Choosing a pair of shoes to walk in can be more difficult than you might think. Walking can be one of the simplest of tasks you can do to improve your health.
With so many choices, it’s simple to either get distracted by all the bells and whistles. Or become so overwhelmed that you wear the same pair of shoes all the time.
Fitness walking shoes and running shoes both have features that make them ideal for physical activity.
The two kinds of shoes do differ from one another, though. However, you might have questioned whether you could walk in your running shoes.
In this article, we are going to discuss if your running shoes are good for fitness walking.
The Difference Between Fitness Walking And Running
Running involves having both feet in the air simultaneously for a limited period of time. It takes place as the ball is turned over from foot to foot.
As runners spend more time in the air than walkers do, they will experience greater physical strain upon landing.
Conversely, walkers always maintain at least one foot planted firmly on the ground. Compared to runners, walkers put less strain on their bodies since they don’t fly into the air during turnover.
Don’t let walking’s reduced intensity deceive you, though.
Fitness walking has a lot of health benefits, including lowering cardiac risk factors including obesity, mental stress, high cholesterol, inflammation, diabetes and blood pressure.
The Difference Between Walking Shoes And Running Shoes
Given that runners’ needs differ from those of fitness walkers, there are running shoes that aren’t ideal for walking.
However, the majority of the walking shoes you’ll come across are worse for fitness walking than the majority of running shoes.
Instead of being made for fast, fitness-related walking, several walking shoe types are made for comfort wear or work use.
Comfort footwear may be rigid and hefty, and it may have a lot of cushioning to reduce standing-related stress.
You don’t need as much thick cushioning when walking for fitness as you would in cushioned running shoes or comfort shoes.
You don’t need this cushioning when walking as you do when running because walking has a much lower impact with each step.
Using Running Shoes For Fitness Walking
A shoe marketed as a walking shoe is rarely a better choice than running shoes.
Even when contrasting running shoes with fitness walking shoes, the running shoe models have more support features, modern cushioning, and motion control, which you need for fitness walking.
When you purchase a shoe with the designation “walking shoe,” you frequently aren’t getting the most modern material and manufacturing techniques.
For instance, several novel materials offer stress absorption while being lower in weight. That may be included into running shoes, but not necessarily into walking shoes made by the same company.
It is vital that you do your research into the shoes you are purchasing. You need to make sure they include features that will benefit the activity you want to participate in.
Otherwise, the shoes won’t support you correctly and this could lead to potential problems and injuries.
What Should You Look For In Fitness Walking Shoes?
There are a couple of factors to consider when you are purchasing shoes for fitness walking. You need to keep these points in mind while you are browsing.
They will ensure that you purchase shoes that are perfect for you and your needs. This will also determine whether there is a running shoe out there that can fit your fitness walking needs, or do you need to look elsewhere.
Fit
Visit the most reputable running shoe retailer in your area to get your feet and stride evaluated.
They will decide whether you require stability shoes, running shoes, motion control shoes, or neutral lightweight trainers. The employees there will be able to suggest the ideal style of footwear for your walking requirements.
This is the easiest way to determine whether you should choose running shoes or not.
Flexibility
The shoe’s forefoot should be flexible and bendable. However, if they are as flexible as bare feet or minimalist shoes, which are easily bent in half. They might not offer an adequate amount of support or structure for lengthy walks.
See where the shoe bends by applying pressure with the toe of the shoe. Since walkers should push off with their toes, fitness walking shoes should bend at the forefoot.
The platform they require cannot be provided by a shoe with a bent arch. However, a shoe that doesn’t bend at all must be avoided at all costs.
Heel Height
To help runners that land on the ball of their foot, some running shoes contain a built-up heel.
For both walkers and runners, there is a trend towards decreased heel-to-toe drop, and shoes frequently mention this drop in millimeters (mm).
Look for footwear with a drop of no more than 10 mm or less.
You don’t have a high heel, instead you want quite a low one. This will make walking easier and more comfortable.
Flares
The heel of a genuine fitness walking shoe is undercut and curves inward toward the ground. Walkers do not require built-up or flared heels because they land on the heel.
A flared heel is a common feature of running shoes, particularly trail running shoes, as it serves as a foundation for runners who land on their arch or ball of the foot.
Try to find minimal to no flare shoes.
Cushioning
Choose a lightweight shoe that nevertheless offers appropriate cushioning. This is so that after a lengthy walk, your legs and feet won’t be sore from the impact.
Consider cushioned running shoes if you intend to walk longer distances than six miles at once, but be sure they also fit the other requirements for decent walking shoes.
For instance, Brooks Glycerin shoes are cushioned and light, making them ideal for longer walks like a half-marathon.
Where Can You Find Running Shoes For Fitness Walking?
The best thing to do is once you’ve decided on the type of shoe you want, you should go to the best shoe or running shoe store in your local area.
We recommend getting fitted this way, as you can ensure that you are getting the right shoe for you. The specialists can help recommend shoes that will work best for you.
Conclusion
When it comes to fitness walking, you can wear a running shoe.
However, you want to make sure that the running shoe isn’t too high or overly cushioned, as these are features that a fitness walker doesn’t need. In addition to that, your shoes shouldn’t be flared.
For fitness walking, there is a broad range of shoes to choose from between walking and running shoes.
Although, a lot of walking shoes are too stiff and hard when it comes to fitness walking. We hope this article has helped you to make a more informed decision on the shoes you should be wearing for fitness walking.
