If you are an avid runner or workout on a regular basis, having the right kind of shoe makes a world of difference. Furthermore, using the appropriate equipment is important in any sport; just as you shouldn't use a badminton racket for tennis, you probably shouldn't use your running shoes at work. You can avoid injuries and improve your running performance by wearing proper shoe attire and by protecting the life of your shoe.
Running Shoes
If your job requires frequent standing, walking or moving around, you might prefer the comfort, stability and structure of a running shoe. Ideally, however, you should not wear the shoes that you run in as your occupational footwear. Like tires on a car, your shoes wear down over time and will need to be replaced with new supportive shoes after a period of time. Failing to do so could case ankle, knee, hip or muscular injury or strain. If you use the shoes that you run in throughout the day, your shoe will naturally begin to lose its tread, cushion and support, and affect your running performance. Designate one pair of running shoes to the sport and a different pair of shoes, running or otherwise, to occupational or daily use.
Switching Out Your Running Shoes
There is some disagreement in the world of runners as to how many miles you can log in your running shoes before you switch them out. Furthermore, the life of your shoe depends on the brand and type, your weight and the frequency that you run, ranging anywhere from 350 to 550 miles. Look for signs of wear and tear on your shoe, including thinning on the tread of the bottom of your shoes, wear in the inside soles, decreased cushion and loss of support. Once your running shoes have been retired, they can be used as everyday footwear or as work shoes. However, they may not be aesthetically pleasing after being worn in for 500 miles.
Occupations and Shoes
Because of the support, cushioning and overall mechanics of the running shoe, you may prefer wearing a pair of running shoes if you are a nurse, a food server, a coach, a landscaper or any occupation where you are often on your feet or are required to walk a lot. However, check with your work's dress code, as most occupations have specific requirements regarding dress.
In "Diversified Health Occupations," Louis Simmers suggests that your occupational shoes fit well and provide good support to prevent fatigue, adding that low heels are ideal as they reduce your chance of accident or fatigue.
Suggestions
If you are on your way to the gym, but have to make an impromptu stop, keep a veteran pair of running shoes in the trunk of your car so that you can easily change into them before walking through the store.
You can also keep your running shoes in your gym bag until you hit the treadmill or until you go out for your next run so that you won't be tempted to wear them off the track.
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