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Shoes don't last forever and keeping old shoes past their prime can cause discomfort or injury. New shoes generally have a 300-500 mile lifespan depending on the wearer's
body weight so a 25-mile-per-week jogger will need to replace his or her shoes every three to four months. Bear in mind, shoes age even when they're not being worn. The glue
used to construct the shoe dries out and hardens while the soles of the shoes disintegrate. It's therefore important that you not stockpile you favorite model of shoe but
instead buy new pairs as the old ones wear out.
Different shoes should be worn for different activities such as walking, aerobics, working and running. A good rule of thumb for replacing athletic shoes is to buy a new pair
four to six weeks after your present pair or after you have logged around 200 miles in the current pair. Purchase a shoe with similar construction and features but in a
different model and alternate them each time you work out. In addition to providing you with a reference point to recognize as the older pair ages, alternating two pairs of
shoes may prolong the life of both pairs as shoes tend to last long if they have an opportunity to rest and dry out between uses.
Other factors that can shorten the lifespan of your shoes inlude:
- Heat: Heat causes the glue to soften, the midsoles to flatten and the shoe to curl up. Don't leave your shoes in direct sunlight or next to the heater.
- Moisture: Moisture can wreak havoc on shoes. If your shoes get wet or sweat-soaked, dry them by loosening the laces, pulling out the tongue and removing the insole.
Stuffing the shoe with newspaper can also help absorb excess moisture. Use foot powder to keep shoes dry and to prevent the growth of fungus and odor-causing bacteria.
- Cleaning: Clean shoes by hand with cold water, a mild soap and soft brush. Let them air dry rather than putting them in the dryer.
Tips to make shoes last longer
- Alternate shoes so as not to wear the same pair two days in a row.
- Dry wet shoes completely and immediately
- Keep leather shoes well polished
- Use a shoe tree to preserve the shape of dress shoes
- Wear flats when driving to avoid breaking a heel
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