Do I really need to buy "walking shoes" versus running shoes?

[ArtfulDodger]

Hi all.

I'm not a runner (limp lungs prohibit too much cardio), but I am an avid walker of 3-5 miles a day.  I have seen lots of dire warnings about how I need to go to a sporting goods store and get fitted for specific walking shoes, rather than buying running shoes, or else Dire Horrible Orthopedic Things will happen to me.  Walking shoes seem to be to have a much more limited selection, and in many cases be more expensive (the Famous Footwear near me sells last year's styles of name brand running shoes at great prices).

I totally get that I need supportive, decent brand athletic shoes, but is it really that big of a deal that they be dedicated "walking shoes?"  I would love opinions from other walkers.

Thanks!

Dodger

[Colinm39]

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@ArtfulDodger wrote:

Hi all.

I'm not a runner (limp lungs prohibit too much cardio), but I am an avid walker of 3-5 miles a day.  I have seen lots of dire warnings about how I need to go to a sporting goods store and get fitted for specific walking shoes, rather than buying running shoes, or else Dire Horrible Orthopedic Things will happen to me.  Walking shoes seem to be to have a much more limited selection, and in many cases be more expensive (the Famous Footwear near me sells last year's styles of name brand running shoes at great prices).

I totally get that I need supportive, decent brand athletic shoes, but is it really that big of a deal that they be dedicated "walking shoes?"  I would love opinions from other walkers.

Thanks!

Dodger

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@ArtfulDodgerIt is always a difficult decision. I purchased Cross Trainers and they weren't suitable so in the end I selected New Balance walkers because they are my daily shoe and walking shoe (black). Like you, I don't run. Fortunately for price, my health insurance was offering a 30% discount on New Balance.

A real issue is "what is the life of a pair of walking shoes ?". I purchased 4 pair and i rotate every few days because my daughter was advised by her Physio to do that and let the shoes "breathe". This link covers many of the aspects of walking shoes.

[shirl63]

Hi i am a new fit users doing on average 10,000 a day.  Looking for new friends for support.

[betpchem]

Great question, @ArtfulDodger I've had the same questions myself. I'll be interested in hearing answers. I really need new shoes and I don't know what to get.

[WendyB]

Im not a runner and most my shoes are Running shoes.

I do get fitted once a year to make sure I have good shoes. But I buy the same shoes online at cheaper prices.

My feet only like Ascis and Brooks. I can not wear New balance or sacouvy. Every one is different

[LZeeW]

@ArtfulDodger  Walking shoes and running shoes differ in design because of the differences in body mechanics, foot strike, and impact between the two activities. 

In a nutshell, more "Dire Horrible Orthopedic Things" can happen if you run in a walking shoe rather than walk in a running shoe.  The heel cushioning in a walking shoe is less than a running shoe -- impact forces are greater when you run -- not enough cushion.

It is very important that you get your gait analyzed so you wear the right type of shoe.  Shoes are designed for overpronators, underpronators, and neutral runners/walkers.  If pain is included in Dire Horrible Orthopedic Things, then be sure you wear the right type of shoe.  Do your homework before buying last year's model on sale.

As a general rule most running and walking shoes last about 300-500 miles.  You might get more miles from walking in a running shoe because you aren't striking with the same impact.  If you try on a new shoe and it feels much better than the old one, then it is definitely time to replace it.

I walk in running shoes because I prefer the feel of the cushion and running shoes tend to weigh less.

[PamelaHazelton]

In my experiences they are a bit different. I wear Skecher's GoWalk with the Gogamat. Love them, as they let me walk naturally. I have a few pair and swap every other day. The breathing thing is real - and my shoes always feel fresh. 

[Techoutside]

After being told many many years that higher quality properly fitted shoes are what you need to protect your feet, I finally broke down at 50 years old and believe them. Military, running, life, and now age.. I feel every single bit of not listening. Too bull headed I guess.

It is my contention, from experience through those years of not listening, that proper shoes are a necessity for an activity, and that you should get the best that you can afford, even saving up if necessary for the right shoe. You obviously don't need the $300 shoes if you aren't a marathon runner, or expedition hiker, but if you do as I did and bought the lowest cost shoe you could find because it was practical, then you'll likely be in my shoes (Pun intentended). 

Now I am going to go soak my feet so I can continue to hobble around today. 

[smhermione]

I bought my first pair of running shoes last year and I do notice the difference when I don't use them and go jogging. With walking I don't know if you have to be fitted, I never have been, but I think you do have to buy a good quality shoe which of course means more expensive. I use Merrell shoes as I find that the soles of their shoes are very strong for support.

[loveabull · Accepted solution]

I think the most important thing  is not so much the type or brand of shoes but rather making sure to rotate what you wear. If you wear the same pair of shoes daily especially if you're on your feet a lot they're going to wear down. The problem is you might not even notice until something starts hurting. Good support is the first thing I look for. TJ Maxx has name brand running shoes deep discount. Duluth Trading has work shoe styles that have rubber soles, very comfortable and well made. The brand Champion is available at Payless for men and women. At $30-$40 you can get two pair at a time and they wear just as long as the pricey ones.

