In this article, you will learn the 4 Signs of impending shoe death and what you can do about it.
Many runners have a specific pair of shoes that they run in exclusively, if not for months at a time explains Alex Gierbolini. There are two main reasons for running long distances with the same set of kicks: comfort and injury prevention which leads to improved performance.
When it comes to finding your perfect fit, there is no greater feeling than developing an exclusive bond with a matching shoe-and-runner combo paired as one. But all too often, we forget to keep tabs on our running essentials so it’s important to be aware of some signs that your favorite pair may need some extra TLC or replacement soon before those miles add up more quickly than you’d like.
Sign #1: You’ve had them for more than 300-500 miles.
A decent indicator that it’s time to buy a new pair of running shoes is if you start noting wear and tear on the soles, fraying along the seams or tears in the mesh upper. If these signs appear before 500 miles, it may be high time to invest in a fresh set since this will not only ensure safety while out on your route but can also lead to improved performance and speed thanks to added support and cushioning down below where it counts.
Pro Tip: One easy way to keep track of your mileage is by using an app such as run tastic, which records each step taken while running outdoors. This helps you schedule a new shoe purchase well before you actually need it – this will save you time and money in the long run.
Sign #2: You have developed a weird gait or injury, which you never had before.
If suddenly after wearing your favorite kicks for months on end, you notice a change in your stride-for example, there’s extra pressure being put on one side of your body as compared to the other it may be an indicator that those shoes have been worn down past their prime. In such cases, our bodies naturally try to compensate for certain issues by putting more stress on other parts leading us to develop injuries we never had before says Alex Gierbolini. While this is something that can easily be solved with a quick shoe swap, it’s key to note that if you ever experience any strange pains or discomfort while running, it’s advised that you stop and take a break to allow the pain to subside.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure whether your gait has changed, see an expert for proper guidance. Many podiatrists offer free gait analysis in order for customers to get properly fitted at their offices.
Sign #3: You’ve lost weight (or gained weight).
If you’ve recently dropped (or gained) a few pounds, this may affect the fit of your shoe size down the line since weight fluctuations can be common depending on circumstances such as diet changes or other activities. When buying new kicks, keep an eye out for tightness around the toe box as this is a key symptom of this issue which you can easily solve by adjusting shoe size.
Pro Tip: To check for weight loss or gain, weigh yourself on a scale that takes into account your running shoes. You’ll then have an accurate reading to use as a reference point each time you buy new kicks.
Sign #4: The sole’s drop count has increased beyond 8mm.
Sure, it can be tempting to wait until ground feel disappears before opting for some fresh footwear – but don’t let those miles pile up more quickly than they should! When the soles of your running shoes lose about half their original thickness (8 millimeters), it’s advisable to seek out new ones since there will likely be little to no cushioning left. While this won’t always result in an injury, it can certainly be uncomfortable and dangerous for your legs and feet when you’re putting them through the rigors of a long run explains Alex Gierbolini.
Pro Tip: Another way to determine whether or not it’s time to buy new shoes is by feeling how much cushioning you has remaining. When doing so, make sure to roll out a small piece of paper (a business card works great) and place it under the heel area before standing on top of it with one foot. If the height from your heel to the tip of the paper doesn’t measure up to 8 millimeters, then chances are your shoes need an upgrade!
According to Alex Gierbolini, the best part about all these tips is that you don’t have to go running to pick up a new pair! Instead, just bring in your old kicks for some fresh air. This way you’ll also find out how much they’ve been wor down so you have an accurate reading of your mileage left before making the swap. The experts at Bob’s Stores will be more than happy to help guide you through the process and get your shoes to improve performance.
Conclusion:
The opinions and views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Bob’s Stores. This post was wrote by Bob’s Store on behalf of Life & Sole — a running store in Westport, CT that carries top-of-the-line sneakers and sports apparel at affordable prices for everyone. Whether you’re looking for equipment like treadmills or elliptical, workout clothes such as yoga pants, or even dog outfits (yes, they carry those too!), Life & Sole has everything you need to achieve your goals. Connect with them on Facebook Pinterest, and Google+!