Why Walking Shoes May Be Better
Walkers move differently from runners. The walking motion distributes weight more evenly because one foot is always in contact with the ground. When running, both feet are off the ground at one point during every 2 steps. A runner strikes the ground with two to three times their body weight while walking contacts the ground with about 1.5 times your body weight. Walking shoes roll the entire foot forward, while a running shoe absorbs most of the impact in the forefoot or heel.
A walking shoe sole is often more flexible, narrower and less flared in the heel than a running shoe, making it ideal for uneven surfaces and trail walks. And the more comfortable and versatile the walking shoe, the more likely youll wear it and step up your step count.
If you enjoy hiking or if you frequently walk on uneven or unpaved surfaces, youre probably better off with a dedicated hiking shoe. They usually have a sturdier construction, soles with better grip on wet or uneven terrain, and are often made from waterproof or water-resistant materials. Hiking shoes also may go higher up on the ankle, which can help if you step in a puddle.
The 3 Main Types Of Walking
Walking can be classified based on intensity and distance covered. The kind of walking shoe to buy should be suitable for intended variation of walking.
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Casual walking
Casual walk entails making rounds in the neighborhood to engage nature and enjoy the weather. Since these kinds of walks arent intense, you can don any type of walking shoes. ;
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Hiking
Hiking is popular with individuals looking for adventure beyond their neighborhood. Its more intense thus needs a more durable, well cushioned shoe. The walking shoe should have good treads under the outsole for a firm grip. The shoe should also be light so that you dont tire mid-way through the journey.
This entails part time walking and part time jogging. For this you can only use shoes that are light in weight, well cushioned, and durable in construction. Training shoes are too heavy for such an event and are thus a no go zone. You can try running shoes if you dont have walking shoes at hand.
Takeaway Message
Walking has a flurry of health benefits. It is a relaxing way to interact with nature and unwind. It can also be chance to bond with your friends;;;;;;; as you explore the world. ;
But for your walking adventures to flow as planned, you must source for the appropriate footwear. While both training shoes and walking appear to be similar, using them interchangeably exposes you to potential injuries.
Why A Difference Between Walking And Running Shoes Exists
Before we dive into the differences, its important to understand why shoes are split into the category of walking or running. Think about the force that you put into the ground and your feet when you run they dont refer to running as pounding the pavement for nothing. You absorb approximately three times your body weight when your feet hit the ground, which can happen in different places , in different ways, and engaging different muscles and foot biomechanics. For a part of your running gait, both feet will be off the ground, and overall your feet will make contact with the ground for a shorter time. Running also causes your feet to sweat more. These are just a few of the differences but even these alone have important implications on the design of the shoes, and is why they must be designed differently, each best fitted to their purpose and help you stay safe, comfortable and decrease your likelihood of injury.
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These Shoes Are Made For Walking Running Jumping
Running shoes can be further divided into 3 categories due to some unique aspects of running, such as lots of impact and numerous steps compared to other sports.
Motion-control shoes These are for people with flat feet and other foot problems which need more movement control to help prevent injury.
Cushioned shoes These are made for people whose feet dont roll in or out very much. Since the lack of roll in the foot decreases the foots ability to absorb shock, these shoes have extra padding to decrease the forces on the joints of the body.
Stability shoes These shoes combine some motion control with a good amount of cushion, and are best for mid-weight runners who have normal foot arches.
Most shoe boxes wont tell which of these three groups a certain model is in. You will have to ask an informed salesperson or do some research yourself on the companys website.
Here are a few tips to consider when making your next purchase.
The cushioning in most shoes is only good for 300-500 miles of use, including just walking around during the day.
The cushioning in shoes breaks down over time, even if they are rarely used. So if your running shoes have spent the last year in the closet, they may need replacing even if they look brand-new.
Why Should You Buy Cross Training Shoes
One of the main benefits of having training shoes comes from their versatility. A good pair of training shoes can easily declutter your closet, leaving you with just one pair of shoes to use while doing a variety of activities.
Cross-training exercises are often considered to be high-impactbut, unlike running, the impact is performed in short bursts rather than the extensive impact of running. Cross training shoes can be considered to be an all in one gym shoe. They offer your feet and body support while youre engaging in a variety of ranges of movement, such as:
- Pivoting
- Stopping quickly
- Breaking
These versatile shoes are ideal for different types of workouts , allowing you to get a lot of use out of a good pair.
Now lets check out the key differences between the two.
