Run Run Away

Question:

Do manufacturers of running shoes use differing rubber composition or densities for the soles of their shoes ? This seem to me to occur even within models of a particular brand. My problem is that due to heel strike I wear down the heel through the rubber to the underlying foam in a couple of months. This represents very few kilometrers (miles). It’s difficult to find a running shoe that has a reasonable thickness of heel rubber to start with. Some models have a VERY thin rubber layer maybe less than 1/8 ". I have found that some shoes wear out at a slower rate wrt the above problem, but when I try to repurchase they are out of production ! Can anyone suggest a shoe that has a reasonable thickness heel that doesn’t wear too fast.  Most USA brands/models are available in Australia. Any suggestions would be appreciated,  Thanks. Don Grant Royal Melbourne Hospital AUSTRALIA

Response:

Don: I would recommend a tube of "Shoe Goo II"….apply this material to your shoe heels using tape wrapped around the outside of the heel so that you can get a fairly thick buildup….thus, when you run it wears down the Shoe Goo rather than your shoe’s heel…reapply when it get near the rubber of the shoe. Works x-tremely well 4 me! Ron

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do manufacturers of running shoes use differing rubber composition or densities for the soles of their shoes ? This seem to me to occur even within models of a particular brand. My problem is that due to heel strike I wear down the heel through the rubber to the underlying foam in a couple of months. This represents very few kilometrers (miles). It’s difficult to find a running shoe that has a reasonable thickness of heel rubber to start with. Some models have a VERY thin rubber layer maybe less than 1/8 ". I have found that some shoes wear out at a slower rate wrt the above problem, but when I try to repurchase they are out of production ! Can anyone suggest a shoe that has a reasonable thickness heel that doesn’t wear too fast.  Most USA brands/models are available in Australia. Any suggestions would be appreciated,  Thanks. Don Grant Royal Melbourne Hospital AUSTRALIA

The same happens to me.  Before the foam is exposed, I have them re-heeled with something more durable and I am happy for another 1000 miles.  As an example, I wore Hi-tech TransAms (the old ones) and the heel would wear down after about 600 miles; after re-heeling they went 2000 miles before I relegeted them to non-running activities. roy

Response:

What/how are you resoling the heels?  Not by nailing a plate to the heel… -Ray The same happens to me.  Before the foam is exposed, I have them re-heeled with something more durable and I am happy for another 1000 miles.  As an example, I wore Hi-tech TransAms (the old ones) and the heel would wear down after about 600 miles; after re-heeling they went 2000 miles before I relegeted them to non-running activities.

– Ray Charbonneau    | MIT Library Systems|    3:09:59

Response:

Do manufacturers of running shoes use differing rubber composition or

densities for the soles of their shoes ? This seem to me to occur even within models of a particular brand. My problem is that due to heel strike I wear down the heel through the

rubber to the underlying foam in a couple of months. This represents very few kilometrers (miles).

It’s difficult to find a running shoe that has a reasonable thickness of heel rubber to start

with. Some models have a VERY thin rubber layer maybe less than 1/8 ". I have found that some shoes wear out at a slower rate wrt the above

problem, but when I try to repurchase they are out of production ! Can anyone suggest a shoe that has a reasonable thickness heel that

doesn’t wear too fast.  Most USA brands/models are available in Australia. Any suggestions would be appreciated,  Thanks. Don Grant Royal Melbourne Hospital AUSTRALIA

Don: In response to your query above, 1.  I wear New Balance M700’s (size 12B US) for marathon training and Nike Skylon’s for racing. My weight is 77kg (170 lbs.), have a low arch and I’m very fit. My shoes have lasted up to 800 km (500 miles) which based on 72 km/wk (45 mi/wk) is at most 11 weeks.   2.  The outside of the heel wears out without noticeable wear anywhere else. 3.  Yes, the outer rubber is very thin but without choice. 4.  Yes, I’ve noticed the same problem with shoes going out of production.(If you find a really good shoe that fits well for you and has good support and reasonable life, then buy 3 or 4 pairs at once.  In the last week I bought 4 pairs of M700’s). 5.  My theory is that by design there is a balance between overall structural support in the shoe (especially in the mid section) and life expectancy which is guaged/calibrated by the wear of the bottom sole. 6. As the buttom of the shoe wears the middle support deteriorates (becomes less rigid in torsion) and hence your legs experience a twisting motion with every foot strike.  This strains considerably your knees and achilles which are already stressed depending on your training and rest schedules. (Test this yourself by standing up and turning your right or left foot outward while you try to advance a step.  It’s not hard to imagine the strain caused by overused shoes after 800,000 to 1,000,000 strides (i.e. 800 km)). 7.  I’ve also noticed that trying to stretch out the shoe life towards 800 km is not worth it since it usually ends up with knee or achilles problems which is coincidental with the latter part of marathon training.   Hence it is better to replace your shoes probably in the order of 500 to 650 km (300 to 400 miles). 8.  In conclusion, consider a shoe that suits your purpose and has adequate support. I’m sure that most that are suitable for you are of similar life which is for a purpose. I would err on the cautious km side to avoid injury. I recommend New Balance because of their widths.   I purchase my shoes from Road Runner Sports in San Diego California. – Regards, Kerry Kennedy (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)

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