outsole disappearing and midsole has crease all over and i dont play ball i just walk in them. But i been wearing the jordan 36 and only the outsole pick up black dust which doesn't wash away easy but the outsole none less very durable but lot of yellow though

[@1RA787]

@Foot Doctor Zach... you mentioned 500 miles for running shoes. I understand if you’re running, but is it the same if you walk in running shoes? Or is it more since you are not pounding on the shoes as much? Thanks in advance

[@FootDoctorZach]

It’s about the same, you may get some more out of walking especially if you are lighter and if you don’t have a hard strike, I’d be watching for the large midsole creasing to see

[@taihuynh9538]

I have been noticing my knees have been hurting after every basketball game now not sure if I am starting to have knee problems or my shoe has gone bad planning on getting new shoes next week so if my knees still hurt with them then my knees are obviously the problem lol thanks for the vid

[@javace79]

What was the insert you put into the Kyrie Vapor X shoe? I tried some powersteps and they were too wide for the shoe. The best minimal insert? As it seems most sit too high and mess-up the lockdowm for me.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Those were superfeet/ you may want to try their insert for soccer which is more narrow

[@marymateo3510]

That was my cracked worn out Nike Vapour Zoom in the video :( now I wear it off court when going to the tennis court, outsole lasted 3 months outdoors. I did switched to SCB and bought 2 same pairs but also bought another vapour X. What is the most comparable Nike shoe to Adidas SCB? I am thinking of getting a Vapor Pro or the GP Turbo. Thanks

[@FootDoctorZach]

I would have tagged you but since it was an email I wasn’t sure if you’d want to be- I’d say the GP turbo is the most comparable, the pros are not a thing like the SCB but thy still are good shoes

[@ksfpubstar2]

Bought the lebrons and some kyries at the same time so hopefully i can get 2 years out of them. I only play once a week

[@robwilliams6820]

When is the kyrie Vapor X review coming? I spotted the NYC version in the video. Might be my favourite shoe of all time in the Boston Celtics colourway for Wimbledon that I regret not buying at the time.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Hey Rob good to hear from you, I’m not sure what I’m going to do with them- still brainstorming a good way to present them

[@robwilliams6820]

@@FootDoctorZach it almost feels wrong to cut them up or trash them. It’s clear the only difference is the upper so the key metrics will be temperature test, durability on toe guard (the paint flakes off straight away!) and lockdown/fit differences. It’s a shoe that has some similar crossover with the foamposite as both have basketball lineage. I think the fly trap lacing system has much better lockdown but sometimes find the tongue can go to one side. Good to hear about Pickleball as just starting to take off in the UK now.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yeah I’m looking forward to doing more of the pickleball content - first I have to get better at it so I don’t look like a fool on video

[@Hollerbac45]

Weird and super late question but In regards to cushioning. If a large volume air sole such as Vapormax/air max or Lebron 19 etc has not deflated/popped regardless of miles placed and if we are focusing solely on cushioning does that mean the integrity of the midsole/cushioning hasn’t been compromised or bottomed out?

[@FootDoctorZach]

yup

[@uzissidehoe]

Just wondering which you prefer between the solution speed ff2 and the vapor pro. Want to switch to one of these and looking for the most speedy and stable for a baseline grinder. Thanks.

[@FootDoctorZach]

I like the pros by a hair

[@atmtc]

Damm KZbin, you recommend me old Zach's videos and i feel bad for my man's hairline! RIP hair!

[@FootDoctorZach]

Dude it’s a national travesty - better to shave and go with grace ✌️🪒

[@atmtc]

@@FootDoctorZach awesome videos anyway! Keep the good work!

[@latenighthunned9627]

Great video, do you know anything about the secret new balance shoes the pros are wearing? (tennis)

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yup the LAV v2- I should have a pair soon, according to NB

[@latenighthunned9627]

@@FootDoctorZach great! Keep up the awesome content

[@FootDoctorZach]

👍👍

[@caroleferguson8359]

What about when the insole get worn down on the ball of the foot & heel? Also the material around the heel of the shoe wears out super quick - should that mean replace the shoe? thanks 😊

[@FootDoctorZach]

Insole to me isnt a deal breaker, and the material around the heel im not sure that could be from a bunch of things, some the shoe wearing out, some just scuffing from the way you run

[@user-ye3ku3nb7q]

Have you noticed a difference amongst brands in terms of longevity?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Not really aside from smaller, younger brands sometimes have durability issues but its more model dependent

[@rknine7998]

Something I would like to share, after each run I wash my running shoes and I switch to my regular walking shoes. I let my running shoes dry for 2 days before reusing them.

