Wondering if running shoes have a theoretical shelf life. I was injured all of last year and had an unused pair of Brooks ST Racers that have sat in a room temperature closet since last January. I ran a couple miles in them last week and they felt hard as rocks, much harder than my friends, who uses his regularly. Ideas?
The shoes felt harder than your friends? Sounds like they need to tone up.
Anyone?
Just shooting from the hip here, but....
I'd say shoes do have a shelf-life. But, a year at room-temp shouldn't be too hard on them. Atleast I wouldn't think. Were your STracers new when you purchased them? Most shoes have the date they were made on the tag.
The shoes were new in October of 2008. I ran one marathon in them, and a few other misc runs, maybe totaling 50 miles. I know these shoes weren't made for massive mileage (usually get 200 miles out of them) but was hoping they'd be still usable when I got back to running (injury)
Thanks for the feedback.
People regularly buy 10+ of the same shoe when one gets dropped by a manufacturer... usually the feedback I hear is that after sitting in a closet for somewhere between 5 and 10 years is when you start to notice a difference. Usually closer to 10 years, but with a more minimal shoe like a racing flat you may notice it sooner.
My feet are hurting after running in Nike Pegasus shoes that sat unused in a closet for 2 years.
I think it depends on whether you like a firm ride. If you are used to the cushy feeling than a shoe sitting around for 5 years will feel like crap. But if you like a firm ride then it should not be too bad. I know people who stock pile on running shoes and are fine.