Is it worth buying running trainers to go walking in?

jadejo63

I don't have any trainers so is it worth buying a pair of running trainers to go walking in? I'm not that fit to run so I will plan on doing walks when I get time, but it may only be once a week sometimes, the only trainers I like are about £50? What would you do?

QuietBloom

They make walking shoes. I would advise you DON'T buy running shoes that you intend to someday run it, and use them for walking. First off, because running shoes are designed specifically for the running stride. To wear them to walk in will not only not give you the support you need for walking, but will also break down the running shoes as they are not designed to handle the stress of walking (guess which activity puts the most stress on your feet? Walking!). Running shoes are designed to load and unload like a spring during a running stride.

Anniebotnen

You'll need comfortable shoes for walking. I do buy running shoes and use them both for walking and weight training, and the are expensive, but worth it IMO. If you are planning to only use your shoes for walking, have you tried walking shoes? They are no cheaper than running shoes, but made specifically for walking. I would try both to see which you like best. The cost of comfortable shoes to exercise in is an investment in your health. Good luck with your walking program!

jadejo63

Thank you both of you

These are the ones I like but it doesn't say running or walking so do you think they'd be ok for walking? And comfy? http://shop-uk.lacoste.com/shoes/women/trainers/trainers-l.ightbase-01-/27SPW0123.html?dwvar_27SPW0123_color=84X x

QuietBloom

Thank you both of you

These are the ones I like but it doesn't say running or walking so do you think they'd be ok for walking? And comfy? http://shop-uk.lacoste.com/shoes/women/trainers/trainers-l.ightbase-01-/27SPW0123.html?dwvar_27SPW0123_color=84X x

Those are cute! I see people shoes like those to the gym for weight training and the cardio machines. I wouldn't advise you use them for any serious walking, and certainly not for running. What are your arches like? Have you considered going to a running/walking store and having your stride analysed?

kimothy38

You can walk in running shoes but you can't run in walking shoes. Wether you are walking or running it's still worth getting an assessment done on your running/walking style otherwise you could do some damage to yourself. I use my running shoes for walking, running, gym, weights etc and I notice as soon as they get a 1-2 years old I start getting shin splints etc. Decent footwear is definitely worth the investment.

jadejo63

Thanks everyone x I can't find any cute / nice walking trainers x

QuietBloom

Thanks everyone x I can't find any cute / nice walking trainers x

To me, it matters that they work, not so much how the they look. I encourage you to be less fashion conscious when choosing your workout stuff, especially the shoes!

FWIW I think Nike has some nice stuff. Everyone in CA is wearing their flat gym rat shoe. It's quite annoying actually, because I can't afford it. :laugh:

kaika_dragon

This may not be the best thing, I dunno. But all my life, I have just walked in whatever my most comfortable pair of shoes is. So, right now I walk in a pair of Teva sandals. In the past I have walked for miles and miles in my mom's old work shoes (looked vaguely like this: http://www.zappos.com/trotters-simmy-sage-veg-tumbled-leather ), in soft flip-flops, in vibram five fingers, in birkenstocks, in crocs... the list goes on and on. I'm broke, and am too hard on shoes to buy expensive walking shoes. I wear them out in three months either way.

So my point is, unless you have particularly tender feet or ankles, the most important thing from my point of view is just that the shoes are comfortable and well broken in. Not what they look like, or what the label says they are for. This is especially true if you aren't going on super long walks. The important part is that they not give blisters or make your feet ache badly. (I'll admit, my feet did sometimes get a bit achy in the arches with flip-flops.)

After ten years of basically walking in whatever shoes I had on hand, how many injuries have I gotten? None. Zero. I have twisted my ankle once in that entire period, and that was while walking barefoot through my house, because my foot had gone to sleep.

So, like I said. I'm not an expert, so take it with a grain of salt. Your body may be different from mine. But I don't think it would be a gigantic issue for you to just get whatever trainers appeal to you, so long as they are comfortable, and fit you well. They are still sneakers.

