Can You Use Running Shoes for Walking?
Yes. Well, technically you can wear what you like! But running shoes are built for different movement so running shoes might not protect your feet in the same way. That’s why it’s a good idea to have one pair of walking shoes or hiking boots, and then running trainers for the different purposes.
| Situation | Trail Running Shoes | Hiking Boots |
| Summer Day Hikes | Great for well-maintained trails, lighter and faster |
May be overkill, can be too warm and heavy
|
| Summer Scrambling | Suitable for easy scrambling, but less grippy and protective |
Good choice, protective and rigid sole, but can be warm and heavy
|
| Wet Conditions | Good grip, but not waterproof, feet will get wet |
Waterproof, stable, and good grip, ideal for wet weather
|
| Winter Hiking | Not enough insulation or protection |
Ideal for warmth and protection, crampon-compatible boots for mountaineering
|
| Backpacking | Not enough support for heavy loads |
Good ankle support and stability, ideal for long trips
|
Can you use walking shoes for running?
What about the other way around? Well, your walking shoes are not likely to provide you with as much as support or comfort. When you walk, you push off the ground with far less force compared to when you’re running.
This is what Andrew Bumbalough, product line manager, running footwear at Nike, says.
“running shoes are great for walking, but not all walking shoes might offer the cushion, response and transition features that a runner might be looking for”
Can you use trail running shoes for walking?
Again, you can use trail running shoes for walking if it suits you! Trail running shoes can offer far more grip so they can be good in the summer, but they’re just not designed to endure the wet trail. Some people do use trail running shoes for walking, like Alex Foxfield, Mountain Leader at Advnture.
I didn’t invest in hiking boots for many years, doing all of my hiking in consecutive pairs of Salomon Speedcrosses. I’ve taken on hundreds of scrambles in them and summited many peaks without any injuries or complaints.
If you’re going for a speed hike in the warmer months, you might be fine. They’re generally quite light so you don’t feel too weighed down. But if you’re doing hiking in the wetter months or you’re going up more of a peak, you’ll want to consider some hiking boots.
Can you use running shoes for standing up all day?
Yes you could. So many of us work from home, and lots of us now might use a standing desk so we’re not hunched over the desk all day. So you can use running shoes for that. Obviously they’re designed to give the runner cushioning for the movement in a run. They’re not designed to just be stationary. But if they’re comfortable for what you need, go for it.
For example, I work from home and I’d much rather stand up working in my running shoes than my bare feet or slippers.
