General Discussion Triathlon Talk » A bad time for new shoes...? Rss Feed  
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2008-11-09 10:46 AM

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Subject: A bad time for new shoes...?
I estimate I've logged about 260 miles on my current shoes. Got two more weeks of training before the Philly Marathon (which will include a 20 mile run on Wednesday)...do I stick with these shoes until after the race, or replace them now?

Not sure if it matters, but I wear Saucony Grid Fusion's and I wear orthotics because I have a slight overpronation. I love these shoes, but I chose them out of comfort. I'm considering going to my running store and getting officially fitted for a new pair, possibly a new brand--of course, that seems like a super bad idea two weeks before a race...Might be better to just stick with the same shoes now. Advice? Opinions? Thanks!


2008-11-09 11:09 AM
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Expert
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Subject: RE: A bad time for new shoes...?
Longest running I have done is an 18 miler and ran a half-mary, but my gut says your 20 miler and taper week are the wrong time to break in new shoes.  Stick with what works and make a change following the philly.
2008-11-09 11:13 AM
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Subject: RE: A bad time for new shoes...?

You have time to break in a new pair, but it probably isn't necessary, unless you think that these are already borderline.  Unless they have taken an unusually hard pounding, they should last.

You probably know this but in case not:  It's probably not a good idea to break the new shoes in on a 20-miler, especially if they are shoes you haven't tried before.

2008-11-09 11:13 AM
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Subject: RE: A bad time for new shoes...?
I wouldn't change them now. Conservatively, shoes wear out after about 300-500 miles, so you won't be that close. If you are comfortable in them, and aren't feeling any pain after your long runs, you are probably doing ok.

Switching brands is a little bit of a crap shoot. It might help, it might do nothing, or it might hurt.
2008-11-09 11:35 AM
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Subject: RE: A bad time for new shoes...?

New shoes don't need to be broken in these days, they're good right out of the box. If your shoes were worn (questionable at 260 miles) and you were going to the same make and model now would be a great time to switch.

However...

If you're contemplating switching shoes it's not a great time as your feet and joints may need time to get adjusted to a different time of shoe.

Question: if you chose your current shoes "out of comfort," and are having no problems with them now, why would you contemplate changing? Is there another consideration besides "comfort"?

2008-11-09 11:41 AM
in reply to: #1798157

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over a barrier
Subject: RE: A bad time for new shoes...?
If you're sticking to the same make and model, you're fine to switch now. I got a new pair two weeks prior to my last marathon. I like the new shoe feeling, a little more spring to the step.

Avoid switching new brands though....


2008-11-09 11:48 AM
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Subject: RE: A bad time for new shoes...?
the bear - 2008-11-09 12:35 PM

New shoes don't need to be broken in these days, they're good right out of the box. If your shoes were worn (questionable at 260 miles) and you were going to the same make and model now would be a great time to switch.

However...

If you're contemplating switching shoes it's not a great time as your feet and joints may need time to get adjusted to a different time of shoe.

Question: if you chose your current shoes "out of comfort," and are having no problems with them now, why would you contemplate changing? Is there another consideration besides "comfort"?

Right.  She said she was likely switching shoes.  What I meant by 'breaking in' (OK, bad old timer language, I agree) was getting the feet used to the shoes, not vice versa.  Thanks for correcting me.

2008-11-09 12:02 PM
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Subject: RE: A bad time for new shoes...?
I think you're fine either way.  Personally I would stick with the current shoes.
2008-11-09 7:50 PM
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Coach
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Subject: RE: A bad time for new shoes...?
for a diffrent running shoe model and brand yes, to get new shoes same brand and model you currently use no problem. I personally like to stick to the same model that works for me. If it isn't broken, why fix it!
2008-11-09 8:03 PM
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Subject: RE: A bad time for new shoes...?
I never thought about shoes and their lifespan but thinking m,ore about it here at work I think it might be time for me to get new shoes.  I have the asics and i have about 340 miles on them.  They have a hole at the right toe (very small) and they have worn tread.  They are a good shoe, finish line told me they were the most popular running shoe they sell and 6 months later they still sell for the same price of 99.00.  Never thought about lifespan... hmm
2008-11-09 8:16 PM
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Cycling Guru
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Subject: RE: A bad time for new shoes...?

I personally would not change out shoe models within a marathon plan.  I have had good success with sticking with the same model and just replacing them at 350-ish miles.  But of course your mileage will vary.

While "breaking in" is not required on shoes anymore, I still like to log at least one longish run and a faster run on a new pair before racing in them.



2008-11-09 8:33 PM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: A bad time for new shoes...?
I have had shoes that last 250 miles and shoes that last 500. If you feel the shoes are dead 2 weeks before a mary is not a terrible time to get a new pair - if its the same shoe. I agree with above posters shoes don't need a breaking in anymore. I would still do a shorter run just in case in them before embarking on your 20.

Edited by sportyj 2008-11-09 8:34 PM
2008-11-10 7:20 AM
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Subject: RE: A bad time for new shoes...?

If you start with a new pair, wear them for a couple of your shorter runs and save your current shoes for the long run and race. 

I usually start rotating in a new pair when the old pair has 250-300 miles and alternate them for a month or two. 

2008-11-10 7:27 AM
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Runner
Subject: RE: A bad time for new shoes...?
Why are you running a 20 miler a week and a half before the marathon?
2008-11-10 12:28 PM
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Subject: RE: A bad time for new shoes...?
Thanks! All good points. I have been sort of prone to foot injuries this year, which has never happened in the past (did a HIM, a sprint and an Oly this year, though my training was pretty intense from day 1, and now I'm training for the Philly marathon). I wasn't sure if maybe my shoes were to blame--had to see a sports doc earlier this year for tendonitis in my foot, which again, never was an issue before. Right now I'm recovering from that tendonitis as I train for the marathon and I began thinking about my shoes, and if perhaps they were a bad fit, despite "feeling" comfortable. (Doc said I had very minor overpronation, which prompted me to get orthotics).

One problem is I'm not particularly scientific about how I choose my running shoes. I literally go to a sports store (no, not a running store) and just pull all the shoes off the shelf, don't look at brands or prices or features, and then run around the store until I find a pair that "feels right." This has worked perfectly fine in the past and means I've switched brands (used to think Asics were THE best, then they updated/ruined my favorite shoe, so now I run in Saucony's) over the past few years.

I feel like I know a little bit more about my feet now and it might be worth it to explore an actual fitting at a running store. I've never been able to decide if this is worth it. (Anyone else?)

Anyway, I think I'll stick with the current shoes throughout the race and up to maybe 350 miles and then go get fitted. Thanks for all the advice!
2008-11-11 5:51 PM
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Subject: RE: A bad time for new shoes...?
Bad time.  Unless you weigh 200 pounds or have a really bad running style, 260 miles is not bad.  Replace the shoes only if you feel your body beginning to break down when you run (I've had that experience, and I can tell you that you will know when it happens), otherwise NOOOOOOO.


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