How to Buy Walking or Running Shoes
By Rachel Carver
Whether you have a new resolution to get moving or just need to replace your worn out ones, the idea of looking at so many can be overwhelming. Where do you even start? And what's the difference between them all anyway?
To answer one question, there are differences between running and walking shoes. Your shoe purchase needs to be determined by what you plan to do while wearing it.
Read on to learn how to find the right shoes for you for the right price.
Running and Walking Shoe Differences
Don't let appearance fool you. Running shoes should actually have less cushion than walking shoes. Running impacts your body more than walking. Each step you take while running forces your foot through the foam to contact the ground.
Walking does not use as much force. For this reason, walking shoes can have more cushion. Many people wear walking shoes all day, so comfort is important for these shoes.
Check Your Arches
If you have collapsed arches, you may want a shoe with motion control and support. Here's how to know if you have collapsed arches:
- March in place in front of a mirror with no shoes or socks
- You need additional support if your arches are close to or touching the ground
Check the Tread
The bottom of a shoe, or tread, can tell you a lot. The tread has two parts -- the outsole and the foam midsole. The outsole is the rubber surface you run on, and the foam midsole provides some of the cushion.
The rubber coverage gives you traction and can make the shoe last longer. Walking shoes have less rubber and lower treads because your feet do not hit the ground as hard when you walk as when you run.
Establish Goals
Where you walk or run can also determine the shoe you need. For example, you need more rubber and lugs for tread traction during light hikes. If you tend to walk your neighborhood sidewalks, you can select a shoe that feels comfortable and that will give you multiple uses.
Plan to Invest
Unfortunately, prices are increasing for running shoes. Better foams and shoe technologies mean you will most likely spend $100 or more for a quality running shoe. Shoes under $100 usually have cheaper foam. And higher price shoes might give you super technical options runners do not need. You can usually spend less money on walking shoes, as long as they feel comfortable.
The Bottom Line
Walkers can focus on shoe comfort. Runners need support and security even when you speed up. And replace your shoes frequently to maintain support and security.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Temple, Tex.