<http://www.about.com/health> Running Shoe vs. Walking Shoe By Wendy Bumgardner <http://walking.about.com/bio/Wendy-Bumgardner-61.htm> Walking Expert The Differences Between a Running Shoe and a Walking Shoe [image: Nike Air Zoom Moire Running Shoe - Wendy Bumgardner © 2006] Air Zoom Moire Running Shoe.
A running shoe has different characteristics from a walking shoe. Runners should not run in walking shoes, while fitness walkers can usually find a running shoe that meets their needs better than most shoes marketed as walking shoes. Let's take a tour of what a fitness walker should look for in a running shoe for walking, or a so-called walking shoe for fitness walking. *Cushioning for Running Shoes vs. Walking Shoes * * <http://walking.about.com/od/shoechoice/ss/runningshoe.htm>* [image: Reebok ZQuick Shoes - Wendy Bumgardner ©] Runners impact the ground with three times their body weight with each step, while walkers impact with only 1.5 times their body weight. Runners need more cushioning in the heel and forefoot than walkers, which is why you see all of the hype about air cushioning systems. Walkers need less cushioning, especially in the forefoot. Extra cushioning adds extra weight, so it is a trade-off between a heavier shoe that lessens the trauma to your feet and legs and a lighter shoe in which you may be able to run or walk faster. Fitness walkers should look for a lighter shoe that still provides adequate cushioning so their feet and legs do not feel beat up from the impact after a long walk. While racing flats and extremely light shoes may work for shorter walks, they do not have enough cushioning for regular use or longer walks. Heel Height for Running Shoes vs. Walking Shoes <http://walking.about.com/od/shoechoice/ss/runningshoe_2.htm> [image: Shoe Sole Height Comparison - Wendy Bumgardner © 2009] Shoe Sole Height Comparison. Runners strike the ground anywhere from the forward part of their heel through the midfoot to the ball of the foot, depending on the individual. Walkers should strike with their heel. Running shoes are designed to provide stability for runners with a built-up heel. Runners who strike with their heel or midfoot should look for less built-up heels, while those who land on the ball of their foot need a more built-up heel. Walkers should look for running shoes with the least difference in height from the heel through the toe. The shoe outer sole can be deceptive, some may appear to have higher heels but the heel actually sits lower inside the shoe. Walkers will be striking with their heel and rolling through the step. They have no need for a higher heel. Heel Flare for Running Shoes vs. Walking Shoes <http://walking.about.com/od/shoechoice/ss/runningshoe_3.htm> [image: Flared Heel vs. Straight Heel - Wendy Bumgardner © 2009] Flared Heel vs. Straight Heel. Running shoes may have a flared heel to provide extra stability for runners who strike the ground at their midfoot for forefoot. A flared heel is also often seen on trail running shoes. Fitness walking shoes should not have a flared heel. Walkers strike the ground with their heel, and a flared heel impedes rolling forward through the step. A true fitness walking shoe would have an undercut heel rather than a flared heel or built-up heel. In the photo, the running shoe on the left has a flared heel, while the running shoe on the right does not. <http://walking.about.com/od/shoechoice/ss/runningshoe_5.htm#> Flexibility for a Running Shoe vs. a Walking Shoe <http://walking.about.com/od/shoechoice/ss/runningshoe_4.htm> [image: Shoe Flex - Wendy Bumgardner © 2009] Shoe Flexing at Forefoot. Updated June 01, 2014. Both running shoes and walking shoes need to be flexible. Press down with the toe of the shoe and see where the shoe bends. Many running shoe designs flex most at the arch or midfoot. But some designs flex most at the forefoot. These suit the differing needs for runners who strike at midfoot or with the ball of their foot. Fitness walking shoes should flex at the forefoot, as walkers should push off with their toes. A shoe that bends at the arch does not provide the platform they need. A shoe that doesn't bend at all is unacceptable. Unfortunately, many shoes marketed as walking shoes do not flex at all. They are unsuited for fitness walking. The photo shows a running shoe that flexes at the forefoot and is suitable for fitness walking. Motion control shoes and stability shoes will be less flexible, as they have medial posts and other construction elements that aim to keep the foot from rotating too much during a step. Runners and walkers who need motion control have to sacrifice some flexibility in their shoes. What Shoes are Best for Walking? 1. Flexible - you should be able to bend and flex the shoe. 2. Low heel and no flare - Some running shoes have higher heels to support runners who land on the ball of the foot. Walkers land on the heel and do not need a built-up or flared heel. 3. Fit - the shoes should be fit by an athletic shoe expert, best found at the store in your area that caters to serious runners. These shoe experts will be able to determine whether you overpronate and steer you towards the right design of shoe for your foot and stride. More on this please click on following site http://walking.about.com/cs/shoes/f/rightshoes.htm -- With best wishes S Chander -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
