- How Much The Runner Weighs
According to the experts, the amount of force that you experience each time your feet hit the ground is as much as five times higher than the weight of your body. That is why heavier people usually need to replace their running shoes more often. It is only natural that shoes would wear out more quickly when they are subjected to a higher level of impact. The amount of strain that the shoes experience increases along with the runner’s weight.
- How Old The Shoes Are
Even if you don’t wear your running shoes very frequently, they can still wear out. Oxidation and changes in weather conditions can cause changes in the structure and materials of the shoe. Over time, this can affect the stability and padding, keeping the shoes from performing as well as they did when they were new. Something similar occurs with the tires on your vehicle where they gradually wear out over time, even if they are not being used.
- Your Running Form
The form that you use when you run can impact the lifespan of your shoes. If you are light on your feet, your shoes spend less time contacting the ground, reducing the amount of strain that they experience. If you have a heavier gait, however, it can increase the stress on your shoes, causing them to wear out more quickly. Adjusting your gait may help your shoes last longer. If that isn’t an option, at least choose shoes that are well-suited to the way that you naturally run.
- The Surface That You Run On
The running surface is another thing that affects how quickly shoes wear out. Rough surfaces like asphalt cause shoes to lose their tread quite quickly. Softer surfaces like dirt trails, on the other hand, generally won’t affect the tread on your shoes quite as much, which means that they might last longer. Softer running surfaces also help absorb some of the shock, which can minimize the amount of strain the shoes experience. You can purchase shoe inserts for your running shoes that will absorb some of the shock if you are running on hard surfaces.
When buying shoes, consider the type of running that you usually do. That way, you can choose shoes that are well-suited to the surfaces that you typically run on. For instance, if you like running in the woods, trail running shoes are a good choice. If you prefer running in the city, shoes that are designed for use on asphalt are the best option.
- The Size Of The Shoes
If you want to get the most out of your running shoes, you need to make sure that they fit correctly. Each time your foot strikes the ground, it expands as a result of your body weight. To account for this, most experts recommend buying running shoes that are a size larger than your regular shoe size. Check the distance between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe. Ideally, it should be about the width of your thumb. This will help keep the front of your foot from pressing against the shoe when you run.
Another thing to think about is that your feet naturally swell as the day goes on. In fact, they can increase in size by as much as 4%. To account for the swelling, it is usually recommended to shop for shoes later in the day.
Learning how to lace your shoes the right way is important. That way, even though they are a little bit too big, your feet won’t slide around inside of them. With the right lacing technique, you don’t have to worry about developing uncomfortable spots or blisters.
