Do shoes last for years unused?

[Hurting Elbow]

My favorite shoes were discontinued and made a comeback, reduced to $80 from the original $130. I bought three pairs. Do you think they will keep for several years if I buy more? I get about a year's worth of play from them, ten months or so very useable then recycle them more for practice and the gym, etc.

 

[innoVAShaun]

What model?

Plastics, rubber, glue, seams, etc deteriorate after time.

 

[Rosstour]

My favorite shoes were discontinued and made a comeback, reduced to $80 from the original $130. I bought three pairs. Do you think they will keep for several years if I buy more? I get about a year's worth of play from them, ten months or so very useable then recycle them more for practice and the gym, etc.

*last longer if stored properly
*last longer if you rotate them

 

[slchsu]

They should be fine for 2-3 years. I probably wouldn’t play tennis in shoes that have been stored for more than 5 years. Wearing them casually would be a different story.

 

[Grafil Injection]

I have a pair of basketball shoes from 1988 that are still new looking today and have no material decay. They were 1/2 size too big, so I only used them a couple of times. Been sitting in their shoe-box inside a trunk for 35 years.

 

[codonnell]

I’d say as long as they are stored decently they will be fine. The only thing I will say is there is some equipment improvements over time which can make shoes less desirable/performance. I loved the old babolat propulses with the Velcro on the front. Replaced them and then used them 2 years later when I had a whole. They were so heavy LOL. But overall I’d say with shoes they should last a while

 

[Bilders]

Maximum longevity would be sealed storage. Cardboard box, tape it up real good. I have 2005 Vapor Speeds that are still pristine whenever I check them now and then, cause I did this. And they are not durable shoes in general.

 

[socallefty]

If they are stored in an air conditioned, centrally heated house, they should be fine for a long time. If you store them in a garage or storeroom where they are exposed to heat, humidity, cold etc., who knows?

 

[Hurting Elbow]

I’d say as long as they are stored decently they will be fine. The only thing I will say is there is some equipment improvements over time which can make shoes less desirable/performance. I loved the old babolat propulses with the Velcro on the front. Replaced them and then used them 2 years later when I had a whole. They were so heavy LOL. But overall I’d say with shoes they should last a while

It's the Babolat Propulse Fury AC White/Blue Women's Shoes. I tried the newest model of the ASICS Gel Resolutions last year and developed tendonitis on my instep, like a shin split. Still have it on and off, maybe a coincidence but ...

 

[Hurting Elbow]

If they are stored in an air conditioned, centrally heated house, they should be fine for a long time. If you store them in a garage or storeroom where they are exposed to heat, humidity, cold etc., who knows?

My bedroom closet is out. It gets cold in there.

 

[Hurting Elbow]

I have a pair of basketball shoes from 1988 that are still new looking today and have no material decay. They were 1/2 size too big, so I only used them a couple of times. Been sitting in their shoe-box inside a trunk for 35 years.

I'd love to go back to 1985 and buy some Reebok Freestyle Bright and Blacks. No online pics that I can see but I had a couple pairs. I kept a pair of signed Marine Jahan (real dancer in Flashdance) Avila's for a long time and seemed ok.

 

[Hurting Elbow]

What model?

Plastics, rubber, glue, seams, etc deteriorate after time.

Babolat Propulse Fury AC White/Blue Women's Shoes

 

[d-quik]

Babolat Propulse Fury AC White/Blue Women's Shoes

Why so big/loud/angry though?

 

[Purestriker]

Why so big/loud/angry though?

For the people in the back.

 

[bigserving]

I have stored shoes for eight years and they wore like they were brand new.

 

[kimguroo]

About 7-8 years, shoes start to develop a glue issue. My vapor9 needs to re-glue outsole but if I reglue shoes, it’s okay to perform.

 

[Curtennis]

I’d imagine they’ll last as long as some combination of tires and mattresses that sit around for decades.

 

[cks]

My favorite shoes were discontinued and made a comeback, reduced to $80 from the original $130. I bought three pairs. Do you think they will keep for several years if I buy more? I get about a year's worth of play from them, ten months or so very useable then recycle them more for practice and the gym, etc.

I did something similar.

I used to purchase my tennis shoes from my local sport equipment store, and pickup whatever model of tennis shoe they were selling. One of the shoes I pickup felt really good, and I wanted to buy the same shoe again when I wore out my current pair. The problem was that my local store wasn't selling them anymore. I ended up buying four (4) sets of my favorite shoe from different online retailers. The shoe is no longer in production and I have not been able to find any more of this model in my size. I still have one more new pair in my closet. After that, I will have to try and find a new favorite tennis shoe.

