Is it worth buying running trainers to go walking in?

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!

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!