With the 3-step Sneaker Strategy, at most three pairs of sneakers are owned at one time.  Two pairs the majority of the time.  Recall TheMoneySkinny™ mission is to save you time and money.   Let’s review what the 3-step sneaker strategy is and how to save the most money using it.  Also some ideas and encouragement to get you started walking or running.

My Running History

I was on temporary work assignment with people that were running enthusiasts.  Not a formal running club.  A subset of co-workers that enjoyed discussing running and participating in local races.  They reignited my running passion that has continued through most of my adult life.  At the finish line after one particularly grueling 10k race the following exchange took place:

Me:                    “What did the winner finish in?”  In my youth I sometimes dangled a preposition and cared about race times.

Co-worker:         “Shorts and a t-shirt.”

3-Step Sneaker Strategy

Running is an inexpensive activity that enhances overall fitness, doesn’t require a partner and has a low cost of entry.  Just sneakers.  I use a simple 3-step Sneaker Strategy to manage my running shoes and control the expense. With the 3-step Sneaker Strategy, at most three pairs of sneakers are owned at one time.  Two pairs the majority of the time.  This same stuff management strategy has lots of applicability.  Especially items with a limited useful life.  The Money Skinny™ motto is “Wear it hard, then discard”.  You’ll get your money’s worth while keeping the investment low with the 3-Step Sneaker Strategy.

New –Replacement pair ready when the current pair is downgraded.  Best to purchase a new pair just-in-time when the current pair is demoted.  Fresh new shoes speed the current pair’s demise.
Current –Used for everyday running.  Worn until the soles flatten.  Side mesh tears allow stones and debris into the shoe.  Mileage is also a factor in the replacement timetable.
Demoted –This is the formerly current pair now used for walking.  Maybe as miscellaneous knock-arounds when any type of shoe will do. When the current pair becomes the demoted pair, demoted pair minus one goes into the trash bin.

TheMoneySkinny wants to encourage you to start walking or running.  Unsure where to begin?  Try this:

• Wear whatever sneakers you own.  Be kind to your skeleton.  Walk on forgiving surfaces like grass or trails.  Avoid cement.
• Buy running-type shoes when ready for replacement shoes.  A half size larger than your regular shoes gives room for the foot to slide slightly forward.  Running shoes have a broad sole base for stability and are incredibly lightweight.  Not the Chuck Taylor’s you wore in high school.
• Put a free fitness app with a step counter on your cellphone.  It’s easy to measure progress.  I use the app S Health.
• Add running intervals to walking to increase endurance and stamina.
• Follow the 3-Step Sneaker Strategy to minimize expense and avoid over-accumulation of running shoes.

Clothing

One final note on running apparel.  All you need are running sneakers.  Outfits don’t matter.  Maybe you purchase workout gear for motivation.  Knock yourself out.  I am more of a Practical Pete.  Running in my children’s castoff t-shirts, shorts and sweats.  A TheMoneySkinny™ Parentocracy truism.   All spiritwear and sports attire purchased in high school gets left behind when Junior goes to college.  It’s probably on the floor in his bedroom.  Do yourself a favor.  Put on one of those t-shirts and go for a run.

• Running is an inexpensive activity that enhances overall fitness, doesn’t require a partner and has a low cost of entry.  Just sneakers.
• Use a 3-Step Sneaker Strategy to manage running shoes with new, current and demoted categories.
• Start by walking on gentle surfaces in whatever sneakers you own.
• Add a free fitness app with a step counter for motivation.