New shoes

[suzannews]

How long does it usually take to break in a new pair? I haven't bought new running shoes since I started my journey 2 years ago.

 

[dsnyfan21]

Suzanne, as far as I know (and I am sure someone may have a better opinion) You really shouldn't have to break in a good pair of running shoes. They should feel good from the get go, just sometimes need to get a good amount of time in them. If you tend to stick with a certain shoe company and model number, then should work out. Just wear them a bit to make sure that nothing funny going on, like a stitch in a wear place and it is rubbing - things like that.

-Tracy

 

[FireDancer]

It usually only takes me a couple of runs to get mine broken in. The key is to start off with a pair that is right for you and your gait. If you haven't found a local running store do yourself a favor and seek one out. Most are much more in tune with what a runner needs than the big box stores. A good one will make multiple measurements of your foot watch you run on a treadmill or in the parking lot to get a starting point. They should then let you compare different shoes either in the lot or on a treadmill so you can get the right shoes.

Doing this will cut down on the time needed for breaking them in.

 

[JimB.]

Ditto to all of the above.........

I have been using the same model for about the last 3 years (Brooks Adrenaline). When I get a new pair, I walk around in them for a little while (maybe a couple of hours, just to ensure there is nothing out of sorts with them), then maybe 1 or 2 short runs to double check & to stretch out whatever is going to stretch, then it's off I go.

I just am real careful to make sure I'm not 5 or 6 miles out before I discover there is a defect that is rubbing my foot or giving me a blister.

Like the other folks said, make SURE you go to a "real" running shop to insure the shoes you get are actually what will do you good, not just the shoe thats on sale out the outlet (Now I wonder who would do a silly thing like that......... .................... )

 

[SAHDad]

If it is a make and model that I have worn before - no time at all. I'll might not do speedwork with them the first time or something like that, but I got two new pairs of shoes a couple of days before my last marathon, and ran it in one of them. OTOH, they were a type I have been using for several years - I ran with them once, just to make sure there was nothing wrong, but they did not need any breaking in.

If you are needing to get new shoes, and cannot get the ones you used to get, then get to a running store, talk to them, make sure they let you try out the shoes they recommend, and take it easy for a few runs, just in case.

 

[cewait]

All the above - I have run a half marathon with shoes out of the box. Plus in response to your 2 year comment....

When you get your new shoes please do yourself a favor; purchase a running log book. Track the miles you run in the new shoes religiously. There will also be spots for weather, path, feeling, injury, and energy. A great pair of running shoes will only last 350-500 miles - YMMV.

Do not be tempted to wear your running shoes as knock around shoes. They were purchased to run in and should be used only for that. Once you retire your shoes then wear them for other uses.

Ideally, you will have two pair of running shoes you are waering at any given time. The foam used to support and cushion your foot needs time to recover between runs. Also, the shoe needs time to dry between runs. I will have one pair of shoes near the mid-life miles and a the other either at its end life or brand new. That way I can compare the ride of the old and new shoe and decide through feel when its the time to retire the older shoe.

Hope this helps

 

[ryley26]

I agree with Charles all the running stores I've been to say after 350-500 miles time for new shoes. My shoes are a wreck after 300 miles. I swap out at 250. I can run with mine right out of the box but Brooks has discontinued my model.

 

[sue2]

I go by time, rather than mileage, to keep track of when I need new sneakers. I'm a complete failure at keeping a running log so I write the month and year on the shoe and get new ones after 2 or 3 months (depending on what kind of mileage I'm putting in). I agree with the 2 pairs idea. There are lots of charities that will take "gently worn" sneakers and so I don't feel so bad ditching them after a few hundred miles. The same advances in materials that have done away with the need to break them in also make them wear out faster, from what I've read.

 

[FFigawi]

Ditto what everyone else has said. I can tell just by the way my feet feel during and after a run when it's time to retire a pair of shoes, usually around 300 miles. I've worn the same model (Asics Gel Kayano) for years and always pick up a pair on sale when I am at an expo. Right now, I'm running on a pair of the Kayano 14 (250 miles), the 15 (90 miles), and have a pair of model 16 in a box that I bought at Goofy.

 

[jmasgat]

Related topic... what about walkers? Since you don't put as much stress on the shoes, do you really need to replace them that often? Any rules of thumb?

I keep at least one old pair of shoes to use for XT and for walking, and they don't seem to cause me any problems.

Maura

 

[sue2]

... and have a pair of model 16 in a box that I bought at Goofy.

I just wore my new 16s for the first time last weekend. I love them....I have a narrow foot and these fit great. The laces are asymmetrical which looks very odd, but feels good. I hope you love your's too.

 

[cewait]

Related topic... what about walkers? Since you don't put as much stress on the shoes, do you really need to replace them that often? Any rules of thumb?

I keep at least one old pair of shoes to use for XT and for walking, and they don't seem to cause me any problems.

Maura

I would still look to replace them at the outer edge of the 500 mile range. You are still stressing the foam with each outing and should not walk in the same shoes on consecutive days. I would say keep a log and see where you personal mileage point comes out. The best way to see if you need new shoes even for a walker would be to have a same make and model shoe in the box and take them out for a spin at differing intervals of miles on your current shoes. Say weaar the new shoes for one walk starting at 450 miles, 475, 500, 525.... on the old shoes. When you feel like you prefer the new ones over the older ones you passed the optimal maileage on the old shoes.

 

[FFigawi]

I just wore my new 16s for the first time last weekend. I love them....I have a narrow foot and these fit great. The laces are asymmetrical which looks very odd, but feels good. I hope you love your's too.

I sure hope so. I'm not really crazy about the 15s. They don't seem as snug as the previous models. My favorites have been the 13s and 14s, so I try to stock up on those when I find them.

 

[sue2]

I sure hope so. I'm not really crazy about the 15s. They don't seem as snug as the previous models. My favorites have been the 13s and 14s, so I try to stock up on those when I find them.

my shoe lady (who really knows her stuff) says the 16s run more narrow. And I like the grey laces and softer colors too.

 

[treehugnmama]

as for walkers I didn't think it was as important...but I got new shoes today same model as the last and I had no tread left and I felt like I was walking on air....I should have retired my shoes a LONG time ago