Mileage Adding Up: Everyone is Different

Numbers wise, a good running shoe should last you between 400 and 600 miles. The exact number is different for every runner as it really depends on factors like build, style of running, and weight. For example, smaller runners, or more efficient runners who are light on their feet, often won’t do as much damage to their shoe and can get a little more mileage out of them. Bigger runners, or runners who pound the pavement with harsh force, will likely be at the lower end of the mileage range.
 
Keep track of your mileage by entering the date you bought your pair in a training log or by using a Sharpie to write the date on your shoe.

I am able to get around 600+ miles out of my shoes. I run 120 miles month on average, therefore I reinvest in a new pair between four and five months. As a rule, you want to begin breaking in your new pair and rotate with the two for a few weeks before you retire your old pair.

Is The Tread Gone?

Main goal of tread: To provide traction whether you’re on a hot paved road or a rugged, technical trail.

Over time the rubber on the bottom outsole (shoe comes in contact with the ground from heel to toe) wears away just like the rubber on your car tires.

Pay attention to: “bald spots” on the outsole where rubber has worn off.

Orthotics?

YES! A must for better foot health, better running and longer life of your shoes! If you happen to live in the Seattle area, Dr. Happy Feet (AKA Kelly Timmons) is incredible! Kelly is a great guy and actually fits ski boots to some pretty famous Olympic skiers, so you can bet he knows what he’s doing.  He also does custom fitting for the feet, including full custom orthotics. He fits ski boots, but he can also fit snowboarding, inline skating, cycling, hiking, running, soccer, and pretty much all footwear to your feet. Call (206) 547-7879 for an appointment.

 

Don't Throw Away Your Old Sneakers


Donate: 
Send them to an organization that'll put them to good use. Soles4Souls's tagline is "Saving the world — one pair at a time." This organization takes your tired but "gently worn" sneakers and finds needy feet to fill them. You can drop off your pairs at a location near you.

Recycle: 
Turn your old shoes into something new. Nike Reuse-a-Shoe takes all brands of sneakers that are beyond "gently worn" and turns them into a recycled product known as Nike Grind, which is used to make tracks, indoor basketball courts, fields, and playgrounds. Just drop off your retired sneakers at a participating Nike store. Also checkout local sports stores, such as REI, that accept shoes for recycling.

Reuse: 
Keep an old pair of sneakers around for mowing the grass or days when you're running or walking in the rain or on muddy trails. Some people even use old shoes as plant potters — GO GREEN! Fill a disinfected shoe with soil and grow some basil or cilantro on your deck or windowsill.

From left to right

Capilene® 2 Lightweight Zip Neck (base layer)(women’s)(men’s)

R1® Full Zip Jacket (mid layer)(women’s)(men’s)

Nano Puff® Jacket (insulation)(women’s)(men’s)

Super Cell Jacket (waterproof shell)(women’s)(men’s)

The R1® Full Zip Jacket

The R1® Full Zip Jacket is a minimalist design that’s been perfected for a gamut of backcountry adventures and is equally excellent as a stand-alone piece. The R1® material is versatile and works in lots of situations with its high/low grid fabric traps, which insulate and remove moisture off the skin. The fit is slim, but true to size. I use my R1® regularly for running, golfing, canoeing and hiking. It’s become my best friend and I love it more every single time I put it on. Looks great with a pair of jeans and is cozy to lounge in on the weekends to top it off.

Handana was developed by a fellow athlete, so the product does what it claims.  It’s very easy to see that a lot of the effort went into finding the right product. No matter what you are doing from long trail runs to practicing hot yoga, you will be amazed with how quickly it absorbs sweat and odor.  The Handana is machine washable and is made of the softest Supplex ™ fabric so it can be used over and over.

I’ve used about everything from sweatbands to microfiber headbands to visors to keep sweat out of my eyes. Sweatbands have always been awkward to maneuver your wrist around your nose and neck. Plus they are not always sensitive to your face. The Hanada is a comfortable, practical sweat absorbent glove.