By: Dee Wilson

Yesterday, I was looking for walking shoes in the mall. There I stood, somewhat lost amid hundreds of tennis shoes, trying to find my perfect fit and brand. Questions, such as, what should I look for in a shoe that’s meant for walking? What is the difference between a walking shoe and a running shoe? Well, yes, I admit, I stood much too long there, just reading boxes before finally asking for help. Here is what I’ve learned.

When you buy walking shoes, consider the following:

Low heel for stride efficiency
Easy heel to toe roll
Ankle support
Heel support to keep feet snug in place while walking
Cushioning to minimize impact
Skid proof sole for durability

I’ve decided on The New Balance 574 for best walking shoe.

Let’s take a closer look:

Available for women, men, and children
choose from different colors, or black / white
Classic, sporty or retro look
Lightweight upper material
Upper material, suede or mesh for breathing
Padded color and tongue
Mid-sole is EVA injection molded
Superior mid-foot support
Non marking carbon rubber traction
Shock absorbing sole and heel
Supportive cushioning
Modular design for optimum comfort

Now I’m ready to go walking….

To answer the question, is there a difference between a running shoe and a walking shoe? No. I don’t think so…. But do you? Please comment….

[Ed. Good choice. I think that New Balance Women's WW844 Walking Shoe might be a slightly better choice. Neither is wrong]

Source: dietactivity.com

A quick yes or no doesn’t fit the question any more than one shoe size would fit every foot.

Give today’s shoe manufacturers’ the credit for employing the best and the brightest scientists and engineers to design and manufacture highly specialized shoes for almost every fitness activity.

Of course you can walk in your running shoes but if you walk more than, say 30 minutes a day, then your feet will know the difference between having worn running shoes and walking shoes. Walking shoes are different from running shoes. Walking shoes are more flexible in the center. The natural walking gait is heel to toe. As the heel strikes the ground your foot rolls gently forward. Stiff shoes hinder the gentle roll and place a strain on your foot muscles that a good walking shoe will not.

Walking shoes and running shoes differ on heel height and construction also. Running shoe heels are higher than those found in shoes made for a walking gait. Again, the lower walking shoe heel better accomodates the gentle roll of the foot from heel to toe.

The reverse is true also. Walking shoes would hinder the performance of the long distance runner because they are not made to cushion the foot in a slightly forward center of gravity alignment.

Modern shoes are engineering marvels. Take advantage of the technology with a pair of the best walking shoes. My choice: Saucony ProGrid Stabil LE.