How Many Pairs of Running Shoes Should I Have?

If you rotate your running shoes, you can make them last longer. You need to give your shoes’ midsole foam enough time to rebound between each run, just like you would your feet.

Even your feet need rest like this because different shoes can stress your feet in different ways.

You get a mental benefit from rotating your shoes. If you need the right mindset for different tasks, you should wear different shoes for various kinds of runs.

For example, you can use lightweight shoes for speedwork and wear heavier shoes for an easy run.

So, you should read the rest of the article if you’re wondering, how many pairs of running shoes should I have?

Should You Have More Than One Pair of Running Shoes and Why?

Should You Have More Than One Pair of Running Shoes

You should definitely own more than one pair of running shoes. This is so that you give your shoes a break to recover from being used too often. While you wear one pair of shoes, the other pair can rest. This way, your shoes will last you longer.

Why you need more than one pair:

  • Wearing different shoes can prevent potential imbalances in muscles. And you’re more likely not to get injured if you rotate your shoes.
  • If you don’t let your shoes rest, they won’t be as cushioned as they should be. It takes about 24 hours for your shoe cushions to bounce back fully. Wearing more cushioned shoes can benefit you in many ways.
  • You can wear different shoes for different kinds of runs. Different shoes for running have an effect on running kinematics and kinetics before or at heel strike.

How Many Pairs of Running Shoes Per Year Do I Need?

How Many Pairs of Running Shoes Per Year Do I Need

At the very least, you should own two pairs of running shoes annually. So, the answer is yes if you’re wondering, do I need two pairs of running shoes?

If you’re running for at least four days each week, you definitely need two pairs of running shoes. Here are some tips on how you can decide how many pairs of shoes you need:

  • You are good with a single pair if you run 1 to 2 days every week for cross-training. But make sure that you rotate your shoes for other activities.
  • You need two road shoes and trail shoes for running on different terrain.
  • You may need carbon fiber shoes for speed day and two other pairs for regular use if you work at different speeds.
  • You can never have too many different styles of shoes for different activities.

Alternating Running Shoes If You Run 5-7 Days Every Week

Alternating Running Shoes If You Run 5-7 Days Every Week

You definitely need two pairs of running shoes if you run most days of each week. What you have to do is rotate those two pairs throughout the week instead of wearing the same shoes for multiple days consecutively.

Just make sure that you don’t wear the same pair of running shoes twice consecutively, and you’re good to go.

As you already know, these shoes have built-in compressed foams, which need a day or two to bounce back. You risk getting injured if you wear your shoes without letting the foam bounce back. So, keep two pairs at hand if you run 5-7 days a week.

What Type of Running Shoe Do I Need?

There are different types of shoes for different activities. You need to decide what shoes to get depending on these types:

  • Motion Control Shoes: These shoes are for those runners who need control or reduction of too much rolling action of their foot.
  • Cushioned Shoes: For under-pronating runners whose feet don’t roll outward much or inward enough.
  • Stability Shoes: These shoes are for people who need medical support, durability, and cushioning.
  • Lightweight Shoes: For a minimalist approach, you can use these shoes.
  • Trail Shoes: These shoes are mainly for use on different trails.

Conclusion

You can never have too many shoes. But, when it comes to the efficiency of running shoes, it’s best to keep at least two pairs of shoes at hand.

If you don’t let your shoes rest every time you’ve used them, you might get injured from the lack of cushion efficiency, and your shoes will not last you long.

I hope by now I’ve answered your question: how many pairs of running shoes should I have?

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