Runners are encouraged to rotate different running shoes for different runs.
There are two aspects to this: Serious runners will probably have different shoes for different types of runs; eg long runs, tempo runs, trail runs, recovery runs, treadmill runs and track workouts. The reason for doing this is comfort due to the different circumstances, surfaces or environments reqquiring differt running shoes. The other aspect is that the runner has two or more shoes with different design features for the same type of run. The reason for doing this to reduce the overuse injury risk.
Injury Prevention:
Malisoux et al (2014) and Malisoux et al (2015) showed that the parallel use of more than one pair of running shoes was protective for injury. The theory here is that parallel use of running shoes with differences in design features (eg drop; cushioning; ride; stack height; motion control; torsional stiffness; forefoot stiffness; etc) will load different tissues with slightly different loads and be protective of injury, by allowing loads to be shared around the musculoskeletal system. The key here presumably is to rotate between two or more pairs of shoes with different design features rather than shoes with the same design features.
Compression/Decompression:
This is often cited as a reason to rotate running shoes but it is a myth and there is no evidence for it. The theory was that the materials in a running shoe need time to decompress after a run, so you need to rotate running shoes to allow that to happen. Cook et al (1985) showed that there was no rebound or recovery following compression of running shoes after use. Someone just made that up and the long-lasting compression just does not happen, yet it is often repeated as a reason to rotate running shoes. This will not extend the life of a running shoe.
Commentary:
- The cynics suggest that the concept of rotating running shoes is a marketing ploy by running shoe companies to get runners to buy more shoes. It’s not.
- The compression myth needs to die. It is cited everywhere as a reason to rotate running shoes. It is simple to check by the use of specific calipers to measure any compression of the running shoe midsole after a run and then check it again at 24 and 48 hours
External Links:
Should runners alternate their running shoes (Podiatry Arena)
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