How to extend the life of sneakers?

[cranilation]

I've got a pair of sneakers (think these NBs but instead of NB prices, they were clearance target prices).

They are still very nice except that the ball of my foot is wearing a hole through the sole.

This really sucks!  Does anyone have a suggestion for how I can salvage these shoes? Perhaps an internal or external patch or something?

[Chranstronaut]

I'd recommend going to a local cobbler and asking.  They'll likely give you some good advice for free and estimate on the work.  Depending on how the sole is attached to the shoe, they may or may not be able to replace it for you.  I had dress shoes re-soled and it cost $10 or $20, but they were not rubber soled.  They will likely replace it with a generic sole, so it would not have the same exact look as the original.

I suspect you could find a way to patch it yourself, but you'd likely feel the patch if it's under the foot.  They make shoe glue to re-seal the bond between the sole and the upper, but if the sole itself is wearing away your options may be limited to just replacing the whole sole.

[cranilation]

These are just bog standard rubber soles.  They can't be replaced by a cobbler - the usual answer is "throw the shoe away and buy a new one." Unfortunately these shoes only cost $5 and they are kick ass, so they're not something that can be "replaced," and the price for repair must also be really cheap.

I'm hoping that someone here has One Simple Trick That Drives Cobblers Mad! or something, heh. 

[The Architect]

In track, we were told to replace our shoes every 2 seasons to avoid foot, leg, hip, and back problems. If yours are wearing out, replace them. Big 5 always has sales where you can get a new pair of NB's for $30 or less.

[kiwi]

Try Shoe Goo.  I've had Shoe Goo (or similar type products) add many months of additional wear on some favorite sneakers. I would do a little research on the best brand/formula - I've definitely bought some in the past that don't appear to work well at all, but others do.