Runners! How important is having multiple pairs of shoes?
kshadows
Posts: 1,315 Member
Now that my running has gotten quite serious, I'm trying to make sure I cover all my bases. All 3 stores I've talked to told me I should buy two pairs of sneakers and switch out. Their logic sounds solid but at the same time, two $100+ pairs of shoes is a little daunting (even though technically I'd only need to buy one more pair) and coming from a shop, I can't help but feel like maybe they are just looking to get the most bang for my buck.
Do you have two (or more) pairs of sneakers? Do you rotate them out every time you run? If you do have more than one pair, do you have several of the same or some different ones?
Do you have two (or more) pairs of sneakers? Do you rotate them out every time you run? If you do have more than one pair, do you have several of the same or some different ones?
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Replies
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Bump! Great question for the newbies like me
I'd love to know the answer to this!! 0 -
I have a couple of pairs as i pick them up in the sale plus if one pair get wet i can swap them over. Must admit i'm a bit of a running shoe addict though.0
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Hey! For me, I've used my Nike Free for a long time until they got so beat up I just had to buy new ones. The only reason I bought two pairs is I needed one for the gym and one for running outside. I can't really see a reason why you'd absolutely need two pairs to perform the same kind of training though.0
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you don't have to buy them at the same time. you can buy one pair now, and one pair later. i think the whole multiple pair of sneakers is just so that you give them a chance to breathe. running shoes can get funky!! at the moment i have about 4 pairs of running sneakers.0
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It's that, or you buy a new pair even sooner.
I always buy new shoes when mine are worn out, which is gauged by when the bridges are bad. If you swap out your shoes, the bridges take longer to wear out, and if you use one pair, the bridges go bad sooner. So, it's financially the same situation.
I could be mistaken as i'm not a 'pro runner', but i don't see the point honestly. Just keep an eye on the quality of your shoes, and make sure to replace them when they're worn out, to ensure you don't develop injuries.0 -
I'm just starting out and have only been using one pair. There may be something to the multi pair thing but I kinda feel like I have a pair I like and they are broken in why switch out?? I have a friend that run a lot and he only uses a single pair. You may be right about the store trying to score more money.0
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I've never been told that, I think they want you to buy more shoes! I've only been told to get new ones after a certain amount of miles ran (I think 500 or 600?). And I have got my running shoes from a running shop and been to a physio about my running.0
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There's a study that says runners who rotate shoes have a 39% less risk of injury
http://www.runnersworld.com/injury-prevention-recovery/study-backs-rotating-shoes-to-lower-injury-riskYou've probably been told that running in two or more pairs of shoes throughout the week can lower your risk of injury. According to a first-of-its-kind study, you've probably been told correctly, as runners who rotated among multiple models during the 22-week study had a 39% lower risk of running injury than those who almost always ran in the same shoes.
Researchers in Luxembourg gathered information on training volume, injury rate, cross-training, shoe usage and other variables from 264 adult recreational runners. During the 22-week study, 87 of the 264 runners suffered at least one running-related injury, which the researchers defined as "a physical pain or complaint located at the lower limbs or lower back region, sustained during or as a result of running practice and impeding planned running activity for at least one day."
Of the 264 runners, 116 were classified as single-shoe wearers; runners in this group did 91% of their mileage in the same shoe, and ran in an average of 1.3 pairs of shoes during the study. The other 148 were classified as multiple-shoe wearers; runners in this group tended to have a main shoe, which they wore for an average of 58% of their mileage, but they rotated among an average of 3.6 pairs of shoes for their training during the study.
Once they crunched the numbers, the researchers found that the multiple-shoe wearers had a 39% lower risk of injury during the study period than the single-shoe wearers.
The researchers wrote that this could well be because different shoes distribute the impact forces of running differently, thereby lessening the strain on any given tissue. Previous research has shown, and runners have long intuitively felt, that factors such as midsole height and midsole firmness create differences in gait components such as stride length and ground reaction time.
As the researchers put it, "the concomitant use of different pairs of running shoes will provide alternation in the running pattern and vary external and active forces on the lower legs during running activity. Whether the reduced [injury] risk can be ascribed to alternation of different shoe characteristics, such as midsole densities, structures or geometries cannot be determined from these results and warrants future research."
Supporting this idea of reducing injury risk by varying tissue loads, the researchers also found that runners who reported more cross-training had a lower incidence of injury.
"Multiple shoe use and participation in other sporting activities are strategies leading to a variation of external and internal loads applied to the musculoskeletal system that could have a beneficial effect on [running injuries]. Although speculative, it could be that any training paradigm that limits excess repetitions will decrease the risk of [running injuries], especially overuse injuries," the researchers wrote.
The research was published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports.0 -
I believe in having two pairs. The Army made us alternate our combat boots for the same reasons. We had one pair with a knot tied in the laces and one without. We had 'knot days' and 'no-knot' days in basic training.
