It’s the most overlooked and underappreciated component of the running shoe. It’s not the sexiest or most exciting part of the shoe, it gets the dirtiest and wears down the quickest, and it’s the only part of the shoe you can’t see while running. I’m talking, of course, about the running shoe outsole — the unsung hero. The next time you’re in the market for your next running shoe, you would be wise to give the bottom of the shoe a good, hard look, in addition to the midsole and upper.
Betting your bottom dollar
Runners know the most obvious benefit of a good outsole is enhanced traction. When it’s raining, we’re already hesitant to venture outside and take that first step. The last thing we need to worry about is whether that first step will make us slip and fall in wet conditions. That’s enough to make us never run in a shoe again, regardless of the forecast.
It’s hard to believe there are still shoes in 2023 that are slippery in wet conditions, but for the most part, shoe companies have figured out how to keep runners on their feet, rather than on their toes in fear of falling. Congrats? When we’re paying upwards of $160 for shoes, outsole traction is the bare minimum companies can provide. And forget about shoes with no rubber on the bottom – how long will that outsole really last? But when the shoe rubber meets the road, there’s much more to the outsole than meets the eye.
Running from the bottom up
Functionally, the running shoe outsole is the most important part of the shoe – it’s the one component that actually makes contact with the ground. Without it, we can’t take the first step on the pavement. Well, we could, but it’d be very unpleasant, especially in hot and cold weather conditions and in the snow or rain. You think your toenails are in bad shape now, just wait until there’s nothing between your sock and the road. The outsole quite literally carries the burden of our weight with each stride.
And how do we show our appreciation for the bottom of our shoes? By repeatedly pounding the pavement, striking gravel, and landing on rocks and roots of trails for miles on end. That’s why I always make sure to give my outsoles (and foams) a break by not running in the same shoe on consecutive days. However, I am in the middle of marathon training, so maybe I ought to give those outsoles more time off with all those speed workouts and 16+ mile long runs.
Bottoming out
Just as a vehicle has light indicators letting us know to address the engine, tire pressure, or gas tank, the condition of our running shoe outsole is our gauge to inform us when we get to buy yet another pair of shoes. Fortunately, running companies are making increasingly more durable outsoles that can go the distance for 500 miles or more. Companies like Adidas and Skechers realize outsoles are a runner’s tires, and using quality rubber like Continental and Goodyear can help prolong the shoe’s life.
Although, sometimes I find myself hoping the outsole deteriorates faster so I don’t have to wait as long for an excuse to buy more shoes. Then again, even with dozens of pairs, I never need a reason to purchase more running shoes.
Hitting rock bottom
It’s not a revelation to say that runners take the outsole for granted. I’m just as guilty. We don’t consider how the outsole is expertly crafted, including the quality of the materials used. We don’t realize how a shoe with a great midsole and upper can be ruined by a shoddy outsole. Or how uncomfortable each step would feel with an abrasive bottom.
Ugh, I’m sorry. I’m boring myself with all this talk about outsoles. I can’t imagine how bored you are reading this. Now, would you take a look at that shoe’s midsole! It’s got three different foams and a carbon fiber plate — that’s exciting! Oh my, have you felt this upper?! Who knew running shoes could feel so luxurious? If only the darn outsole was more attractive, I’d never take these shoes off.
