Breaking in a pair of running shoes
BY: dougd on 2007-08-17 1:53 PM

A question popped into my mind. What is the proper way to break in a new pair of running shoes? I'm sure there is, but I have no idea.

Thanks,

Doug
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"Don't ever accept anyone else's preconceived limitations. If there's something you want to do, there isn't any reason you can't do it."
-Amy Dodson, running amputee

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RE: Breaking in a pair of running shoes
BY: TriAya on 2007-08-17 2:05 PM

Wear 'em everywhere, and try them on short runs. You can even hold them and bend them back and forth a bit to loosen them up. Whatever you do, don't break 'em in on a long run!
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RE: Breaking in a pair of running shoes
BY: suffer78 on 2007-08-17 2:07 PM

Exactly. I walk everywhere in a new pair of shoes and start them out on short runs. After a couple weeks, I'll start wearing them on long runs.
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RE: Breaking in a pair of running shoes
BY: briderdt on 2007-08-17 2:14 PM

It shouldn't take very long, but just start slow (short), and work your way up in them.

RE: Breaking in a pair of running shoes
BY: the bear on 2007-08-17 2:42 PM

Actually, today's shoes need no breaking in and can be worn even on a long first run. The problem comes when you change makes or models, or the manufacturer changes up the model. Then you have to get your foot used to the shoe. But, the actual shoes not need to broken in.
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RE: Breaking in a pair of running shoes
BY: Artemis on 2007-08-17 2:48 PM

I never break in my running shoes, but I've been using the same pair for about two years.  I also never use them for anything but running in.

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RE: Breaking in a pair of running shoes
BY: dougd on 2007-08-17 2:54 PM

Thanks all for the info! That's why I like this forum, ask and ye shall get advice.....

Doug
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"Don't ever accept anyone else's preconceived limitations. If there's something you want to do, there isn't any reason you can't do it."
-Amy Dodson, running amputee

"An apple a day will keep anyone away....If you throw it hard enough."
-Stephen Colbert

"I can call myself HIPPO, therefore, I am one" - Official Team Hippo Member since 11/2007

Training to Tri for Lupi, Pookie and Sqish

RE: Breaking in a pair of running shoes
BY: briderdt on 2007-08-17 2:54 PM

True. The more appropriate term would be "breaking in the feet to the new shoes" -- developing the caluses in the right places.

RE: Breaking in a pair of running shoes
BY: the bear on 2007-08-17 3:04 PM

Eggs-axe-ly!

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Administrator, Tri-Cajuns Club

RE: Breaking in a pair of running shoes
BY: kproudfoot on 2007-08-17 5:30 PM

You are very lucky you have had no injuries but some people are good like that.  My local running store told me 6 months max no matter how many miles you run.  I don't know if this is true or not because I really don't take any time off running to find out.  As for breaking in I agree with bear.  I never break my shoes in.  I usually just put them on and go.  I change models/brands all the time.  I usually go find something on sale and don't care what they look like (except maybe hot pink).

RE: Breaking in a pair of running shoes
BY: the bear on 2007-08-17 5:53 PM

Running shoes do not have a limited shelf life, at least not one that will come into play during normal use.

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Administrator, Tri-Cajuns Club

RE: Breaking in a pair of running shoes
BY: dougd on 2007-08-17 6:13 PM



I thought about this statement this afternoon while walking/joggong. Ya, I can see the logic in it.

Doug
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"Don't ever accept anyone else's preconceived limitations. If there's something you want to do, there isn't any reason you can't do it."
-Amy Dodson, running amputee

"An apple a day will keep anyone away....If you throw it hard enough."
-Stephen Colbert

"I can call myself HIPPO, therefore, I am one" - Official Team Hippo Member since 11/2007

Training to Tri for Lupi, Pookie and Sqish

RE: Breaking in a pair of running shoes
BY: gamebofh on 2007-08-17 7:37 PM

When I was doing marathon training and I wanted to switch shoes (pairs, not make/model, which are always Asics) I would get the new pair out, and for a week wear those just on the short runs (6 miles or less). After that, the old shoes get washed and worn as my wearing around shoes and the others are full time runners.

The nice thing about only wearing for running then washing is that after that they look brand new, even if they have a few hundred miles on them.

-Jot