The Ultimate Question: When is the Right Time to Replace Your Sneakers?

This blog is one of our most popular and has been updated April 2026.

Good quality sneakers give you the best combination of both support and shock absorption. If you are on your feet daily at work, a sneaker is always your best option for the comfort of your feet, knees, hips and back. If you are wearing anything else, you are not getting the same level of both support and shock absorption a sneaker offers.

How long do sneakers offer that support and shock absorption?

There is no quick answer to this as it depends on your body weight and how often you wear your sneakers. It also depends on the quality of your sneaker.

To find your answer to The Ultimate Question: When is the Right Time to Replace Your Sneakers? Take our Survey below:

Survey

Answer the following questions by circling your points as you go along. Add your total and check how your sneakers rate on the Total Score chart at the bottom of this survey.

Question Your Answer Point Value

1. How old are your sneakers? 6 months 4 points

1 year 3 points

1.5 - 2 years 2 points

over 2 years 0 points

2. How often do you wear your sneakers? Once a week 4 points

Few times a week 3 points

Daily 1 point

3. What is the main activity for which you use your sneakers? Fashion/sitting 4 points

Walking 2 points Running 1 point

4. What quality were your sneaker when they were new? High 4 points

Medium 2 points

Low 0 points

5. How well do your sneakers fit you? Perfect 4 points

Could fit better 1 point

Not well 0 points

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Total Score:

Add your points and see how your sneakers rated.

20 or above points - Great job! Keep on truckin.

15 - 19 points - You should consider a new pair of sneakers.

10 - 14 points - You NEED a new pair of sneakers to support your feet, knees and back.

9 points or under…….Red Alert!! Red Alert!! You are at risk of damaging your joints if you continue to wear these sneakers.

If any of the bold answers applied to you….get fitted for a new pair of sneakers right away.

If the uppers of your sneakers are anything but vertical (meaning they skew to the inside or outside….get fitted for a new pair of sneakers ASAP. You can shop either of our Truro or New Glasgow shoe stores any day or you may choose to look into a fitting with our pedorthist here.

Check out some of our selection of sneakers online and come in to get a proper fit without delay! We carry black sneakers for those who require black for work. We have New Balance & Cambrian in men's and women's, all available in various widths. We carry styles great for bunions as well as forefoot rockers.

Blog Disclaimer: HealthWalks Inc. blogs are provided for general information and educational purposes. They are not intended to be or a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified health provider for medical guidance.