Do you need separate walking shoes and running shoes, and why? What IS the difference between the two? Here’s a breakdown so you know what to buy.
What’s the difference between walking shoes and running shoes?
Walking shoes aren’t built for runners. You don’t get the right flexibility and you won’t be supported. You move very differently when you run compared to when you walk so your legs and feet need different support. Walking shoes are built for the slower pace, whether it’s a hike or a walk locally. Running shoes are designed for runners. It’s a very different movement.
Running shoes are designed with performance in mind, offering various levels of cushioning, heel-to-toe drop, and stability features to suit different running styles and foot types. New running shoes are often being manufactured with new materials and technologies.
Walking shoes, on the other hand, are generally more focused on comfort than performance, often lacking the flexibility and lightweight design needed for efficient walking. They may not be suitable for fitness walkers, especially those with overpronation or fallen arches.
As a result, many fitness walkers opt for running shoes that better meet their needs in terms of flexibility, weight, and support.
Walking or running shoes: What you need to look for
- Cushioning
- Heel height
- Flexibility
Cushioning
Runners need more cushioning in their heel and generally across the whole foot. As you run, your foot hits the ground harder than it would walking. And you’ll generally feel more of an impact on your foot. So walkers need less cushioning than a runner. If you’re walking longer distances, you might want to consider more supportive shoes than if you’re only doing 30 minutes or the odd mile.
Heel height
Runners need more stability. That’s why running shoes will often have more material in the heel. It’s thicker to provide more stability and comfort. Whereas, if you’re walking, you’re not likely to need as much support in the heel. That’s why the heel height on your walking shoes is usually a fair bit smaller, or shorter. Heel height is also called heel drop.
Flexibility
Most running shoes will have a big flex in the shoe. It will usually allow the runner to bend their foot far more at the arch of their foot. It’s like that so you can properly curve your foot as you run. Otherwise, it would be way too stiff and you wouldn’t be able to run comfortably. That’s why the walking shoes or boots are often far more rigid.
In my experience, I’ve used running shoes to go for longer walks. So that’s included 1-2 hour walks on gravel, grass and tarmac terrains. I’ve used the same shoes to run half marathons. But I’ve also gone for a 30 minute walk in shoes with no heel drop or extra padding under foot, and my feet have been sore and rubbing at the end.
So you need to find what works well for you to allow you the right movement and time.
