HigherGround

I know there are a lot of variables, but I was wondering when most people decide to replace their road shoes? I have been having problems with my feet over the last few years, but it is hard to determine the exact cause. I am just in the Clydesdale division, and I ride several hilly centuries a year. My current shoes have at least 14,000 miles on them, but appear to be structurally fine; of course any change in stiffness has been gradual and I haven't noticed them. I pronate and have a low arch, and I am currently using the blue SuperFeet insoles with Shimano carbon shoes (R133?) and 105 alloy SPD-SL pedals. A visit to a podiatrist and a sports medicine doctor did not yield a complete relief of symptoms. When I did my first 30 mile ride this year after cutting back my riding from the end of November through early January, my feet were noticeably more irritated than usual afterward. Between the amount of miles on my shoes and the irritation after that ride, I think I already know the answer (get out the jaws of life and pry open the wallet, you cheap bast...) but thanks in advance for any feedback!

San Pedro

Try new soles?

HigherGround

That's something I will be doing in the interim. Even if I decide to get new shoes, they will have to wait a bit because I am building up a new frame. Hopefully the maiden voyage will be this morning!

topflightpro

Your insoles are probably worn out. The carbon outersoles on your Shimano shoes should be fine.

And if you have continued issues, you can consider getting custom shoes and insoles. I did it a few years ago and have been very happy. Yes, it's expensive, but I ride about 500 hours a year, and I am comfortable that whole time. Makes it totally worth it.

velociraptor

I think you'll find that the correct answer is, in this forum, when your current shoes are no longer fashionable.

Are your current shoes still fashionable (e.g. lace-up and colored orange or yellow or red or pink)?

Dan333SP

I use shoes until they need to be held together with duct tape. Seriously, the insoles will wear out but the actual shoe will last indefinitely, unless it gets abused and starts to fall apart. This obviously doesn't apply to MTB shoes, just road shoes.

scott967

I had the upper rip off about 3/4 the way around when unclipping (just a small portion on the outside toe area kept it connected to the sole. I was able to ride home (very carefully).

scott s.
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FlashBazbo

I always keep two pair of road shoes -- primarily so that I can ride with dry shoes the next day if I get caught out in the rain. If it doesn't rain, I rotate the shoes whenever I think about it (not often). I consider it's time to buy a new pair when the insoles wear out. My current shoes have approximately 5,000 miles each on them and I can still see the inked-on logos on the insoles. No wear on the insoles themselves to speak of. These shoes are going to be with me for awhile.

timtak

I find that if you put replaceable rubber heels on Shimano's using a claw or T-nut and reglue the sole to the uppers every now and again then you can make them last as long or longer than Sidi's which is pretty much forever.

I split the red nylon heel cup of my Sidis but drilled two lines of 1.5mm holes on each side of the split, sewed the heel cup with thick waxed cotton, and added a carbon fibre patch, re-glued the soles

Sidi Repair by Timothy Takemoto, on Flickr

and I am still using them. I love my Sidis but these days I am enjoying my really beaten up un-customized Shimano SH-R200s for their carbon heel cup (which is a part of the sole) even more.

The other thing that wears out is the plastic toe piece but I have just ordered some plastic toe supports that I may be able to affix to the shoes.