You can use your running shoes as your daily walking sneakers, but remember that walking in them has its demerits. If you walk in your running shoes for an extended period, their mileage reduces with every mile taken. However, whether you use your running shoes as a daily sneaker depends on your judgment. You can decide to overlook their features and longevity and stroll down the street for a casual walk in your favorite running shoes.
How Should You Extend the Running Shoe’s Mileage?
If you care about your running shoes and want to retain the mileage, you better get more shoes or use the running shoes specifically for the purpose they are meant for. This way, you will extend the mileage of the shoes.
This article will take you through the running shoes you shouldn’t wear as your everyday shoes, the available types of running shoes, and the differences between running and walking shoes.
Are There Running Shoes That Can’t Function as Casual Wear?
There are diverse running shoes that you can’t wear as casual shoes but only for running. Below is the exploration of different types of running shoes:
Lightweight Running Shoes
These are intended for runners who primarily engage in fast running or racing. They have limited cushioning to keep their weight low, which means less support and shock absorption. These shoes are mainly designed for running or racing and not for walking.
While the shoe has reduced weight, it does so at the sacrifice of protection and comfort. Any footwear that lacks these two essential characteristics will not be fit for wearing for everyday activities.
Trail Running Shoes
Trail running shoes are developed with improved grips to ensure a secure footing in wet, slick conditions, which can be dangerous sometimes, especially when running up an incline. If your underneath grip is impaired, trail running becomes significantly less fun since you constantly slip, and it can even be deadly in some situations.
One of the ways this happens is when you wear your trail running shoes every day. If you use your trail running shoes daily when walking on hardened concrete like sidewalks, the hooks and other portions of the grip are gradually worn down, which lessens the grip.
Running Shoes that Can Function as Daily Sneakers
Although you can’t use the above-discussed shoes as your daily casual wear, other versatile running shoes are suitable for everyday wear. However, you must be aware that rocking your running shoes daily reduces the mileage.
For a running shoe to be compatible for everyday use, it must have characteristics that favor your feet by providing optimal protection and comfort. Below are some of the traits suitable for running shoes that you may use as everyday wear:
Stability Running Shoes
The stability running shoe is for runners with normal arches who want good support for their ankles and foot arches. This way, the runners will be happy with what they have pursued. The stability running shoe will help regardless of the shape of your feet; hence ideal for wearing as an everyday sneaker.
An unstable shoe that brings about discomfort will not be able to help you. The big problem it will bring to you is slant feet. Who will be comfortable with that type of feel? Below are the type of shoes that offer optimal support and stability; hence they are suitable for everyday wear:
Cushioning Running Shoes
As you may have guessed, cushioning running shoes are meant for people with minimal or no pronation. The immense cushioning in the heel area functions as a shock absorber, and that’s necessary. In case of rough running places or even wild mountainous places, you can protect the heel of your feet from hurting.
When you want to use your running shoes like casual shoes, you can choose one with excellent cushioning. This will help you with the comfort you need for your feet. Cushioning is critical as it guards your feet from the blisters you get from uncomfortable shoes.
Motion Control Running Shoes
Motion control running shoes are best for overpronating runners because they feature more support in the midsole and bridge. It will significantly help you as a fast runner when you are in motion. When in action, you use the midsole and bridge more. So if you are always in motion, look for running shoes that have these specific features; they will provide enhanced performance.
Do the running shoes you want to use for your casual walk have a perfect motion control that controls the motion you want to input in your walking? If the answer is affirmative, you can use them for walking or any other casual activity you wish to undertake.
Differences between Running Shoes and Walking Shoes
| Characteristics | Walking Shoes | Running Shoes |
| Sole | More flexible and blended soles | Stiffer sole |
| Weight | Heavier than running shoes | Lightweight |
| Heels | The heels are more beveled | Thick heel wedges to provide more cushion |
| Motion Control | Less stability | More motion control and stability |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Running Shoes Good for Your Health?
There’s a clear correlation between not replacing your running shoes and injuries. As a result, the more you run and wear them out, the more likely you will sustain an injury.
Therefore, it’s suggested that you replace your running shoes every 400 to 600 kilometers or every six months. This way, your feet are safe from all blisters that might haunt you.
Is it Comfortable to Run Barefoot?
Running barefoot encourages you to land on the balls of your feet. It reduces the impact on your body and the chance of injury and stress. Running in shoes allows you to take more considerable strides naturally. Because the shoe functions as a suspension, it also minimizes muscular leg work.
Whether to run barefoot or not is your choice, but always remember that running shoes will always cushion you from injuries.
The Bottom Line
Every shoe is crafted for a particular chore. Running shoes have features designed purposely for the running task. However, depending on individual preferences, you may opt to use running shoes as a daily sneaker. If such is the case, avoid lightweight and trail running shoes, and opt for cushioned or motion control running shoes.
Reference 1: Can You Wear Running Shoes every day? – Sneak Saver
Reference 2: Are Running Shoes Good For Everyday Use? Don’t Fall Prey! (footinsider.com)
