Are training shoes good for walking? Do you need to have a separate pair of shoes?
Those are some of the most common questions many people have been asking, especially those who are trying to lose weight.
Since they spend most of their time inside the gym, they use training shoes made for side-to-side movements.
On the other hand, walking shoes are made for forward and backward movements.
That is completely different from what a training shoe can offer.
Before you buy a walking or training shoe, below are a few things you should learn about so you won’t waste money.
Can We Use Training Shoes for Walking?
There are different types of walking. The question is: “Can you use your training shoes for all of them?” or “Are training shoes good for walking?”
We listed down some of the types of walking and the best shoes that you can use for each activity.
1. Casual Walking
We all have to walk to get to our destination, from our car, the train, or the bus to the grocery, mall, or more.
You can say that you’re just casually strolling and not doing any fitness regimen.
If you’re walking around the mall or walking to and from your office, you can categorize it as casual walking.
In this type of walking, any kind of shoe will do.
You’re not doing any long-distance walking, so you can wear whatever shoe you want.
If you have training shoes, then you can wear them around your neighborhood.
However, if given a choice, a walking shoe is still a better option.
It provides more support and is made specifically for walking.
2. Race Walking
For this type of walking, training shoes is a big no.
If you wear your training shoes while race walking, your feet will end up wounded or injured, and your shoes get damaged.
Training shoes are made for indoor activities, so they are very slippery when used on wet grounds.
Lightweight walking shoes would be the best choice.
You can also opt for running shoes if you want.
Training shoes are not a good option since they may cause you to lose your balance while walking.
3. Marathon Walking
Marathon walking is a combination of walking, jogging, and running.
That means you need a running shoe for this and not a walking or training shoe.
Training shoes are heavier because of their cushioning, so they’re not a good choice.
Although walking shoes can be a good alternative, it doesn’t have enough support to keep your feet comfortable for the duration of the marathon.
4. Hiking
Hiking is also a type of walking since you are literally just strolling on the mountain.
The only difference is that the terrain is rugged and rough.
Training shoes will not even be included in the discussion when it comes to hiking.
Your shoes need to be lightweight with sufficient support and protection to withstand the rugged trail.
Are Training Shoes the Same as Walking Shoes?
No, training shoes are completely different from walking shoes.
They might look the same, but the support and comfort provided are different.
Training shoes are usually made for sports activities, so the support is focused on side-to-side motions.
Walking shoes are different because the support focuses on the forward and backward movements.
We listed down the differences between training shoes from walking shoes to help you decide.
1. Cushioning
In terms of cushioning, training shoes are clearly superior since they have adequate padding on the whole shoe.
That is because you might land on your heel, midfoot, or toe, depending on the type of sport you’re doing.
Walking shoes don’t have a lot of cushioning and mainly focuses on the heel area.
Most people land on their heels when walking, so you can expect that walking shoes would have more padding around the heel.
2. Sole
Walking shoes have thinner soles since walking is considered a low-impact sport.
You’re just casually walking, so the danger or risk of injury is lower.
Training shoes are different because they need to have thicker soles.
The soles would help absorb the shock from your feet, especially if you jump from a high place.
The sole of training shoes is also wider to provide better side-to-side support for different sports.
The wider sole can reduce the risk of injuries while you’re playing sports.
Moving your feet at different angles can cause serious injury.
Thus, wearing training shoes can guarantee that your feet get protected.
3. Flexibility
In terms of flexibility, walking shoes are the best choice.
They are more flexible to provide more comfort when moving backward or forward.
Training shoes are stiffer, so you can do sports without getting injured.
Your foot usually lands flat, so it needs to be stiffer.
Training shoes are also heavier and thicker compared with walking shoes.
Your feet will require more shock absorption and support while doing sports and other fitness activities, so the shoes have to be thicker.
Since they are very heavy, training shoes are not a good choice for regular walking.
4. Ankle Support
This is also a big difference between the two since training shoes offer more support on the ankle.
Walking shoes don’t need a lot of ankle support because the range of motion is only forward or backward.
Training shoes need to have sufficient ankle support to prevent your ankle from rolling while doing sports.
Are Training Shoes Good for Everyday Use?
Yes, you can use training shoes every day.
If you’re just walking around the area, strolling in the mall, or need to walk for a few minutes to get to work, training shoes will do just fine.
Walking shoes are still better, but training shoes will be a good alternative if you don’t have options.
Take note that training shoes are only meant for regular walking.
If you plan to use the shoe for regular jogs and workouts, it will not be a good option.
That’s because your feet might get hurt or wounded if you use them for more extended periods.
Are Training Shoes Good for Walking?
Depending on the type of walking you plan to do, training shoes can be a good choice for walking.
As long as you’re not participating in any racing events or walking long distances, you can bring out your training shoes and wear them.
Always remember that both the training shoes and walking shoes are made for different activities.
If you want to keep your feet protected and make sure you’re comfortable walking around, you should only wear walking shoes.
Wear your training shoes if you are doing sports and other gym activities.
This has been an interesting article to read. Especially at this time of the year as it’s the only time of year that I ever consider wearing trainers. Usually, I wear para boots which serve me well for any occasion. However, at this time of the year, they can sometimes get a little bit too hot. So thanks for sharing
Hi, Kwidzin, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.