What’s Best, New Running Shoes Or Old?

new running shoes or old

shoes (Photo credit: jaclynjanai)

New running shoes or old?

If you are wearing an old pair of running shoes that have torn linings and worn out insert soles they really have become ill fitting shoes rather than an old friend and most likely provide little or no support for your feet. Support for your feet can be a critical issue and may mean winning or losing a race and maybe coming up lame at the end.

Generally, running shoes with torn and worn padding are less shock proof, and are less durable than a new pair. Using worn out running shoes that lack important shock proof proofing characteristics dramatically increase the cumulative stress and shock your feet and legs are subject to and increase the possibility of joint and leg injuries. The  best way to prevent foot and leg injuries is to buy a new pair of running shoes. Don’t continue to wear old and worn shoes.

Running Shoe Problems

Which running shoe problems should I be looking for to tell me if I need a new pair or not?  The first thing you should do is to check the outside of the shoe for wear patterns on the sole and the toe box.  One common mistake is to use the thickness of the treads on your running shoes to decide whether to replace your running shoes. A more important part of the shoe called the mid sole that provides padding and durability, normally tears and or breaks down before the shoe treads show any major signs of wear. If you feel any kind of muscle pain or sprains in your muscles and joints, particularly in your knees, you may be wearing running shoes that need to be replaced. If any part of your running shoes are damaged or worn out, they may well need replacing.

Generally speaking, and based on your running routine, body mass, and the surface of the roads and paths you run on, the accepted rule of thumb is to replace your running shoes at least every 500 miles. Runners with less body mass can usually extend that limit by 100 or 200 hundred miles. Similarly, heavier runners may need to take a closer look after running only 300 miles. If you usually run on rough surfaces such as country roads with exposed rocks and pebbles, you are going to have to replace your shoes sooner than if you always run on a smooth surfaced path or roadway.

Start Using Your New Shoes On A Regular Training Schedule

Use your calendar to mark  the date you start using your new shoes so you can better calculate when to get a new pair. If you follow a regular training schedule and keep logs show an accurate account of the miles you run, too. A popular idea is to record the date you start using your running shoes on the padding inside the shoes, maybe on the tongue to help your remember when you first started your new running shoes. On the average, the expected lifespan of your running shoes can be extended by by running in an alternate or second pair. This will give each pair a chance to breathe and relax between your routines. Don’t wait until one pair of shoes breaks down before your buy another.

Here’s an idea that may help to extend the life of your new running shoes. Read the labels and the information data sheet that ship with the new shoes. it will undoubtedly contain precautionary information on do’s and don’ts, such as the best way to clean the shoes. Something else you might consider is talking to the sales clerk who is fitting you for the shoe. These guys are often experienced runners themselves and can offer some tips on good and bad running habits that have a direct effect on the life of your new running shoes.

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How to Choose the Right Shoes for Your Running Form and Foot

The right shoes can make the difference between running joy and running pain. Your feet bear the brunt of the impact when you run. The right shoes help ensure your foot hits or strikes the ground in the most optimal way. If your foot rolls to the inside or outside then you may feel stress in your shins, ankles, knees, hips and even your back and neck.

Over or Underpronating?

When you run, there are three things that commonly happen when your foot hits the ground. It may hit directly on track. It may roll to the outside, also called overpronating. Or it may roll to the inside, also called underpronating.

It’s important to know how your foot strikes the ground when you run. This information will help you choose the right shoes. There are a few ways you can tell.

1. Look at the bottom of your running shoes. Where are your running shoes most worn? Are they thinning on the outside or inside of the shoe? If so, then your foot may be rolling in that direction when you run.
2. Take the wet foot test. Wet your bare foot and stand on a piece of paper. Look at the shape of your foot. Flat feet tend to overpronate. High arches tend to underpronate.
3. Get a gait analysis. Many specialty running shoe stores offer what’s called a gait analysis or a running analysis. They videotape your feet as you run on a treadmill for a minute or two. They then look at your foot strike and running motion and can make instant recommendations about the best shoes for your mechanics. This is often the best way to find the right shoe right away and may eliminate the trial and error shoe buying process, which can get expensive.

Three Types of Shoes

There are essentially three different types of running shoes; we’re not talking about minimalist or barefoot shoes in this article. They include:

* Cushioning
* Stability
* Motion Control

Generally, certain foot types and foot striking motions will fall into a specific shoe type. Let’s start with Motion Control

Motion Control shoes are rigid and prevent a person’s foot from rolling around. These shoes are generally recommended for people with low arches, flat feet, or overpronation.

Stability Control shoes have some motion control elements and some cushioning elements. They’re generally lighter shoes and are designed to support a person’s existing running motion without altering it. They’re generally recommended for people with normal arches and an even foot strike.

Cushioning shoes as you might suspect offer an abundance of cushioning. They’re recommended for people with high arches in their feet. If you have a high arch then you’re likely running a bit on the outside of your foot. This impact can cause problems up your leg. The extra cushioning in this type of shoe can reduce or eliminate those problems.

Finding the right shoes makes a big difference in your running success. They can help you run further and faster without the pain. Take the time to shop around. You’ll be glad you did.

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