As athletic shoes have evolved, the technology used in making them has been improved to enhance performance and reduce risk of injury. Specific shoes are now made for just about every sport. While it may seem as though shoe companies are just trying to find something new to sell, the sport-specific shoes are designed to provide optimal cushioning and support for the moves and impact of the athlete.
History
Running shoes first appeared on the market in the early 1970s when the U.S. experienced a boom in the popularity of running. Then came aerobics shoes. In the mid-1980s, athletic shoe companies realized an entire new market of walkers had sprung up. In 1986, according to a survey by the National Sporting Goods Association, nearly 20 million people were walking twice a week for exercise. That number was up 42 percent from the year before.
Significance
There are several differences between running shoes and walking shoes. The first is a lower heel. A walker's foot comes in contact with the ground up to 50 percent more times than a runner's foot. Walkers hit the ground with less force than runners and don't need the extra cushioning required by running shoes. Walking shoes also need to be more flexible than running shoes in order to propel you through the full-foot motion. And finally, walking shoes are beveled to increase stability for the foot as it rolls from from heel to toe push-off.
Considerations
While Keds sneakers have been around since 1917, you probably wouldn't put on a pair if you were going to walk or run five miles. They don't have the the proper support needed for exercise. If you did wear them, you'd risk injuring your heels, tiring your muscles and expending more energy than necessary. Shoes that don't fit the sport can rub, causing calluses and blisters. In the worse case scenario, an improper shoe can lead to strains and sprains of muscles, bones, joints and tendons.
Benefits
Walking shoes absorb one to two times your body weight, while running shoes are designed to absorb up to three times your body weight. It's important that the shoe is able to lessen the impact on your joints and provide sufficient stability to control pronation, or the way your foot rolls, according to your gait. For that reason, if you're a heavier walker, a running shoe might be a better choice as it would provide more padding on impact.
Variations
As all shoes continue to become more specific, walking and running shoes have sprouted offshoots. For example, you can now find running shoes made specifically for your type of gait--overpronation, for example--and for your type of running, such as trail running. In 2009, a new "barefoot shoe" emerged, designed to simulate the experience of running barefoot. You can also find variations on walking shoes, such as those that claim to be "toning shoes," designed to simulate sand walking and promising stronger leg, buttock, back and abdominal muscles. When purchasing athletic shoes, it all comes down to what works for you.
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