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A running shoe differs from a walking shoe in several ways. First, runners should not run in walking shoes since most are too stiff and do not flex as much as runners require. As a result, many walking shoes aren’t suitable for fitness walking. We are here today to decode the differences between running and walking shoes.

Most fitness walkers can discover a running shoe that matches their demands better than most walking shoes on the market. A walker can study running shoes and walking shoes to identify the best models if they know what they are looking for. The key is to be clear about your needs and requirements.

Running shoes serve various purposes, and designers strive to keep them updated with the most cutting-edge materials and technology. As a result, you have a wide range of options for varied running styles and needs. They range from minimalist racing shoes to cushioned long-distance running shoes, depending on the amount of cushioning. 

On the other hand, walking shoes have always been behind the times in terms of technology and are built more for comfort than for performance, and cushioned shoes may cause leg stiffness.

However, these may do if you’re looking for a comfy shoe for short walks and walking at a leisurely pace.

So that is why we have curated a list of running shoes vs. walking shoes to help you pick the one that suits your needs.

Note: Please note that the links in this article are paid affiliate links. When clicked upon, they will redirect you to the Amazon Web Page.

1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7

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Grip And Gait

The outsole of the Asics GEL-Venture 7 is developed specifically for trail use. Its tread pattern’s lugs are multi-directional to give grip on both uphill and downhill slopes. The lugs, however, are not deep enough for this purpose, unlike the Salomon Speedcross 5.

Also, the outsole is excellent for flat ground, but if your run or trip includes a steep rise or descent, you might want to reconsider wearing this trail shoe.

The midsole and outsole provide the majority of underfoot protection. For protection, you’ll have to rely on the quantity of material in the midsole and the thickness of the outsole, which is amazing if you ask us. The forefoot material is around 10mm, while the heel material is about 20mm.

Fit And Comfort

We think ASICS is taking the lead in the running shoes vs. walking shoe debacles due to its comfortable design. The heel has enough cushioning to keep you comfy on your trail run.

After all, the Asics Rearfoot Gel Technology in the midsole’s heel minimizes impact during the striking heel phase of the gait cycle. Furthermore, the same technology allows you to hike for extended periods of time while being comfortable.

The Ortholite X40 sock liner is found inside the Asics GEL-Venture 7. It’s the first thing your foot brushes up against. This was created with the intention of providing long-term cushioning. Because of its shape, the inside of your shoe will have a consistent fit and feel.

Attached to the shoe’s platform with a light adhesive, it stays put even if you’re walking on rocks or uneven ground, making it the best choice between running shoes and walking shoes.

Durability

The outsole rubber is AHAR, which stands for ASICS High Abrasion Rubber. AHAR is comprised of reinforcing elements mixed with the same compound that is used to produce vehicle tires. Because it has twice the abrasion resistance of ordinary outsole materials, don’t be shocked if symptoms of wear and tear on the bottom of the Asics GEL-Venture 7 take a while to appear.

The Asics GEL-Venture 7’s structure is supportive enough for flexibility in the forefoot. On the other hand, the heel and arch scarcely bend due to the firm design. This ensures a secure landing. When you combine that with a wide enough forefoot platform, you have a trail shoe that may be at the top of the stability list.

Pros

• True to size
• Secure fit
• Comes with ortho-lite padding

Cons

• It is not water-resistant

2. Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe

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High Performance

This pair of shoes are famous for their amazing performance in the gym. Because of the high-end midsole cushioning and responsive midsole, we highly recommend it for versatile training.

It is great for workouts, protects your joints, and provides great stability, making it an amazing pick if you choose between running shoes and walking shoes. 

The Under Armour shoes run a little wide, making them perfect for people of varying sizes. It is also very comfortable, so you do not have to worry about your feet getting sweaty or uncomfortable during your morning jogs.

These shoes will make you feel like they are hugging your feet due to their secure fit. 

Charged Cushioning 

This newer model’s single unit is identical to the Charged Assert 8. It’s designed for people who land on their feet in a neutral position. Throughout the midsole, there is Charged Cushioning. Under Armour’s distinctive technology is this.

High-end shock absorption and energy return technology are provided by cushioning. It ensures that each footstrike has less impact and increases bounce back significantly. 

As a result of this technology, you can expect less stress on your feet and joints. In addition to the Charged Cushioning, they include an EVA sock liner that contributes to the shoe’s comfort, which is why we think it takes the lead in the running shoes vs. walking shoe battle. 

Traction And Stability 

The shoe’s outsole is comprised of solid rubber. The rubber does not completely cover the shoe’s sole. Also, the rubber has been strategically put in high-wear sections of the sole. This adds toughness and traction to your foot without increasing weight.

Deep and shallow flex grooves between the midfoot and forefoot provide the platform with a lot of flexibility.

It also comes with an amazing grip, so you can easily wear it on wet surfaces and rough terrain without fearing slippage. Additionally, it comprises a mesh cloth that’s light and airy, which keeps your feet cool and ventilated.

From the midfoot to the toe box, this mesh material is used. A thin plush layer complements the mesh on the shoe’s interior, which adds to the shoe’s soft all-around comfort.

