Don't Get Duped: How to Inspect Pre-Owned Running Shoes for Hidden Problems
Spotting a running shoes sale can be exciting—great brands at half the price!
But before you snatch up those seemingly perfect pre-owned shoes, you need to know what to look for.
The wrong pair can lead to discomfort, injury, or wasting your hard-earned money.
With a few simple inspection techniques, you can confidently navigate the pre-owned market and find shoes that will serve you well for many miles.
The Outer Sole: Your First Inspection Point
The bottom of a running shoe reveals its history. When inspecting pre-owned shoes, turn them over and look at the wear pattern.
Uneven wear is a major red flag that might indicate the previous owner had gait issues that could affect you too.
Here's what different wear patterns might tell you:
Look for shoes with relatively even wear. If you see bald spots where the tread is completely gone, walk away—these shoes have lived their best life already.
Inspecting the Midsole: Where Comfort Lives
The midsole provides cushioning and support. Squeeze the sides of the midsole with your thumb and fingers. A good midsole should feel firm but have some give. If it's too soft or has visible creases and compression, the shoe's cushioning is spent.
Tip: Look for cracks or deep wrinkles in the midsole foam—these indicate the cushioning has broken down and won't protect your joints anymore.
Another test: place the shoe on a flat surface and see if it rocks. If it wobbles or seems deformed, the midsole has been compressed unevenly. This can throw off your gait and lead to pain.
The Upper: More Than Just Looks
A shoe's upper should maintain its shape and provide proper support. Check for:
Stretched out heels that no longer cup the foot
Tears in the mesh or fabric
Worn out reinforcements around the toe box
Damaged eyelets that might affect lacing
Run your hand inside the shoe to feel for rough spots, holes, or worn-down insoles that could cause blisters.
Did you know? Research shows that running shoes typically lose about 30-50% of their cushioning after 300-500 miles of use, even if they still look good externally.
The Critical Insole Check
Many sellers forget to check the insoles, but they tell a revealing story. Remove them and look for:
Extreme indentations that show the previous owner's foot shape
Worn spots under the ball of the foot or heel
Unusual odor that could indicate moisture damage or fungus
If the insole is heavily molded to someone else's foot shape, you'll never get the proper fit you need.
The Flex and Twist Test
Hold the shoe at both ends and try to twist it. Most running shoes should resist twisting to provide stability. Now bend the shoe at the ball of the foot—it should bend easily at this point but nowhere else.
If the shoe bends in strange places or has no resistance to twisting, its structure has been compromised and won't provide the support your feet need.
Look for Signs of Repair or Modification
Check for signs of glue, stitching, or other repairs. While some fixes are harmless, others can affect the shoe's performance. Be particularly wary of shoes with heel modifications or ones that have been stretched to accommodate the previous owner's feet.
The Truth About Smell
Don't be embarrassed to smell the shoes. A persistent bad odor might indicate:
Bacterial growth that could cause foot infections
Water damage that has weakened the shoe materials
Poor ventilation that will make your runs uncomfortable
A light cleaning smell is fine, but strong chemical odors could mean someone tried to mask serious issues.
Final Considerations Before Purchase
The age of running shoes matters as much as their visible wear. Even barely worn shoes can deteriorate if they're several years old, as foam materials break down naturally over time.
Ask about the shoe's age and history if possible. Quality running shoes typically have a lifespan of 300-500 miles, so factor that in when considering the price.
Before finalizing any pre-owned footwear purchase, consider your own running style and needs. The perfect pair of shoes should match your foot shape, running surface, and gait pattern to provide proper support on your runs.
Comments
Post a Comment