Can Training Shoes Be Used for Walking?


can training shoes be used for walking

The best thing about training shoes is that they can be used for various activities such as running, jumping, weightlifting, stretching, and sports. However, you may wonder if training shoes can be used for walking?

You can wear training shoes for walking. However, the decision of whether or not to wear training shoes for walking depends on the type of walking you do.

  • Casual Walking Recommended
  • Hiking Recommended
  • Marathon Walking Not Recommended
  • Race Walking Not Recommended

Training shoes provide ankle support, prevent foot injuries, and facilitate multiple foot movements for different walking activities. However, they may lack flexibility for some walking activities. Sometimes you can wear the same shoes for other activities, but not always.


Are Training Shoes Right for You?

You can wear training shoes for walking. However, whether to wear training shoes for walking depends on your walking stride. Training shoes provide ankle support, prevent foot injuries, and facilitate multiple foot movements for multiple walking activities.

When performing any physical activity, your feet require different support angles, so choosing the proper footwear that matches your activity is crucial.

You can use training shoes for walking since they are flexible and support faster movements. You can also wear training shoes while hiking because they provide lateral support and prevent your ankles from rolling on different terrains. However, to make each task feel better, I recommend keeping your activities in mind when choosing footwear.

Training shoes are made for sports, lifting, and HIIT workouts, so you can wear them for long-distance walking. Having said that, if you have walking shoes at your disposal, you should prefer wearing them instead of training shoes.

Although training shoes facilitate multiple tasks and physical activities, that doesn’t mean you can use them for everything. There are always specific tasks or activities for which you cannot use your training shoes; it may also include some types of walking.


Casual Walking

You can use any shoe for regular or casual walking, including training shoes. Make sure your training shoes are comfortable and provide adequate support. However, if you have a better option, I would suggest choosing them.


Hiking

Hiking involves walking through different terrains. Sometimes you walk on smooth surfaces and sometimes on harder surfaces, so choosing your shoes carefully is essential. You can use training shoes for hiking since they have treads on their outer soles to provide traction.


Marathon Walk

Marathon walking involves running and jogging, so you need lightweight running shoes.

During marathon walking, your shoes need to be on your feet for longer, soo they need to be lightweight. Since training shoes are cushioned and heavyweight, they are unsuitable for marathon walking.


Race Walking

Race walking requires high flexibility shoes. Since training shoes do not provide enough flexibility, you should avoid wearing them for race walking as they will make you lose balance.

Using training shoes for race walking can also cause severe foot injuries. So, you should wear walking shoes or running shoes for race walking with maximum flexibility.


Difference Between Walking and Training Shoes


Walking Shoes

Walking is a low-impact exercise that keeps you fit. You can walk almost anywhere, and you do not require any specific equipment. However, you do need a good pair of walking shoes. Your walking shoes should provide adequate support to your arch and heel.

A good pair of walking shoes have enough padding that evenly distributes your body weight to protect your foot, heel, ankle, knee, hips, and back. Walking shoes are designed to help you maintain a healthy posture. These shoes have cushioning around the heel area to support your heel bone and keep your foot aligned. 

If you are suffering from an injury, make sure your walking shoes should be well cushioned and offer more support.

Walking shoes are Lightweight, allowing you to walk for longer periods without feeling fatigued. In addition, they are flexible and breathable to keep your feet dry, cool, and hygienic.

The outsoles of walking shoes are usually made from rubber to protect you from falling and slipping. Additionally, walking shoes have varying levels of traction. Some have rubber soles, while others have grips or treads for better traction and enhanced stability.


Training Shoes

Training involves different physical activities like running, jumping, weightlifting, and stretching. Therefore, training shoes are non-slip and have proper arch and heel support.

Considering that these high-impact activities require you to land on your feet forcefully, your shoes should be shock-absorbing. Training shoes are flexible to move along with your foot and execute your workout effectively.

A good pair of training shoes will keep your ankle from rolling by providing adequate lateral support. As opposed to walking shoes, training shoes must fit snugly around the ball of the foot. 

Like walking shoes, training shoes also come with different levels of traction. For example, training shoes for indoor floors come with flatter treads. For activities like climbing, some training shoes offer added traction.  


Differences

Walking ShoesTraining Shoes
Specifically made for walking.Multi-purpose shoes.
Less durableMore durable
Thinner insoles and outsolesThicker insoles and outsoles
More flexibleLess flexible
More arch supportMore ankle support
LightweightMore weight
Difference Between Walking and Training Shoes

Training shoes can be used for various activities such as running, training, and sports. In addition, these shoes combine features from different types of shoes to facilitate these activities.

Comparatively, walking shoes have a much simpler design and construction. However, they lack many features of training shoes. So let’s see some major differences between walking shoes and training shoes.


Flexibility

Walking shoes are generally more flexible than training shoes. Because when you walk, you strike the ground with your heel, roll forward, and then push off with your toes. 

On the other hand, training shoes are stiffer for activities like running where your foot lands flat on the floor.


Weight

Walking shoes are lightweight since they are on your feet for long periods. Therefore, they allow you to walk long distances without feeling fatigued. 

