Running shoes are your prized possession as a runner. It’s the one and only piece of battle equipment needed to conquer your run so you always make sure to pick and use them the right way.
Most of us feel so comfortable in our runners that we don’t ever want to take them off. We all know that cloud-like feeling when you’re rocking a fresh pair for the first time and what that can do to you. So by human nature, we find ourselves wearing our shoes for more than just running. It just makes sense, right?
Well, it does. Running shoes are made to provide comfort and stability to your foot/heel to ease your impact with every step. Why wouldn’t you want to wear them every day when you’re out and about, cooking, shopping, fixing, etc?
Can they be used consistently outside of running?
The answer: YES, absolutely. Running shoes can be worn for your day-to-day activities, with limitations and an understanding of your shoes.
Running shoes are made to provide more cushioning in the heel and upper-foot sole than conventional tennis and walking shoes. Additionally, since you’re consistently creating more energy in your foot during your runs, running shoes tend to have mesh to allow for breathe-ability.
All these are great traits of comfortable shoes that will help your feet. However, if you’re using a running shoe with a bigger, supported heel, it may not be the best idea. Why? Walking shoes tend to have smaller, more-leveled heels to allow for a more predictable range of motion. Most walkers tend to take their steps with their heels striking first and then rolling out through the mid section and on to the toe. If you’re using a walking shoe with smaller heels, you’ll be better off (do keep in mind that arch support does matter in this case as well).
Below are some common questions we here about wearing running shoes:
Can you use your running shoes at the gym?
If you’re a runner first and use your shoes for non-olympic gym exercises, you should be good to go. You shouldn’t be using your shoes when either squatting, power-cleaning, jerk/snatching or heavy compression loaded exercises. While your running shoes have cushioning to support your body weight, adding more down-ward compression to your feet with factors of your body weight that help reduce your shoe’s heel cushioning and thus void your kicks of any actual support.
If you’re doing isolated, machine lifting or free-weights, you should be good to go.
Can I wear my running shoes when playing other sports like basketball, tennis, racquetball, etc?
To help reduce any risk of injury, you should opt out of wearing your running shoes for lateral-based activities.
Running shoes are not meant to support lateral, stop-and-go movements in a radial direction like basketball/indoor cross trainers are. These types of shoes are made way more stiffer than basketball shoes. They’re also built taller which is a huge factor to these athletes. While you might initially feel comfortable wearing your running shoes for other sports, you’re highly increasing chance of a sprained ankle. Runners are lighter and usually way thinner and while they’re meant to absorb, they’re not the most ideal shoes for other lateral-based sports.
Can I wear my running shoes to work?
If your job is cool and has a “casual everyday” office policy, go for it. You might even impress some colleagues with your rad kicks and bright colors. And who knows, you may be the one answering these questions for some friends.
