How to look after your running shoes - By: Gareth Hoyle1

How can I tell when it’s time to replace my shoes?

As a rule of thumb a pair of shoes should last you 500 miles. However, this also depends on, among other things, your weight, running style and the terrain you use them for,”

Visible evidence – excessive wear on the outsole or, for severe pronators, a break down in the heel area often indicated by the uppers tending to tilt inwards.

The ‘feel’ of the shoe. It won’t feel as bouncy as it once did. Over time the ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) in the midsole of your shoe is compressed as you run, squeezing the air out and deadening the spring in your step.

How can I make my shoes last longer?

Don’t put them on the radiator to dry – the heat will destroy the adhesives. If they are wet, stuff them with newspaper and leave them to dry naturally.

Is it alright to use my running shoes for other sports?

You wouldn’t use your ballet pumps for rock climbing. In the same way, “only use your running shoes for running – this is what they were designed for. But Route 1 to wrecking and stretching your running shoes is to hit the tennis court or five-a-side pitch in them. They are not designed for the kind of lateral movement that these sports require.

Can I use one pair of shoes for all my running?

No. Take a nice pair of ultra-lightweight road-racing shoes on a few trail-running events and watch them disintegrate before your eyes. Gritty and stony surfaces will damage a road-racing shoe, which is built for flat, even, asphalt surfaces. Get yourself a trail shoe designed for the rough terrain. You’ll use each different pair less and they’ll end up lasting longer as a result. Even if you are running on light trails it is worth investing in a pair of trail shoes and now that you can buy them for under £40.00 there is no excuse!

Should I keep racing shoes for races and only train in training shoes then?

Have at least two pairs of running shoes to help prolong their life and not wear out too quickly. Do some training in your race shoes though, to get a feel for them and to ensure they are worn in before race day. Don’t try anything new on a race day – that especially includes wearing a brand new pair of shoes.

What’s wrong with putting my running shoes in the washing machine or tumble dryer?

The cardinal rule of running-shoe care is never put your shoes through the washing machine. The heat and detergents from a washing machine cycle and tumble dryer break down the adhesives holding your shoes together. The best thing to do if you need to wash your shoes is to do it by hand in lukewarm water. Laborious, but worth it if you respect your shoes – and your wallet.

About the Author

Ransacker – The Running shoe and Football boot price comparison site. Keep up to date on all running shoes news, save money and help charity at the same time

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Gareth-Hoyle1/57594

Additional Articles From - Home | Fashion | Shoes