How To Track Running Shoe Mileage (On Every Fitness App)
Tracking the mileage of your running shoes can help you become a more informed consumer in the future, while also aiding in the proper care of your shoes. Sure, you could keep it on a post-it note or mentally keep track of your miles, but you’re probably already using an app to track your runs – and chances are the app can track the likely wear and tear on your shoes as well!
Most popular fitness and run tracking apps – including the Garmin Connect App, Runkeeper by ASICS, Strava, Nike Run Keeper, and Worn Out – will also allow you to track the miles you’re putting on your running shoes. Each of these tools will ensure you don’t overuse your shoes, helping you to avoid injury and unneeded physical and mental stress.
Keep reading to learn how to add your running shoes to the most popular run-tracking apps.
Why you need to track your running shoe mileage
You’ve been fitted for a new pair of running shoes and just dropped serious cash on serious kicks. What’s next?
There are several things you need to keep in mind to ensure that your investment pays off and that they’re not just fancy accessories. One of the most important things to know about your new running shoes is that they’ve only got so much life in them – probably 300-500 miles.
Runners of all levels should track the mileage they’re putting on their running shoes in order to optimize their performance. Running shoes that are being worn too frequently, for intense runs, and for too many miles are no longer at their peak, and your run won’t be either. Tracking the miles on your shoes will allow you to know when it’s time to buy a new pair before the old ones lead to injury.
The lifespan of a pair of running shoes is an important topic for any informed runner and consumer. A $200 investment is nothing to take lightly, so if you’ve dropped a substantial amount of money on running shoes recently, and want to find out how to track your running shoe mileage to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck, then you’ve come to the right place.
How many miles do running shoes last?
Now that you know your running shoes aren’t going to last forever, it begs the obvious question of how long will they last.
You should expect 300-500 miles from a decent pair of running shoes with reasonable care. The actual mileage you’re able to get out of a pair of running shoes depends on a number of factors:
- Shoe quality – Shoes that are made out of cheap materials and do not contain firm sole support will wear out more quickly than shoes that have soles made out of cheaper material. Most soles that are made out of blown carbon rubber rather than the firm carbon rubber that’s found in most quality pairs of running shoes tend to wear out more quickly.
- Frequency of use – Regular use actually wears down your shoes more quickly. Keeping two or three pairs of shoes in rotation will allow the foam padding to relax and keep its bounce longer. This can extend the life of your shoes in actual miles, not just weeks!
- Terrain – The surface you run on will greatly affect the life of your shoes. Deciding to use road racers to trail run, for example, may cause the shoe to wear out at a much faster rate than they otherwise might have. Make sure you purchase trail-specific shoes if you plan to run on anything other than pavement.
- Storage – Because of the amount of sweat and other fluids that are likely being absorbed into the materials your shoe is made of with each run, you will want to set your shoes out somewhere where they can dry off. Failing to do so may allow the materials in the shoes to break down faster. It also makes for some smelly sneakers!
- Overall care – Keeping your shoes clean after running through mud or dirt can also add to the lifespan of the shoe. Generally, caring for your shoes as you would any other device or expensive piece of apparel is a good idea.
Once you start running regularly, it’s time to start tracking the miles you’re putting on your shoes.
The best way to do that is by making use of the gear or shoe tracker feature in your favorite running tracking app.
Using an app to track running shoe mileage
Most popular run-tracking apps include a feature for tracking the mileage on several pairs of shoes at once. We’ve gathered details on these apps for exactly how to add shoes to your favorite tracker:
- Garmin Connect
- Runkeeper
- Strava
- Nike Run Club
- Adidas Runtastic
- Worn Out
- Shoecyle
- Healthy Shoes+
Below you will find information on different mobile applications that have mileage-tracking features. We’ll give you an in-depth guide on how to track your shoe’s miles, so you know exactly how far they have to go before they give out on you!
How to track running shoe mileage on Garmin Connect
The Garmin Connect App is available for both iOS and Android devices and can be used in conjunction with your Garmin wearable although one is not required for use.
To track the mileage on your running shoes in the Garmin Connect app:
- Open the app and sign in, if necessary.
- Select Gear from the main menu.
- iOS users will select Add.
- Android users will hit the + sign.
- Enter the pertinent information about your running shoes, including the brand and model, first use date, and the maximum distance you want to run on them (by default, this number is 400 miles). Click Save.
The Garmin app allows you to track multiple pairs of shoes and to set a pair as the default for your runs. You can check the number of miles you’ve put on your running shoes by returning to the Gear page in your app.
How to track running shoe mileage on Runkeeper
Runkeeper is one of the most popular running apps and was rated the best running app by USA Today in 2019. It is available for both iOS and Android.
To track the mileage on your running shoes in Runkeeper:
- Open the app and sign in, if necessary.
- Toggle to the Me tab.
- Scroll to the section called Shoe Tracker and select Try out Shoe Tracker. The app will then prompt you to answer a series of questions regarding your running shoes.
- Purpose – Will these shoes be used primarily for running or walking
- Identification – Add a nickname, brand, model, and color so you can identify the specific pair of shoes. (This is especially useful if you have a specific brand you like and have purchased multiple versions of the same style of shoe.)
- Previous use – You’ll be able to add any previous miles you may have put on this pair of shoes. This is helpful if you’re transferring from another app or just starting to use one.