[Gershon]

If you don't get specialized walking shoes, your feet will shrivel up and fall off within the first year. I know. It happened to a zombie friend of mine.

Get shoes that are comfortable and don't give any pain. There is a difference between walking shoes and running shoes. Usually it's about $30 for the same style shoe. 

[TandemWalker]

@Colinm39 - I agree with the shoe rotation bit, not so much to let them breathe; but primarily because most shoes have memory foam or other type of shock-absorbing material. By rotating them, you give your shoes time to restore their shock absorbing quality. It may be a larger cost upfront; but it doesn't cost any more in the long run. In fact, it's the opposite - I log more mileage on my shoes since I rotate them than before I started that scheme.

TW

[TandemWalker]

Hi @ArtfulDodger .

I think @LZeeW 's advice is spot on.

Your observation to the effect that walking shoes seem to have a much narrower selection than running shoes is also spot on.  The reason for it is that they don't sell that much. Why? Because the competition for running shoes is fierce, such that manufacturers have to constantly improve their craft with every new issue of the same shoe, in order to keep competitors in their rear view mirror.

So my advice is to do your homework and buy the best running shoe for you. The first thing that you'll want to know whether your foot rolls inwards (pronating); or outward (subinating); or if you're neutral or pretty much neutral. Once you know that, a couple of hours searching the web should allow you to narrow down your options to two or three models. Then when you go to shopping, you can will be an informed shopped, armed with enough knowledge about your needs to be able to distinguis good advice from bad.

And again, I echo what others have posted here - buy two pairs and rotate them. Your shoes will not only  last longer, but so will their shock absorbing quality. Yes, it's a higher cost upfront; but you won't spend more on shoes annually - actually you'll get more mileage on your shoes by rotating them. So instead of buying shoes twice a year, two pairs rotate daily may last 13-14 months.

So go for it - walk, walk, and walk ... but do it safely, in shoes that will keep footwear-induced injuries at bay and add to your comfort and enjoyment. Personally, I would stay away from walking shoes - all walking shoes. Although many do provide sufficient cushioning and support, they usually don't breathe very well, certainly not as well as running shoes; such that your feet quickly get sweatty. Going for long walks daily in soggy socks is not a good idea.

Talking about socks - those things are important too. Good socks that allow your feet to breathe and for moisture to evaporate is also of paramount importance IMHO. No matter good the shoe, bad socks can ruin everything, with excess moisture causing you blisters, fungus, and the list goes on and on. So the two go together - good shoes, good socks = a smiling face before, during, and after your workout (once you take off your footwear.):smileyhappy:

    TW     

(If this tip solved the problem for you, please mark this post solved, as this will be helpful to other users experiencing similar issues.)

[josephz2va]

• Depends on your behavior. Walking, Running, Elliptical.
• Are your feet soring out periodically?
• Have you seen a specialist if your feet are hurting like hell?

For me, I am wearing running shoes 24/7, but the insoles had to be replaced with Plantar Fasciitis inserts. The right foot does most of the work so it's more sore than the left, but the left I can barely walk on because it has PF.

Eventually I will need to swap out my shoes, but I plan on visiting a store that specializes in PF retail or see a specialist if they carry PF shoes.

[ArtfulDodger]

Thanks all for your insights.  I'll worry less about finding a dedicated "walking shoe" than a good running shoe.  I'm definitely going to get 2 pairs to rotate though - hadn't thought of that.

Thanks!

Dodger

[moonbaby]

a week for me and am happy with Flex.  Today is 4th time to get the l0,000!   Whee!!  Good luck to you.  Up til now, haven't been as active.

[loveabull]

I just want to add to what somebody else mentioned about socks. I used to just wear any pair of socks that were clean. But there IS a big difference. The really cheap ones will wear out in the toes faster and make a difference overall in the fit of your shoes. There are a bunch of different sport socks that reduce sweat and pad your feet better than average.

[Dbrowne88]

I mostly wear running shoes if either walking or running. I tend to do more running than walking, hence why I wear running shoes. My wife bought a pair of Sketchers walking shoes, and aside from the obvious comfort in them when walking, the cushion in them helped her to improve her posture not only when walking but also in everyday life. 

Best thing to do is to go to your local sports store and ask if they do gait analysis. If they do, they can study your body, joint and muscle movements whilst walking/running and can therefore recommend the most suitable shoe.

[Paradise555]

Honestly in all my shoe shopping expeience to get that "right" pair of shoes that fit comfertble and you can walk in, that is all what matters.

[TandemWalker]

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@Paradise555 wrote:

Honestly in all my shoe shopping expeience to get that "right" pair of shoes that fit comfertble and you can walk in, that is all what matters.

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I agree if one's walking gait is neutral. But a shoe, albeit comfortable worn by someone who pronates and supinates, can lead to many complications. The best advice in my humble opinion is always to get your gait analyzed by a professional and buy the right shoe for you.

TW