How can I keep my running shoes from wearing unevenly on the heals.?

Question

I run about 35 miles a week. The outside portion of the heal always wears out on my shoes very rapidly, particually on my running shoes. I know that this is happening due to a flaw in the way I run, or for that matter walk, and I have tried to correct it quite unsuccessfully. I run in high dollar shoes, because they really do make a substatial difference in reducing the amount of wear and tear that running can take on your body. I used to just go out and by a new pair of running shoes every few months, but my finances no longer allow me to lay down a $100.00 every three months for new running shoes. Anyone got any suggestions on on what I can do to slow down the wear on my shoes? Thanks a bunch for your thoughts and suggestions.

Answer 1

That's sort of how it works. Shoes wear out. As you well know, you should be replacing shoes frequently. Your mileage and replacement interval is about right. A little longer than the makers recommend of course, but we both know they're trying to sell shoes.

Two things I can suggest:

1. Shoes will last longer if you run on softer surfaces, like grass or trails. That's easier on your legs anyway.

2. I've noticed that some shoes have harder, more durable compounds on the bottom surface. Over my last few pairs, the Adidas and Asics have held up better than the New Balance and Nikes. I don't know if that's true for all shoes of those brands, or just the models I chose.

P.S. The top of the line models aren't necessarily the best for YOUR foot. I go by fit and feel. Price is the last thing I look at, and I have no brand loyalty. I've spent the big money before, but the last pair of ASICS I got is working pretty well, and they were only $35 at Kohl's. Whoda thunk.

Answer 2

It's called pro-nating (sp) I have it too, although not nearly as bad as you. And I would also strongly disagree with your view on quality running shoes. Did you know that asics, NB, and Nike all put out a shoe that's priced higher than all the others, but is of no better or even worse quailty to their actual top of the line shoe? It's a marketing trick to fool people into believing they are getting the best shoe!

I would say you need to see a sports peditraist about your pronation and he'll probably have the knowledge to fix your stride, not to mention how much more efficent your run will become if you get it corrected.
I would also recommed you buy the $60 pair of asics or whatever brand you run next time, I bet you can't distinguish between the two, and they may even last longer.

I understand that money doesn't grow on trees, but get this fixed it will help you out in the long run... no pun intended

Answer 3

Well you failed to tell how many miles are on your 10 year old truck. With that a good and complete brake job is in order. The means new shoes with hold down hard ware, self adjusting hardware, wheel cylinders and have the drums machined of they can be, if not have the new ones machined. I do not care if the shop says "new ones don't need cut". If go to another shop. New ones are not round. Also they need to be cleaned with either solvent and then brake cleaner, or with only brake cleaner. This cleans of the cosmoline that is sprayed on them to keep them from rusting. The backing plates need cleaned thoroughly as well. The parking brake cable needs lubed also. Never ever adjust the parking brake cable unless it is new or after performing a proper brake job with the shoes adjusted properly there is still too much free play in the cable. It is possible the cable is stretched out and needs replaced if this is the case. Now the front. New calipers, hold down and slider hardware and rotors if needed, have them turned as well. Also this is when to service the front wheel bearings and races and seals. If the bearings or races are not bright and shiny they need replaced. Use the blue brake pad gunk on the back of the front pads. Lubricate the rear shoes resting points and the front sliders with white lithium grease. A little dab will do as well as nice little smear, do not over do it. Make sure you put grease on the rear self adjuster threads, the star thing that goes in between the shoes. Make sure you spray both the shoes and pads braking surfaces with brake cleaner. Do not put your hands on the clean rotors, drums, pads or shoes. After bleeding properly clean everything again with brake cleaner. This just means spray down where the fluid dripped on to or splashed on when bled under pressure. Flush the entire fluid system out. Use a turkey baster to suck out the fluid in the master cylinder. Refill it then first gravity bleed the system till fresh fluid is flowing out. Then bleed the system according the the proper bleeding sequence to that vehicle. Here is the kicker in all of this: Does that truck have four wheel ABS? IF so speed sensors probably need to attention. When bleeding with a foot to push to fluid out, never let the pedal go more than half way down. IF you do you can wipe out a good master cylinder since the cups travel over a surface they usually never do the gunk in there will cause damage. Here is the bad news for ABS. After doing the brake job, completely and properly, the ABS needs re-calibrated. IF you bleed the thing improperly and it has ABS you can damage the system and cause a very soft pedal to occur, like having air in the system.

Answer 4

I would recommend seeing a podiatrist, a doctor who specializes in feet. They could probably recommend inserts to put in your shoes to correct the way your feet contact the ground that is currently causing your shoes to wear unevenly. I know because the same thing happens to me because I over-pronate.

Answer 5

this happens to me a lot, the wear on the outside of the heal right? i would lean slightly forward when running, and get doctor shoals to put on the inside. this should raise your heal up some more so you wont be putting all the pressure on your heals. good luck

Answer 6

I used to have that problem but due to my excessive weight...now that I lost it it doesnt happen at all so it may just be the way you walk. buy cheaper running shoes

Answer 7

Check out your running surface. Is it angled laterally? Do you ever reverse your route?