How To Make Shoes Last Longer
Theres no way to ensure your shoes will last longer. But with proper care, youll get better results. Here are some tips:
- Rotate between shoesdont wear the same pair every day or everywhere.
- Between uses, give your shoes time to air out properly.
- Replace the insole once in a while to keep your feet comfortable even though the shoe is wearing down.
- If you wash your shoes, allow them to air dry instead of using the dryer. Leave them in a shaded spot and avoid too much sun exposure.
When Should You Replace Running Shoes
Swapping out shoes at 400 or 500 miles is probably still a good idea, but dont swap out an aging shoe because you liked how it felt fresh out of the boxshoot for shoes that feel good on your feet after 100 or 200 miles of running, since this is when a shoe starts to bottom out in its cushioning loss.
Now, remember this:
Dont rely on any high-tech gimmicks to preserve shoe cushioning.
It doesnt seem to matter whether your shoe has gel, air, or springs the dominant factor is still the EVA foam, and in that respect, all shoe brands are more or less the same.
If you rely on your shoes for a specific biomechanical effect , its a good idea not to run too long in the same pair of shoes, since theres no telling how your body will tolerate the altered surface.
But if you are relatively healthy and just need a comfy pair of shoes to protect your feet, there isnt any evidence that pushing the boundaries on shoe durability is going to cause any real harm aside from having a pair of shoes that look dirty and smell awful.
When it comes to choosing a pair of shoes to wear, your best bet is to listen to your comfort. Running stores may have recommendations for what they think you should wear, but remember they may be bias towards one brand or particular shoe.
Remember, you are the one wearing the shoes, not the sales consultant!
Tricks To Make Your Shoes Last Longer
In the interest of athletic performance and injury prevention, its for the best that runners dont keep wearing a shoe well past its prime. But everyone wants to get their moneys worth out of good gearand if were honest, it can be tough to retire a pair that have fond memories tied to them. To that end, there are a few simple ways to make your favorite kicks last a bit longer.
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When You Have More Than One Pair You Use Regularly
Do you like to switch between different models? No problem. You can save several different shoes in the Runtastic app. After each running activity, you can choose which pair of shoes you were using. This not only helps you stay on top of things, but it also makes it easy for you to see, for example, with which shoes you run most often, how long you have already had them or in which pair you run the fastest on average.
When To Replace Running Shoes
Just when youve developed a strong bond after miles and miles of shared miles, its time to replace running shoes.but after just how many miles?
While the common answer is 300-500 miles, thats a huge range and not always helpful when youre looking at your best friends and pondering whether to keep them or dive in to the newest model which you may or may not love.
The life of a running shoe depends on a lot of factors. The two biggest issues for most running shoes are:
Breakdown of the mid-sole The reason this becomes so important is that as the shoe breaks down, it changes how your foot hits the ground. What was once providing you a good solid landing, might now cause your foot to roll in slightly leading to IT Band or runners knee.
Wear on the TreadThis matters because it can end up changing your gait and those who have a tendency to heel strike seem to place more force in to each step, which leads to a faster breakdown of the shoe.
The same can be said if you notice major wear patters on the inside or outside, which would be due to how your foot is landing. Ideally youd want to fix your foot strike, but you definitely dont want to keep running in shoes where youve worn away a big part of your stability.
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Get A Separate Pair For Different Activities
To extend the life of a good pair of shoes, use them for runningand only running. If youre going to the gym for strength workouts or kickboxing classes, get a cross-training shoe thats more appropriate for lateral-movement activities. Henry takes it a step further and has a few separate pairs to suit different types of runs.
Consistently rotating the shoes I run independing on the terrain, distance, and type of workouthelps increase their longevity, Henry said. When I used to run in the same pair every day, they needed to be replaced often. Now that I keep my shoes in steady rotation, they last much longer.
Not only will this keep your footwear fresher for longer, the habit of rotating out different pairs has been proven to help prevent running-related injuries in athletes.
