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Sports shoes Updated 08 Oct 2008

Shoe maintenance

Now that you've bought them, make sure you treat your new shoes right.

Always wear socks while exercising - and air the shoes properly between runs. That way, you'll help prevent the build up of bacteria and odour.
Podiatrist Anne Riggir recommends shaking an anti-fungal powder into your shoes if you've suffered from athlete's foot or other skin irritations.
Whatever you do, don't put your running shoes through the washing machine. Adhesives and foam materials like EVA will break down quickly in a spin cycle.
If you really need to clean your shoes, do it by hand. Use warm water, a little soap and a soft brush or rag. Rinse them well, then remove the in-soles and laces, and let the shoes dry naturally (away from heaters, fires and tumble dryers).

Runners will on average last between 900 and 1100 kilometres. In most cases, the mid-sole will wear out long before the outer sole - and the shoe will lose its corrective qualities. You may notice some new aches and pains in your feet as a result.

To check if your shoe has reached the end of its natural life, hold the toe and heel in your hands and twist gently in opposite directions. If the shoe twists easily, it probably means the mid-sole has lost its stability.

Report by Luke Harrison