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Running Shoes Vs Walking Shoes
It’s true that runners have different needs compared to fitness walkers, and so there are running shoes that won’t work well for walking. But when shopping in the walking shoe aisle, you’ll find many walking shoes that are even worse for fitness walking than most running shoes.
Many walking shoe models are designed for comfort wear or workplace use rather than for walking briskly for fitness. Comfort shoes are highly cushioned to relieve stress from standing, and they may be inflexible and heavy.;
When walking for fitness, you do not need as much heavy cushioning as is found in comfort shoes or cushioned running shoes. Walking has far less impact with each step than running, so you don’t have as great of a need for cushioning.
Why Should You Buy Running Shoes
Ok, well, you should buy them for running. But how do these shoes specifically help support this high-impact workout?
Mainly, they protect your feet and joints from the impact of your body weight repeatedly hitting the ground. Running shoes give you support and cushioning as youre propelling yourself forward, which provides you with more comfortespecially during long-distance runs when you need a shoe that is going to give you adequate shock absorption. If youre running anything longer than a 5K, having the cushioning of running shoes is going to be your best bet.
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Some Benefits Of Wearing Appropriate Shoes
The benefits of wearing appropriate shoe can enhance your daily performance. With the proper support that is needed for your feet, your performance will be much better. It also protects your feet from being damaged and various leg issues. So, make an exact choice by considering these facts to make you much comfortable and give you much flexibility.
There Can Be Exceptions
So whilst officially running shoes should only be used for running, there are cases where they can be used with some level of compromise for other activities:
- Walking ;Running shoes actually make very good walking shoes, they are lightweight, very comfortable and designed for moving forwards in a straight line. However its worth bearing in mind your biomechanical needs are different for walking compared to running, so even if your running shoes were professionally fitted, they may not be ideal for;your;walking. Also the higher cost of running shoes is as a result of all of the advanced running specific features, which may not be entirely necessary for walking.
- Gym Workouts ;Excluding classes that involve multidirectional movements, most gym work such as weights and cardio machines can be done in running shoes. Bear in mind that the softer midsoles of running shoes are not good for heavy olympic lifting or squatting as the shoes will be unstable. However most cardio machines hold the feet in a relatively static position so the shoes are virtually irrelevant.
- Skydiving ;From what we can think there is no reason why you couldnt wear running shoes whilst skydiving!
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Consideration When Buying Running Shoes For Walking:
Consider these features to determine whether the pair of running shoes is right for your daily walks or not:
Fitment:;The first thing we recommend is visiting a reliable shoe store to have foot and gait analysis. The experts there will advise what types of shoes are perfect for your feet and your walking or running needs.
Flexibility:;your shoes should be flexible from the back and on the forefoot. Keep in mind that not all shoes are flexible, so be careful when shopping. Inflexible shoes dont provide the optimum structure and support that you will need for long-distance walks.
Low heel:;Some running and walking shoes come with an integrated heel to support walkers who usually land on the ball of the foot. In this case, we will recommend going with the pair with a drop of 8 to 10 mm or less.
No flare:;A true fitness walking shoe comes with an undercut heel that goes in from the heel to the surface. Walkers who often land on their heel dont need a flared heel. Here we will recommend you to look for the pair with little or no flare.
Trail Running Shoes Are Substantially Sturdier And More Rigid Than Most Lightweight Running Shoes
Therefore, they can work well as walking shoes for some people. If you try walking in lightweight running shoes, youre just asking for foot problems. I know Ive made that mistake myself.
In the summers I do some caddying at a local golf resort. So I log a lot of miles of walking. When I first started, I was sporting a pair of Nike running shoes. Before long, my knees were aching and my mobility was suffering. I could hardly walk downhill at all. So I visited our local expert on orthotics, and he fixed me right up. No charge.
You have good feet, he said. Just get yourself a good pair of light hiking shoes, and use Superfeet Insoles. Youll be fine.
Sure enough, a good new pair of Oboz did the trick.
Category: Trail Running Shoe for WalkingNoteworthy: The most rugged shoe that Adidas makes for trail running or walking.
The Rockadia from Adidas is a sturdy, affordable trail running shoe that would work well as a walking shoe for many people. The grippy, rubber soles are stiffer than most trail running shoes and good for all surfaces.
This shoe runs a half size smaller than normal, so be sure to size-up when ordering. As with all Adidas, they run a bit narrow, so we cannot recommend them for people with wide feet.
