Running is one of the most widely practiced healthy hobbies worldwide. Running in the park or on a trail keeps your body in good shape. It is an affordable hobby, and all you need are good running shoes and some sweats to keep your muscles intact. Running off the beaten track can be a bit daunting, but you need some trail running shoes to keep up with the irregular surface. Run more often, and your running shoes might wear off, but there are tips to keep you on the trail and your shoes still looking as good as ever. This guide will give you just what you need.
Only Wear Them for Running
The best way to keep your running shoes fresh for a longer period is to only wear them for running. Lots of people use shoes for different purposes, while others may have a few boots for different sets of activities. Well, you can’t blame anyone for using their shoes for whatever purpose they feel like. If you want to ensure your running shoes don’t wear off quickly, all you need to do is make sure you don’t use them for anything else. Withhold yourself, be disciplined, don’t wear them for soccer practice or go with them for hiking.
Dry your Shoes Properly
After an exhausting run on the trail, runners tend to forget how wet their shoes are and what they do is keep them on the shoe rack or dump them in their bag once they get home. What they don’t know is, shoes wear off if you wear them while they still have moisture. The best way to approach this is to leave your shoes outside and let the sunshine dry them. If it’s raining outside, leave them in an open space where rain droplets can’t reach them.
Keep Track of The Miles you Have Run
Let’s face it, and your shoes aren’t going to be the same as they were when you bought them a year ago. Shoes wear and tear over time, and so it would be wise to keep track of these developments; while using your trail running shoes.
Your worn-out shoes may not support your body as well as they did after the purchase because your spine and the general health of your bones need support when running on the trail. The weather conditions and your weight distribution may cause some uneven wear and tear, and these may cause you some serious damage down the road. The best way to take care of your shoes is by running on even solid grounds and by changing your running patterns so that they may last longer.
Alternate Between Pairs
Lots of people have that one running pair of shoes, but training enthusiasts know all too well what happens if they use one pair for a long period. If your shoes don’t get the time to dry because you have one pair, you may end up causing some serious tears. At least make sure you have two or three pairs to rotate between to prolong their shelf life.
Don’t Wash your Shoes in the Washing Machine
After a hard morning of running on the trail, you may get the temptations of dumping your shoes in the washing machine because you are worn out. Big mistake, your shoes will get a beating in the washing machine, don’t do it because you will regret it. Don’t be lazy hose your shoes off to get the mud off; add some soap and gently brush them with a scrubber. Let your shoes dry off in the open space, and don’t put them in the dryer. Just don’t take any shortcuts while cleaning your shoes, or you may have no shoes to clean anymore.
Final Thoughts
Your running shoes need to have a breather every once in a while. As much as you have your off days from exercising, your shoes also need to relax. Don’t rush it back if it’s still wet and soiled. Take care of them, and wash them appropriately. Have several shoes to fill the need to leave your favorite running shoes behind. Be kind to your shoes, and they will be kind to your spinal cord.
