A positive thing that has been noticed is that people are turning towards being more fit. But what accompanies this wave of fitness is that people choose any kind of shoe and use it for all purposes. This is the wrong way to go as it may even lead to injury.
There are many kinds of shoes available in the market. Out of these are training and running shoes. These are often purchased types as they are readily available both in physical shops and online. Although both the types of shoes look fairly similar, they have different functions, benefits as well as disadvantages. Many athletes tend to use a single pair of shoes for all kinds of activities but this way you won’t be making the most out of the shoes. Each type of shoe comes with certain features that help it fulfil its role.
Basically, a training shoe cannot fulfil the requirements for running as well as a running shoe can and vice versa. Both these activities are totally different from each other and need the specific qualities in a shoe. To further help you with understanding how these both are different, we have explained each in detail and mentioned their pros and cons.
What running shoes are used for?
They are most importantly used for running long distances like for a marathon etc. They have a very flexible sole which provides ease in running. The treads make sure that you do not feel tired even after long distances. These can be used for running on the road, a track or on a trail. Due to the outer sole and the treads, these can also be used to run or walk on wet surfaces.
What are training shoes used for?
Training shoes are used for all sorts of activities in the gym. When one does weightlifting the shoes provide excellent heel support so that whether you are bending or get back up, you will not fall over. The shoes are really comfortable for long workouts as well. The sole provides cushioning and helps with preventing blisters or pains. These shoes also have extra space near the toes. This provides an added strength to the shoes. They are great for multidirectional use because of the treads present on the outside. Although you shouldn’t use these for running long distances, the training shoes can be used on the treadmill for short paces.
The Main Difference
The main difference between these shoes is the sole flexibility. The training shoes are made for multi-directional movement, especially side to side. The sole is flat and this makes it easier to move these shoes in all directions easily. These shoes are best for the gym and for training purposes. The running shoes are built for heel and toe movements. This is because support is needed especially in the heel area. These are best for running on the tracks.
Other Differences
| RUNNING SHOES | TRAINING SHOES |
|---|---|
| These are lighter in weight. | These are more bulkier and heavier in weight. |
| They have less cushioning. | They have more cushioning to provide support while training. |
| The uppers are breathable, comfortable and flexible in nature to provide ease while running for long distances. | The uppers are more sturdy and durable to withstand different pressures and increase stability. |
| The midsole is made of soft foam in most cases. It only has a single layer and also has support substances to correct the alignment of the feet. | The midsole is stiffer and supports the foot for lateral and forward movement. |
| The soles are made of stickier and lightweight material. The material helps to lift the foot easily and bring it back down when running. While the stickiness ensures a good grip on the ground. | The soles are harder and stiffer. The stiffer the sole, the more durable it will be for extensive physical exercise. |
| These are perfect for running and running related activities whether on the track or on the road. You may even use these for jogs or walks. | These are perfect for activities that require a lot of physical strain. |
Pros
| RUNNING SHOES | TRAINING SHOES |
|---|---|
| They are more flexible. | These are flexible especially in lateral movements. |
| They have a better grip for different surfaces even when the surface is wet. | The rubber sole helps with movement in all directions. It also provides good footing so that you can do a variety of exercises. |
| They are light in weight. | Good cushioning provides high level of comfort to feet while doing exercise. |
| They improve the overall performance by distributing the weight more equally while running. | They provide good support to ankles. |
| They are made from a breathable fabric. | They have a broader sole to hold your body’s weight while lifting weights or even squatting. |
| They feature good heel to toe distance and length hence provide better support while running. | |
| They keep the feet protected and away from pain even after long distance running. |
Cons
| RUNNING SHOES | TRAINING SHOES |
|---|---|
| You can only do a limited amount of activities using these shoes. Mostly related to running. | They are heavy. |
| These shoes are not fit for heavier runners as there isn’t enough cushioning in these shoes. | The cushioning and the soles add to the weight excessively. |
Final Verdict
Each kind of shoe is made for a specific purpose. It is designed in a way that the person can perform the activity effortlessly. It is important to know what shoe is designed for, before buying it. In short, training shoes should be used for training at the gym and the running shoes for running and related activities.
It is a good idea to do adequate research before buying shoes. You can consult the internet or even ask the person selling the shoes. Know what the use of the shoes will be and buy the type of shoe according to that.