Pros

• Versatile
• Durable
• Amazing traction

Cons

• Very long laces

3. ASICS Men’s JOLT 2 Running Shoes

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Breathable Design

One of the most raved qualities of these shoes is their breathable design. Made with a lightweight upper mesh, it allows your feet to breathe despite being covered with a synthetic cage overlay.

The thoroughly engineered design allows air to enter the foot, circulate in the shoe, and enable the temperature to cool down, so you do not have to run around with hot, clammy feet. This is why we think it is an amazing choice if you choose between running shoes and walking shoes. 

Support and Cushioning 

The ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) midsole is in charge of underfoot cushioning. This feature covers the length of the Jolt 2, providing all-around support whether you’re standing still or taking each stride.

EVA is an industry-standard because it’s used in many running shoes. This foam may be found in various lineups, such as the Gel-Contend, when it comes to the Asics brand.

Above the primary cushioning element, a sock liner is put. This add-job-on provides a soft resting surface for the foot, resulting in a pleasant landing pad that doesn’t restrict movement or run efficacy, making it a superior choice between running and walking shoes. 

Flexible 

The Asics Jolt 2’s upper section is constructed of mesh with an open structure. This cloth securely covers the foot, allowing it to be centered within the foot chamber. It has a flexible structure to accommodate the toes’ and tendons’ natural bending capacity. That also has apparent breathing holes to keep you cool and dry.

Now your quest to find the best between running and walking shoes ends with the ASICS Men’s Jolt, as the silhouette is embroidered with synthetic overlays, with the sides and back receiving the most attention.

These parts help keep the upper unit upright by acting as modules that connect to the lacing system.

Pros

• Breathable
• Lightweight
• Comfortable platform

Cons

• Not quite durable.

4. Skechers Performance Men’s Go Walk 3 Slip-On Walking Shoe

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Lightweight Design

Not only are you receiving an ultra-light shoe that you can hardly feel when it’s on your foot, but you’re also getting a shoe with a fantastic bounce. Most shoes don’t offer this feature, but this shoe does!

It is created with highly lightweight materials like retaliate and memory foam, so we think it’s an amazing option to choose if you are confused between running shoes vs. walking shoes. 

Many consumers love how light and airy these shoes feel while on, and this allows your feet to stay comfy for extended lengths of time, whether you’re standing or walking, thanks to the mesh design.

Slip-on

People should also be aware that these mesh slip-on are exclusive to the Go Walk 3 line of slip-on walking shoes, one of the Go Walk 3’s primary characteristics. Due to this, we deem it a good option between running shoes and walking shoes. 

These new Go-Walk 3 Mesh Slip-Ons reach their degree of comfort based on a number of subtle but crucial modifications made by Skechers since the Go-Walk 2’s came out, thanks to many upgrades made by Skechers based on demands made on the previous line of shoes, the Go Walk 2 series.

Memory Foam

Incredible’s comfort, as well as its durability and looks, are highly commended. This shoe has good arch support and a high-density shock absorber. This is due to the fact that the shoes’ soles are made of memory foam. As a result, it maintains traction and movement gait and ensures maximum comfort.

So now you do not have to get confused about what to choose between running shoes vs. walking shoes. 

Pros

• Slip-on design
• Flexible
• Spacious toe area.

Cons

• The design is not robust.

5. Men’s Walking Shoes, Slip-On Running Tennis Sneakers 

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Sturdy Design

Your search for the best shoes for running and walking shoes ends with the Hetohec slip-on shoes. It has a solid upper with a thickly padded inner for a solid, comfortable foothold. This shoe has even been certified for people with diabetes.

In addition, our study shows that it has helped hundreds of people with various foot diseases, such as arthritis, neuropathy, and bone spurs.

Lightweight

Its silky upper firmly wraps around the foot, preventing friction and hot places. We don’t see any concerns with heel sliding for persons with medium-sized or broader ankles.

It’s incredibly light, weighing over 3.5 ounces less than the average walking shoe and ranking among the lightest in this category. It practically disappears on foot! Furthermore, it is incredibly breathable, ensuring your feet remain fresh throughout the day.

Flexible Outsole

The light wavy design on the outsole improves grip and durability, and the high-quality materials allow the shoes to bend when walking. The adjustable lace-up closure and padded collar, on the other hand, keep his feet from grinding. Finally, keep yourself at ease at all times.

The latest mesh technology has an elastic design that intertwines with the knitted upper, letting your foot feel safe and comfy all day, making this pair of shoes the boss in the running shoes vs. walking shoe fight.

Pros

• Robust design but is lightweight.
• Flexible and durable
• Knitted mesh upper.

Cons

• It cannot be used for running.