BarbieAS

What about like a cross training shoe? They're not meant for running beyond maybe a brief warm-up jog or something, but they're a bit more versatile than a walking shoe. If they fit appropriately, they might be a good choice.

jadejo63

Thanks guys I've decided maybe these will be good http://www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/SK521/Skechers-Womens-Go-Walk-Shoes-Hot-Pink what you think? X

LAT1963

Thanks guys I've decided maybe these will be good http://www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/SK521/Skechers-Womens-Go-Walk-Shoes-Hot-Pink what you think? X

That is listed as a 'casual' shoe. It probably won't hold up under regular exercise.

I have wide feet, so I usually buy Brooks brand.

Go to their website they have a 'shoe advisor' questionnaire that suggests shoe models based on your needs.

teenie_71

IMO Sketchers are junk. They look good but will fall apart within a month. Put your money towards some running shoes, yes you can wear them for walking also. Or try cross trainers like someone else said. I love New Balance and you can find them reasonably priced

RedRider230

You can walk in running shoes but you can't run in walking shoes. Wether you are walking or running it's still worth getting an assessment done on your running/walking style otherwise you could do some damage to yourself. I use my running shoes for walking, running, gym, weights etc and I notice as soon as they get a 1-2 years old I start getting shin splints etc. Decent footwear is definitely worth the investment.

Excellent advice! I work in the shoe industry and have for several years. Don't be afraid to use running shoes for walking, in fact most podiatrist recommend doing exactly that. If you have any issues with your gait (go get a gait analysis at a running shoe store), a running shoe is the best at correcting it. Also they are lighter, more breathable and absorb more shock. That being said I will always recommend you try both a running shoe and a walking shoe. Get what's best for your feet and is the most comfortable for you.

ruby_red_rose

I used to walk 10,000 steps (about 4.5 miles) a day in my most comfortable shoes. Doing that for a year caused severe foot pain that took a long time and a lot of physical therapy to heal. Please use running/walking shoes for walking - they provide the support you need.

CABasile

My son talked me into buying Nike Free Run shoes. Best investment ever! They are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. I wear them for walking and working out (I don't jog or run). They are expensive, unfortunately, but I found some on clearance online. I think if you check around you can sometimes get "last year's edition" for a better price.

3dogsrunning

Thanks everyone x I can't find any cute / nice walking trainers x

To me, it matters that they work, not so much how the they look. I encourage you to be less fashion conscious when choosing your workout stuff, especially the shoes!

FWIW I think Nike has some nice stuff. Everyone in CA is wearing their flat gym rat shoe. It's quite annoying actually, because I can't afford it. :laugh:

QFT. I yearn for a pair of funky fun coloured running shoes only it seems the only ones that kept me injury free seem to be the ugliest shoe. On top of that, I tend to buy them on sale which limits my colours. I just scored a pair today half price, the colours are horrible. I've come to accept my running shoes will always be ugly.


Also, the Sketchers Go Walk are fine for casual shoes, I have a pair but I wouldn't recommend them for more serious walking. Then again, I have bad feet.

woof19

I've been walking for 10 years, some of it competitively. I would follow the advice below to have someone look at your walking form to make sure whatever shoes they give you would help any pronation issues because even light effort walking, when done for long distances, can tweak your knees pretty bad. Proper support is very important.

If you decide to start walking athletically (in the 15 min/mile or faster), I would highly recommend running shoes. Leather bound mall-walkers or sandals may be comfy, but if you start putting serious distance on your feet, you'll find that breathability and support will be more important than appearance (and even price!). Don't go cheap now and have a price orthopedic bill later!

Great_Mazinga

I've had a good experience with the Sketcher's Go Walk 2 line. They have lace up and slip on. They seem to have a great deal of cushion, but the food bed is firm and not squishy. I can tell a difference in my knees and back, compared to what I used to walk in.

Also, who should be looking at our stride to advise on shoes? Podiatrist? I know all the stores I've been to just seem to employ generic low service/knowledge staff.

