Your trusty running shoes have seen you through happy miles and tough ones, but eventually, they will wear out. Knowing when to set them aside for a new pair is crucial to your running comfort and performance.

Look for signs of excessive wear on the soles, fabric rips, or traction loss. Also, check the heel-to-toe drop to ensure it matches your biomechanics.

Spring

Wearing the right shoes is essential if you're planning to run on trails. Your average road running shoes may not suit the rugged terrain off-road. Consider investing in trail running shoes to avoid injury and enhance your performance. These specialized shoes come with thick rubber soles, durable fabrics, and features that help you navigate rocky and uneven ground. Also, you may utilize promo codes, for instance, Hoka One One coupons, to get a good deal.

Added skins on the heel and toe prevent abrasion, while waterproof materials help your shoes dry quicker after splashing through streams or puddles. The added durability of trail running shoes also helps you run longer distances without worrying about premature wear and tear. Many runners choose trail running shoes with extra cushioning for comfort and to protect their feet from sharp rocks and other obstacles. They also tend to have a lower drop than road shoes, which can feel more stable and give your feet a sense of connection to the ground.

If you're considering trying out a new pair of trail running shoes, the spring is a great time. During this season, new shoe models are being introduced, and you can often find last year's shoes on sale to make room for the newest styles. You can also check with your local running store to see if they offer special deals on the latest models.

Summer

As temperatures rise and trails become more crowded, you'll want shoes that are light enough for speedy summer workouts but can also hold up to rough terrain. 

Nylon mesh is a popular material in trail running shoes, as it's lightweight and breathable. However, the material can be damaged by dirt and debris. Look for shoes with a durable, reinforced upper that can withstand mud and sand without letting in dirt.

Trails can be rough on your feet, with rocks and roots that can cause pain and damage to your shoes. This is why most trail running shoes come with a rock plate, a thin layer of plastic or carbon fiber inserted into the midsole to protect your feet from debris. However, shoes with thick midsoles and deep lugs may not require a rock plate. 

If you want to buy trail running shoes, many online retailers offer many options. Most of these retailers also offer free two-day shipping for members.

Fall

If you run on rocky and often muddy terrain, rugged trail running shoes can help. These shoes offer durable traction and a thick rubber compound that can withstand the punishment your feet take on rocky and muddy trails. They usually feature 5 to 6 millimeters tall lugs more widely spaced than those on light trail running shoes, making them better suited for wet and muddy conditions. They can also have features that help them shed mud and debris before getting stuck to your shoe.

If your running shoes look ragged or need to wear out more quickly, it's time for a new pair. Running shoes last about 300 to 500 miles, depending on your running style and if you're wearing them for other activities (walking, climbing, etc.).

The good news is that many great options are available right now. Whether you prefer a more traditional feeling shoe with lots of protection or a super-light design that pushes the boundaries of what trail runners can do, there's sure to be a model out there that fits your needs. Be sure to measure your foot and check out sizing charts for different brands before you buy, as shoes tend to shrink over time. And remember to try them on in the shop with a sock similar to what you'll be running in.

Winter

Light trail running shoes can work fine for runners on wet sidewalks, flat park trails, or mountainous terrain. But suppose you find yourself on snowy and slushy trails that fall outside the jurisdiction of the local street-cleaning crew. In that case, you'll need a waterproof shoe with large lugs that can shed mud and debris—the thicker and more aggressive the lugs, the better traction you'll have on slippery surfaces. You'll also need a sturdy upper that can withstand abrasion. Rugged trail running shoes often include a pronounced toe guard that offers additional protection from rocks, roots, and other obstacles.

As temperatures drop, many midsole foams -- including EVA, used in most road running shoes for cushioning and energy return -- change chemically. This affects their elasticity, and they can become complex and stiff, like running on the bottom of your feet instead of a pillow. Many trail running shoes are designed with temperature in mind so they maintain their cushioning and bounce even when the weather turns frigid.

As seasons change, an excellent time to shop for shoes is just before or after your favorite brand releases its spring/summer and autumn/winter collections. That's when the older models are on sale, and you can snag a bargain. Alternatively, you can follow online publications that cover the shoe industry and know when new models are about to hit stores.