Poor Absorption Of Impacts
If you feel like you can feel the impact of every step in your feet and hips while running on the treadmill, it implies that there are issues with the shock absorption of your shoes. Even while you are running on a treadmill, never forget that running is a high-impact sport. Thats why shoes with good shock absorption can significantly reduce the stress on various parts of your leg.
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Wear And Tear Signs That Its Time To Change Shoes
Although the colour and aesthetic nature of the shoe are important from some runners, most runners would probably say they care more about the support and cushioning that is provided by the shoe more than how it actually looks.
Therefore, if you find yourself in the latter group where you dont care much about the appearance of the shoe, then you may find it hard to justify replacing your shoes when you consider them to be working fine.
Nevertheless, there are a number of things to look out for that would indicate excessive use and therefore wear and tear.
You Are Losing Traction On Wet Surfaces And Tight Curves
You can tell visually if the outsoles are worn out, however, even if there are still some visible grooves left but youre already losing traction in tight curves and wet surfaces, its time to replace your running shoe.
Running in a shoe with poor traction may lead to injuries and poor running performance.
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How Long Should A Pair Of Sneakers Last
As a general rule, the life of a running shoe is 300 to 500 miles, Langer said, though it varies with your body weight, gait and surface on which you run. Following that rule, someone who runs 4 miles, four times a week should consider replacing shoes after about 6 months, while a more casual athlete could wait a year.
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.
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How To Get More Miles Out Of Your Running Shoes
Although you want to change your running shoes regularly, there are a few things you can do to extend the life of your running shoes…
Following those 5 steps will prolong the life of your running shoes and save you money in the long run. This is why:
Own more than one pair of running shoes
If you can, its a good idea to have at least two pairs of running shoes at a time that you alternate between. This distributes the stress of all your running between two pairs so that they last longer.
Alternating also gives the cushioning, or EVA foam, in your shoes time to decompress and return to its natural shape. When you run, the foam decompresses from the impact so allowing some time in between your next run in that pair of shoes will allow the foam to decompress and dry out so that it can provide the correct amount of cushioning and shock absorption that its supposed to.
Another benefit of running in two pairs of shoes is that if you have two slightly different types of running shoe, your muscles will work slightly differently which will help keep you from straining or fatiguing them.
Only wear your running shoes when going running
Because running shoes are so comfy and versatile , its tempting to simply wear them as you go about your day.
Put them on and take them off the right way
Wash your shoes
Dry your shoes
Upper And Interior Wear
Place your shoes on a flat surface at eye level. Then look at the exterior of the upper partcheck if its leaning or has noticeable distortion to the material. If so, it means theres no support for your feet, and you should replace it.
The next thing is to inspect the upper for unusual wear or holes. These are other indicators that you should replace them.
Lastly, watch the inside around the heel area. Look at the material to see if its beginning to wear or deteriorate. If youve worn the shoes for less than six months and theres wear in this area, the shoe isnt right for your feet.
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How Can You Maintain Your Shoes To Last For Over 300 Miles
To make your shoes last for up to 3 or even 300 miles you need to take proper care of them.
One way is to stretch out the life of your running shoes by inserting cups inside them that are already worn down.
This will help level out the soles making you feel like youre walking on soft pillows. You can also paint your shoes with a coat, which makes it look shiny and new, but in reality its just hiding all the scuffs and scratches underneath the top layer of paint so when runners step, they wont notice how much you wore down your shoes soles.
Another tip is to rotate between two pairs of running sneakers so both get equal time breaking in instead of having one pair always on your feet.
It is especially important to have more than pair of shoes because you need to give each pair ample time in between wearing them so they can air out and the moisture wont grow inside, which could make you get a foot fungus or other bacteria-related injuries.
Also, if you run on wet pavement, dirt roads or trails it will wear down the bottoms quicker since they are not made for that kind of terrain.
When you do go outside to run, remember to wear running socks along with your sneakers otherwise the sweat from your feet will get trapped inside making it hard for your shoes material to dry properly.
