Who has never, at least once, been disappointed by the lifespan of a running shoe?
The lifespan of shoes has always been the subject of special attention, although in recent years, with the introduction of increasingly softer and more elastic materials, it is proving to be a challenge that is not easy to approach.
So how can we extend the average lifespan of our inseparable companions of adventure?
8 TRICKS TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR RUNNING SHOES
1. AVOID THE WASHING MACHINE!
It may seem obvious, but it needs to be specified that machine washing, while it makes our shoes shine, also dries out and stiffens the upper and midsole. Even with the best of washing machine programmes. The result will therefore be a very clean shoe, but with an obvious tendency to progressively alter its elasticity and softness. And, consequently, its durability.
2. WASHES? AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE!
Having established that we will never use a washing machine, what do we do if our shiny new shoes get dirty? Nothing! Or rather, as little as possible. For a quick and effective wipe, a slightly dampened cloth is sufficient to remove much of the dirt and not attack the elasticity and cushioning characteristics.
3. DON’T LEAVE THEM OUT IN THE OPEN!
Finding the right location for our shoes can also help us increase their life span. Therefore, a cupboard or wardrobe dedicated to them, protected from sunlight and high and low temperatures, is preferable. Basically, we try never to leave them outdoors!
4. USE QUALITY SOCKS!
Perhaps the most underestimated of all aspects is the quality of the socks to go with our running shoes. A good shoe is no longer a good shoe if it has to accommodate old socks made of non-breathable materials that dry out after only a few washes. In addition to breaking more easily, they can also cause damage to the shoe, with chafing in the upper and padding that in the long run create the classic wear holes. Therefore, prefer high quality, technical socks, perhaps spending a few euros more. Here are a few examples!
5. UNLACE THEM WHEN TAKING THEM OFF!
This too may seem obvious, but how many of us, out of laziness, when taking off our shoes do so without unlacing them? Or worse still, pry them off with the other shoe? The padding on the upper, however delicate, will certainly last longer if we take the shoes off in the correct way, i.e. by unlacing them and helping with our hands. And spending a few extra seconds!
6. LACE THEM UP CORRECTLY!
A running shoe, if not laced up correctly, can feel wide and make the foot move too much inside it. This obviously penalises elastic response and responsiveness, but can also cause excessive upper wear. Maybe, no matter how hard we try to lace them up properly, we still get a very tight back of the foot, with sleepy syndrome, and very long laces. Have we ever wondered, then, what the free loop at the head of the lacing is for? Or how it is used?
7. DON’T DISTORT THE SHOE!
If we have to do a long slow run, we try not to wear super-light racing shoes. Similarly, if we run on the road, we try to use road shoes and not trail shoes. The sole and back thank you!
8. ALTERNATE SHOES!
This point could also fit into the previous one, as it is always preferable to have at least two pairs of shoes to alternate according to needs (road race, training, trail, etc.). In this way we will be able to get maximum durability from both (or all three) types of shoes. And the best results in competition and training.
IN CONCLUSION
In the eight different aspects analysed above, we’re sure we’ve given you some useful hints on how to get the most out of your running shoes.
There could certainly be many more, but after all, you have to replace them sooner or later. Which, as well as being one of the central moments of our running life, is also always a pleasant opportunity to confront a trained salesperson and to always choose the most suitable shoe for your needs.
And we are here to advise you on your next running companion!
