It’s All in the Shoe

Many people think that there is no difference between a running shoe and a walking shoe.  However, there are many things that separate these two popular pieces of footwear, and knowing when the appropriate time to wear each is crucial in comfort, stability, and performance.  At first glance, walking and running shoes appear to be extremely similar, but if you look closely at these two activities and the demands they put on your feet, you can clearly see the differences.  With walking, the body’s weight is more evenly distributed on the foot rather than when you run.  Also, when walking, your weight goes from the heel, to the ball of your foot, up to the toes.  This rocking-like motion requires your feet to absorb the shock of 1 to 2 times your body weight.

Running, however, requires the support of at least 2 to 3 times your body weight, and with each step, your outer heel absorbs most of the impact before it distributes the weight throughout the rest of the foot.  Now you are able to choose the right shoe for the job.  Walking shoes are specifically made to be more flexible through the ball of the foot and allow a great range of motion, while having greater arch support to protect the foot.  Running shoes, such as New Balance running shoes, have more cushioning in the heel and less protection through the ball of the foot.  Running shoes are also made with more mesh to let the feet breath considering running generates more heat than walking.

Making sure you are picking the proper shoes for all of your exercise needs is crucial, as it can help you to avoid injury and discomfort in the long run.  So, the next time you are looking for that perfect pair of shoes to exercise in, make sure you get the pair that matches whatever work out you are choosing to do.  As you can see, the shoe makes all the difference, so purchase the right ones for you, today!