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
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