Hoarding: Running Shoes Edition

Running-shoe hoard, verb: To accumulate a supply of running shoes hidden in closets, in garages, under beds, etc.,  because of sentimental connections forged from countless miles shared, the desperate need to squeeze out as many miles as physically possible, your favorite model going out of production, needing spares in case of rainy, snowy, or otherwise inclement weather, etc. 

Here at Runner's World HQ, a few of us are genuine running shoe connoisseurs a.k.a. " running shoe hoarders," collecting more sneakers than is probably necessary.  Our Executive Web Producer, Robert, currently has 36 shoes in his rotation (he likes to line his cubicle with them - we think it's for decoration).  To keep our stockpiles in check, we have a recycling box right here in the office. ( See the photo above.) 

We reached out to our Facebook fans to see if they hoard shoes, too.  What we discovered was that running shoes hoarding comes in a few distinct forms:

The "Oooh!  Bright Colors!"  Variety

From Kimberly M.: "I love bright!" 

From Kenia C.: "I don't have many pairs, but the ones I do have are pretty!" 

The Brand Faithful

From Aaron R.

From Lori G.: "Oh, the Mizunos are overflowing.  Time to do some donating, minus the colorful row (my current running shoes)." 

The Neat and Tidy Ones

From Run Hard - Always Finish: "She said if I keep them organized, I could keep them." 

And...(drum roll please!) 

The King of Running Shoe Hoarding

From Brian W.: "104 pairs of running shoes!  Almost every pair I've owned since 2001!  Unless the soles fall off or air pockets burst or there's some kind of default, I keep them even if I can't run in them any more.  I keep them mostly for sentimental value, and if they are still structurally okay, I throw an insole in them and still enjoy them as an every day kick around shoe.  I like having options.  I actually did donate 17 pairs back in December, but since then I've purchased four more pairs.  They all have some pretty good miles on them, but I generally rotate three to four pairs at a time.  They've helped me run over 10,000 miles since the start of 2005 even though I missed nearly a year with Achilles issues.  I ran half-marathon number 17 a week and a half ago, and the next one is in two and a half weeks!  Happy running!" 

WOW. 

If your collection is in desperate need of some spring cleaning, check out this article about organizations that accept donated running shoes. 

Have a shoe stockpile of your own?  Head over to our Facebook page, and post a photo of yours on our wall! 

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