HOW OFTEN MUST I CHANGE MY RUNNING SHOES?

When the Greeks ran foot races in the olden days, they usually did so barefoot and naked. Since then, running with clothes and shoes has become more of the norm (phew!) and, with the advent of the modern day athletic shoe, perhaps a little more comfortable. Developed to be protective and add traction, running shoes have evolved to incorporate lightweight materials that cushion the foot from the trauma of running . Most cushioning comes from EVA foam, a lightweight material injected with air cells designed to absorb impact . But, like all good things, the foam eventually loses its magic . According to some researchers, that can happen anywhere from 480 to 800 kms after the first wear . For a runner doing five 5km runs per week, that comes out to a new pair every five to six months. (Let’s hope Santa comes twice this year!).