Once you get the ideal running shoe that offers a perfect combination of style and comfort. It is vital to know how best to extend the lifespan of the running shoes so that they serve you effectively. When you learn how best to make your shoes durable, you will get all your running shoes to remain in good shape for different uses even after you use them for the mileage range that they are set to accomplish. Additionally, when you try various ways to extend the lifespan of your running shoes. They will provide you with all the protection and support that you need for enjoyable and injury-free runs. Here are a few tips you can try to make your running shoes durable.
1. Use them to run
To begin with, ensure that you use your running shoes to run. Other than using them for other different daily tasks as it will make them less durable. For instance, you accumulate the mileage of your shoes by playing basketball, going to run errands, and in simple tasks like taking your dog for a walk in them. Therefore, as much as they look cool and comfortable, ensure that you use your running shoes just for running. As using them for their intended activity will make it more durable as it will maintain the mileage that it is set to have before you replace it with a new one.
2. Rotate running shoes
Is running every day a part of your daily routine? Then you must rotate two or more pairs of running shoes. This is important as it will ensure that you always have a pair ready to go for a run. More importantly, during the winter season when the weather conditions can interfere with your running plans. So, when there are new sneaker releases, get yourself a pair or two to rotate with, and in this way, you will help your shoes stay durable. Plus, you will also give your shoes enough time to dry out well and decompress in between runs.
3. Invest in a new pair when it is time
Those who are familiar with keeping tabs on their running shoe lifespan know that a running shoe lasts up to 500 miles or more. After it exhausts this mileage range, it is normally time to change your shoes. Hence, it is time to wait for the new sneaker releases when you know the time to invest in a new pair is due. To ensure that you know when its mileage is due, keep tabs with an online log or through your training journal. Also, others can remember by putting the purchase date inside the shoe or on the box that comes with the shoe. Alternatively, if you do not prefer leaving a permanent marker on your shoe, opt for saving the purchase date on your calendar. Choose any of the ways that suit you best.
4. Always keep them clean
Not only will cleaning your shoe make them look good, but it will help you prevent injuries and also make it durable. Especially when you do a lot of trail running, your running shoes will come across a lot in this type of terrain, from puddles and mud to grit and leaves. For this reason, all these will easily build up on the outside of your shoes, and it will cause strain on your feet if you do not clean your shoes. As a result, with time, it will cause foot injury and blisters as well. Also, as you keep your shoes clean, avoid using a washing machine to clean them as laundry detergents can easily melt the glue that helps hold the shoe together. Due to this, it will damage your shoe and make it less durable.
5. Always air dry
One mistake many people make is putting their wet shoes in a dryer instead of air-drying them. Dryers have very high temperatures, and as a result, they will destroy the shoe material by dissolving the glue that helps hold the tread and midsole together. Therefore, in case you have had a rainy, dirty, and sopping wet run. To absorb the moisture stuff paper towels or newspaper in your damp shoes than putting them in a dryer before you wash them. Alternatively, unlace the shoes, remove the sock liner and remove the insoles as well and clean your shoes and let them air dry where there is no direct heat. Note that air drying can take a whole day or longer. So, be patient, and through this, you will allow your shoes to be more durable.
6. Store your shoes properly
The storage of your running shoes is vital and contributes a lot to the durability of your shoe. For instance, when it is winter or summer, there is the right way to store your shoes as these are two extreme climates. So avoid storing in a cold garage in winter or direct sunlight in summer. The best way to store your shoe is in a cool, dry place where they can air well. Therefore, you can invest in clear boxes, shoe racks, baskets, and other storage facilities that will help you not only store them well but also have you organize your shoes well.
7. Take your shoes off right
Most people after a run, tend to remove their shoes without undoing their laces, which is the wrong way to do it. While you remove your shoe wrongly, it saves no time by stepping on the heel and kicking your shoes before undoing the shoelaces. As you do this, your sneakers get out of shape faster since you are overstretching and bending them as you remove them. This is a big mistake, and it only damages your shoes. Thus, before you continue with your post-run routine of the day. It is only wise to undo the laces, remove your shoes by hand and store them properly for your next run or wash.