Walking shoes are not the same as running shoes. They also are not the same as cross trainers. What’s the difference?

Walking shoes are much more flexible. If you hold the heel and the toe and twist and turn a walking shoe, you will find that it completely different than a running shoe. The sole will be super flexible in comparison to a running shoe.

Although running and walking techniques both require heel to toe motions, walking shoes are designed to promote the rolling motion. They also have a lot more cushioning in them — enough to absorb 1.5 times your body weight. You can even see that just by looking at the outside profile. If you take a look at a walking shoe, the heel appears to be a little higher and there will be more “foam” rather than a stability portion that it common in running shoes. You will also see that the shoe tends to come up to the ankle. There is typically more “grip” around your foot in a walking shoe than in a sleek running shoe. The tread designs are also typically not as deep.

Running shoes are designed to be light and “simple,” even if the prices don’t agree with that concept. Walking shoes can be designed to be a little heavier, so they have a lot more mesh or comfort factors that allow for maximum comfort and air ventilation.

The biggest difference between walking shoes and running shoes is that walking shoes are designed for comfort. True, your running shoes should be comfortable too, but you should be able to walk around for a whole day in your shoes without any problems.

This is not to say that you cannot go for walks in your running shoes or cross trainers. Walking shoes that are designed for walking are going to be your best option, but you can certainly walk around in sneakers or even in flat soled shoes. I wouldn’t recommend going for long walks without a sneaker shoe, but you could certainly get away with that.