THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RUNNING SHOES AND WALKING SHOES
Some people buy sneakers or tennis shoes for all activities such as gym, walking, jogging or other activities. This is wrong and harmful to the feet. Please note that there are some differences between walking shoes and running shoes. Know these characteristics so that you can buy the right pair of shoes for yourself.
Why Different Walking and Running Shoes
The pressure on the feet is different when walking or running, so you need to wear shoes that actively eliminate the pressure. Moreover, the parts of the foot work differently when walking or running. Therefore, there is no ideal shoe for these two types of exercise. The only and best option is to buy different pairs that fit.
Everyone has a different arch shape. If you use the wrong shoes, it will cause bone and joint injuries when exercising. It is best to buy shoes that have been researched specifically for walking and running activities, although they are more expensive.
The human foot is very important, it has the task of supporting the entire body. When walking or running, it will create a lot of pressure on the feet and if you do not use the right shoes, your feet will be overloaded. And the result is injuries, foot pain or other pathological problems, some of which cannot be recovered. That is why doctors all affirm the importance of a suitable pair of shoes.
Key Differences to Distinguish Running Shoes and Walking Shoes
For the average person, it is difficult to distinguish the difference between walking shoes and running shoes, however, there are some specific features that help you recognize them.
- Cushioning: The pressure of the foot on the ground when walking is lighter than when running. The number of times a walker impacts the ground is 1.5 times the body weight and when running it is 3 times. Therefore, when running, you need a shoe with more cushioning, which means it will be heavier. Walkers prefer light shoes with enough cushioning.
- Heel: Each person has a different running style, so the impact of the foot on the ground is also different, it can be the heel or the sole of the foot, but for walkers, the heel will contact first. Therefore, walking shoes with an equal heel-toe slope are ideal. This slope is listed in the technical information and is measured in millimeters. Shoes with a heel-toe slope of less than 8mm are the best walking shoes. For runners who make heel or midfoot contact, heel lift shoes are a good choice.
- Heel width: when walking, you will choose shoes without heel width while shoes with heel width provide more support when running. The heel width function helps prevent ankle sprains, creating more stability when moving. Heel width causes discomfort when walking.
- Elasticity: This is a feature that both types of shoes have, you can check by pressing the toe of the shoe and observing the bend. Running shoes will bend at the top or middle of the foot while walking shoes will bend at the forefoot. However, avoid choosing shoes that bend at the arch of the foot. Shoes that cannot bend are not suitable for both walking and running.
- Shoe sole: Walking shoes have soft soles for natural strides but running shoes need thick and inclined soles.
- Motion control: Those who like motion control must ignore the elasticity of the shoe. Runners want the foot to be in a neutral position but that type of shoe is stiff and not suitable. So choose after careful inspection. Walking shoes do not allow for much movement control.
- The nature of walking: Instead of considering the places you walk, such as parks, gravel roads or trails, choose shoes. The more difficult the road, the more stable the shoes.
- Elasticity: The more elastic the shoe is, the more suitable it is for walking. Test the elasticity by twisting the shoe from toe to heel, the walking shoe should stretch moderately and twist at the midfoot position.
- Cushioning: Walking shoes do not require much cushioning, just focus on the cushioning in the midfoot area.
- Weight: Lightweight shoes are suitable for walking.
- Waterproof: This feature is necessary depending on the purpose of use. If you do not go out much in bad weather, you do not need a pair of waterproof shoes. For those who often move in areas with rain or wet weather, a pair of waterproof shoes is a good choice.
- Fit: Fit means no injury and comfort when moving. Try on shoes before exercising. And note that shoes tend to stretch with use. If your toes touch the front of the shoe, the shoe doesnโt fit. You should also try it on an incline to check. Then try it on stairs, if the heel is too high, you should choose another pair.
- Size: Determine the size: length, width of the shoe. Check the space of the width of the thumb between the toe of the shoe and the longest toe. The toes can move easily. The shoe has enough width for the foot to move comfortably from side to side.
- Heel position: The heel can move, feels comfortable, not tight
- Elasticity: The right running shoe has the characteristic that when you hold the heel and press the toe to the ground, the bend is located in the midfoot. If the bend is located in a different position, it will cause some problems when running such as arch injuries, Achilles tendon pain.
- Breathability: In cold weather areas, this will not be a problem, but in hot countries, you have to consider the right choice.
You should also consider the design, color, and price when choosing. A pair of walking or running shoes is usually expensive because they contain a high amount of gray matter. Another thing to note is that you should buy shoes in the evening because that is when your feet are at their maximum size. Despite their differences, both running and walking shoes will pamper your feet.
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