Questions and Answers

Q: How long should a good pair of running/exercise shoes last? How can you tell when you need new ones?

It all depends on how you use your shoes and how well you take care of them. A couple of easy things you can do to increase their life is to always let them air dry rather than putting them in the clothes dryer; and to store them in a dry place, out of direct sunlight. As time passes, check your shoes periodically. Here are some things to look for that may indicate it's time for a new pair:

1) lugs or treads on the sole pattern begin wearing out.. a sole that is worn out can cause pressure spots on the foot and alter your footstrike,

2) the midsole (the area between the outsole and the shoe's "upper") feels brittle and compressed,

3) when set on a flat surface, the shoe appears to tile inward or outward. Remember, your shoes are meant to cushion and protect your foot, not just cover it. They are an important first line of defense against exercise-related injuries.

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