If your feet are going to be logging some serious mileage, having the right pair of running shoes is a must. However, good running shoes aren’t cheap, so it makes sense to attempt to get the most mileage out of each pair as possible. One way I do that is to have multiple pairs of running shoes in use at once.

I have two pairs of my main running shoes for my regular runs. When I break in a new pair of shoes I’ll use them exclusively for treadmill running.  My treadmill runs are shorter in duration and I find it easier to break in shoes over the course of several shorter runs.  I’ll then designate my old treadmill shoes to outdoor running (and racing). By this time, they are well broken-in and feel great on my feet, perfect for races or long runs.

Having two pairs of shoes ensures that they get a chance to rest between runs. Shoes endure a significant amount of pounding over the course of a run: an average runner will log approximately 4800 steps on each foot during an hour-long run. Alternating between two pairs of running shoes gives each pair at least a day off between runs and allows the cushioning material to recover fulling before the next run.  Additionally, if I go for a rainy day run or endure a sweaty run on a hot day, I know I’ve got a second pair ready to go and can let the wet pair dry thoroughly, again prolonging their running life.

When a pair of shoes has reached the end of its normal running life (usually at the end of the year), I’ll relegate the pair for trail running. In the winter and spring I run through the trails of the Cook County Forrest Preserve just south of Chicago. Trail running is excellent: the terrain is rolling and varied, the scenery is gorgeous, and the fresh air can’t be beat. However it’s not uncommon to encounter ice, snow, mud, puddles and horse manure on the multi-use trails, making these runs hard on shoes. So I get some extra miles of my oldest pair by sacrificing them for trail running.