What’s The Difference Walking Shoes Vs Running Shoes – Complete Guide in 2021
44.6 million pairs of running footwear were sold in the United States in 2012.
Everyone is more concerned about wearing and buying Walking Shoes Vs Running Shoes activity-specified shoes. Are you one of them?
The exercise life of a running shoe is 644 km on average.
So, if you want to use your running shoes for walking, afterward, it’s not a good idea. The shoes that have already spend their life can damage the health of your feet.
Wear your running shoes for walking but don’t wear walking shoes for running.
There should be a discussion on Walking Shoes Vs Running Shoes so that you can decide whether you can alternate the shoes for each activity or not.
Walking Shoes Vs. Running Shoes
First of all, determine the variation of action involved in walking and running. Running requires more force, and walking seems a relatively natural activity, performed with less energy.
You put your heel first on the ground while walking. Running shows more impact on foot as you first land your front area of the foot.
You move your body along with foot while using most of the energies.
What Factors Should Be Consider While Buying?
Where both activities are different, their helping product should also be changed.
The difference between running and walking allows a difference in the construction of shoes too.
1. Cushioning
This factor is related to the comfort of your feet. Most of the running shoes have comfortable cushioning. Walking shoes have less or no cushioning. It is the reason people prefer to wear running shoes while even walking.
Cushioning shoes provide comfort and shock absorption. After work out, you will feel less tired. Running shoes are cushioned at the forefront and heel areas.
2. Heel Height
The height of the heel is more in running shoes than walking. Running shoes are made more comfortable and supportive of allowing safe running.
Most of the heels are designed in a wedge shape in running shoes to give support to the heel area. Running shoes can trip while walking as they are not made for it.
Walking Shoes Vs Running Shoess have low heels, mostly. The recommended heel height is 4 millimeters or less.
3. Heel Flare
This factor more works for runners. The walkers strike heel to toe, so; he needs less heel flare is less needed.
High feel flare offers runners stability for their foot, especially the trail runners. Runners need support for shock absorption and impact.
Heel flare is not suitable for walking action. It can increase inappropriate ankle movement that can hurt.
4. Flexibility
New balanced walking shoes are constructed to be more flexible. They also have excellent arch support. The excellent arch support protects the foot where the force is massive on foot. Most of the walking shoes are flexible in the for-front area.
Running shoes are firm to give a good base and support from shock absorption while running. They are comfortable due to their cushioning. Their Walking Shoes Vs Running Shoes support the heel, mid-foot area, which is the point of impact while running.
5. Motion Control
Most of the running shoes offer motion control ability as they are made to control the rotating motion and force. Motion control ability will keep your feet safe from the danger of injuries.
Walking shoes lack this ability as they are made for less forceful activity.
6. Support
Both types of shoes provide excellent support to the foot. Soles and arch support protect the foot from strain and the surface impact on the foot.
Fitness walking shoes are a comfortable and excellent support to the foot with a thick base.
Running shoes also designed to support foot from the fatigue of running and surface impact by thick soles.
Where Can You Find Good Running Shoes for Walking?
Choosing the most suitable pair depends only on your specialized needs and choices. You may be a sports player or just an enthusiast runner.
There is an extensive list of shoe brands that are making the most specialized shoes for runners. They know very well the difference between running shoes and sports shoes.
They make the most comfortable, supportive shoes. People prefer wearing running shoes for walking as they feel good in them. Most of the running shoes have evolved to fit every outfit for casual use.
Sneakers are not less from running shoes. The difference between sneakers and running shoes is that sneakers are used casually.
There is a list of the most popular Walking Shoes Vs Running Shoes that are also good for walking. It includes comfortable, supportive, male, female, casual, off-road, etc.
Best Running Shoes for Walking
- Adidas UltraBoost 19 and 20
- Altra Lone Peak 4.5
- Asics Gel-Cumulus 21
- Kuru Atom
- Brooks Addiction Walker 2
- Reebok Ever Road DMX 2
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20
- HOKA ONE ONE BONDI 6
- NIKE AIR ZOOM PEGASUS 36
- OOmg Fibre Low Shoe
- Ryka Momentum
- Saucony Women’s Ride ISO Running Shoe
- Nike Classic Cortez Leather Trainers
Conclusion
The runners should be fit into one of these types of shoes—neutral, stable, and motion control. They are most near to their job, and they can protect their feet from the danger of injuries or other issues.
Runners are more prone to hurt their feet as they run on different surfaces, and their motion can lead to any shock easily. A firm base with shock-absorbing quality can be the only solution.
So, choose wisely from Walking Shoes Vs Running Shoes which suits you the best.