New shoes before WDW Half, thoughts?

[lenshanem]

I need new shoes. How close to the half can I safely switch over? Can I do this during my taper? Or do I really need to do a long run in them? I've only got three long runs left - 10, 6 and a 12 miler. I doubt I'll get over to the running store until right before my 12 miler, though. And that doesn't sound like a very good idea - to run a 12 miler in new shoes.

DH thinks I can probably wait until right after the half and then get the new shoes. How many miles do most of you put on them before switching?

 

[FireDancer]

I think if you get the same shoes as trained in, or at least the current model, you will mitigate some of the drawbacks of adjusting to the new shoes. Sine you know the shoe itself works with you foot that aspect is taken away so it is only the physical breaking in of the shoe you need to worry about. For this I would think the accumulation of miles during you taper would do the trick. The consensus seems to be about 500 miles for a person of average height and weight (what the heck ever that means). It also depends on how neutral the wear pattern on the shoes is. The less even your shoes wear the better the chance that the change in tread shape and how it affects how your foot hits the ground could change your gait enough to cause damage. If you have a good running store in your area they should be able to give you good advice.

 

[ohMom]

firedancer is very wise

i am more simple, but here are my simple .02 -- i was told once that GOOD running shoes do not require being 'broken in' in theory you should be able to get a new pair and run your 12 miles and be fine. let me say too, i am a powerwalker and i don't know if there is a true difference between a fast walker vs. runner and shoe wear. anyhow -- i just wanted to share, in my experience, i did a 1/2 in shoes that i knew needed replaced and had HUGE blisters at the end. it was WDW and i attribute the humidity as well, it was an unusual hot year. i would definately buy them and try them before you go, i think you'll just know after a couplel runs in them if they are ready for the distance or not. whose to say you can't take 2 pairs in your carry-on?

 

[mkymsehi]

Shannie,

My preference is to have 200 miles on a pair of shoes for the Honolulu Marathon in December. After the marathon, I shelve them for Disney in January for a second marathon.

Following Disney, they then get used for half's and training runs.

After 400 miles they become my wear to work shoes, and beyond that they get used for gardening and reef walking.

If you're going to get a new pair at this point, get them and wear them to work, shopping, and running. They need some miles on them in the next 24 days before the half.

 

[Nparrotte]

I need new shoes. How close to the half can I safely switch over? Can I do this during my taper? Or do I really need to do a long run in them? I've only got three long runs left - 10, 6 and a 12 miler. I doubt I'll get over to the running store until right before my 12 miler, though. And that doesn't sound like a very good idea - to run a 12 miler in new shoes.

DH thinks I can probably wait until right after the half and then get the new shoes. How many miles do most of you put on them before switching?

I just purchased a new pair of shoes last week and have done this in the past with the same amount of time. I have never experienced any problems but I have been able to run in them a couple of weeks before the actual event. I think that if you were to wear to them to work, shopping, and during your taper you will be fine for the race.

 

[Nparrotte]

mkymsehi,

How did you feel after doing the half then the full back to back like that?

 

[3DisneyKids]

I ran a half back in Sept. in newer shoes. Like you, I bought them right before a long run (12 miler). I asked my running coach and he said to do an easy 2-3 miler then the next day or so do the 12...but plan a course that let's you pass back by your house/mailbox, etc. after a few miles where you leave your old shoes in case the new ones are causing you problems.

However, like others have said...good running shoes do not need to be broken in. I ended up doing that 12-miler in brand new shoes and they were PER-FECT. Better than perfect...my feet had never been happier after a long run!