How many pairs of sneakers do you use?

Let’s get the conversation going about sneakers - running shoes. To the majority of the population – running is a free sport. It costs nothing to walk out the door and go for a jog. However, the gear required to continue running can be the costliest part. This doesn’t mean you have to buy the latest and greatest – like carbon plated shoes. But a reason behind why we need multiple sneakers is so we can rotate pairs. This allows the sneaker to maintain its structure so you can wear them for longer. The biggest reason why this is vital to any runner is rotating shoes can also help to reduce the risk of injuries. I know I’d prefer to run in a pair of sneakers that have done 100km than a pair being worn regularly for five years! Wouldn’t you?

For those new to running you would have queried the notion about rotating your sneakers. What does this mean? Well, sneakers - like the tyres on our car, need to be rotated – they need a period of rest. Yes, those fluffy cushion shoes you love so dearly! When you run, the force that goes through your joints and through your shoes is much greater than our body weight. If you’re one who needs numbers to support this statement, one running company evidenced the force going through our feet/shoe when running can be up to three times our body weight! Now… Think about how many times your feet hit the pavement on a run – that’s a lot of force each time you run! No wonder why our shoes need a break.  

Rest a shoe. The reason why some say you need to rest a shoe is quite a topical debate. Some will say it is so the foam can recover, others will say the foam doesn’t change no matter how long you rest it. This aside, there is plenty of research to support rotating through different shoes reduces your risk of injury. Now that’s a good reason to have more than one pair of runners.

Personally, I like to take it to the next level. I have a shoe for speed work, a shoe for easy jogs, my favourite long run shoes, trail shoes and race day shoes! This is because each shoe model is made differently, and for different purposes. For instance, speed shoes are lightweight – making it easier to run faster. Easy jog shoes for me have some cushioning (but not too much). My favourite long run shoes have maximum cushion as that’s when I need it most – as when I go for runs over two hours I know I get heavier in my feet when I start to fatigue. Trail shoes – it’s different terrain so you need a different grip compared to road running. Race shoes are speed shoes that I have only worn a few times to wear in but reserve for important runs.

One thing I’ve learnt over the years is that running shoes change - even more so in the last 3-5 years. Once upon a time I had my favourite shoe, it reduced my risk of shin splints – it was amazing. I wore the same model for over 10 years. I had multiple pairs and alternated between them. Then one day the brand decided to change the shoe. I started getting niggles and had to find a new shoe. So, I highly recommend having more than one pair but don’t have the same model as your other shoe. Pick a different model or even a different brand. This way your foot doesn’t get too used to one way.

My theory may make it expensive but when I run almost every day, I’d go through shoes quickly if I only had two pairs. The other good thing about having different types of shoes is that my body is exposed to forces from wearing different shoes. This also means that when a shoe make up changes, my body can adjust more readily. I feel the sole (pun intended) reason to have different types of shoes on rotation (not the same model and make and rotate) is because it reduces the risk of injury. It exposes the body to different forces, works different muscles making the runner stronger and more robust.

Shoes! Can you have too many pairs of sneakers? Some would say yes. But the key thing to take away is that there are different types of shoes for different types of running. Buy trail shoes if you are hitting the trails, but don’t use them for road running - it’s not what they’re intended for. And, if you are just starting out, have at least two pairs of sneakers (different models) to alternate between. Having shoes to rotate will reduce the frequency needed to buy new shoes but also help to prevent injuries. So, how many pairs of sneakers do you have?