Running shoes are an essential piece of equipment for every runner. They should be the first item on your shopping list. Unfortunately, they wear out relatively quickly. They should be replaced after running one to one and a half thousand kilometers. How can you keep them in the best possible condition during this time? There are several ways to do so.
Clean Your Running Shoes Regularly
Here’s a trivial tip to start with. If your shoes are dirty after a training session, take a few minutes to remove the excess mud, sand, and dirt. Every tiny grain can act as a micro-razor blade, damaging the upper part of your running shoes day after day. Heavily soiled shoes can also reduce breathability and ventilation, resulting in less comfort during subsequent training sessions. Finally, dirt on your shoes can attract bacteria and mold, which can lead to unpleasant odors. It’s not just your body that needs rest and a wash after training. Your shoes do too!
Cleaning your shoes does not mean washing them in the washing machine after every workout. The washing machine should be used as a last resort, not as part of your routine. After training, simply shaking off any sand or minor mud is enough. If your shoes are very dirty, use lukewarm water, mild soap, and a sponge or brush. Finally, let your shoes dry naturally. Leave them at room temperature. Keep them away from radiators and other intense heat sources. This process only takes a few minutes, and it actually extends the life of the foam and upper. Regular, quick care is more effective than infrequent, aggressive washing.
Avoid Drying Them Near Direct Heat
After washing or getting your shoes wet, it is important not to leave them to dry too close to a source of direct heat, such as a radiator or stove. High temperatures can damage adhesives, causing them to crumble, and can deform the shoes, which you would certainly want to avoid. It is much safer to place your shoes in a dry, well-ventilated area where they can dry naturally. If your shoes are very wet, you can put newspaper inside them. The newspaper will absorb the moisture. Just don’t forget to take it out later.
Store Your Running Shoes in Proper Conditions
Where you store your running shoes is also important, not only after they have dried. It’s important to store them in a dry, well-ventilated place, away from moisture. As I have mentioned before, moisture is the enemy of running shoes.
Just as you should not dry your shoes near heat sources, you should not store them in such places. Extreme temperatures can affect the quality of the materials used to make shoes. High temperatures can lead to deformation and loss of properties, resulting in the deterioration of the shoes’ overall quality. Conversely, you should also avoid storing your shoes in extremely cold places, such as on a balcony in the winter. Prolonged exposure to low temperatures can also cause adhesive bonds to crumble and affect the properties of the foam.
Rotate Your Running Shoes
It’s also worth considering having more than one pair of shoes and using them interchangeably – that is, rotating them. I wrote about shoe rotation on my blog. Using the same shoes for every workout can generally lead to faster wear and tear. By rotating your shoes, you allow each pair to “rest,” which extends their life.
Additionally, different shoe models offer different properties and are sometimes designed for very different purposes. Trail shoes, for example, are better suited to difficult conditions, such as forest roads or mountain trails. Training shoes, on the other hand, are better suited to hard urban surfaces. Thanks to rotation, you can choose the shoes that best suit your current training conditions. This way, each pair will wear out more slowly.
Use Your Running Shoes Only for Running
While using running shoes for other activities is not prohibited, if you want them to last as long as possible, use them only for running. Alternatively, use them for walking if that is your main activity.
Why not for other sports? Because running shoes are designed specifically for running and take into account its unique characteristics. One of the most important features of running shoes is cushioning. It protects your joints from the repeated impact of your feet hitting hard ground. On the other hand, shoes for other sports, such as volleyball or tennis, have a completely different construction. They are harder and more stable to provide support during lateral movements on the court. Running shoes are not designed to be durable in the lateral plane, so don’t be surprised if the upper of your running shoes tears after playing tennis. This is an extreme example, but it’s true.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your running shoes is important for extending their lifespan. Simple steps like regular cleaning and drying, rotating pairs, storing them properly, and using them only for their intended purpose will allow you to enjoy your shoes for longer. Remember, even the best-cared-for shoes will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
