Sprint sole worn through

[lozen]

Hi,

I've had two pairs of of the Sprint model shoe.  I only walk in them, usually 1-4 miles a day on city streets.  Unfortunately, this seems to be too much for the left shoe as I've worn a hole in the sole after only 10 months.  I bought another pair and the same exact thing happened at about the same time period. 

Any ideas on how I might prevent this from happening in the future?  (Other than not walking that is.)
Any other VFF models I should switch to?  I wear a 38W, so that limits my choices.

thanks,
Mary

[gb]

wow, that's quite amazing.  From the picture it doesn't look like you even have a "thin sole" defective pair.
(perhaps you can check)

there were some postings earlier about putting on a pad (for skateboarding).  I will see if I can find them.

[gb]

here you go:

perhaps you can first check to see if you do have a "thin-soled" pair:
http://birthdayshoes.com/forum/fivefingers-sizing-and-fit-discussion/different-softness-of-the-soles/

If not, this may be a solution??

http://birthdayshoes.com/forum/mods-and-repairs/sole-wearing-through-already/
http://barefootted.com/2008/06/fivefingers-as-skateboard-shoe.html

Other than that, I wonder if you may be pivoting around that spot when you walk?   In any case, good luck (and keep on walking!)

[McLoki]

1 - 4 miles per day over 10 months (about 300 days) would be 300-1200 miles.  (Guessing closer to 600-800 miles based averages and wear)

I thought that was close to the life expectancy of a pair of sprints if you were not really working on low impact walking/running.  (i.e. - stepping lightly, not twisting your foot while it was on the ground, etc.) 

I thought the "Thin soled" sprints would have died at about 250-300 miles so just based on mileage - I would not say thats the issue.

As others have said - Keep walking.  If you want them to last longer, pay attention to how you walk - if you don't want to change your stride, just plan to replace them every 10 months or so.  Even though I doubt if you did, (because I would not have) a more "normal" walking shoe should have been replaced every 500-600 miles or so anyway - so you are still getting good life out of them.

Just another perspective on the issue,

Michael

[Ardent]

Very much an individaul thing. Mine show most wear under the big toe ball area, yours pinky toe side. Not gone through mine yet but getting there 470 run miles, so far.

Jason

[hippierunner]

The soles on my classics look almost brand new after over 400miles run in them.  The fabric on the other hand is starting to fray and fall apart.

All of the VFF use the same rubber sole I believe so changing models won't matter.  The only difference is the flow, trek, and newer KSO have an extra EVA footbed for some padding.

[bigtruckguy3500]

My first thought, and as others have said, it is possible there is something afoot about your gait (no pun intended).  Especially if there is a drastic difference in wear between right and left.  You may be pivoting, dragging, or some how just rubbing that one point a lot more. 

I wish I could help more, but I'd start by really paying attention to how you walk.

[morgan_4785]

I've had my sprints for over two years Now. I have over a thousand miles in them and, magically, they still look new. I've done everything from trail running to rock climbing in them. The only way you could tell how old they are is the "soles" are really stiff and the siping on the bottom has been torn. These shoes are amazing and they have held up wonderfully for me.

[bigtruckguy3500]

I've had my sprints for over two years Now. I have over a thousand miles in them and, magically, they still look new. I've done everything from trail running to rock climbing in them. The only way you could tell how old they are is the "soles" are really stiff and the siping on the bottom has been torn. These shoes are amazing and they have held up wonderfully for me.

Do you wear them for just running or walking around as well?

[morgan_4785]

I have done almost everything in them. From church to barefoot skiing. If you think of it, I've probably done it. I wear em practically everyday. Running and walking. I'm crazy bout these shoes and you can hardly ever not find em on my feet.