Simple running shoe hacks to optimize your All-Season running

Simple running shoe hacks to optimize your All-Season running

 

Running shoes! Scientifically developed by product engineers to give you support where you need it (on your feet!), when you need it (while running!). But: can your fave kicks get even better? We rounded up a few sweet shoe hacks that may just do it.  

Discreet feet
Are your shoes squawking? Remove the squeak with a bit of talcum powder. Simply remove the insole of your shoe, and sprinkle a teaspoon or so of talcum powder inside. Move your shoe back and forth to allow the powder to coat the bottom, then reinsert your insole. Squeak no more. 

 

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Ace the lace
Now (that is, while you are reading this, presumably while not running) is a good time to think about where you’d like more in-shoe support, firmness, or wiggle room. Lacing is key.

Image via https://sportsmed.co.nz/blog/heel-lock-lacing


Heel lock lacing is a supportive method that keeps your heel from slipping while you run. This technique starts with criss cross lacing that stops at your shoe’s final eyelet. Then, take the left lace of each shoe and create a loop in the top left eyelet. Repeat this for the right lace and right eyelet so that each shoe has a left and a right loop on its outer, upper eyelets. Crisscross the remaining laces, insert and pull them through the loops. Tightly pull to get the heel lock lacing ‘lace lock,’ then tie a knot to keep everything in place.

Shoes too tight? Straight lacing should work. No crisscross this time. Instead lace your shoelaces in a parallel fashion. Thread your shoes by feeding the laces underneath every other eyelet, and then tie up your shoe like you normally would.

Experiencing toe pain? If so, your toes are likely bunched together during your run or hike and may have black nails. The following lacing technique will provide better blood flow and more room to allow your ten digits to splay or spread out more. Begin with the eyelet closest to your big toe and run the lace diagonally all the way up to the last eyelet (which is closest to your ankle). Then, take the other side of the lace back down to the other first eyelet and crisscross regularly from there. The single diagonal stretch of lace from the first eyelet to the last makes the difference: it will relieve pressure toward your toes when you tug on the top of the lace. 

 

Roboshoes
If you run in any weather, you know it’s always good to be prepared. In the winter, two main concerns when running or hiking are traction and moisture. 
How do you keep from slipping? Installing screws into the soles of your shoes is the popular solution. To do so you’ll need a drill, screws, a table, a C clamp, and, of course, an old pair of running or hiking shoes. The drill should have a mini-socket attachment and the screws should be ⅜” #6 hex-shaped head sheet metal screws. This process will give you studded soles for better traction in the snow. Begin with one shoe at a time. Secure the shoe (with the sole facing you) to a table (work bench, old desk) using a C clamp. This way you’ll be able to use both hands to hold the drill and drive in each screw. Carefully turn each screw in until only the head of the screw is visible (like securing a sub floor or drywall sheet). You’ll only need to use eight screws around the perimeter of the shoe’s sole. 

 


Dry feet, on fleek
Wax. Your. Kicks. No joke. Wax from a colorless candle (dye will stain your shoes) or glob of beeswax will do the trick. Before applying the wax, make sure your running or hiking shoes are clean and completely dry and then test the application on a small, hidden part of your shoe. This way you’ll know whether or not it changes the color. Finally, proceed, and rub in a quarter sized amount into the material until you’ve covered both shoes.  

Keeping your feet dry, and preventing injuries are always good ideas. Let us know if you try them, or have any other suggestions! Tag us or send us a message on Instagram or Facebook.

 

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