Rotating running shoes??

So this morning I read an article that talks about runners that have more than one pair of running shoes, and they rotate them.

http://www.runnersworld.com/injury-prevention-recovery/study-backs-rotating-shoes-to-lower-injury-risk?cm_mmc=Facebook-_-RunnersWorld-_-Content-News-_-RotatingShoesBetter

So it got me thinking, do you guys also rotate your running shoes? How many pairs of running shoes do you have. Currently I only have one pair Brooks Ravena. I wear them for running and also during the day at work. But this article got me thinking if I should have an extra pair or more. Don't get me wrong any excuse I can find to buy another pair of shoes is fine with me :).

My problem is that I probably wound not rotate from different types of shoes once I find one that works I stick with it.
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Replies

  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
    I don't wear my running shoes for anything but running, so I would get a pair devoted only to running. The everyday wear on your shoes will cause them to break down a lot faster. Save the every day wear for when you have finally worn them out with running. I still have my old pairs of running shoes that I use for day to day, but don't run in any more.

    I know some people who buy two pairs and rotate them. Usually during the tax free weekend or when Brooks has their discount shoe exchange, then rotate them out. But that also depends on the distance you are running if you can do that or not. Remember, most shoes only have a 300-500 mile life span (another reason why wearing your running shoes to work and stuff is not a good idea).
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    I have 3 pair of road shoes that I rotate, depending on the type of run that I am going to do. I have Mizuno Wave Rider 16s for easy and long runs, I have Brooks Launch for faster workouts and I use them for some long runs too and I have a pair of Mizuno Sayanora's that I use for fast workouts and some easy runs. The Sayanoras are a lower drop then the others, so I don't use them too frequently. I also have trail shoes, racing flats and track spikes.

    You should only use your running shoes for running. You greatly reduce their life expectancy when you walk around in them and you also start to wear away the cushioning in a manner that is inconsistent with the way that you run which could cause you aches and pains down the road.
  • MelisRunning
    MelisRunning Posts: 819 Member
    I always have at least two pair in rotation and preferably three.
  • I don't wear my running shoes for anything but running, so I would get a pair devoted only to running. The everyday wear on your shoes will cause them to break down a lot faster. Save the every day wear for when you have finally worn them out with running. I still have my old pairs of running shoes that I use for day to day, but don't run in any more.

    I know some people who buy two pairs and rotate them. Usually during the tax free weekend or when Brooks has their discount shoe exchange, then rotate them out. But that also depends on the distance you are running if you can do that or not. Remember, most shoes only have a 300-500 mile life span (another reason why wearing your running shoes to work and stuff is not a good idea).

    I never really thought about wearing them every day and breaking them down. I am going to buy another pair for every day wear since I am not required to wear high heel shoes at work I can wear tennis. Thanks for that tip. Today is going to be the last day I wear them every day.
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    I always run of two pairs of the same model of shoe, rotate for each run. Been doing it that way for years now, my physical therapist told me to do so.
  • I have 3 pair of road shoes that I rotate, depending on the type of run that I am going to do. I have Mizuno Wave Rider 16s for easy and long runs, I have Brooks Launch for faster workouts and I use them for some long runs too and I have a pair of Mizuno Sayanora's that I use for fast workouts and some easy runs. The Sayanoras are a lower drop then the others, so I don't use them too frequently. I also have trail shoes, racing flats and track spikes.

    You should only use your running shoes for running. You greatly reduce their life expectancy when you walk around in them and you also start to wear away the cushioning in a manner that is inconsistent with the way that you run which could cause you aches and pains down the road.

    Today will be the last day that I am wearing my running shoes at work (feel like going to buy a pair of different shoes just so that I can take them off), I do not want to wear them out because I am wearing them when I am not supposed to I never really thought about that. Carson does it come with experience knowing what running shoes to use for what type of runs?

  • yeah that is the same article that I saw
  • I always run of two pairs of the same model of shoe, rotate for each run. Been doing it that way for years now, my physical therapist told me to do so.

    I love the pair that I have right now thinking of buying another pair just so that I can rotate them. They have worked for my knees
  • KeithAngilly
    KeithAngilly Posts: 575 Member
    I have six pairs of shoes, varying from very minimal to very cushioning, that I rotate through. Two pair of virrata's do the lion's share of the work, and the other four pair serve to mix things up a bit. We are encouraged to mix up running surfaces, training regimens, etc., so I think it just makes sense mix up the stress on our feet and legs.
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    Carson does it come with experience knowing what running shoes to use for what type of runs?