This will cause bacteria to form which could lead to blisters and other related problems.
Signs You Need To Replace Your Running Shoes
If you track your runs with a fitness watch or other GPS device, you’ll know when you hit that 300- to 500-mile mark. If you don’t, it’s much harder to know when the time comes for a new pair of trainers. Looking out for these five signs can help:
1. You have new aches and pains. If you notice that your ankles, knees or hips get more achy after a run, it might be time to get a new pair of shoes. New, unexplained aches and pains can mean that the cushioning in your shoes is worn down.
2. Your feet get extra sore after a run. When you start to notice soreness and stiffness in the bottoms of your feet, especially your arches, it might mean that your shoes have worn down to a shape that no longer fits your feet properly.
3.The treads are worn out. The treads, or flex grooves, on your shoes are an important part of their anatomy. If they’re worn out, your shoes won’t roll in sync with the natural stride of your feet.
4. The midsole feels tough. This is a telltale sign that you need new running shoes: If you press your thumb into the midsole and it feels tough rather than slightly spongy, it means the cushioning has compressed and no longer offers proper support.
5. You keep getting blisters or brush burn. If your once-trusty shoes rub your skin the wrong way, it probably means they’ve altered shape during your many miles — time for a new pair.
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Take Good Care Of Them
Your running shoes dont need to be pampered, but a little extra thought on how you treat and store them goes a long way.
Weich points out that letting a pair of shoes sit in extreme temperatures for long periods of time can often contribute to its early demise. People leave their shoes in a hot car trunk on a 100-degree day, and their shoes are crushed in just 250 miles, he said. Properly caring for the shoe is a huge factor in durability.
Changing Your Running Shoes
When you take your new ASICS running shoes out of the box they are at their most protective and supportive. But like any product, they wear down over time. Podiatrist and ASICS PRO Team member Clifton Bradeley explains when and why you should change them.
Like any product thats used regularly, your ASICS running shoes will wear out eventually. How quickly this happens is determined by your mileage, body weight and foot type.”
- Running on the road all of the time will wear out your shoes quicker than running off-road
- A heavy overpronator who runs daily will wear their shoes out faster than a lighter, neutral runner who runs every other day
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHANGE RUNNING SHOES?
Its difficult to provide a definite answer, as every shoe will wear differently depending on your running style, the frequency of your runs and the design of the shoe. However, if you notice any of the following tell-tale signs of excessive wear, its time to start looking for your next pair of shoes:
- The outer sole has worn through to the white midsole
- The midsole feels too soft and collapses easily under pressure. You may see longitudinal creases in the midsole
- The heel counter becomes mobile and less supportive
- Your toes wear through the toe-box and the shoe upper tears
- One shoe sole becomes asymmetrically worn compared with the other
- One or both shoes no longer stand up straight when placed on a flat surface
HOW MANY MILES BEFORE YOU CHANGE RUNNING SHOES?
- The terrain you run on
- Your build
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Tip #: Clean Them Regularly
Running shoes can get dirty pretty quickly. While its tempting to just leave it that way, mud and dirt may cause abrasions to the shoe. Add sweat to the equation and it can lead to a foul odor.
As a rule of thumb, wash your running shoes with warm water and detergent every 2 weeks. Also, if you run on a muddy trail, wipe the mud off every after use.
If youre interested in learning how to wash your running shoe safely, I wrote a step-by-step guide about it in another article. You can check it out after reading this.
How To Make Your Running Shoes Last Longer
You may be thinking that youre going to have to spend a lot of money on running shoes because you are one of those runners that clocks in 30 or 40 miles per week. A lifespan of 10 or so weeks seems far too short for the money youre paying for the pair of running shoes that are perfect for you. But there are some tricks for preserving your running shoes and extending their lifespan.
The cushioning foam and rubber soles will be affected each time your feet hit the ground. Over time, your shoes arent giving you the improved traction, elasticity, or support anymore. It will leave you susceptible to injuries or joint pain. To get the most out of your running shoes, try out some of these tricks!
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