It isn't more expensive in the long run (pun intended), you just have to spend more up front.0 -
Actually it is true and not just marketing, to a point. Having 2 pairs of running shoes and rotating them out actually makes them last longer for two reasons. One it makes sure they can dry out after the last run. Two, and most importantly, it allows the shoes more time to return to their manufactured shape before you start pounding on them again. In other words, the cushioning returns closer to it's normal softness and motion control returns more closely to it's factory arch shape.
Plus if you run often and for long distances (like 5 miles plus 4 or 5 days a week), then your feet can actually start to form to the shape of the shoe if you use the same shoe over and over. If you only run 2 or 3 miles 2 or 3 times a week, you probably don't have anything to worry about this though.
So to answer your question, if your shoes can take more miles if you have 2 pairs and rotate them. If you run a LOT, it can help prevent foot issues long term.0 -
Yes, even though I'm not a serious runner, I swap out shoes. I was told it takes about 30 hours for your sneakers to dry completely! If you allow to dry between runs it helps the structure of your shoes to not break down and last longer.
My serious running fiends swap out shoes each day and coordinate which shoe to wear depending on the run. One shoe for long, one for short fast runs, one for hills, ect.
Many people also go online and buy same exact shoe for less. Support shoe store but also save some money.0 -
I'm just starting out and have only been using one pair. There may be something to the multi pair thing but I kinda feel like I have a pair I like and they are broken in why switch out?? I have a friend that run a lot and he only uses a single pair. You may be right about the store trying to score more money.
Because if you buy another pair the same you can start breaking them in before your current pair wears out. Then you won't go straight from trashed old shoes to stiff new ones.0 -
love to see carson weight in on this one......
I know most people have a road pair and an offroad pair if they go offroading, I also know alot of serious racers will have a lighter pair to wear race day so they can go faster. Not sure if there is a benefit to having differet shoes on when you do different types of runs?0 -
I would buy just one pair that the store recommend -- I presume after a gait analysis and see how you get on with them. THEN keep an eye out on online sales etc to pick up another pair. I live in a very wet part of the country and run 5 out of 7 days so they can get a bit wet and stinky.0
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This! My outside shoes have been well worn in and fit like a dream. I feel like switching between pairs would only... err, confuse my feet, I guess?I'm just starting out and have only been using one pair. There may be something to the multi pair thing but I kinda feel like I have a pair I like and they are broken in why switch out?? I have a friend that run a lot and he only uses a single pair. You may be right about the store trying to score more money.0 -
Since I run both at home (on weekends and on the days I work from home) and also run on the days I'm in the office, I have a pair for home and a pair for the office. I have other pairs also because once they start getting worn out a bit, I use them for when I'm on the elliptical or biking. So, I have a LOT of running shoes sitting around. If I am going a longer distance, I wear the newer ones with more support. If I'm only going about 3, I can get by using a pair that is a little more worn. As far as having two pairs of shoes to alternate, I figure those two pairs of shoes will last you twice as long as running in just one pair all the time. I find my shoes do wear out fast and even though they look okay on the outside, the insides seem a little mushy or soft and the bottoms (mainly my heels) get worn down.0
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Do you have two (or more) pairs of sneakers? 2 pairs.
Do you rotate them out every time you run? Yes, I alternate each day.
f you do have more than one pair, do you have several of the same or some different ones? A pair of NB Trail Minimus and a pair of NB Leadville.0 -
love to see carson weight in on this one......
I know most people have a road pair and an offroad pair if they go offroading, I also know alot of serious racers will have a lighter pair to wear race day so they can go faster. Not sure if there is a benefit to having differet shoes on when you do different types of runs?
Off roaders have a lot more grip and usually less support. i have a pair of fell runners that are difficult to wear on tarmac and road shoes that are fine for trails running but would be useless for mud run etc. i also have a pair that are trail with extra grip but can cpe with pavement as i tend to do different types of racing.0 -
I don't think it's important. I've only ever used one pair at a time. When they get old and lose their spring and comfort, then I can usually afford another pair.0
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Myself noI just buy one pair and use them up. But It would be nice to have at least two as they do get wet and muddy at time. I can just set them out and let them dry. Actually I do have two I have a gortex lined pair for winter and breathable lightweight for summer. I know thats not what you were asking.0
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I have 3 pairs - Road (supportive/cushioned), Trail (tougher, can cope with a mud/grass or hard surfaces, some cushioning) and Cross Country (Large grips slippy on road but great in mud, rugged, not cushioned). if you mix up your run types you have a more natural progression / rotation.
That said, if you are road running you should do the whole rotate out thing but don't buy both shoes at the same time - about halfway through the life of one pair get your new pair (don't forget, the life of your shoes doubles when you have 2 pairs), that way it spreads the cost and means you always have a 'fresh' set for races and long runs.