    Yes. The shoes that I use for faster workouts are considered "Lightweight trainers" and are recommended for faster runners and is also based on weight. As they are lighter, they have a little less cushioning, so they are recommended for runners with fewer miles on their legs. The racing shoes are just for that. I don't use the flats for anything longer than 10K. I use lightweight trainers for racing distances over 10K.
  • dorianaldyn
    dorianaldyn Posts: 611 Member
    I do not rotate my shoes, but I know I should. Kind of like how I don't floss every single day either...
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    I don't rotate shoes per se, but I have a pair of shoes for longer runs and a different pair for shorter distances.
  • I do not rotate my shoes, but I know I should. Kind of like how I don't floss every single day either...

    LOL!!! great point
  • I don't rotate shoes per se, but I have a pair of shoes for longer runs and a different pair for shorter distances.

    I might consider getting a second pair
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    I don't rotate shoes per se, but I have a pair of shoes for longer runs and a different pair for shorter distances.

    I might consider getting a second pair

    I'm not sure how much actual benefit there is, but I like to run in the lightest shoes I can. But for anything over about 7 miles, I need more cushion than lighter weight shoes offer.
  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    I have two different pairs of Nike Pegasus and one pair of Altra Zero Drop (incredible shoes).
  • DymonNdaRgh40
    DymonNdaRgh40 Posts: 661 Member
    I have two pair of nike air maxes that I rotate on the road. They give me the cushion and support I need for outdoor running.

    I have a pair of nike free run xt for the treadmill.

    I think it's a good idea.
  • Csuvetmed
    Csuvetmed Posts: 36 Member
    Echoing other comments, I generally have at least 2 pairs of road shoes (one lighter, lower cushion for speed/short runs) and 2 pairs of trail shoes in rotation.

    However, when I first started running, I really didn't run enough to justify having more than one pair of shoes, so I just ran in one pair until they were about half "used up," and then I'd buy a new pair and slowly move them into rotation, starting with the shorter runs and running in them once or twice a week. This worked really well, and was kind to my budget as a student :)
  • STrooper
    STrooper Posts: 659 Member
    I have two pairs of shoes. Same make and model. I do rotate them to keep mileage approximately equal
  • amandamurdaugh
    amandamurdaugh Posts: 138 Member
    I usually buy 3 pair at a time online, all the same brand and style. I use one pair for running 5 days a week while "breaking in" a new pair 2 days a week on my 3 mile walks with the dog.
  • MinimalistShoeAddict
    MinimalistShoeAddict Posts: 1,946 Member
    I have more shoes that I can count and I rotate them daily.

    The study results are not surprising to me. Wearing different types of shoes will help work different foot/leg muscles while putting less strain on others. As others have posted above, different shoes are suitable for different types of workouts/weather conditions.

    Other benefits include:

    1. Each pair will last longer

    2. Your shoes will smell better

    3. Its cheaper to buy multiple pairs of shoes when you see them on clearance than when you "need them" when your current pair nears retirement age. I probably buy 3 pairs of name brand running shoes for the same price as many people buy one.
  • __Di__
    __Di__ Posts: 1,658 Member
    So this morning I read an article that talks about runners that have more than one pair of running shoes, and they rotate them.

    http://www.runnersworld.com/injury-prevention-recovery/study-backs-rotating-shoes-to-lower-injury-risk?cm_mmc=Facebook-_-RunnersWorld-_-Content-News-_-RotatingShoesBetter

    So it got me thinking, do you guys also rotate your running shoes? How many pairs of running shoes do you have. Currently I only have one pair Brooks Ravena. I wear them for running and also during the day at work. But this article got me thinking if I should have an extra pair or more. Don't get me wrong any excuse I can find to buy another pair of shoes is fine with me :).

    My problem is that I probably wound not rotate from different types of shoes once I find one that works I stick with it.

    I have four pairs of Saucony running shoes. One pair I keep exclusively for racing only, the other three pairs I rotate, I also keep a strict mileage count for each pair so that I know when their time is up.

