Modern walking and running shoes are designed to provide cushioning and support for your feet. The technologies originally developed for running shoes --- including motion-control, arch support and various gel and air pockets --- are becoming increasingly available in walking shoes. Generally, however, walking shoes have more arch support than running shoes because the gait of walking is believed to put more pressure on the arch compared with the gait of running.
What Is a Walking Shoe?
The main difference between a running shoe and a walking shoe is that a walking shoe is designed with more flexibility in the forefoot and more arch support than a running shoe. It is still, however, an athletic shoe. Contrast this with a dress shoe, which may have certain stability and motion-control features but is mostly designed to look good and is not built for moving around a great deal.
What Arch Support is Right for You?
Depending on the kind of arches you have, you may want a shoe with more or less arch support. There are three main types of feet when it comes to arches: high, low and neutral arches. Those with neutral arches can generally wear any kind of shoe they want. If you have high arches, you'll want a shoe with more built in arch support and more cushioning generally. If you have low arches, you'll prefer a flatter shoe shape.
Picking a Walking Shoe
Walking shoes also have a number of other features besides arch support that can influence your comfort and the way they fit. In addition to arch support, you should be aware of your foot width as well as its length and your foot strike pattern. Just like any athletic shoe, you should buy your first pair at a reputable shoe store where you can ask an expert how to best fit the shoe to your foot. Once you find a model you like, you can buy subsequent shoes at other locations.
Thing to Keep in Mind
Walking shoes are designed for a specialized purpose and are not really meant to be run in. Even though some of them look similar to running shoes, you should never run long distances in a walking shoe, just as you shouldn't walk a great deal in your running shoes. The increased arch support of a walking shoe could cause problems for you if you use them for running.
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