Exception case: if you every find shoes which you absolutely love - and it doesn't happen as often as you think - stock up - manufacturers are constantly tinkering and a small change can 'spoil' the shoe for you.0 -
I replace my shoes when they wear out or just before. I don't have multiple pairs. But I do only use one type of running shoe (barefoots) for all my different running. If your present running shoes aren't comfortable for you on all terrain, you could consider getting one pair for road running (meep meep, lol) and one for trail running.0
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I have three different models of shoes (different brands) that I like and have at least two pairs of each (mostly the more cushioned trainers for everyday easy running or long runs, the lighter ones for speedwork and racing). I also have two pairs of trail shoes and some cross country spikes. I don't spend more on shoes as I get the same amount of miles out of each pair (possibly slightly more as they've got time to dry out and recover between runs), and because I know which ones I like so I can just buy them when they're on sale online.
I wouldn't buy two pairs of brand new shoes at full price from a store on the same day. Buy one pair, see how you get on with them, wait a couple of months, then if you like them buy a second in last season's colours online and rotate.0 -
I have a couple of pairs as i pick them up in the sale plus if one pair get wet i can swap them over. Must admit i'm a bit of a running shoe addict though.
This, most notablely the sales (if you can get two for the price of one - why not) and if you run frequently you might hit wet weather. Of course, the fix for that is newspaper in the shoes as soon as you get home. This absorbs the moisture and asks as a natuarly odor remover for sneakers.
Typically I buy one pair myself and use the newspapers. The key I have found is to make sure you keep track of your mileage and get a new pair every 500 to 750 miles (depending on your running style - pronating). So, you don't really need to have two pair but track your mileage on the pair you got.
However, if you are like the poster I am quoting, it is fine to have two pair for the purpose of sale or when they get wet but a good helping of newspaper in the shoes solves the same problem for wetness.0 -
I have three pair of road shoes in rotation at various levels of wear. It isn't something you NEED to do but there is a logic behind it ... time for shoes to dry, extending life of each pair, more shallow logic like more color options to match with outfits, etc. There are a couple of studies indicating a lower risk of injury (link below).
Right now my shoes include two models of Merrells and one New Balance ... all similar heel to toe drop but differing cushioning levels and footbeds. I do have a preferred pair of the current three, but, am comfortable in all of them. It's nice not having to worry if I have a dry pair to run in if I do get caught in the rain or traverse some dew covered grass. When I retire a pair, they transition to walking around every day shoes.
http://www.runnersworld.com/injury-prevention-recovery/study-backs-rotating-shoes-to-lower-injury-risk0 -
I normally run in just one pair until they are done. However I advocate having multiple pairs.
Brands are being updated all the time, and not always for the better. That means if you have a favorite pair, they may become unavailable the following year. So I buy several just to have them.0 -
I rotate between two pairs. I originally went to a running store to find out what kind of shoe works for me and I bought my 1st pair from them. Since I have found the kind of shoe I like and know the size, I now go online and get my shoes about 30-40% cheaper than buying them from the running store. I also wait until my favorite shoe goes on clearance and stock up. If I find a new brand/style that I think I might want to try, I go to a sporting goods store to try them on and then go back home and order online.0
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Great question!!! I'd like to know too.0
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love to see carson weight in on this one......
I know most people have a road pair and an offroad pair if they go offroading, I also know alot of serious racers will have a lighter pair to wear race day so they can go faster. Not sure if there is a benefit to having differet shoes on when you do different types of runs?
Off roaders have a lot more grip and usually less support. i have a pair of fell runners that are difficult to wear on tarmac and road shoes that are fine for trails running but would be useless for mud run etc. i also have a pair that are trail with extra grip but can cpe with pavement as i tend to do different types of racing.
i have a pair of trail running shoes that i use for trail running and tough mudders. my friends balked when i bought a pair of new shoes for tough mudder. well, i bought them in june, and used them on the race this past weekend, and they were worth every penny. for $60 i got a pair of shoes that had grip on mud and downhills. my friends wore basketball shoes with no grip at all and were slipping and sliding everywhere.
and best part? they're trail running shoes, so they're relatively thin and made out of material that don't absorb a lot of mud, so they stayed light during the day, and cleaned off easily!! i'll be able to use them for at least another race.0 -
I'm just starting out and have only been using one pair. There may be something to the multi pair thing but I kinda feel like I have a pair I like and they are broken in why switch out?? I have a friend that run a lot and he only uses a single pair. You may be right about the store trying to score more money.
Because if you buy another pair the same you can start breaking them in before your current pair wears out. Then you won't go straight from trashed old shoes to stiff new ones.
This
I have four pairs of road shoes that I keep about 100 miles apart in terms of distance run in them. Makes transition easier and it gives them a decent chance to dry out after use.
I have two pairs of trail shoes as well.
Key is that you don't need to buy both pairs up front. Give it a month and buy a second pair.0
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