    Having more than one pair comes into its own when I might go out running in the rain and they get soaked, stuffing them with newspaper when I get back indoors and leaving them for a day or two lets them completely dry out and I don't have to worry about ever running in shoes that have not quite dried from a previous session.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member

    I never really thought about wearing them every day and breaking them down

    Running shoes have a limited life, in the oredr of 500 miles, although less than that if you have a heavy gait or any particular running characteristics.

    Rotating running shoes limits the adverse effect of breaking in a new pair, as you're not going to transition from one pair to a completely new pair on every run, by rotating you're mitigating the need.

    I have two pairs, one has done about 350Km, the others have done about 30.
  • buchy2009
    buchy2009 Posts: 11 Member
    I always have at least 2 pairs in rotation and sometimes as many as 4. I don't wear shoes two days in a row and I like to have a fairly fresh pair for long runs. Once my long run pair has more than 150 or 200 miles, I put them into my shorter run rotation until they die. I like using runningahead to keep track of mileage for each pair.
  • zchastain
    zchastain Posts: 55 Member
    I rotate two pairs of the same model shoe (Newton Gravity) that I bought about a year apart. One has 450 mi and the other about 300. After reading this thread I'm considering getting a lightweight trainer just for speed/interval runs (perhaps Newton Distance elite but I'm open for suggestions...).

    I like rotating the shoes because it at least allows them time to dry and I'm never breaking in a brand-new pair of shoes all by itself.
  • DonPendergraft
    DonPendergraft Posts: 520 Member
    I don't wear my running shoes for anything but running, so I would get a pair devoted only to running. The everyday wear on your shoes will cause them to break down a lot faster. Save the every day wear for when you have finally worn them out with running. I still have my old pairs of running shoes that I use for day to day, but don't run in any more.

    I know some people who buy two pairs and rotate them. Usually during the tax free weekend or when Brooks has their discount shoe exchange, then rotate them out. But that also depends on the distance you are running if you can do that or not. Remember, most shoes only have a 300-500 mile life span (another reason why wearing your running shoes to work and stuff is not a good idea).

    I never really thought about wearing them every day and breaking them down. I am going to buy another pair for every day wear since I am not required to wear high heel shoes at work I can wear tennis. Thanks for that tip. Today is going to be the last day I wear them every day.

    I wouldn't buy a pair of tennis just to wear to work. Here's what I do: keep track of mileage on the new running shoe and when it reaches retirement mileage (varies by runner - mine is maybe 450) throw them in the washer and prest-o change-o, new running shoes to kick around town in! I think the shoes last longer when you don't wash them, so I don't ever wash them until they retire. Then they look almost new again. As others have said, only wear running shoes to run in until you retire them. Also, unlace and slip them off. Don't push the back down with your other foot to get them off. That's bad for the back support area (whatever it's called!) of the shoe. If you only have one pair of road shoes to run in, then if they get wet be sure to remove the liner and really open them up. Stuff newspaper into them so that they dry really well before the next day's run. Ideally you would have two pairs to rotate. I have two pairs, but I can't rotate them since one is a road shoe and one is a trail shoe. :)
  • Daisy471
    Daisy471 Posts: 409 Member
    I currently have 2 pairs that I wear for running only - Brooks Ghost and Glycerin. I wear the Ghosts for mid-week (shorter) runs and the Glycerin for longer runs. I won't wear the same shoes if I run on consecutive days, either. Luckily I can dress casually at work, so I wear the shoes that are too worn to run in.

    Sounds like it's time for shoe shopping!
  • saskie78
    saskie78 Posts: 237 Member
    Nothing too new to add. I rotate my road shoes according to feel, but only use one pair of shoes on the trail. On roads, I wear Hokas on my 10 mile recovery runs and again on my midweek run if my feet, knees, or anything else feels sore and tired. Otherwise, I wear my Sauconys. I run trails twice a week and just wear the same pair of trail shoes regardless.
  • arwenmakin
    arwenmakin Posts: 24 Member
    I have three pairs of road shoes which I rotate (although not every day, which I should - but getting my othotics in and out of them is a hassle.) I buy several pairs in sales and stack them up.

    Only problem I find is sometimes I get a bit emotionally attached to one particular pair after good runs, which I know is silly!

    I also have trail shoes and fell running shoes - which do what they say on the tin....

    And a pair of New Balance which I got free when I was a pacer at a half marathon but don't give me enough support - those are dog walking ones now!