WHEN TO INSPECT YOUR SHOES<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Of course when you first buy your shoes<\/a>, you are unlikely to find much wear and tear in the first weeks; however, inspecting them when you first take them out of the box is a good idea, so you really know what they look like in their new condition. Then, begin tracking the mileage you put on the shoes so you know when to begin checking them for any deterioration that may occur.<\/p>\n \u201cRunners should begin inspecting their shoes after about 350 miles,\u201d instructs Cori Burns, Under Armour\u2019s run footwear category manager. \u201cThat\u2019s when a pair of running shoes that\u2019s heavily worn outside of only running or worn in rougher environments may start to lose some cushioning and traction.\u201d<\/p>\n This rule isn\u2019t hard and fast, however, and Burns notes that if there is a feeling of slippage or lack of response, you may want to begin to check their condition sooner (or even replace them altogether).<\/p>\n It doesn\u2019t matter if you check them before or after a run, explains running coach Phil Clark, owner of The Training Station<\/a> and Run Shoe Store<\/a> in Philadelphia. By inspecting your shoes you are doing more than just knowing when to replace them, but also being proactive in your own injury prevention<\/a>. \u201cInspection is a way to protect yourself from injury due to some failure of the shoe that may cause you to fall,\u201d he notes.<\/p>\n Knowing what your shoes looked like before you started logging miles in them is helpful, of course, but there are specific areas of running shoes that are prone to wear faster than others. Paying attention to these spots \u2014 as well as understanding what parts of the shoe take on the most force \u2014 helps you know what you are looking for.<\/p>\n \u201cSimilar to how you would inspect the wheels on your car, take a look at the traction pattern on the outsoles of your shoes,\u201d shares Burns. \u201cIf the outsole looks flat and it\u2019s difficult to distinguish the lug pattern, then it\u2019s time to refresh. Also start searching for a new pair of shoes if it seems that your shoes have taken a new shape \u2014 tilting either medially or laterally \u2014 or the midsole seems overly compressed.\u201d<\/p>\n Clark notes that the midsole of the shoe is what wears out the fastest, as it bears all of a runner\u2019s bodyweight. He says there is no way to visually inspect this, but you can teach yourself to feel whether the midsole is \u2018dead.\u2019 Because the midsole is what absorbs shock as you run, you will notice your shoes may lack a \u2018springy\u2019 feeling and that your legs and feet begin to feel more tired than usual.<\/p>\n Additionally, the sockliner \u2014 which Burns describes as the removeable cushioning on the footbed \u2014 can experience wear. Luckily, if you discover issues with this part of the shoe, it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you need to get a whole new pair. \u201cIf it feels like the footbed is not molding to your foot or providing adequate cushioning or support, there are great aftermarket inserts available to buy, if the midsole and outsole are still intact,\u201d advises Burns.<\/p>\n There are a number of factors that determine how fast your shoes experience wear \u2014 from running surface<\/a> to gait and more. Not every pair survives 500 miles of pounding, but by keeping a close eye on your shoes, you can get every mile you can out of them. Just as a cyclist would inspect their bike, runners should regularly inspect their shoes to avoid injury or additional stress on your body.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Published first on blog.mapmyrun.com<\/a><\/p>\n Author<\/strong><\/p>\nWHAT TO LOOK FOR<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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