{"id":7472,"date":"2020-12-21T11:41:14","date_gmt":"2020-12-21T19:41:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/?p=7472"},"modified":"2025-08-27T04:10:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T11:10:15","slug":"walking-shoes-vs-running-shoes-whats-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/walking-shoes-vs-running-shoes-whats-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Walking Shoes vs. Running Shoes: What’s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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When you\u2019re on the move, wearing the right <\/span>type of athletic shoes<\/span><\/a><\/span> is crucial for keeping your muscles, joints, and ligaments healthy and pain-free. While purchasing a standard pair of athletic shoes might work for those who exercise frequently or live a generally active lifestyle, not all active shoes are created equal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Different workouts require your body to move in different ways. When it comes to walking exercises,<\/span> are sneakers good for walking<\/span><\/a><\/span>? Cross-training shoes and basketball shoes are designed to support side-to-side and up-and-down motions, whereas walking and running shoes support forward movements. And beyond that, there are distinct differences between a walking shoe and a running shoe.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a runner, frequent walker, or both, you might be wondering<\/span> how to find the right sneakers<\/span><\/a><\/span> to support <\/span>foot health<\/span><\/a><\/span>. <\/span>The footwear experts at Vionic are here to provide some helpful insight in your quest for the perfect<\/span> walking shoes for women<\/span><\/a><\/span> or <\/span>walking shoes for men<\/span><\/a><\/span>. Read on for a deep dive into the walking shoe vs. running shoe discussion.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Difference Between Running and Walking Shoes<\/h2>\n

Footwear made for walking and running promotes forward strides and repetitive heel-toe motions.\u00b9 Additionally, they\u2019re both usually a lightweight shoe with durable outsoles that last up to 500 miles.<\/p>\n

So, what exactly is the difference between running and walking shoes? Keep reading to find out.<\/p>\n

What Are Walking Shoes?<\/h3>\n

When you walk, your heel hits the ground before the ball of your foot. This heel-to-toe stepping motion requires your whole body weight to roll from back to front. Compared to trail running, high-intensity interval training, and other strenuous workouts, walking is a low-impact form of exercise. Though your weight shifts from front to back with each step, it distributes more evenly through your feet and legs.<\/p>\n

Walking shoes and hiking shoes aren\u2019t as light and breathable as a running shoe or cross-training shoe, but this is by design. A more structured silhouette <\/span>and <\/span>thicker soles <\/span>provide<\/span> stability and <\/span>reduce<\/span> the impact on your plantar fascia, ankles, and calves. Additionally, a walking sneaker offers substantial arch support, cushioning, and shock absorption to minimize stress on your joints and reduce overpronation.\u00b2<\/span><\/p>\n

Compared to most other types of footwear, this comfortable shoe style hasn\u2019t been around for very long.<\/span> Dedicated <\/span>walking shoes <\/span>came to market in the mid-1980s, but it took a couple of decades for people to catch on to the benefits of this type of <\/span>walking <\/span>sneaker<\/span>. Now that everyone has pedometers and step-tracking apps at their fingertips, walking sneakers are finally getting the love they deserve.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to Look For in Walking Shoes<\/h3>\n

So, <\/span>what should you look for in a<\/span><\/span> good walking shoe<\/span><\/span><\/a>? <\/span>Generally speaking, walking shoes are made more for comfort than performance. This is because the act of walking isn’t just a workout\u2014it’s also an essential function you rely on throughout the day. With that said, a proper pair with orthotic arch support, cushioned midsoles, stable heel counters, and shock-absorbing outsoles like the styles from Vionic will offer the most comfort.<\/p>\n

When shopping for a <\/span>good walking shoe,<\/span> look for<\/span> relatively <\/span>thicker outsoles<\/span>,<\/span> breathable lining, and a contoured midsole that minimizes friction against your skin. We also recommend wide toe boxes to reduce cramping and blisters. Ultimately, walking sneakers should feel good on your feet whether you\u2019re<\/span> long distance<\/span> speed walking, trekking uphill, or strolling through your neighborhood at an easy-breezy pace.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What Are Running Shoes?<\/h3>\n

When you jog, your heel probably hits the ground first, followed by the ball of your foot. But depending on how fast you’re going, you might land on your forefoot with each strike and then propel yourself forward without your heel ever touching the ground. Running is a high-impact form of exercise, especially the latter style.<\/p>\n

Every time your foot hits the ground, your body absorbs as much as three times its weight. When you remain on the balls of your feet, your knees end up carrying the brunt of this impact. Additionally, running gets your heart rate up higher, making your entire body warmer, including your feet.<\/p>\n

Running shoes are designed with this in mind. They’re made to accommodate various running styles, including heel-to-toe strides, midfoot strides, and toe strides. Trail running shoes and regular running sneakers are typically lighter than walking shoes with extra cushioning around the heel and toe areas. They also have lightweight and breathable uppers to allow airflow as your feet heat up, as well as <\/span>soft, flexible soles <\/span>for greater support<\/span>.<\/p>\n

What to Look For in Running Shoes<\/h3>\n

When shopping for<\/span> a <\/span>good running shoe<\/span>,<\/span> look for styles with breathable mesh uppers, neoprene, or another lightweight synthetic material. You\u2019ll also want lightweight, adequately cushioned shoes that can also provide stability.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Walking vs. Running Shoes<\/h2>\n

According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM), both walking and running shoes should provide stability and a smooth strike.\u00b3 As we mentioned, the primary <\/span>differences <\/span>between walking and running shoes<\/span> have to do with weight, flexibility, and cushioning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another distinction is motion control. A running shoe will typically be designed for motion control, as it helps keep the foot in a neutral position. Since the rotation of your feet becomes more exaggerated with different running styles and speeds, a proper sneaker will keep it in place. This helps prevent shin splints, tendonitis, and other <\/span>common foot problems<\/span><\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though many walking shoes you\u2019ll find on the market don\u2019t offer the same motion control as running sneakers, Vionic\u2019s styles are a different story. Every pair has substantial stability, keeping your foot in the proper position with every step without affecting comfort or functionality.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Can You Wear Running Shoes for Walking?<\/h2>\n

A lot of people wonder if you can wear running shoes for walking. While running sneakers are designed specifically for running, they can work as walking sneakers for those who prefer a lighter style.\u2074<\/p>\n

That said, walking shoes are purpose-built for the unique mechanics of walking, especially the heel-to-toe stride most runners don\u2019t rely on. They offer targeted cushioning, improved arch support, and more structured stability, helping reduce fatigue, improve posture, and support foot health over time.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, while running shoes can work in a pinch, dedicated walking shoes are a better choice if you spend long hours on your feet or walk regularly for fitness or daily movement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Learn the Vocab for Athletic Sneakers<\/h2>\n

When weighing your options for the <\/span>most comfortable walking shoes<\/span><\/a><\/span> or running sneakers, it can be helpful to know the various terms used to describe athletic footwear. Here\u2019s a breakdown of some key vocab words.<\/span><\/p>\n