Tips To Make Your Running Shoes Last Longer
Running shoes can be quite expensive, so its natural for most people to want to get their moneys worth out of it. It can also be tough to let go of your favorite pair. So here are some tips to follow to keep them going strong for as long as possible:
- Use it only for running. Buy different footwear for other activities.
- Get several models and rotate them depending on the use: prefer durable running shoes for daily training and lighter models for competition.
- Remove your shoes properly. Unlace each shoe and slip it off with your hands instead of using your other foot to rake it down.
- Clean your shoes regularly and stuff them with newspaper to remove the water more quickly.
- Dont let them sit in extreme temperatures for so long.
After using a pair of running shoes for so long, you might have some fond memories tied with them. Its hard to retire a favorite pair of running shoes. But once it reaches its 300 to 500 mileage mark or showing signs of wear and tear, replacing them with new ones would be a better choice.
Lastly, theres no need to throw away your retired shoes: did you know that trail shoes like the Salomon Speedcross have become a fashion staple? Just give it a good shine, and here they are, ready for a new life in the mundane world!
Don’t Slide Them On And Off
Take a moment to properly put your shoes on before a run. And don’t take off your running shoes by stepping on the back of one shoe with the other and pulling your foot out without untying the shoe. Not only does it strain muscles in your feet, but it stretches materials of the shoe. The only thing worse than removing your shoes without untying them is putting them back on without untying them. It may seem like a time-saver, but if you put them on with the laces still tied, you’ll strain your foot to squeeze it back in and impair the shoe’s shape.
Develop A Quiver Of Shoes
Try to avoid running in the same pair of shoes every day. Instead, rotate between two or more different models each week depending on the type of running youre doing and the surface youre running on. For example, you might wear a cushier pair of shoes for longer runs or recovery runs and a lighter, firmer shoe for faster workouts such as tempo runs, fartlek runs, and intervals. Rotating shoes during the week will not only extend the life of each pair but also engage the smaller muscles in your feet and lower legs differently and help you avoid overuse injuries. Also, avoid wearing your road running shoes while on running technical trails with rocks and other debris.
You May Like: Dress Shoes For Swollen Feet
What Affects The Life Of Running Shoes
When it comes to determining how long running shoes should last, three main factors need to be considered to help you determine their lifespan.
1. Run terrain
Where you run on the road, trail, track, inside or a mix, is one of the biggest factors that will determine how long your pair of running shoes lasts. Most running shoes tell you what the ideal terrain for that pair is, and for those that dont, road running is usually standard. In reality, most runners have some cross over with where they run even the city has rocky and dirt-covered parks that vary the kind of environment the sole of your shoes are exposed to. The main thing is making sure that the majority of runs you do match the terrain the shoe was made for, or else that shoe may not be the best choice for a long life of use.
2. Run style
The kind of foot strike you have also plays in to the life of a running shoe. If you are unsure of your impact zone when you run, take a look at the bottom of a well-used pair of your running shoes and see what part has the most wear: front, middle or heel. Knowing this arms you with more information when it comes to looking for a better suited running shoe, and choosing one built to sustain your style.
Remember, there is no right style necessarily when it comes to where your impact zone lies. Understanding and knowing which kind of runner you are is simply the first step in being able to better find the right shoe for you.
3. Runners build
What Affects The Life Of My Running Shoes
Several factors influence how long your running shoes last, which is why different people will have different results. Different running styles also affect the way shoes wear out. For example, a runner who overpronates, which is when the foot rolls inward too far, will show wear at the big toe joint and inside the heel. Runners who underpronate, or keep most of their body weight on the outside of their foot, will see more wear on the outer edge of their shoe.
Height and weight also play a role in how long shoes last. The shoes of larger-than-average runners wear out more quickly, so to make them last longer, look for shoes such as the GEL-KAYANO 27, which has advanced support and cushioning.
It’s not just what’s going on inside the shoe that affects how long it lasts, however. Where you run can change the speed at which shoes wear out, too. Running on a paved road causes your shoes to wear out faster than when you run off-road so take your running route into consideration as you look for new shoes.
Don’t Miss: How To Make Custom Hey Dudes With Fabric
Signs That Its Time To Replace Your Walking Shoes
- The soles are worn down.
- The heels are worn down.
- The uppers are frayed or peeling.
- The shoes are no longer comfortable to walk in.
- The shoes are starting to smell bad.
- The shoes are making your feet hurt.
