How to Make Running Shoes Last

After you’ve devoted time and money to finding the perfect running shoes, take special care, so you can get the most mileage out of your investment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Running shoes
• Running socks
• Running trail or track

1. Store your shoes in a cool, dry place. Don’t keep them in a hot car in the summer or a cold garage in the winter. Extreme conditions can break down the cushioning and supportive materials.
2. Air out your shoes in between runs. If they get very damp and sweaty, remove the insoles and let them thoroughly dry. If they don’t have time to fully dry (if, for example, you run twice a day in a warm climate) consider buying another pair and alternating them each day.
3. Wear socks with your running shoes. Bare feet don’t compromise the durability of the shoe, but they do make them smell worse. And sometimes smell alone will compel you to buy another pair before it’s actually necessary.
4. Rotate your shoes depending on workouts. Wear a lighter, more flexible shoe for track workouts and a sturdier, more supportive shoe for long runs. (The exact shoe depends on your foot type.) In general, lighter shoes will break down faster than heavier ones, but their durability also depends on frequency of use. If you run thrice-weekly track workouts, you could benefit from lighter shoes. Monthly track stars should save their money and stick with one all-purpose pair.
5. Don’t walk in your shoes. That is, don’t run errands in them or use them for other sports. Have a separate pair of kick-around sneakers and run in your running shoes.
6. It’s OK to wash them. Take the insole out of the shoe and throw it in the wash with the shoes. Let them dry naturally, but do not leave them to bake outside.
7. Run on grass or a soft trail instead of pavement. This not only extends the life of your shoes, but your legs as well.

Tips & Warnings

• When the midsoles of your shoes are dry and cracking, it is time to buy a new pair. Another warning sign: various aches and pains in your legs and feet. Shin splints, plantar fasciitis and knee pain can often be attributed to worn out shoes.