Shoe Care: How to maintain your running shoes?

shoe care

Your running shoes is your best friend. In fact, it does the heavy lifting for your running routine. Depending on the type of terrain where you usually go for run, it can take a lot of damage, and that's our number one consideration if you want to make your shoes last.

Unless you are preparing for a triathlon or have a strong preference for the invigorating experience of nature trails, it is advisable to avoid off-road running, particularly if your running shoes are specifically designed for road running. Off-road terrains can present a variety of challenges that may not be suitable for those who are accustomed to the predictable surfaces found on paved roads. These challenges include uneven ground, potential obstacles such as rocks and roots, and varying weather conditions that can make trails slippery or muddy. For those who are not trained for such environments, the risk of injury increases significantly. Moreover, many communities take great pride in offering accessible running circuits that cater specifically to casual joggers and fitness enthusiasts alike. These circuits are often designed with the runner's comfort and safety in mind, featuring smooth, well-maintained paths that allow for a consistent running experience. Joggers can enjoy the benefits of running laps in a controlled environment, where they can monitor their pace and distance without the unpredictability of off-road paths. Additionally, these community circuits often come with added amenities such as water stations, rest areas, and even shaded spots for runners to take breaks. This not only enhances the overall running experience but also fosters a sense of community among local runners, as they often encounter each other during their workouts. Therefore, unless you are specifically training for an event that requires off-road skills or you genuinely enjoy the challenges posed by nature trails, it is generally recommended to stick to these well-maintained running circuits that provide a safer and more enjoyable environment for your running endeavors.

A lot of the shoe damages may not be happening while your shoes are active. What do I mean by this? Well, this is where I mostly can relate being as dumb as I was. I used to work for a telco company and part of my job was climbing and carrying a 28-ft ladder on a daily basis, rain or shine in a tropical country. Just imagine how much wear and tear it can introduce to any kind of shoes, but my shoes were fine until I washed it. You might be asking are we still talking about running shoes here? Well, it doesn't matter whether it's a safety boots or running shoes, any shoes should be washed and dried with care. In my case, I washed it after months of using it. I thought saving water was a good idea, so again as dumb as I was, I dumped and soaked it to the water full of laundry soap since I was in-charged of doing the chores. Don't judge me, my wife was pregnant that time. Going back, don't ask me what happened to my shoes, I ended up buying new one over the weekend. The point I'm making is, you shouldn't threat your shoes like your clothes. In fact, shoes should be clean like you clean your feet. If you can invest for your foot hygiene, then similar should apply on investing for shoe cleaning essentials, like Jason Markk and Crep to name a few.

When I was in Singapore, I have roommates collecting expensive rubber shoes and I always wonder how come his shoes are always clean. Until one time I saw him cleaning his collections. He told me the importance of using a shoe shampoo with soft-bristle brush to clean the dirty surface and a microfiber towel for drying and to help absorb and remove the stubborn dirt. The solution on this shoe shampoo is specifically made not to abrasively damage the surface of the shoe. Use minimal water and force as needed in order to maintain the original colour and texture of the shoe fabric.

Last and certainly not the least, it is very important how you keep your shoes. Have you ever wonder what's the small white packet inside your shoe box? You may already know that Silica gel packet keeps the item dry, but how? Silica gel, made of silicon and oxygen, strongly attracts water molecules. Placing one inside your shoe box helps to protect it from moisture and damage due to humidity. But would about the paper they put inside the shoes? I also did that on my burger one time before bragging my creation on social media. And that's simply to keep it's form and to make it look better. For your shoes, placing paper, better yet newspaper, could do more especially when you are drying them after wash. In fact, doing so, will help deodorize it from sweat and bad odor.

Our shoes are very important aspect of our daily routine, and for many, it's not just for running. Keeping them on their best condition is the least that we could do in return. Besides, it'll help you save a little money that you can spend for daily needs. I hope I've shared at least a little insightful points. Otherwise, please leave your comments and feedback, so I can improve my content.