Madison S.
- Jan 14

5 Tips to Choosing Walking vs Running Shoes

updated 12-2-23

Difference between Walking vs. Running Shoes

When you walk into a sports or shoe store, you will in most cases feel completely overrun by the sheer number of shoe options available to you. You approach the shoes, but you are unable to select one because they are all identical in appearance.

It's possible that you'll go with the combination that appears to be your best option, but have you done any research on it? Is it a shoe designed for walking or running? Before you make your purchase, you need the answer to that question since the type of shoe you choose needs to correspond to the type of exercise that you are doing.

What exactly is the difference? This blog post is going to examine the various ways in which walking shoes and running shoes differ, with the goal of assisting you in selecting the shoe that will work best for you.

The Difference in The Heel

When compared to walking shoes, which have more cushioning, running shoes often feature a heel that is more substantial. This adds the extra weight that is necessary to protect runners.

In a similar vein, those who walk should look for shoes that have a minimal drop in the heel.

It is very important to keep in mind that the heel of the shoe does not define the shoe based on its appearance from the outside. Although the heel may appear to be quite massive from the outside, it actually has a relatively low profile on the inside.

Heel Flare

The heel flare is another characteristic that separates running shoes and walking shoes from one another. The flare at the back of the heel is one of the primary characteristics that differentiate a running shoe from a walking shoe.

Therefore, there is no way to tell the difference between a walking shoe and a running shoe if the shoe has a flare, but if the shoe does not have a flare, then it is simply a walking shoe.

Cushioning

Whether we are walking or running, the way in which we use our feet and how our body weight is distributed is significantly different. When you run, the impact of your feet striking the ground is equal to three times the amount of your body weight. Doesn't that make the experience sound excruciating?

Runners require a significant amount of cushioning in their shoes, particularly at the front of the foot and the heel, but walkers just require a little degree of cushioning.

Because additional cushioning adds weight to a shoe, a walker who chooses a running shoe with a lot of cushioning would experience increased foot strain as a result of their choice of footwear.

If you are going to be walking, you should get shoes with very little cushioning, but if you are going to be jogging, you should get shoes with a considerable amount of cushioning.

Cost

Walking shoes are a major factor to take into consideration if your goal is to save a little money. Walking shoes cost a reasonable amount in your pocket and are reasonably priced.

Running shoes, therefore, cost twice as much as walking shoes. Over walking shoes, there is a far larger assortment of running shoes.

Flexibility in a Shoe

Flexibility is a feature that is built into both running shoes and walking shoes. The location of the flex is the single most significant factor to think about when trying to decide which one is better because it will help you differentiate between the two.

Many different designers of running shoes make their products such that they may bend in a variety of positions. Most commonly, the arch or the midfoot of the foot is designed to bend in running shoes.

On the other hand, some shoe designers choose a flexible forefoot to accommodate the various needs of runners and the various ways in which runners strike the ground.

In a similar fashion, most people who walk push off with their forefoot. Therefore, the forefoot of walking shoes is designed to be more flexible.

The function of the shoe should determine the most important part of the shoe's design, which is where the shoe should bend.

Heel Height

Because walkers tumble through their steps and knock their heels into the ground, a higher heel should not have a considerable platform. On the other hand, running shoes ought to be constructed in a way that gives the runner a sense of stability.

Because different areas of a runner's body make contact with the ground during each stride, running shoes for women need to have a higher heel than men's shoes.

To summarize, the function that the shoe is intended to fulfill should be the primary consideration in determining the type of shoe that should be purchased.

However, as people land on the ground in a variety of ways, we shouldn't discount how much comfort a shoe may bring to a certain person. If you want the most comfort possible, you should look for footwear that is tailored to your specific needs.