- Distance goal – Runkeeper defaults to a 350-mile distance goal. You will be able to edit the distance goal once the shoes are entered into the system.
Runkeeper even offers information on when it’s time to retire your running shoes and allows you to search for a new pair. ASICS owns it, so beware of marketing material, but all in all, for a free app, Runkeeper is an excellent tool for tracking shoe mileage.
How to track running shoe mileage on Strava
Strava is a run-tracking app that is perfect for serious (and seriously competitive!) athletes. This app is available for both iOS and Android and has a more social competent than most fitness trackers.
Based on some reviews I’ve read, it looks like Strava has only recently added shoe and mileage tracking to the app. While this feature was previously only available on the desktop version, I can attest that you can do so now on the Android app at the very least.
To track the mileage on your running shoes in Strava:
- Open the app and sign in, if necessary.
- Toggle to the You tab.
- Scroll down and select Gear. You will then be able to fill out a table with the basic information about your running shoes.
- Brand
- Model
- Nickname
- Notes – As the app doesn’t seem to track the specific use or first date worn, you’ll want to include that information here.
- Distance notification – If selected, the app will notify you once you’ve hit your selected distance. The default is 400km (about 250 miles), which is pretty low. You’ll probably want to change this.
If you’re already using Strava, this is a great addition to the app’s functionality!
How to track running shoe mileage on Nike Run Club
Nike has a couple of popular fitness apps, including the Nike Run Club which is available for both iOS and Android.
Using the Nike Run Club app, you can tag and track your shoe mileage quickly and easily. Maybe that’s because they want to sell you more shoes, but it’s certainly helpful!
To track the mileage on your running shoes in the Nike Run Club app:
- Open the app and sign in, if necessary.
- On the main screen, you’ll be prompted to Add shoes to this run. Click on the button.
- When the My Shoes popup appears, you’ll be able to select from shoes already in your app, or add a pair. Choose Add Shoes and respond to the series of prompts as they appear.
- Brand
- Style – You can either search for your specific style of shoe or scroll until you find it.
- Identifying information – This includes how the shoes should be identified within the app as well as the color. You will also choose the distance goal for these shoes – Nike recommends 350 miles.
When you’re ready to start tracking your run, you’ll see an icon of a shoe in the middle of the screen. Click on it to choose the show you’re wearing and track your mileage.
How to track running shoe mileage on Adidas Runtastic
Like Nike, Adidas offers several different apps, including a fitness app for overall training and one dedicated specifically to running. The Adidas Runtastic app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
To track the mileage on your running shoes in the Adidas Running app:
- Open the app and sign in, if necessary.
- The app will automatically open to the Activity screen. Toggle to the Profile option.
- Scroll down to My Shoes and select Add your first shoe. If you’ve already got at least one pair of shoes in the app, click on Manage Shoes. The app will then prompt you to answer a series of questions regarding your running shoes. Once you’ve completed each screen, click on the > at the bottom right of the screen to progress.
- Identifying Characteristics – You’ll be offered a selectable list for both brand and model categories. Once these are selected, you’ll see a table that has both those sections filled in. You’ll also need to input the size, nickname, and color of these shoes. Click on the > at the bottom right of the screen.
- Activities – You can retroactively add these shoes to runs you’ve completed within the app since a specified date or manually add any additional miles you’ve put on them that were not recorded.
- Distance limit – Adidas defaults to a 315-mile distance goal.
For me and my running style, 315 miles is pretty low for how long my shoes tend to last. While you can use the sliding selector to change the distance limit, it’s not particularly user-friendly (at least for my big fingers!). I was aiming for 400 miles on this pair of shoes, but I couldn’t get closer than 405.
How to track running shoe mileage on Worn Out
While most of the apps we’re addressing today are fitness or running trackers that also include the ability to track shoe wear, the number of miles you’ve put on your running shoes is Worn Out’s sole purpose. Disappointingly – for this user at least – it’s currently only available for use on Apple devices.
To track the mileage on your running shoes in the Worn Out app:
- When you download the app, it will load a screen that allows you to add shoes and runs to start tracking.
- Click on the + sign to add shoes. You will be prompted to select your brand, style, and shoe nickname.
You can also make a specific pair of shoes your primary shoes and set a limit for the maximum number of miles you want to use the shoes for. The app will then alert you when you have reached this number so you can purchase some new shoes.
How to track running shoe mileage on Shoecycle
Shoecycle is another app that specifically tracks mileage on your running shoes and is only available in the App Store.
To track the mileage on your running shoes in the Shoecyle app:
- When you download the app, you will be immediately prompted to add a new pair of shoes.
- Just hit the + button in the top right corner, then enter your shoe’s name and the current mileage on your shoe, then enter the dates you have owned the shoes. You can even add a picture.
This app requires you to enter your running distance manually, so it may not be as accurate or as convenient as some of the other apps mentioned.
How to track running shoe mileage on Healthy Shoes+
Healthy Shoes+ is a “Freemium” Apple watch widget that allows you to track mileage on your running shoes by syncing the data from the Apple fitness app.
To track the mileage on your running shoes through the Health Shoes+ widget:
- Toggle to the shoes tab.
- At this point, you’ll be prompted to pay either $2.99 to enter a single shoe or $4.99 for unlimited shoes.
- Once you have made your purchase, you will be able to enter your shoe information the app will sync any data from your Apple fitness app and assign it to the shoes you entered.