Double the Soles, Double the Smarts: Why You Should Try a Second Pair of Running or Walking Shoes
Written by Lauren Haislip
One pair of shoes is fine. Totally fine. Like, technically-you-could-survive fine. But two? That’s when things get smart. Really smart. If you’re walking every day, clocking miles for your next race, or just trying to stay ahead of that creaky knee, a second pair might be your best-kept secret.
Think of it this way: shoes need a break too. The foam needs time to bounce back, just like your legs do after leg day. Rotate your pairs and not only will your shoes last longer, your body might thank you by not sending passive-aggressive pain signals every time you get out of bed.
Let’s break it down into why two is better than one, how to pick your second pair, and how to give your feet the royal treatment.
How to Pick the Best Pair of Running or Walking Shoes
Know Your Foot Type
Spoiler: most people have no idea what their feet are doing when they move. High arches? Flat feet? Something in between? Who knows. That’s where we come in.
Come visit your local PR Run & Walk store and we’ll give you the VIP treatment: free 3D foot scan, gait analysis, and some actual answers. You'll see how your arches move, what kind of support you need, and which shoes are going to make your feet sing.
Prioritize Fit
Here’s the golden checklist:
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Use our 3D scanner to measure your feet. (No guesswork, no drama.)
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Leave a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
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Snug in the midfoot and heel, but not “help I can’t feel my toes” snug.
Shop at the Right Time
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Feet swell during the day (thanks gravity) so try shoes on later, when your feet are at their puffiest.
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Also: wear your usual running or walking socks. Don’t show up in dress socks and expect magic.
Ask for Expert Advice
We’ve got real humans in all 10 locations who’ve seen it all: marathoners, walkers, folks getting back into movement after a long hiatus. They’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you skip the “buying the wrong shoes and regretting it” stage.
Pro tip: don’t buy shoes based on color alone. That’s like buying a car because it has cup holders.
Why Do I Need 2 Pairs?
Benefits of Rotation
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Foam Recovery: That plush midsole? It needs 24–48 hours to bounce back fully.
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Shoe Lifespan: Two pairs rotated last longer than one pair used daily. Like, a lot longer.
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Injury Prevention: A 22-week study in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports found that runners who rotated shoes had a 39% lower risk of injury. That’s a big deal. Switching shoes tweaks your gait just enough to spread out the impact stress.
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Performance Boost: Using a lighter shoe on speed days? Game changer.
You're not just pampering your shoes, you're giving your body a break too. And honestly, it deserves it.
Should I Get the Same Pair or Something Different?
Ah, the classic second-shoe dilemma. Clone what’s working or mix it up?
Reasons to Stick with the Same Shoe
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You’re prone to injuries and consistency is key.
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You love your current shoes and want a backup in case the universe decides to discontinue them. (Yes, it happens. And yes, it’s as upsetting as losing your favorite hoodie.)
Reasons to Try Something New
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You want more cushion for long walks or recovery days.
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You need a lighter shoe for races or faster workouts.
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You’re heading off-road and need a trail shoe that doesn’t cry on gravel.
Mixing it up can help you figure out what your body responds best to. It’s like finding out you actually do like pineapple on pizza after years of denial.
What to Look for When Testing Out Shoes
Here’s your in-store checklist for trying on new shoes (aka making your feet happy):
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Comfort is key: They should feel good right away. No break-in excuses.
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Width check: No pinching, no rubbing.
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Heel lockdown: Your heel should stay put. No sliding allowed.
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Toe wiggle room: You should be able to high-five your toes inside your shoes.
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Walk or jog around: Yes, in the store. Yes, we encourage it.
Still unsure? No stress. Bring your shoes home, take them for a spin, and if they’re not working, bring ’em back. We’ll help you find something better. Promise.
Do I Need Any Other Types of Shoes?
Consider Adding:
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Carbon-plated shoes: Great for race day, bad for everyday walks to the coffee shop.
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Trail shoes: Dirt, gravel, roots; your road shoes aren’t built for this mess.
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Racing spikes: For track days or competitive vibes.
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Recovery shoes/sandals: Like spa day for your feet. Check out our OOFOS collection.
Having the right shoe for the job isn’t extra, it’s just smart planning. Like owning both a raincoat and an umbrella.
Q: How do I know if my running or walking shoes fit correctly?
A: Your heel should feel secure, your toes should have wiggle room, and the shoe should feel… right. A 3D foot scan can help you figure that out.
Q: Why is it important to have more than one pair?
A: Because even shoes need a rest day. Rotating them gives the foam time to recover, lowers your injury risk, and keeps them going strong.
Q: How long do shoes last?
A: Depends on mileage and what you’re doing in them. Rotating helps stretch their lifespan. (Your wallet will appreciate that.)
Q: Do I need separate shoes for walking vs running?
A: Not really. Most running shoes are great for walking too. All that techy cushioning and support? Perfect for getting your steps in without getting sore.
Think two pairs of shoes sounds a little much? It’s not. It’s like meal prepping for your feet: smart, efficient, and surprisingly satisfying.
Whether you double up on your current fave or shake things up with something new, your legs, back, and post-run snack sessions will all benefit.
So… ready to add a second pair to the closet? Come hang out at one of our 10 locations or browse the full collection online.
You deserve more than a one-shoe-fits-all lifestyle. Your feet called. They want variety.