I kept all of my new pairs in my closet. They seemed fine.

 

[jimmy8]

This isn't a perfect comparison, but ping pong rackets off the shelf don't play that well because no one knows how old the rubber is. The rubber ages, it becomes harder and you don't get the bounce and more importantly aged rubber doesn't get spin like fresh rubber.

That's why people buy custom rackets where you buy the wood or carbon fiber piece, then buy fresh rubber, then glue it together. Then after playing for X number of hours, you can peel the rubber off and glue new rubber on.

I loved a certain shoe, bought many of them, bought older ones on the Bay, then realized the cushion was worn out from age and my feet hurt so I abandoned many, many shoes. Lost a lot of money.

 

[Rosstour]

I did something similar.

I used to purchase my tennis shoes from my local sport equipment store, and pickup whatever model of tennis shoe they were selling. One of the shoes I pickup felt really good, and I wanted to buy the same shoe again when I wore out my current pair. The problem was that my local store wasn't selling them anymore. I ended up buying four (4) sets of my favorite shoe from different online retailers. The shoe is no longer in production and I have not been able to find any more of this model in my size. I still have one more new pair in my closet. After that, I will have to try and find a new favorite tennis shoe.

I kept all of my new pairs in my closet. They seemed fine.

This isn't a perfect comparison, but ping pong rackets off the shelf don't play that well because no one knows how old the rubber is. The rubber ages, it becomes harder and you don't get the bounce and more importantly aged rubber doesn't get spin like fresh rubber.

That's why people buy custom rackets where you buy the wood or carbon fiber piece, then buy fresh rubber, then glue it together. Then after playing for X number of hours, you can peel the rubber off and glue new rubber on.

I loved a certain shoe, bought many of them, bought older ones on the Bay, then realized the cushion was worn out from age and my feet hurt so I abandoned many, many shoes. Lost a lot of money.

Which were the shoes in question?

I'm stockpiling GP Turbos but I'm starting to think I might have too many to get through (I have 7 pairs but other shoes too...)

 

[jimmy8]

Which were the shoes in question?

I'm stockpiling GP Turbos but I'm starting to think I might have too many to get through (I have 7 pairs but other shoes too...)

I had many Nike Hyperdunks (used 99% for basketball, 1% for tennis). GP Turbos might be ok because they have dual full length air units for cushion, it's air and not rubbery foam cushion.

 

[Rosstour]

I had many Nike Hyperdunks (used 99% for basketball, 1% for tennis). GP Turbos might be ok because they have dual full length air units for cushion, it's air and not rubbery foam cushion.

Thanks

Hoping you're right

I need to trash my Cages and Vapors ASAP this year and just leave myself with GPTs

 

[d-quik]

I did something similar.

I used to purchase my tennis shoes from my local sport equipment store, and pickup whatever model of tennis shoe they were selling. One of the shoes I pickup felt really good, and I wanted to buy the same shoe again when I wore out my current pair. The problem was that my local store wasn't selling them anymore. I ended up buying four (4) sets of my favorite shoe from different online retailers. The shoe is no longer in production and I have not been able to find any more of this model in my size. I still have one more new pair in my closet. After that, I will have to try and find a new favorite tennis shoe.

I kept all of my new pairs in my closet. They seemed fine.

what shoes are these you speak of?

 

[cks]

what shoes are these you speak of?

I really liked the Adidas Game Court. Not to be confused with the Game Court 2.

 

[mike schiffer]

pack them in a plastic bag and get all the air out that you can......reduce exposure to oxygen that can cause many materials break down thru oxidation...

 

[bertrevert]

The plastics last, the stitching stays, the laces too, but the glues... not so much.

 

[Cyclone]

According to my physical therapist who sees numerous pro athletes, they've learned from footwear experts that many shoes will start to degrade internally even if left unused. It's more prominent with softer shoes (like running shoes), though I'd imagine the same could apply to tennis shoes to a certain extent. How much does it impact us as recreational players? Hard to say, though those of us with sensitive feet or who rely on certain aspects of shoes (midfoot support, upper stiffness, etc) might notice it more.

 

[bertrevert]

According to my physical therapist who sees numerous pro athletes, they've learned from footwear experts that many shoes will start to degrade internally even if left unused.

I would agree. Long time runner I know throws away running shoes pretty quick because they lose their bounce.
I would imagine the plastics lose their bounce no matter what, even without use, that that elasticity is lost.

 

[Hurting Elbow]

I did something similar.

