According to Sara Germano of the Wall Street Journal, there has been an increase in running shoe sales for activities that do not include running. The running shoe market is currently one of the highest selling shoe markets in the industry. Although running shoes are made for that specific activity, many people are wearing them for fashion, walking, or basically anything but running. Well-known brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Reebok are all coming out with fashion focused running shoes that are actually made for the everyday individual. Despite this new trend in wearing running shoes to walk, there is still a high demand of runners using the shoes for their actual purpose.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes consult with one of our podiatrists from University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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