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Running is one of the best exercises for losing weight and keeping your body in good shape. It exercises most muscles in the body and is, therefore, an excellent exercise for folks who can not get to the gym often. A lot of runners enjoy running in the rain, but you can guarantee that none of them enjoy having to deal with wet shoes. So let’s take a look at how to dry running shoes.
What Are Running Shoes?
You would be surprised as to how many people believe that any pair of sneakers or trainers can be worn when running, but this is a misconception that can lead to both damaged shoes and damaged feet.
When you walk into your local shoe store and see the towering wall of running shoes, you can very quickly become overwhelmed by the number of options.
There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing a pair of running shoes, like how often you run, the type of shoe you need, and what you need your shoe to do. Is there a best running shoe?
There is only the best running shoe for you, and that pair may be the worst pair someone else has ever used. The ideal running shoe for you is totally dependent on your biomechanics, your feet’s shape, and how much running you actually do.
Running shoes are specifically designed to protect your feet from surfaces such as tarmac, to provide traction on various terrains, and to support your feet and cushion landing shock. So, there’s a lot to look out for.
Choosing an ideal pair of running shoes is more of an art than it is a science. Most runners use a trial and error process to find the brand and model that feels right to them, both comfortably and functionally.
It is imperative that you buy shoes that are designed for running. Running shoes are manufactured to sustain the shock of 2.5 times your body weight, which is created each time your foot strikes the ground.
Not only do proper running shoes make you look pretty cool, but they also provide the best possible protection for your body, legs, and feet. Your foot is forced to absorb almost three times your body weight each time you impact when running, making a running shoe with great cushioning essential.
Drying Your Running Shoes
There is nothing quite as polarizing for runners than being caught in the rain when out on the run. While it is very refreshing and soothing, your shoes will probably become soaked very quickly and can be permanently damaged if you do not dry them the right way.
Here are a few ways to dry your running shoes without ruining them.
Using Newspaper
This is quite a popular method that has been proven to work for most runners. Newspapers are super absorbent, which is the main reason this method is so popular.
First, run your shoes under some water to remove any dirt that may be stuck to them, then shake off the excess water. If your shoes were not soaked to begin with, you could use a damp cloth to wipe the dirt away.
Then remove the insoles and laces, and open the shoes up. Ball the newspaper up and stuff it inside of the shoes.
Try not to use the sections of the newspaper with a lot of ink, as it can bleed into your shoes. Then, place the shoes in a well ventilated and dry area, or near a fan or space heater.
Check the shoes every hour or two and replace the newspaper. Also, try to dry the outside of your shoes by wrapping some sheets of paper around them.
Using A Fan
This is also a popular method, as most households have at least one fan in them. Start by first removing any dirt that may be on the shoes, either by running them under some water or wiping the dirt away with a cloth.
Then, remove the insoles and laces, as you would with the newspaper method. Open your shoes as wide as you can, and set up the fan somewhere stable and out of the way.
Place the shoes in front of the fan, or if you can, hang them in front of the fan to ensure that they are entirely in the fan’s draft. Leave the shoes in front of the fan overnight, and they should be dry in the morning.
Alternatives For When You Aren’t Able To Run
Even the most dedicated runners will find times where they are not able to run, so we have compiled a few outdoor pursuits that are good alternatives to running.
Gym training exercises like cross-trainer, stationary bike, handcycle, and stationary rower are all good alternatives. While these exercises do not have the added bonus of being outdoors, they simulate outdoor conditions quite accurately.
Outdoor training exercises such as road cycling, off-road cycling, cross-country skiing, and rowing will also serve your purposes. These are great exercises for those who love all things outdoors and perform best out in the open.
Finding The Running Shoe For You
In order to find the best running shoe for you, you need to know your foot size, type, shape, arch, and running style. There are three types of feet arches, namely the neutral arch, the low arch, and the high arch.
- A neutral arch generally means that the foot rolls in a normal position.
- A low arch usually causes the foot to roll predominantly inward.
- A high arch typically means that the foot rolls only slightly on impact.
These arches will determine the running shoe you wear, and will determine how comfortably you run with different pairs. Find what works for you, or ask your local running shoe store for advice.
Final Thoughts
Drying your running shoes is not as difficult or tedious as it sounds, but it is still just as important. Drying your running shoes after they become wet will prevent some severe long term damage, so follow the steps above, and you’ll be good to go in no time.
