Are running shoes good for walking?

Yes, it’s totally fine to wear running shoes for walking – in fact, many people do it without a second thought.

Thanks to their lightweight design and extra cushioning, running shoes can offer plenty of comfort on longer walks.

That said, while they may feel good underfoot, there are a few caveats to consider.

Walking and running aren’t quite the same motion.

Running involves more impact and forward propulsion, while walking is about rolling through the foot and heel-to-toe stability.

So, while a running shoe will get the job done, a walking shoe may provide better long-term support for that particular motion.

This is where things get a bit more personal. If you're a regular runner, relying too much on running shoes for walking – especially if you're doing high mileage on foot day-to-day – could subtly affect your biomechanics.

Why? Because your running shoes may encourage movement patterns (like quicker toe-offs or a more aggressive heel strike) that aren’t totally in tune with walking.

Over time, your body adapts to those patterns, which might influence how you move when you are running. It’s not a huge risk, but worth thinking about if performance or injury-prevention is high on your radar.

Running shoes are designed for bounce. They're built to absorb shock, return energy and keep you light on your feet. Walking shoes, on the other hand, focus more on flexibility, stability and arch support over longer periods of wear.

The key differences include:

Heel drop: Running shoes tend to have a higher heel-to-toe drop, aiding that forward roll. Walking shoes are flatter, to better match your natural stride.

Sole stiffness: Running shoes are often more cushioned and responsive. Walking shoes tend to have a stiffer sole to support prolonged heel contact.

Upper construction: Runners favour breathable mesh for heat release. Walkers benefit from tougher, weather-resistant uppers that handle more hours on foot.

Not really.

Walking shoes aren’t built to handle the higher impact forces of running.

They're generally heavier, less cushioned and don’t provide the same bounce or foot lockdown you’d get from a running shoe.

If you're between running shoes and tempted to lace up your walking pair for a jog, best keep it short and gentle – and swap back to proper running shoes ASAP.

They are! Walking is actually a great way to break in new running shoes.

When you first buy a pair, they’re often slightly stiff out of the box. Logging a few casual walks before your first proper run helps soften the midsole and upper, and gives your feet a chance to adjust. You’re not just being gentle – you’re helping your shoes settle into your movement.

That said, don’t expect walking alone to do the whole job. A shoe that’s broken in for walking will still need a few light runs before it’s fully race-ready.

Expect your running shoes to give you around 300 to 500 miles (roughly 400 to 700 km) of quality use – and that applies whether you’re running or walking in them.

If you're walking 25 miles (40 km) a week, you’ll likely hit that lifespan in 3 to 5 months. Of course, shoe quality, your gait, terrain, and how much you rotate between pairs all play a role. Once you start noticing signs of fatigue (like less bounce, worn tread, or hot spots), it’s time to retire them.

No need for a tearful goodbye – just know they’ve done their job. Walking or running, they’ve carried you through.