Running Shoe vs. Walking Shoe: What's The Difference? | Shoe ...

Is there really a difference between walking and running shoes or is it just clever marketing to get you to buy more shoes? There are some important differences and your feet will thank you for putting them in the right shoes for the activity you're doing. Here’s 11 tips to help you decide what’s right for you. Your Feet: Walking Vs. Running First off, walking and running place different demands on your feet. When you're walking, your body's weight is distributed more evenly on the foot <a href="http://www.vibramksoshoessale.com/vibram-five-fingers-kso-c-3.html"><strong>vibram five fingers kso</strong></a> than when you run. When you walk, your foot rolls from the heel, through the ball and continues to the toe, one foot after the other. This gentle, rocking kind of motion puts less pressure on your foot – only about one to two times your body weight. When you're running you put more weight on each foot with each step, about two to three times your body weight. With each step, the outer heel absorbs most of the impact. Also with running neither foot is solidly planted on the ground so the compression on feet and joints is far more intense than walking. It adds new meaning to the term ‘pounding the pavement'. These Shoes Are Made For Walking Walking shoes are constructed to be more flexible through the ball of the foot to allow a greater range of motion through the roll of the forefoot. They're <a href="http://www.vibramksoshoessale.com/products_all.html"><strong>vibram fingers</strong></a> specially designed to promote the easy roll of the foot from heel to toe, your natural walking motion. They also have greater arch support to protect where the force is heaviest on the foot. Walking shoes don't have to be as rugged so shoes can be made out of lighter, highly breathable materials. These Shoes Are Made For Running Running shoes have more cushioning in the heel –the point of impact– and less protection through the ball of the foot. Treads and sides are designed for maximum forward grip. Trail running shoes have impregnated solid guards to prevent bruising from sharp rocks. Running shoes from the same manufacturer will not be as flexible at the ball of the foot as a purpose-made walking shoe. Your feet get hotter when running so running shoes are made with a higher amount of mesh to keep feet cool during exercise. So which type of shoe is right for you? Use A Walking Shoe If… You Want To Walk Right: With a walking shoe, the sole is flexible and durable enough for comfortable walking. A bendable toe box and either a flat or rocker outsole design help you to maintain proper walking <a href="http://www.vibramksoshoessale.com/"><strong>vibram fivefingers</strong></a> technique. You Don’t Want To Trip: If you are speed walking the extra cushioning in a running shoe may interfere with proper walking stride increasing the risk of tripping. You Have Fallen Arches or Flat Feet: Running shoes tend to have less arch support than walking shoes making them poor choices for walkers with fallen arches or flat feet. Use A Running Shoe For Walking If… You Have A Foot Injury: Running shoes have more cushioning and shock absorption that helps prevent stress injuries such as turf toe, heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. You’re Over-weight Or Have Arthitis: Walking shoes often have less shock absorption than running shoes. If you are very over-weight or have arthritis of the foot you might consider wearing either a running shoe or a walking shoe that’s extra cushioned. If You’re Considering Running In A Walking Shoe… Don’t. A good running shoe has many different characteristics from a walking shoe that make it great for going fast. And the characteristics of a walking shoe make them less safe at running speeds, so it's best not to run in walking shoes. Ultimately, if the shoe fits, run with it. Hopefully <a href="http://www.casualphorum.com/viewtopic.php?p=1823825#1823825"><strong>Soldier is taking over The Six as the current LeBron James shoe</strong></a> these tips help you make an informed buying decision but ultimately what fits each of us – both our size and our lifestyle – will differ. For instance, extra cushioning adds extra weight, so it’s a trade-off between a heavier shoe that lessens the trauma to your feet and legs and a lighter shoe in which you may be able to run or walk faster. So don’t hesitate to ask us here on our blog or visit one of ourÂ*Certified Procare Fit Specialists in our 9 stores through out Ontario. You can alsoÂ*shop for over 60 styles of running and walkingÂ*shoes online at BeckerShoes.com and enjoy FREE shipping in Canada.Â*If you're worried about fit, you can conveniently order them online and pick them up at one of our 9 stores so you can try before you buy.