RedRider230

I've had a good experience with the Sketcher's Go Walk 2 line. They have lace up and slip on. They seem to have a great deal of cushion, but the food bed is firm and not squishy. I can tell a difference in my knees and back, compared to what I used to walk in.

Also, who should be looking at our stride to advise on shoes? Podiatrist? I know all the stores I've been to just seem to employ generic low service/knowledge staff.

In your area try Road Runner or Red Coyote Running and Fitness. Red Coyote seems to be a new store while Road Runner has probably been there awhile. Gait analysis is best done by someone who's been doing it awhile, I would opt for the more experienced staff if at all possible. And if you really like your Sketchers you would probably be in heaven once you get the shoe that is actually ideal for your feet. Have you been to either of these stores?

ayron102

I've tried walking a few times in my life. I'd always go a few weeks and then end up with really sore feet. In the end, I bit the bullet and bought some brooks running shoes. So far, so good - more weeks using them than not.

When it comes down to it, if you really pay attention, you can feel the strength of the sides of the shoes, how well they support you, etc - and that's what's made a huge difference to me.

ironanimal

I bought some decent Adidas trainers just 'cos I do a lot of walking nowadays, but they're not specifically running shoes. I'll see if I can find the style - they cost me about £45.

Edit; closest I can find is Daily Vulc

Dean649

I believe they have trainer looking shoes specifically designed for walking. I have a cool looking set of trainers I like to wear just walking around , but I have to be careful, they have a narrow outer sole and if I am not careful it is easy to roll an ankle. I would advise to try out a lot of shoes and go with the most comfortable, If it costs more, then so be it. some things you do not get from the bargain bin, shoes, Tires, Power tools etc. Heck, maybe try some of those shoes the nurses use. They are on their feet 12 hrs a day on hard tile floor constantly walking. I even see some of the doctors wearing them, They look kind of funky but they must feel great.
And if you are going to spend more than just a little on a shoe, It never hurts to go on sites like Amazon.com and read reviews from people that have got the shoe you are interested in. Might save you from buying something that others have already learned was a bad shoe.

trombonegds

When I do excercise, I walk. I always buy running shoes and I have no foot issues whatsoever. I work for an orthopedic clinic and our foot doctor always encourages people to buy the most cushioned shoes you can afford, too protect the bones in your foot from stress. I prefer ASICS, they are super comfy and have nice bright colors.

Dean649

When I do excercise, I walk. I always buy running shoes and I have no foot issues whatsoever. I work for an orthopedic clinic and our foot doctor always encourages people to buy the most cushioned shoes you can afford, too protect the bones in your foot from stress. I prefer ASICS, they are super comfy and have nice bright colors.

Well there you go, I would listen to her.

trm68

I don't, I'm 68, male, I'm not into fashion at my age,lol. Old shorts, goofy hat or visor, good walking shoes-Nike, old T shirt. I'm not over weight or under weight, just exercise to keep all my parts from rusting up.....................

emilyGPK

I walk up to 5 miles at a time in normal flat office shoes that are comfortable. I am sure walking shoes would be more ideal, but I have had no problems.

jmcdonald2011

IMO - if you can get to a store that has people trained to properly fit a shoe for your feet, body type, and needs do it. spend the extra money and get a good pair of shoes. I am partial to Keens myself. you need your feet for the rest of your life- the affect so mant parts of your body. be kind to them

photochik71

When I do excercise, I walk. I always buy running shoes and I have no foot issues whatsoever. I work for an orthopedic clinic and our foot doctor always encourages people to buy the most cushioned shoes you can afford, too protect the bones in your foot from stress. I prefer ASICS, they are super comfy and have nice bright colors.

I've got the Asics Gel Nimbus. They are the best shoes I've ever owned. They got rid of my plantar's faciitis!

I3righti3lue24

If ur just walking, wear whatever is comfortable for you.... If your planning on jogging, running, or even walking faster... than maybe a better shoe, but no need to spend $100+ on shoes.