9 Reasons to Replace Your Running Shoes
If you have been going for higher mileage than usual or recently put on an old pair of sneakers, it is crucial to bear in mind the lifespan of your footwear. After a certain amount of use, they are likely worn out.
In this piece, we’ll discuss why you need to replace your old or worn-out footwear. Continue reading!
1. Blisters, corns and calluses
Calluses, corns and blisters on your feet are caused by prolonged friction and pressure from your footwear rubbing your toes and feet. That can happen when the supportive material of your footwear starts to break down or when your footwear is too short or too narrow.
Taping may temporarily prevent them from forming. However, in the long run, purchasing a new pair of footwear with a better fit provides a greater guarantee of preventing any skin irritation without excessive taping.
2. Develop plantar fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue connecting the heel to the toes. And when the long band becomes inflamed, you can experience plantar fasciitis that results in heel pain. That can be caused by exercising in worn-out or wrong footwear.
Your heels typically make constant contact with the surface as you run and without supportive footwear, it can cause unnecessary injury. Avoid this by buying shoes with enough cushion and support to protect your heels and absorb the shock.
3. Change how you walk or run
Footwear should enable you to run as usual or walk normally. Old or worn-out shoes can cause you to change your style. They can cause pressure on your ankles and tendons, causing you to adjust how you run or walk.
4. Poor shock absorption
Old or worn-out shoes can make you feel the impact of each step on your hips, knees, and feet, meaning that the footwear’s shock absorption has deteriorated.
Shoes with great shock absorption can minimize the strain on your bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments.
5. May slip and lose balance
The outside of your footwear is the bottom of the sole. The entire sole underfoot is usually made of rubber, supporting the feet while giving them traction.
The best running pair is designed to handle the road, including a bit of snow, light mud and rain. If you continue wearing your worn-out or old pair, you may slip and lose balance. To avoid slip-ping around on every step, consider purchasing a new pair.
6. Lose your toenails
Your foot should rest in your footwear with every stride when you run. But unlike your casual footwear, your toes shouldn’t touch the end of your footwear when you run. Consider purchasing a half-size bigger pair to prevent this when you run.
7. Develop iliotibial band syndrome
Iliotibial band syndrome is a health problem where a tendon referred to as the iliotibial gets swollen or irritated from rubbing your knee or hip bones. You will most probably notice it 5 to 10 mins into your run and it may force you to stop exercising.
There are several reasons why the iliotibial band might tighten. And a common cause in runners is using worn-out footwear.
8. Develop patellofemoral pain syndrome
Also called runner’s knee, it is a condition that causes pain around or under the kneecap or patella. The injury may result from the lining of the knee or irritation of the soft tissues, strained tendons or worn cartilage.
You’ll need to replace your worn-out shoes and buy quality ones with good shock absorption to prevent this condition. Also, ensure that they fit comfortably and properly.
9. Shin splints
Shin splints are one of the worst and most common injuries for runners. The injury results from inflexible or tired calf muscles putting stress on tendons, which become torn and strained. Replace your old sneakers with supportive shoes to prevent shin splints.
Conclusion
Even if you take good care of your footwear, consider replacing them about every 400 miles. Worn-out or old shoes can cause back pain, foot pain, runner’s knee and other conditions. Pay attention to the overall condition of your footwear and how you feel after or during your run to prevent unnecessary injuries.
