Walking Shoes vs. Running Shoes

If you plan to WALK as an exercise:
Get WALKING Shoes and NOT Running Shoes!

Here’s Why:
There is a big difference in the Gait-Cycle between walking and running;
Walking: Body load -> First strike is on the Heel –> need cushioning at the heel.
Running: Body load -> First strike is on the Mid-Foot -> need cushioning at the mid-foot.


Walking

Walking Strike Path Gait
1. First strike with your heel.
2 Gait cycle via the mid-foot.
3. Full foot contact.
4. Propel forward via the ball of the foot & toes.


Running

Running Strike Path Gait
1. First strike with the ball of the foot (or mid-foot).
2. Gait cycle via the mid-foot.
3. Full foot contact.
4. Propel forward via the ball of the foot.


All major athletic shoe brands are aware of the foot-strike difference.

Most of them manufacture shoes accordingly:

Walking Shoes: Cushioned Heel & Flexible Mid-Foot.
Running Shoes: Cushioned Mid-Foot & Elevated Flexible Heel.


Recommended Shoes by Pronation Type:

Overpronation Feet Illustration Image

Over-Pronation

  • Overpronation is excessive inward rolling of the feet after landing instead of pushing off forward.
  • Usually occurs in people with flat feet.
  • This Condition can lead to knee pain, ankle pain, and plantar fasciitis.

■ Click Here for the Best
OverPronation Walking Shoes

■ Click Here for the Best
OverPronation Running Shoes


Neutral Pronation Feet Back

Neutral-Pronation

  • Neutral Pronation is having an ideal foot-strike.
  • It is characterized by a slight inward movement of the ankle bone during foot contact with the ground.
  • Natural foot motion helps you absorb shock on impact and distribute weight evenly on push-off.


Under Pronation Supination

Under-Pronation

  • Underpronation is a condition in which there is excessive outward rolling of the feet after landing instead of pushing off forward.
  • Under-Pronation usually occurs in people with high arches.
  • This condition can lead to knee pain, ankle sprain, and hip pain.

illustration of walking vs running



About the Author

Eliza Ward

Eliza Ward is a writer, nature lover and full-time mother of three, based in South Africa. She wrote Best Walking Shoes 4 Men's guides to walking shoes and to choosing footwear for common foot concerns such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, overpronation and diabetic feet, researching products from manufacturer specifications and guidance from health authorities and citing her sources. She is not a medical professional and did not test products hands-on.