Although the heading mentions trainers, I'm writing this with every type of sports shoes in mind : tennis shoes, walking shoes, sneakers, aerobics shoes, basketball shoes, and so on. The principle is usually the same. For brevity, lets just refer to them for the most part as running shoes. We all understand that running shoes have a limited lifespan. The general public , however , continue to wear them well after their helpful life has past. In my office, I most usually will have folks let me know that their sneakers are several years old BUT ( insert excuse here... ). Here are some of my faves, "it suits my feet completely" ( meaning it's broken down ), the heel has worn out just how I like it ( meaning it has got a hole within the shoe ), buying new shoes just trouble me ( meaning that I've worn these for so long, the support is too different at this point ), and my most favorite : "they still look new". Yes, they still look new. When you only run on the treadmill, use the elliptical, and some still bike, and them sneakers have never seen the light of day, naturally they look new.
The support and function of a running shoe has nothing or little to do with the general appearance of the higher part of the shoe or even the sole. It is the midsole, the part of the sole that is mostly invisible from the outside, which has the most function and restricts the helpful lifetime of sneakers. I guesstimate the helpful lifetime of a running shoe for runners to be only 400 miles. For those who actually don't run regularly, or do other sports and activities that can't me measured by miles, your sneakerss should be replaced each 4-6 months, based on the level of use.
So start keeping track of the wear on your shoes. Dedicate 2 shoes ( or more ) exclusively for activities to get the maximum out of its helpful life. You can track your usage in your running journal, or perhaps in pen on the side of the shoe. Write the date of the trainers on the tongue or the outsole of the shoe so you really know how old it is.
You must do everything in your power to reduce them. Wearing the correct trainers is one straightforward way to help along.
