Monday 4 June 2012


Did you know that your runners have a “best-before-date”? If you have a look inside the tongue of your shoe you’ll actually see a date, a simple way to see if your shoe is past the due date.

But not only that, it also depends on your use of the shoe, how much you use them, how far you walk/run, if you walk or run in them, how heavy you are, if you have any injuries, how you run – as you can see your runners are much more than something you wear until they fall apart. Then it is TOO late!

Sometime I feel like a bitchy (sorry about the language) old schoolteacher when I am nagging my clients about their runners. But the truth is the old runners will not do any part of your body a favor, especially not your knees or feet if they are too old and they do give you the support they are suppose to give.

The sole of the shoes is a living material, and it will age even if you are not using the shoe. The sole has three layers: insole, midsole, and outsole. The insole is a thin layer of man-made ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The components of the midsole, which provides the bulk of the cushioning, will vary among manufacturers. Generally it consists of polyurethane surrounding another material such as gel, liquid silicone, or polyurethane foam given a special brand name by the manufacturer. In some cases the polyurethane may surround capsules of compressed air. Outsoles are usually made of carbon rubber (which is hard) or blown rubber (a softer type), although manufacturers use an assortment of materials to produce different textures on the outsole.

In general a pair of runners lasts for 2 years, but for someone running 6-8km 3-4 times a week the shoes will not last for more than 6 months, approximately 650km. After that time the shoe will have lost its cushioning, and is not good for running.  

Runners may begin to experience shin or knee pain on a regular basis after they have been using a particular pair of running shoes for a long time. This sensation may indicate that it is time for new runners. If pain and discomfort are beginning to become a regular problem, it might be worthwhile to try replacing the current running shoe with another kind to see if there is an improvement.

Something to think about:

·         Running shoes should not pinch any part of your foot. If they do, its time for new shoes

·         Break your new running shoes in gently, start out with short distance runs or you risk massive blisters and sore feet

·         Wearing your running shoes after they have worn down can injure you. Think of your shoes as a car that you must replace every 650 km

·         Never wear new running shoes for a marathon

Happy running!

Yours in Health & Fitness,
Birgitta



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