When choosing a new pair of walking shoes, be sure to try them on and walk around in them before you buy them. This will help ensure that you get a pair that is comfortable and fits well.
How Long Will My Running Shoes Last
As most things with running are measured in distance and not time, your shoes are the same not a matter of months, but a matter of miles,Per-se. Although a bit of maths can help you figure out how long, your shoes will last you.
Obviously, we all get older as do your running shoes but there is something to be said about how much you rest them 2020 studies And how running shoe deterioration is affected, if you rested them for 22 hours per 20km of running. And according to their results, the running shoes who were rested absorbed more energy for the first 10k of the next training session, compared to those which werent. what we are saying here is to keep your running shoes for running and nothing else let them rest and reabsorb, otherwise their life span will decrease rather rapidly.
So assuming you only use your running shoes for running we can start to look at the mechanical determination of your running shoes, and how long they are typically going to last you.
More studies suggests that running shoes typically have a lifespan of 3001000 km . What a ballpark figure, right?
Shoe to shoe, design to design and training load to training load of the runner will impact the lifespan massively, as each runners gait, and subsequent plantar pressure pattern during running may change as the shoe wears.
Other models tested at 500km of running, the plantar pressure increased by 100% Along with structural damage of the shoes outer being obvious and impactful at 750km . .
Also Check: Priority Mail Shoebox Flat Rate
Do Running Shoes Have An Unused Shelf Life
Asics and New Balance do not recommend storing shoes for any length of time.
I contacted two prominent running shoe manufacturers and they both said the same thing. Here is the email I got from New Balance:
We would not recommend buying shoes and storing them for later use. Regardless of wear shoes can deteriorate, especially the adhesives used to hold the shoes together. We would recommend only purchasing when you are ready to use them.
New Balance
That being said, I did my own research on some of the materials that are used in shoes, and I found that many materials do indeed have a shelf life.
You can expect your stored, unused shoes to last for 2-3 years without issues if stored carefully.
How To Tell If Running Shoes Are Worn Out
Sometimes the eyeball test will tell you all you need to know about the age of your shoes, but other times worn out shoes might not be so obvious. If your shoes arent telling you theyre ready to be retired, your body might provide clues.
Here are some signs that your running shoes are ready for a slower life of mowing the lawn:
- Your shoes will feel flat. The bouncy midsole foam in a pair of new shoes will absorb impact associated with running, saving your feet and joints from taking a pounding. As your shoes age, though, the foam loses some of its ability to rebound, like if you put a brick on top of a marshmallow.
- Nagging aches and pains. Hard workouts or increased mileage can make you feel sore the next day, but if little pains persist even after a normal run, it might be time for a refresh.
- Worn soles. The outsoles of your running shoes have tread just like the tires on your car, which helps cushion your landings and grip the pavement. But the ground is abrasive, especially if you primarily run on concrete and asphalt. If your soles sport bald patches and excessive wear, they wont serve you as well as a new pair.
- Uneven wear. If your worn soles are uneven, this can signal an even greater problem than just needing new shoes. It could mean you need different types of shoes, like a pair of the best stability shoes, to better support your feet. If that’s the case, take them with you when you go to get fitted for your next pair.
Also Check: Create Your Own Shoes For Free
How To Extend The Life Of Running Shoes
Even though running shoes will eventually wear out, you dont want to send them into an early retirement. Like making a sports bra last or preventing running injuries, youll get more miles out of your running shoes if you take care of them properly.
Here’s how you can extend the life of your trainers:
- Own multiple pairs of shoes. If you run in just one pair of shoes at a time, the pair shoulders all the weight of your running. But rotating multiple pairs of quality shoes distributes the stress you put them through, so they all last longer.
- Dry them out. You shoes will eventually get wet, whether it’s an unexpected downpour or you sweat until they’re soaked. After that happens, its important to dry your shoes out to keep them in top shape . Stuff some old newspaper in them to dry them quickly, or let them air out for a couple days before running again.
- Clean them up. Like running in the rain, your shoes will also probably encounter mud or dirt on your runs. Dirt can be abrasive to the shoes upper, causing it to wear out prematurely.
- Run on the proper surface. Road running shoes were made to run on pavement, and trail running shoes were meant for the trail. Your road shoes wont hold up to the abuses of the trail, and the lugs on your trail shoes will get worn down more quickly on rough concrete.
Affordable Walking Shoes Online Or In
There are a few places you can find affordable walking shoes online and in-store:
- Online: You can find affordable walking shoes on websites like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
- In-store: You can also find affordable walking shoes in stores like DSW, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx.