I used to purchase my tennis shoes from my local sport equipment store, and pickup whatever model of tennis shoe they were selling. One of the shoes I pickup felt really good, and I wanted to buy the same shoe again when I wore out my current pair. The problem was that my local store wasn't selling them anymore. I ended up buying four (4) sets of my favorite shoe from different online retailers. The shoe is no longer in production and I have not been able to find any more of this model in my size. I still have one more new pair in my closet. After that, I will have to try and find a new favorite tennis shoe.

I kept all of my new pairs in my closet. They seemed fine.

Thanks, I'm up to five pairs. I tried for a new

*last longer if stored properly
*last longer if you rotate them

Thanks for the rotate tip, last worn on the bottom of the stack in the box.

 

[Hurting Elbow]

I would agree. Long time runner I know throws away running shoes pretty quick because they lose their bounce.
I would imagine the plastics lose their bounce no matter what, even without use, that that elasticity is lost.

I guess I"m going to take my chances. The reason I asked was I had a favorite pair of Nine West boots years ago, I think Cloud 9. Soft rubber soles with a chunky heal. They were perfect and priced right. I bought extras and I think it was cheap imitation leather which ended up getting dents before even being work.

 

[Hurting Elbow]

*last longer if stored properly
*last longer if you rotate them

Thanks for the rotate tip. Last worn on the bottom of the stack. Sounds like something Sampras would of done.

 

[Cyclone]

I would agree. Long time runner I know throws away running shoes pretty quick because they lose their bounce.
I would imagine the plastics lose their bounce no matter what, even without use, that that elasticity is lost.

Yup, he said that while the common recommendation is to change your shoes after 300-500 miles, in reality they're only "excellent" for the first 30-50 miles, then begin to dwindle in terms of support and performance.

Even though I wish it weren't so, I end up feeling the difference in tennis shoes after 7-10 wears (~10-15 hours): I feel it in my hips, low back, feet, etc.

 

[downunder]

I had a pair of Nike Oscillator bought in 2000 and first worn in 2011 (eleven years in storage). After a few sets of tennis they still looked like new but the sole came off due to the glue failing. A shoe repair shop glued the sole back on but the sole came off again quickly. The foam was disintegrating into a powder that glue could not stick to.

 

[georgeyew]

I had 4 pairs of shoes that were in storage for about 10 years and the soles all came apart on the 1st outing. So from this point on no more shoes in storage for more than 4 years.

 

[d-quik]

I had a pair of Nike Oscillator bought in 2000 and first worn in 2011 (eleven years in storage). After a few sets of tennis they still looked like new but the sole came off due to the glue failing. A shoe repair shop glued the sole back on but the sole came off again quickly. The foam was disintegrating into a powder that glue could not stick to.

I had 4 pairs of shoes that were in storage for about 10 years and the soles all came apart on the 1st outing. So from this point on no more shoes in storage for more than 4 years.

how were they stored though?

 

[Turner]

pack them in a plastic bag and get all the air out that you can......reduce exposure to oxygen that can cause many materials break down thru oxidation...

Exactly.

Spoiler

 

[Fintft]

If they are stored in an air conditioned, centrally heated house, they should be fine for a long time. If you store them in a garage or storeroom where they are exposed to heat, humidity, cold etc., who knows?

I'm sorry I've sold my Nike Courtballistecs (air and lunarite)...

 

[Rosstour]

So what's the best method to store shoes?

I have 8 pairs of GP Turbo that I want to preserve for as long as I can. Should I bag them up inside their boxes?

 

[rafa_prestige89]

So what's the best method to store shoes?

I have 8 pairs of GP Turbo that I want to preserve for as long as I can. Should I bag them up inside their boxes?

Rotate the 8.

 

[Ronaldo]

Back in the day when NB had a lifetime guaranty the company replaced my CT-790. Discovered a new pair in the box in my basement. Tried them on, seemed a bit stiff. Thought it may be me. Wore them on a HC and the sole separated from the upper. Thought about returning them but they were a replacement pr. anyway. Guess even 20 yr old shoes are not what they used to be.

 

[Hulger]

I store all of my shoes in a wine cooler

 

[Ronaldo]

I store all of my shoes in a wine cooler

Where do you store your wine?

 

[norcal]

Where do you store your wine?

In a shoe box!

 

[norcal]

I have two pair of Yonex PCD 2 (2015 I think), one I am currently rotating with like 5 other types (what's up Imelda Marcos!) the other is still new in the box.

So roughly 8 years old and seem totally fine. Anyone have experience with older Yonex?

 

[Ronaldo]

In a shoe box!

Good one! Learned to store mine at the corner store