| There was a time when the only buying choice | | | | Walking Shoe, but you could certainly use the |
| for sneakers was white or black. Today's athletic | | | | other types of athletic shoes in your walking |
| shoes are the product of sophisticated science | | | | program so long as the fit was right. |
| and engineering that have expanded consumer | | | | Running Shoes |
| choices to precise details about athletic shoe | | | | Running shoes are designed to absorb impacts up |
| cushioning, flexibility, orthopedic qualities, and the | | | | to three times your body weight and provide |
| breathability of inner and outer materials. The | | | | sufficient lateral stability to control pronation. Heels |
| distinctions between walking shoes, running shoes, | | | | are higher and more heavily cushioned. Treads |
| and cross trainers from the same manufacturer | | | | and sides are designed for maximum forward grip. |
| may be small in some cases but they are real | | | | Trail running shoes have impregnated solid guards |
| differences that will affect your walking | | | | to prevent bruising from sharp rocks. Running |
| experience, and not just a marketing gimmick. | | | | shoes from the same manufacturer will not be as |
| Walking Shoes | | | | flexible at the ball of the foot as a purpose made |
| Walking shoes have more flexible soles and are | | | | walking shoe. |
| specially designed to promote the easy roll of the | | | | Cross-Trainers |
| foot from heel to toe, your natural walking | | | | Cross-trainers attempt to provide a versatile |
| motion. Cushioning is designed to absorb about 1.5 | | | | compromise between walking and basketball, |
| times body weight for any shoe size. Walking | | | | tennis or other court shoes. Generally, cross |
| shoes do not have to be as rugged so there is | | | | trainers have more rigid metatarsal (side-to-side) |
| more opportunity for manufacturers to use mesh | | | | support than running shoes, and do not have |
| and other lighter, highly breathable materials on | | | | adequate heel cushioning for long distance running, |
| the shoe outers. Feet sweat and some walkers | | | | Cross-trainers work OK if running is limited to a |
| will really appreciate this feature. Tread designs | | | | few miles at a time but a cross-trainer shoe |
| are less deep and the soles and side walls provide | | | | would likely break down faster than a purpose |
| all around grip. The best walking shoe is, in fact, a | | | | made running shoe. |