How to Break in New Running Sneakers

Whether you're an amateur runner or a professional athlete who competes in marathons, your sneakers won't last forever. A good pair of running sneakers is essential to the success of any runner. Your sneakers should offer you adequate protection, and they should be comfortable each time your foot strikes the ground. However, you can't just put on new running sneakers and expect your run to be perfect. To avoid painful blisters and sore feet and ankles, you need to break in your new running sneakers correctly.

Things You'll Need

  • Running sneakers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wear your new running sneakers around the house for a few days before you go on your first run with them. If you wear your new sneakers and immediately take off on a 10-mile run, you may end up with uncomfortable blisters and other foot problems. Like with any other shoe, to break in your new running sneakers, you should walk in them for two or three days. Wear them when you're doing errands or just walking around the neighborhood. If your workplace has a casual dress policy, wear them there. This will help break the sneakers in and will make your first run more comfortable.

    • 2

      Take short runs in your new running sneakers. After you've walked around your new running sneakers for a few days, go on a short run with them. If you normally run 6 miles a day, run only 3 miles with your new running sneakers. Gradually increase the mileage of your runs in the new sneakers. In time, your sneakers will feel more comfortable with each run.

    • 3

      Alternate runs between wearing your old running sneakers and the new ones. This allows you feel the difference between the two pairs, and it helps you avoid injury.

    • 4

      Break in your new running shoes at least two weeks before you run a marathon or other long race. A particularly long running event can be uncomfortable in new running sneakers that you haven't broken in yet.