Time for Some New Shoes
Written by: Coach Slater
I buy new workout shoes about every 6 months. I’m here to explain why you should consider the same.
I complete 4-to-5 workouts every week, and I would guesstimate that I lift 3,000 total pounds per workout, on average. That means I lift around 200lbs for 15 reps on any given day. If I’m squatting in the Strength work that day, then I’m getting way more than 3,000lbs in, as I’m using more weight albeit for less total reps. But, if I’m Pressing, then I’m using less weight, so my total weight for the day is likely lower. For the week, I’m guessing this averages out (although, honestly, I think this number is still probably low, but whatevs).
Now for some math.
There are 26 weeks in 6 months. 4.5 workouts/week times 26 weeks equals 117 workouts. My 3,000lbs per day times 117 days equals 351,000 pounds lifted over the course of 6 months. Runners often say to change your shoes every 300-500 miles, but I can’t find anyone estimating how much weight is allotted to those shoes over the course of such mileage. Do I think our CrossFit shoes take a bigger pounding than runner’s shoes do? Yes, of course I do. I’m biased.
Also, if I spend $150 on a new pair of shoes, and those shoes last for 117 grueling workouts, then that’s just $1.28/workout. So, while $150 is a lot to spend at one time, $1.28/workout is well worth the money considering the long-term benefits of working out. That $1.28/workout pays me back in lower health care bills and low-to-no prescription dollars spent.
My unscientific conclusion? Buy yourself some new shoes, and do so every 6 months. I recommend any variation of the Nike Metcons, Reebok Nanos, NoBull Trainers, and Under Armor Tribase Reign.