3 Reasons to Buy Your Race-Day Shoes Now

Don’t wait any longer to buy your race-day shoes

Runners love their shoes and will defend their favorite pair(s) as being the best. We’re big fans of Under Armour’s latest, the Flow Velociti Wind. What all runners will agree with is that you don’t wear a new pair of shoes on race day! You want your shoes to be broken in, but without too many miles. Typically, a pair of running shoes will last 300-400 miles. If it’s time to buy a new pair, do it. Buying your race-day shoes now will give you plenty of time to get used to them. This will also keep you from running in old shoes that have lost their comfort, cushion, and support. Check out the 3 reasons to buy your race-day shoes now. Then schedule an appointment with our friends at Fleet Feet Austin and let them do what they do best!

Break-in race-day shoes

Whether it’s a new brand or the latest iteration of your favorite shoe, it will take some time for your feet to become comfortable with a brand-new pair. Your feet and shoes should achieve a nice harmony before race day to minimize the possibility of blisters and injury. Ideally, 3-4 weeks before the event will provide enough time for you to break in your race-day shoes. Continue to include running variety in your training to help you further break in your new pair of shoes.

Maximize cushion and support

Familiarizing your feet with new race-day shoes is a part of breaking them in. As shoe technology advances, they become better-equipped with cushioning, stability, and memory foams. To maximize the cushioning support you should alternate your race-day shoes along with your current pair leading up to your event. This will keep the mileage on your race-day shoes low and allow for the most cushion and support during your event. Don’t run in them 3-4 days before your event so the cushion has a chance to recover from the most recent run.

Avoid unfamiliarity on race day

Every runner has heard the following: nothing new on race day. This goes for your shoes as well. Even if they’re the same version as your old pair, they could be slightly different. No two pairs are exactly the same. Your feet will need time to adjust to the new pair. Remember: you should only run in your running shoes. Use the 3-4 week timeline, mentioned earlier, as a guide in the minimum amount of time needed to become acclimated to your new pair of shoes.

Endurance training is never easy and you have to be well-prepared. Consistency and adequate nutrition/hydration will help you in ensuring success. Comfortable, cushioned, and supportive running shoes are a part of that equation too. Just make sure that you buy what you plan to wear at least 3-4 weeks in advance. This way you can break them in, maximize cushion and support, and follow the “nothing new on race day” rule.