If I buy a pair of shoes and they languish in my closet for a year or 2 before I use them, will they still be "new" when I get to them? Or, will the midsoles break down ('cause of oxidation or some chemical stress) while they sit there?
If I buy a pair of shoes and they languish in my closet for a year or 2 before I use them, will they still be "new" when I get to them? Or, will the midsoles break down ('cause of oxidation or some chemical stress) while they sit there?
They will be fine a year from now. They would be fine 5 years from now as well.
According to my local running store owner, the foam rubber part of the shoe has a certain amount of moisture in them that keep the shoes from feeling flat, if they are stored in a warm place for an extended period of time I'd imagine that you'd get a dry-rot like effect which would make the shoes feel flat.
With that said, I've bought shoes that I've kept in my closet for 2 years and they feel fresh to me. I think 5 years is a stretch, but if they are kept in a cool dry place they shouldn't be too bad off. All MHO.
People often warn against buying old stock shoes, because the EVA can deteriorate or whatever over time. While it's not really a big concern or a big deal, the newer thes shoes, the better off you are.
I found a pair of Nike Analogs from 1993 on Ebay about a year ago, in brand new, unworn condition for about $20...and they felt like they were as good as if they were made the day before. So, as far as i can tell even 7 or 8 years shouldn't be a problem in terms of the midsoles.