Lerone Young

ENG 80

T-R 3:30

10-12-11

Running Shoes Vs Walking Shoes At first glance, walking and running seem to be very similar. But when you look very closely at the two activities and the demands they place on your feet and your footwear, the two are really different. There are so many different aspects as far as the need for two different types of shoes. Although running shoes and walking shoes are thought to be the same there are differences that affect the need for, and the design of, two very different styles of shoes. Traditionally, walking shoes are available in white, or in shades of white and pink as far as it goes for women. Running shoes, on the other hand, are often seen in a multiple of flashy colors and mixed shades. As you walk, the body’s weight is distributed more evenly on the foot than when you run. When walking your weight rolls from the heel, through the ball and continues to the toe in one foot after the other. Like in a rocking chair motion. This requires your feet to absorb the shock of about one to two times your body weight with each step. During walking there are time when both feet are firmly on the ground, dividing weight to both feet.
Running requires the support of at least two to three times your body weight and each stride has moments with neither foot is on the ground. With each step the outer heel absorbs most of the impact before distributing weight through the foot in a S motion. Walking shoes are designed with a specific mechanics to be more flexible through the ball of the foot to allow a greater range of motion through the roll of the forefoot. They also have a higher arch support to protect where the force is heaviest on the foot
The majority of walkers are most comfortable in an athletic walking shoe because the sole is flexible and durable enough for proper walking techniques. If the sole of your shoes are too stiff to accommodate the rolling stride, not only will your foot slap uncomfortably against the pavement, but also the shoe’s sole will deteriorate because it is not designed for the extra pressure or by bending of the midfoot. Most walking shoes also have a bendable toe box and either a flat or rocker outsole design not to interfere with proper walking techniques Running shoes in contrast, have more cushioning in the heel the point of impact and less protection through the ball of the foot. The amount of heat generated while running is also greater, so running shoes are also made with more mesh to keep your feet cool during running or exercising.
The mechanics of the motion of a foot engaged in proper running techniques are very different from those of a foot that is using proper walking techniques. Runners lift their knees when they run. Sprinters have to lift their knees the highest for maximum speed. A runner’s foot hits the ground from a higher altitude than a walker’s foot and impacts with more force. As a result, most running shoes are made with more cushioning and shock absorption than walking shoes to prevent stress injuries such as turf toe, or heel spurs.
In terms of comfort running shoes designs tend to have more padding rather than support making them good for walkers with high arches, but not as healthy for walkers with small arches or flat feet. If you have low arches and greatly prefer walking in running shoes you can buy arch support insoles to compensate. To prevent sprains and strains running shoes tend to have stiffer sidewalls giving them better motion control than many walking shoes. For this reason running shoes may be a good choice for very over-weight walkers and those who have problems with walking on the inside of the foot.
As far as the comfort of walking in a walking shoe the proper fitness walking technique involves impacting the ground with your heel rolling through the step, and pushing off for the next step with your toes. The majority of fitness walkers are most comfortable in an athletic walking shoe because the sole is flexible and durable enough to facilitate proper walking technique.
I personally really enjoy running shoes a lot more than I do walking shoes. I feel that they suite me better, and I can always match them with what I’m wearing. They always make my feet feel better even if I’m just walking around. Even though running shoes and walking shoes may just be shoes on your feet, they both have a different purpose when it comes to running or walking. Remember; always use the right kind of footwear regardless of what physical activity you pursue. It plays a vital role in preventing muscle pain in the legs and other leg related injuries. After all, prevention is always better than cure!

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