Training shoes usually have a heavy and thicker construction since they combine different features. In addition, training shoes need to provide sufficient support and shock absorption features which may add to their weight.


Ankle Support

Training shoes are also used for sports like tennis and basketball. These sports require quick foot movements in all directions, so your shoes should provide adequate ankle support. Therefore, most training shoes have cushioned ankle support to protect your foot and ankle from sprains.

On the other hand, walking shoes provide less ankle support since you don’t move side to side while walking.


Cushioning

The amount of cushioning in a shoe depends on your foot strike. A foot strike is where your foot hits the ground. For example, in running, you can strike the floor with your heel, toe, or midfoot, depending on your preference. Therefore, training shoes have to cushion under the entire shoe to accommodate your foot strikes. Since walking involves landing on your heel, most walking shoes have adequate cushioning in the heel area.


Soles

Walking shoes have thinner soles than training shoes since walking is a low-impact activity.

Training shoes have thicker soles for shock absorption during sports. Also, the soles of training shoes are wider to facilitate side-to-side movement during sports like tennis and basketball. Some training shoes also have traction for hiking etc.

Walking ShoesTraining Shoes
FlexibilityMore flexibleLess flexible
WeightLightweightHeavy and thick
Ankle SupportLess ankle supportMore ankle support
CushioningCushioning in the heel areaFully cushioned
SolesThinner solesThicker soles

Factors To Consider When Choosing Walking Shoes and Training Shoes?


Walking Shoes

Comfort is the most important factor when choosing walking shoes. Walking is a low-impact exercise, so most walking shoes are designed to focus on extra comfort.

You don’t need extra cushioning for casual walking, so choose shoes that relieve tension while standing. Also, compare different options to choose the best one for your needs.

Generally, you need walking shoes that are flexible, flat, or low-heeled, have a minimum heel drop, and have a perfect fit. They are ideal for any walking activity.

If you want shoes to prevent overpronation, you should try rigid motion control shoes. “Motion control shoes reduce rearfoot movement and help to control overpronation”. [Effect of motion control running shoes compared with neutral shoes on tibial rotation during running]

In addition, motion control shoes are great for people who are heavy or have mobility problems since these shoes provide excellent support.

If you plan on walking long distances, you should choose cushioned shoes. They are also great for walking on rough terrains. These shoes have soft midsoles but are bulkier than regular walking shoes.

However, if you don’t need additional cushioning, you can choose lightweight walking shoes for neutral feet. They are extremely flexible and lightweight and help you achieve your desired speed.

Another walking shoe is stability shoes. If you are middleweight, stability shoes are perfect for you. These shoes are flexible and have thick heels. Stability shoes provide excellent support and durability and address your motion control problems.

If you’re a hiking enthusiast like me, you should choose hiking shoes with high resistance. Hiking shoes handle rocky and natural trails while protecting your feet and providing enough support. And for high-motion activities, you can wear race walking shoes.

When looking for walking shoes, you need to consider various factors such as:


Upper Part

The upper material of your walking shoes contributes to their weight and longevity. They also contribute to the overall appearance of your walking shoes. Walking shoes can have leather, nylon, fabric, or synthetic uppers.

You need to check the upper part of your walking shoes before buying them. Make sure your walking shoes have a lightweight and breathable upper, regardless of the material. This is especially important if you plan to use them for walking and jogging.


Midsoles

The midsole is the shoe part that provides arch support to your foot. Therefore, you should know your arch type when choosing the midsole of your walking shoes. 

It will help you choose the right shoe that matches your foot structure. When considering the midsoles of your walking shoes, check their firmness.


Insoles

The insole is the main part of the shoe where your foot rests as you take steps. Make sure the insole of your walking shoes has adequate arch support and cushioning. They should keep your feet dry. In addition, ensure that they can be replaced if necessary.


Outsoles

The outsole is the base of your shoes. Most walking shoes have wide outsoles to provide maximum stability. If you can find anti-skid shoes, they’ll be great for preventing you from falling.

Your walking shoes should have an extensive outsole and should offer extra grip. It will help you maintain a steady walking gait.


Training Shoes

If you are a beginner or have just begun working out, it may be hard to decide which training shoes to buy. Also, there are several types of training shoes to choose from, making this process even more challenging.

Generally, a good pair of training shoes should provide adequate support and maintain your overall balance. But, again, you must consider multiple options before deciding which one to choose.

Due to the wide variety of training shoes available, choosing the right ones for your needs can be tricky. However, here are a few factors to remember while choosing training shoes. Whether you are a beginner or an athlete, these factors will help you to choose the right training shoes.


Ankle Support

You exert more pressure on your ankles while training or doing strenuous physical activity. Therefore, you should choose training shoes that provide a higher level of ankle support.


Cushioning

You must protect your feet while training, running, lifting, or jumping. Therefore, your training shoes should provide you with maximum cushioning.

Consider the cushioning of your training shoes carefully since these physical activities affect different parts of your foot. Ideally, they should be fully cushioned so you do not have to worry about where you will place more weight. 


Tread

Training shoes should have treads since you’ll be training on different terrains. They protect you from falling or skidding.

Thanks for visiting helpshoe.com


References

newbalance.com

shoeselector.com

leaf.tv

livestrong.com

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