In the past, one type of shoe served all the purposes a wearer would want it to be. A good pair of rubber shoes was all that was needed for running, walking, jumping, skipping and other similar activities. Those shoes weren’t the flashy ones we see today, but they were durable enough to be worn anywhere they were required. Today, shoe manufacturers churn out shoes that are designed for particular purposes such as running, walking and any activity in between. There are many factors that should be considered in choosing running or walking shoes.
Running shoes are primarily designed for best performance while walking shoes are made for their appeal to walkers. And for those who are seriously into these activities, the type of shoes they wear matters a lot. Each type of shoe is designed for only one sport or activity. Wearing a pair of walking shoes in place of running shoes may compromise your running performance and vice versa.
For runners, preventing injury while running is important. For this reason, they should wear running shoes that provide the right kind of protection. These shoes are designed for different types of feet such as high-arched, normal-arched and flat footed. High-arched feet need cushioning shoes; normal-arched feet need shoes with basic cushioning, stability and motion control features. Flat footed people should wear shoes that have solid arch curvature that provide excellent motion-control. This helps prevent the excessive rolling of the ankle when the heel strikes the ground.
If you are an average runner, your best choice is stability shoes because they provide the best comfort as these do not create a specific stride. If you consider yourself an elite runner, your best option is the lightweight type of training shoes.
Walking shoes on the other hand should be flexible and allow you to bend and twist them. They should have a flat and not flared heel. This is important because when you walk, the heel strikes the ground first and flat heels promote rolling motion that can ease lower back pain that most walkers complain about. Shoes specifically designed for walking are stiffer than those designed for running.
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Author: Jeff M Ray
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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