6 replies to this topic

[PlodBod]

Is it correct that the material in the soles of running shoes starts to degenerate? I have heard this, but not sure how long this process takes or when it starts. If I see a pair of my shoes in a sale, but don't actually need new shoes at that exact time, is it OK to buy them and keep them until I do? Any advice much appreciated.

[Jogger]

The various rubber compounds would take many years to degenerate. I suspect if you use them within a year or two then it will be fine. Quite what the timeframe is I don't know.

[ChookLegsMonkeyBoy]

I have no evidence, but would have thought that if you stored your shoes in a cool, dry place rather than a sunlit spot with plenty of UV, that they would be fine for a couple of years. I often buy 2 pairs of shoes at a time, and store them with the silica drying agent in their box in a cupboard for up to a year before use. Haven't had any noticable problems.
Anyone have some formal study data?

[pipi]

You would do a lot more damage to your shoes by leaving them in your car on a sunny day then you would if you bought them and stored them in your cupboard for five years. In the short term, heat would do more damage than UV light.

I buy almost all of my shoes in advance - if you see a good special (eg. half price) and you already know that you like that shoe then why not?

Some shops often sell shoes that are more than a year old.

[vCool]

pipi, on Aug 22 2007, 04:58 PM, said:

In the short term, heat would do more damage than UV light.

That's bad. I left my shoes in front of the fire place 2 nights in a row to get them dry... the 'abzorb' in my new balances were kindof soft when i felt them... should I replace them because of that? I've had them for almost a year anyway.

[Little K]

I buy them well in advance when cheap and they might sit on my shelf for 18mths before they come out. Never had any problems. Just bought a couple of pairs of 3yr old Asics at the GC Mara expo, they seem just fine.

[Morley]

I have 2 new pair of Asics waiting for me and have done so for the last few years. I usually buy them on special when the new style comes out. No noticable problems and never occurred to me that they may deteriate. A pair usually only lasts me 6 months or less so they are not really in the cupboard that long anyway. Haven't heard of any formal studies.