Two Shoes Are Better than One

I had a hard time accepting this before.  Being a kuripot, having two of the same things or of the same function, doesn’t appeal to me.  My eyebrows raised when I learned my boss would get two shoes of the same model everytime he buys and I couldn’t understand when I saw RunningShield’s collection of 14 running shoes.

But now that I am a confessed running addict, I understood the wisdom of having two or more running shoes.  Today, I have 4 running shoes and I am considering getting two more soon.  So why keep more?

1. Because running shoes have a life span of 500-800kms.  If you train regularly, you’d realize that it will take as little as three months or even less until the life span is reached.  Thus, you’d be back to the running store again to get a new pair.

2. Because the exact shoe model you love to wear may not be available the next time you visit the store.  That’s why it is also wise to buy two pairs of the same model to make sure you keep those well loved running shoes for a long time. Or you can delay buying the second pair since it might be on sale after 3-6 months.

3. Because shoes need to recover too.  I read from Runner’s World (June 2009) that shoes need about 24 hours to recover after running with them.  The midsoles maybe overcompressed after your previous run that they need time to rebound to keep the cushioning and support back.  It’s not a problem if you run less than 3 times a week.  Otherwise, consider getting an extra pair to rotate with.

4. Because you need an extra pair when it rains.  The rainy season is coming.  And nothing is worst than not being able to run because your shoes got wet when it rained the last time.  Having an extra pair makes sure you still have the gear to train while allowing the other one to dry up.