Why It is Important to Know The Right Time to Replace Your Old Running Shoes?
Yes, I am sure this happens with lots of folks! It is the universal fact that everything that has the beginning must have an end ultimately. So your most favorite running shoes, unfortunately, have an end point somewhere down the line.
It starts right after you purchase your new pair of running shoes. Whether you use them for trail running, athletic training or cross-training purpose, you need to know when is the best time to replace your old pair of running shoes with new ones.
Every pair of shoes you buy goes through lots of wear and tear when you start using them. It does not matter how comfortable and cushioned they are or how much outsole tread remains in them, you have to think of purchasing new ones after certain time period.
The more you use your old pairs, the more damage as well as wear and tear happens to the outsole and its shock absorbing capability. If you keep using them even after this damage, you risk your feet being injured in the future due to your shoe’s inability to support and provide sufficient cushion to your feet.
This is why it becomes really critical for you to change your old pair of running shoes once you start experiencing some discomfort and difficulties in running. But most people have this problem of having dilemma in taking the decision of buying a new pair of running shoes. They simply get confused when it comes to replace the old running shoes with new ones.
The most important question for all of us is to decide when to discard your old running shoes and buy new ones. This is why we have created this article to help you take the right decision. Follow along with our tips and you will surely know when to take this important buying decision.
3 Tips to Help You Take the Right Decision of Buying New Pair of Running Shoes
Tip 1: Keep a Record of Total Distances Covered.
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Most running shoe manufacturers build their shoes to last for at least 400 to 600 miles of running performance. Once you surpass this level, your shoes start to degrade and begin to lose their grip and traction.
You might also experience a decline in comfort and cushioning once your shoes travel this much distance. They also start to lose their shock-absorbing capability and support for your feet. If you neglect towards this issue and still continue running in them, then that might hurt and injure your feet while running in the future.
To avoid this injury to your feet, it is important for you to know the total distance traveled by your shoes during your regular running schedule. So I recommend you to take help of [easyazon_link keywords=”digital pedometers” locale=”US” tag=”vbar-20″]digital pedometers[/easyazon_link] and make a habit of measuring the distances traveled when you practice running. Once you know that your shoes have crossed more than 400 to 600 miles of distance, it is time for you to think of buying a new pair of running shoes.
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Tip 2: Look for Damaged Cushioning Signs.
One more thing you can do to identify damaged old running shoes is to look at its midsole cushioning. If your shoes have EVA foam cushioning, then look at it carefully to find some obvious damaging signs.
The midsole foam on the outside of your running shoe might be compressed or wrinkled which is a clear sign of damaged shoes. As far as your running shoe’s cushioning and comfort is concerned, the midsole foam plays a critical role. It provides great support for your feet and avoids any foot injuries while running on uneven and rough surfaces.
If your shoes are lacking in proper cushioning and support, your body also tells you that through your painful feet. If you start experiencing painful feet after long distance running performance on a regular basis, it can also be considered a primary sign of your damaged running shoes.
There are some simple cushioning tests available which you can try on your old pair of running shoes. Just take the shoe in your left hand and bend the toe of your shoe completely towards the back of the heel. If you do not experience any force and toes bend completely and easily, you can confirm that it is time for you to change those old pairs and buy new ones.
Watch the following video that shows how you can perform this shoe flexibility test.
Tip 3: Look for Other Notable Damaging Signs.
Apart from ineffective cushioning, you can also look for other most obvious signs of damaging of your shoes. Your shoe upper and toe box wear down quickly once you cross your shoe’s running capability. The heel counter of your shoe also becomes less supportive and mobile after your excessive usage.
The shoe tread too wears down badly after regular use of these shoes. This is much like your car tire. You always tend to replace your old car tires once they lose their tread. The same condition applies in the case of your old running shoes.
One more sign you can look for is your shoe’s posture when kept on a flat surface. If your shoes can not stay straight on the flat surface, you can quickly realize that the time has come to buy the new running shoes.
Conclusion
So these are the 3 primary tips that we think can really help you in taking your buying decision. Check out your old pair of running shoes regularly once they cross 300 to 400 miles of distance. If you see any damaging signs as mentioned above, you know it’s time to change them and buy a new pair of running shoes.
Best of luck!