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Can You Hike In Running Shoes
Hiking in running shoes, how bad can it be? I get why someone might wonder if its okay to go hiking in running shoes or even hike in every day sneakers.
Maybe you dont hike too often and dont want to buy a new pair of boots, or you are traveling and are looking for a shoe that is multipurpose, dont like hiking shoes, or for whatever reason, you just dont have a shoe specifically hiking. So what are your options? Do you really need hiking shoes?
Short Answer: Yes, you can hike in running shoes. Trail running shoes are the best type of running shoes to hike in and are often recommended by experienced hikers. Road running shoes wont perform as well as trail runners but can still work.
Waterproof Is Not Always Waterproof
You might have heard of many boots marketed as waterproof. While this may be true, it is not always the case. These boots do not exactly keep you completely dry, that is for sure.
For instance, your feet tend to sweat a lot in those boots. These are thick and usually not-breathable types of footwear. They only function by protecting your feet from the rain and moisture from the outside. But no, they dont necessarily prevent your feet from sweating.
It is also worth noting that waterproof boots will end up having small holes as time goes by. Wear and tear will not completely make them waterproof anymore.
And here is the nasty part once your waterproof boots are not so waterproof anymore, it gets even more uncomfortable. Think about having to endure wet feet stuck inside thick boots. Not very fun, isnt it?
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Discomfort In Training Walking & Running Shoes
If your feet dont feel anything less than if youre wearing the finest kid gloves then youll not enjoy whatever activity your doing and that could spoil the whole exercise experience.
The shoes uppers may need to be breathable and water-resistant if exercising outside.
The toe should offer enough wriggle room for comfort. For prolonged activity feet may well swell so take that into consideration when choosing a shoe.
The 13 Best Sports Shoes For Running Walking And Hiking In 2021
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When it comes to easy-access workouts, walking and running definitely top the list. Youll burn calories and improve your heart health without the need for any fancy equipment, expensive gym memberships, or any sort of 30-day plan. All you need is your own body and a pair of shoes.
But of course, theres a catch. That pair of shoes is super important for making the most out of your walk, run or hike. Without a proper pair, youll risk injury, discomfort and pain; while the right ones can make you feel like youre flying.
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Why You Dont Need Hiking Boots
So usually when it comes to footwear, a lot of it comes down to personal preference. I love wearing my Bedrock Sandals. Light, waterproof, and comfy. Heck, I even I hiked Mt. Washington barefoot. Others like hiking in trail runners and some hike in their heavier Timberlands . Footwear is quite personal!
Whatever footwear you use, its important that you are safe and comfortable.
If you are just doing a simple nature walk or easy hike, any footwear short of high heels is going to be fine.
Hiking boots are heavy and in most cases, pretty overkill. Thats why hiking shoes and running shoes are becoming so much more popular on the trails.
When it comes to hiking in road running shoes, they can be fine but there are certain running shoes that are going to be better.
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Super Comfy Shoes For Counting All Your Stepsor Lounging
Shoes youll love cruising around in as much as your favorite pair of running kicks.
As a running magazine, we often tout the health benefits of our sport, but honestly, walking is pretty great, too. In fact, research shows thatjust like runnerspeople who walk at a moderate intensity regularly have a lower risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. Turns out the most important thing is that youre getting miles in, wherever and at whatever pace you can. And what you put on your feet can either make you or break you in that mission. But dont worrywere here to help.
Whether youre a high-mileage walker, a runner recovering from an injury, or someone who simply wants to squeeze as many steps into your schedule as possible, weve found a pair of shoes for you. We review hundreds of shoes every year and test the latest foams and materials at our shoe lab. Many of those same technologies are used in these pairs, which gives us unique insight into how theyll perform and hold up over the long haul. See a sampling below for the best walking shoes and read on to learn more about how to pick the pair thats right for you.
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Active Shoes For Men And Women From Vionic
If you take daily walks, walking shoes are the way to go. If youre a jogger, trail runner, or distance runner, then running sneakers is your best bet. And if you do both, you might consider getting a pair of each. Not sure where to start? Vionic has an impressive selection of mens and womens walking shoes and active sneakers.
We carry lace-up walkers, as well as hook-and-loop strap styles. Weve also got plenty of trainers, active sneakers, cross-training shoes, casual sneakers, and even tennis shoes made specifically for working on your feet. Aside from being supremely comfortable and supportive, our orthotic sneakers are totally stylish.
Shop our athletic shoe collections today! If you have any questions, were always here to help you find the exact right shoe.