[@paulwallner3017]

What was that pair of wonky vapor x?

[@FootDoctorZach]

The Kyrie’s - was a limited edition a few yrs ago

[@SaqibSheikh]

Can you do a video on barefoot shoes like vivo barefoot pls

[@Kirmo13]

mr foot doctor, what do you think of barefoot shoes?

[@CynicalWolverine]

This is great info. I’ve been wearing my shoes waaaay too long. No wonder my achilles tendon and ankles hurt.

[@SaqibSheikh]

Damn going to need to replace shoes a lot more often based on this video

[@afinitalitha1074]

7

[@navilmartinoli]

what was that insole at 4:04?

[@nathancruz9172]

3:40 I simply thrown out the old 👟 in the 🗑.

[@Yamahagg]

03:12 what shoes is this? :)

[@FootDoctorZach]

Nike GP Turbo : kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKqTZnVvfNx4aqM

[@Tiger24kicks]

Most basketball players wear sneakers to the ground.

[@c0mpuipf]

ye found just what i was looking for; time to get some gp turbos woohoo

[@FootDoctorZach]

Haha I just responded to the other comment

[@blackastronautpro1455]

@FootDoctorZach Can you go for short runs (10km ) in basketball shoes ?

[@FootDoctorZach]

I wouldn’t

[@Chavanun555]

How do I tell for adidas boost? The boost doesnt seem to crease. I cant tell lol

[@FootDoctorZach]

That’s a tough one but boost also lasts the longest - kind of have to go by feel

[@Chavanun555]

@@FootDoctorZach haha I see. So for me I play indoors a lot so the traction doesn't fray off as much but the cushion is bottom out. I really feel bad that I have to throw them away haha. Also do zoom and air(like in aj11) bottom out?

[@sevketkoyu5133]

Thanks zack you have given me a reason to buy new shoes and how to convince my parent’s 😅😅

[@FootDoctorZach]

Lol don’t go blaming me

[@ommpaloomplak53]

Are you still going to review rackets or just show stuff from now on?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Blew my shoulder out using all different rackets day after day so I’m giving it a rest for a bit

[@ommpaloomplak53]

@@FootDoctorZach alright thanks for the response man I’ve been looking for a new pair of shoes and these vids really help keep it up!

[@FootDoctorZach]

Awesome! Glad you are getting something out of them

[@douglasjohn7447]

I used to wait untill there was literally a hole all the way through the sole XD

[@darylhill9400]

So worn out, athletic shoes are basically like new barefoot shoes!

[@bounce_hit3534]

Does mileage during "casual wear" have any effect on this? I wear running shoes when not running and I am positive the miles add up distance-wise.... but maybe nor force-wise and wear-wise. Thanks for the videos you make!

[@FootDoctorZach]

Glad you like them! Yes any wear is mileage for sure- more force will wear out the midsole faster but in the end it all adds up

[@RICHUNCLEPENNYBAGS77]

If you had a pair of shoes you only ever used for walking you'd eventually notice all these things happen to them too.

[@atrem7942]

So I did the calculations I need to replace my shoes every 14 weeks. if i only train with students like I am doing now i make an easy 15k a day in distance. If i also count my own training sesions and also matches play myself. I can triple that amount easy. It dorps to 2 months changing invals before my tennis should be replaced. That is shockingly fast. Not counting my running k's because I have other shoes for that obviously. Which I need to replace a.s.a.p. that in all is an easy 1000 euro expense cost a year on shoes only 😱. That a big expense cost explained to my accountant😅

[@FootDoctorZach]

Haha- stick with the SoleCourt boost or GP turbo then- longest lasting midsoles out there

[@atrem7942]

@@FootDoctorZach I prefer asics for all my sport shoes

[@raybugz9275]

I'm just a poor dude I'm sorry doc

[@BRANDON_M1LL]

I wear all my shoes until they fail

[@speedysir7999]

First like yes

[@speedysir7999]

First view

[@FootDoctorZach]

👍👍👍🥇

[@capindortos3122]

I totally disagree with your second point

[@FootDoctorZach]

Why’s that?

[@capindortos3122]

@@FootDoctorZach in my opinion midsole creasing doesn't mean that you need to throw away your shoes. If anything it means that the foam is doing its job by compressing and giving a cushion to your foot. your midsole has failed if you can no longer feel the cushion, or you feel that you are not getting the same performance that you once got. Also, in my experience, the degradation of the outsole doesn't translate to the degradation of other parts of the shoe, such as the midsole or the upper.

[@desidesigning]

According to this video you should replace your shoes every 500 miles or 3.5 months. This is wholly inaccurate and misleading.