Out with the old, in with the new. Separating with your trusty pair of running shoes can be traumatic. You have covered lots of ground together and they have always been there for you. Sadly there is a time when you will need to retire them and bring in the new guy. Whether you’ve been looking at a vessi shoes review or have been trying a few different pairs of shoes on in a running store, you have to do lots of research before you buy. After all, if they’re uncomfy you may not be able to run properly. If you tried on the perfect pair of Nikes in store but they were just that little bit too much, you could see if there’s a nike promo code that you can use online for your shoe goals.
Below are some tips on when you know it is time to retire, and how to break in your new shoes for many more miles of running bliss.
How to Test Your Old Running Shoes
Count Your Miles
Typical running shoes have a lifespan of around 300-500 miles, while some lightweight shoes have as little as 250-300 miles.
Keep track of when you start putting miles on a pair of shoes so you can be on the lookout for changes in foot strike and any pains that may be associated with worn-out shoes.
Visual Checks
When shoes are wearing out sometimes, the insoles will become loose. This can cause rubbing and blisters and is also a sign that your foot is slipping around inside the shoe.
The tread on the bottom. Look at the bottom of your shoe for a wear pattern. See spots that are wearing down? While this is not a for sure sign to replace it is a good gauge of life left in the shoe. Obviously, if there is a hole in the bottom – it is time to replace.
The top. A hole here or there is fine but if your big toe is sticking out feeling the breeze, consider that pair a goner.
Tired Legs
This one can be hard, because whose legs are not tired after a long run? But having your legs feel more tired than usual maybe more on your shoes than on you. Take this as a sign to buy new running shoes and start breaking them in so that you do not find your self with time in between.
Breaking In New Shoes
Give Them Time
Plan some time to break in your new shoes. They are not going to be ready to go out of the box.
Date Them
In a place where it will not rub off, write with a permanent marker the date you start running in your shoes.
Wear Thick Socks
Wearing an extra pair or thicker socks can help break in the shoe from being stiff.
Short and Sweet
Keep your first runs under 6 miles. Remember, if you feel any discomfort shut down the run. It’s not worth risking a long-term injury by running in shoes that are not ready.
Have a Race Day Pair Ready
Buy a new pair of shoes 3 or 4 long runs out from race day. Break them in and then box them up. You will rest easy knowing that you have a pair of shoes that will be run-ready on race day of Rookie Tri!
Don’t let old running shoes be the cause of your pain during your tri training, use this guide next time you give your running shoes a check-up to know when it’s time for a new pair! It’s possible that the shoes you’re wearing are not the source of the pain you’re experiencing. It may be that you could need some European orthotic shoes, boots and other footwear to support and protect your feet by distributing pressures evenly over your feet, providing additional cushioning and accommodating your unique foot shape. It’s something to think about next to you take your shoes off and experience pain.