Comparison Chart – Running Shoes Vs. Walking Shoes

Products	Brand	Sole	Material	Unique Feature
1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 Amazon affiliate link.	ASICS	Rubber Sole	Synthetic Mesh	Loft Crashpad Cushion
2. Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe Amazon affiliate link.	Under Armour	Rubber Sole	Synthetic Mesh and Leather	EVA sock liner, Charged cushioning, Breathable mesh
3. ASICS Men’s JOLT 2 Running Shoes Amazon affiliate link.	ASICS	Rubber Sole	Synthetic Mesh	EVA midsole, Internal heel counter, molded rubber outsole
4. Skechers Performance Men’s Go Walk 3 Slip-On Walking Shoe Amazon affiliate link.	Sketchers	Rubber Sole	Synthetic Mesh	Memory foam, Matt energy insole, breathable upper
5. Men’s Walking Shoes, Slip-On Running Tennis Sneakers Amazon affiliate link.	Hetohec	MD Sole	Mesh Knitting	Memory foam, Breathable light knitted fabric, elastic design with mesh technology

Buying Guide – Running Shoes vs. Walking Shoes

All shoes look similar, but they are not. Therefore, before buying a pair of shoes, you must understand your intent behind the purchase to choose the shoes that fit your needs. Also, you do not get confused between running and walking shoes. 

Firm Outsole

The outsole of most shoes is solid but flexible, allowing them to withstand even the harshest impact from the ground. Running, walking, or jogging can help people feel better with knee and ankle issues. Running shoes are known for their abrasion-resistant rubber blended with soft and flexible rubber to create a composite perfect for traction.

Furthermore, stiffer soles might injure your knees by transferring impact from the ground to your calf muscles, which is problematic for gym-goers and regular trainers.

Insoles 

Not only can insoles improve walking and running conditions for regular people, but they can also help unique folks. For example, flat feet, high arches, and plantar fasciitis sufferers benefit from custom-made insoles.

Spacious Toe Area

The toe area is one of the most important aspects to consider because it helps you stretch your feet and gives you ample flexibility. Aside from saving room, the toe cap allows you to extend the life of your shoes. Furthermore, because the toe cap protects the finger’s area and prevents scuffing, you can walk or run all day.

FAQS – Walking Shoe Vs. Running Shoes

Walking And Running Shoe Types

Most walking and running shoes are divided into numerous sorts, with runners ensuring that their shoes match their foot form and walkers just buying a comfortable pair. This will help you understand the difference between running shoes vs. walking shoes.

Running shoes are classified as neutral, guidance, stability, and motion control while walking shoes are classified as neutral, stability, and motion control.

Before we go into the specifics, it’s vital to understand why shoes are classified as ‘walking’ or ‘running.’ Consider how much force you put into the ground and your feet when you run — it’s not called pounding the pavement for anything. When your feet strike the ground, they absorb around three times their body weight, which can happen in different places (heel, midfoot, forefoot) in different ways.

With different muscles and feet, biomechanics engaged. As a result, both feet will be off the ground for a part of your running gait, and your feet will contact the ground for a shorter period of time overall. Your feet will also sweat more as you run.

These are only a few distinctions – but even these significantly impact shoe design, which is why they must be created differently, each best suited to its purpose and assisting you in staying safe and comfortable and reducing your risk of injury.

Hence, it is important to know the differences between running shoes vs walking shoes.

What is The Difference Between Running Shoes Vs.? Walking Shoes?

Let’s dive into the differences between running shoes vs. walking shoes. Running shoes feature a stiffer sole with large heel wedges to provide more stability while relatively lightweight, whereas walking shoes have a flexible sole with beveled heels and are considerably heavier.

Looking closely at running shoes, you’ll find thinner mesh uppers, a design feature for the high heat the feet create while running. Even while the greatest walking shoes provide adequate cushioning and support, they are not as good as running shoes.

A significant distinction between running and walking shoes is the technology embedded in them, with running shoes typically being a better choice than a pair of walking shoes. For example, running shoes have more advanced motion control, cushioning, and support technology.

On the other hand, walking shoes do not always include the most up-to-date innovations, such as construction techniques and materials. But in the end, it all comes down to what you prefer between running shoes vs. walking shoes.

Understanding Which Shoe Is Right For Your Workout?

When deciding whether running vs. walking shoes are best for the exercises you want to do. There are a few things to consider. Starting with the shoe’s heel, a slightly larger heel is ideal for runners since it gives the necessary support while landing on the ball of the foot.

Walkers should choose shoes with a lower heel-to-toe drop ratio, less than 10 mm in number.

Next, seek shoes that bend and flex slightly on the forefoot, as opposed to minimalist or barefoot ones, if you will be taking long walks. Furthermore, Because walkers land on their heels, they don’t require a built-up heel, but they also don’t require a fully flat heel.

Can You Wear Running Shoes To Walk?

In general, the answer is yes. This is because running shoes don’t tend to limit your ability to walk – but walking shoes, on the other hand, may make running more difficult and uncomfortable due to their flexibility, greater weight, less cushioning, and reduced ventilation.

As a result, we do not recommend jogging in walking shoes, so we emphasize understanding the difference between running shoes and walking shoes. 

Conclusion

Whether you are picking shoes for running or walking, you still need to wear them a lot, so you must look for ones that are easy to wear and do not make your feet feel suffocated. However, remember that running and walking shoes are different and made for different purposes, so understand what you want before purchasing.