Keyword-rich URLs vs stable ID URLs — the migration tradeoff

Keyword-rich URLs vs stable ID URLs — the migration tradeoff
Client wanted /product/red-nike-air-max-2024-waterproof for every SKU. Then the model name changed.
— Keyword slugs: small relevance signal, readable, great for sharing. But they break when product names/categories change, forcing redirects.
— Stable ID/short slugs (/p/48213): never need a redirect, survive re-categorization, but throw away the keyword signal.
The call: stable content (evergreen articles, core categories)? Keyword slug, it'll never move. High-churn catalog where products get renamed and re-shelved constantly? Short stable slug saves you a redirect graveyard.
The worst move is keyword slugs on a churny catalog — you'll end up with 4-hop redirect chains every reshuffle. Pick stability where things move.