When choosing a new pair of walking shoes, be sure to try them on and walk around in them before you buy them. This will help ensure that you get a pair that is comfortable and fits well.
Don’t Miss: Does Saucony Run Small
Match The Shoe To The Surface
It is fine to go off-road every now and then. And, lets face it you would get bored if you did not. But, make sure that you match the shoe to the surface.
Not all running shoes are created equal. Road-running shoes are made to run on hard surfaces like roads and sidewalks, while trail-running shoes are created for the off-road areas. The shoes have been specifically created for a type of surface.
If you run on trails a lot and use only road-running shoes, or vice-versa, then the shoes are going to wear down quicker. A little foray onto a different surface is fine, but do not make a habit of it.
What To Look For In Your Shoes
If youre still unsure how long your running shoes will last, then make sure you inspect your trainers regularly, and keep an eye on how your body feels when you run.
- WEAR & TEAR: Emma says that if you want to get an understanding of your shoes wear and tear, you need to ask yourself some basic questions. Inspect your shoe does the heel still give you a firm grip once you have laced the shoe? Is the upper material baggy and not as fitted? Has the tread on the sole of the shoe worn away? If so, these are signs that youll need a replacement soon.
- WORN INSOLES: Another thing to watch out for, says Bente Smith-Rewse, founder of Enertor, is worn out insoles. If you remove them from the shoe youll start to see where theyre compressing, perhaps on the forefoot or in the heel depending on how you run. If one part of the insole, or the insole for a particular foot, is considerably more worn or compressed this is an indication that you have extra pressure in this point. It might mean you need to get some insoles or trainers with more support.
Recommended Reading: Remove Mildew From Shoes
Rotate Between Two Of More Pairs Of Shoes
this is important so that your body does not get conditioned into running in the exact same shoe all the time.
The reason being is that it will potential compensate for muscle balances and this could lead to problems and eventually pain.
Moreover, by wearing different shoes on different days, youll avoid putting too much stress on tendons and ligaments and simultaneously strengthening others.
Keep In Mind That Your Racing Shoes Are Especially Fragile
Featherweight super shoes built for racing half-marathon and marathons have a much shorter shelf life because the midsole foam materials are more delicate. Therefore they just cant endure a lot of miles. If you save those shoes for race day, you could get 4-5 races in them. But if youre also using them for long runs or up-tempo workouts, they might be cooked after about 250-300 miles. Keep in mind that super shoes also come at a higher price than your typical trainers.
Recommended Reading: Best Walking Shoes For Supination
The Midsole Feels Too Soft And Collapses Easily If You Apply Too Much Pressure
Midsoles should retain that springiness that supports your run.
If youre running in the same pair of shoes all the time, theyll wear out and it can be hard to notice the gradual degradation.
Thats why its useful to rotate two pairs of running shoes one fresher pair, and one older pair. That way, the fresher pair always reminds you of how a good pair of shoes should feed.
How Many Miles Should You Get Out Of Running Shoes
No two runners are exactly the same, but this is more or less many miles you should be getting out of your running shoes:
The general rule of thumb is that you should get between 800 to 1000 kilometres or 500 to 650 miles out of a pair of running shoes. So when you hit that 800km or 500 miles mark, you know you should start shopping. However, the mileage you get out of a pair of running shoes also depends on your weight and how you run.
Lets dig into what that means in a bit more detail
If youre on the heavier runner or have poor biomechanics, then you should probably look at changing your running shoes after about 600kms or 400 miles.
Most women runners are lighter than men so their shoes will also tend to last a bit longer and they should get closer to 1000kms or 650 miles on them.
The type of terrain or surface you run on will also impact how long a pair of running shoes will last.
If you run mostly on roads or treadmills, your shoes should last longer than if you enjoy frequent trail runs.
The rugged terrain will cause more damage and wear on your shoes because of its uneven surface.
Pro Tip: Listen to this podcast to hear how long a pair of running shoes should last for
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Olukai Shoes
Why You Need To Track Your Mileage
With the wonders of new technology, its now easier than ever to track how many miles youre running using one of the best fitness trackers out there. This is not only good for your training, but the life of your running shoes too. As well as tracking your heart rate and your route, all fitness trackers such as the Fitbit or Apple Watch will give you a regular rundown of how many miles youve run.
Try and reset your total mileage at the same time as replacing your running shoes. Or, note down when you bought them and use your tracker to keep track of how many miles youve run since.
