MD Podiatrist Comments on Using a Running Shoe for Walking

Is it ever okay to wear a running shoe for walking? While it’s not ideal, it makes sense for some people. So, if you have found that walking in running shoes works for you, take necessary precautions to avoid injury. You can add arch support to your running shoes; it may help prevent arch pain that develops as you walk over a period of time, says Daniel Michaels, DPM, a podiatrist at the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC.
 
However, when it comes to wearing minimalist sneakers for walking, Dr. Michaels says it should be avoided at all costs. He believes these types of running shoes offer very little of the shock absorption you need for walking. “For example, Vibram Five Fingers or Merrell Vapor Gloves may work for runners who are forefoot strikers but will not offer enough support for basic walking,” He explains.