5 Major Differences Between Running Shoes Vs Training Shoes

As much as you need to do exercise, it’s very important that you consider your safety first. Therefore, if you are into running or training, it’s recommended that you keep your feet safe by wearing the right shoes. The right running shoes should always meet the requirements of a runner. When we come to training shoes, things get a bit broader. Training is a very general word here. Training involves weight lifting and other workout activities. The most confusing thing is that both types of shoes can be similar in features and looks.  You need to be careful when choosing shoes for each purpose. In this post, I will outline some of the differences that you should always pay attention to differentiate between running shoes vs training shoes.

The differences are to be categorized according to various factors.

1 .Weight

Running Shoes:

Running is a very challenging activity and you need to be as light as possible. Wearing heavy shoes should the last thing you will think of. Running shoes are meant to be light. With respect to scientists and experts, weight is one of the factors that affect the speed at which you run. And I really feel that this is very obvious. I mean what happens if you run on heavy shoes? Definitely you get tired fast and as a result, you get slow down.

Training shoes:

Training is very different from running and both require a different approach as far as your shoes’ weight is concerned. Running requires you to have lighter shoes but as for training, you have both light and heavy. But if we had to lean on one side, we would definitely go with heavy shoes. Yes! It’s very essential that you wear heavy shoes whenever you are going for training/workouts. This is because you are training and you need to get your body well exercised. Take for instance if you are into weight trimming. I mean why would you go for training with light shoes? I don’t think it makes sense. Heavier shoes will be good for your training that is if you want to come with the best results.

2. Flexibility

Running Shoes:

Flexibility is very vital in running shoes. But to be more specific, running shoes are flexible around the middle sole area. There is a very big difference between midsole flexibility and sole flexibility. As for running, the sole needs to be flexible just around the midsole area. This helps initiate the shoe compliance with the foot-strike to toe-off movements. Running shoes do not have to have the whole sole flexible. In running, we only have one type of motion/movement. I.e. foot-strike to toe-off movement. So there will be no need to have the entire sole flexible. You need to maintain only one type of movement when running.

Training Shoes:

As I mentioned earlier in this post, training is very different from running. And as for flexibility, unlike running shoes, training shoes need to have the whole sole flexible. This is because training involves different types of feet movements. There is side to side movements which requires your shoes to be able to accommodate the movement with significant comfort and flexibility. Actually, most training shoes do have flatter soles which are flexible enough to allow for multidirectional motion.

3. Cushioning

Cushioning is very essential for all types of shoes. But then there still exists a difference between the cushioning in running shoes and the one in training shoes.

Running Shoes:

In most cases, running shoes have more cushioning. This is because running and more especially, long-distance running, encompasses a lot of friction and strain. Remember you only maintain a single direction movement. Therefore, shoes that are specially meant for running normally do have a great cushioning to protect your feet from the friction.

Training Shoes:

As for training, there much of motion shifting than friction. I mean friction is less when a multidirectional movement/motion is involved. Therefore, you don’t need too much-cushioned shoes. Most of the training shoes are mostly not that much cushion.

4. Heel Elevation

I know you wondering what heel height  (heel elevation)is. Well, I got your back here. And actually if you have read more about running shoes, you must have come across this phrase. If not twice, at least once. It’s in most cases represented as HTT drop. This is the measurement between the offset between the heel area of your shoe and the toe area.

Running Shoes:

Running shoes mostly do have a higher heel height. This greatly affects your running performance. The reason behind this is because you land more on your mid-foot. May you don’t understand why landing on your mid-foot is important while running? Well, I will let explain it better. Landing on your mid-foot makes your turnover a bit quicker which means you will have a better running economy. All these together bring fourth better running performance and speed.

Training Shoes:

When it comes to training or workouts, the case becomes a little bit different. Usually, training shoes are tailored with a lower Heel elevation.  This is because you as a trainee need to have the freedom to shift from one movement to another. Shoes with a higher heels will make this a little bit difficult. That’s why you find that most of the cross-training shoes come with a lower HTT drop compared to that of running shoes. This helps you pull-off movements easily ad effectively.

5. Versatility

Versatility is the ability of a shoe to accommodate different uses. In simple terms, it’s the ability of a shoe to be multipurpose in the world of athletics and sports. Let’s get to know how different is running shoes form training shoes.

Running Shoes:

Most running is designed only to accommodate only a single type of movement. The Foot strike to toe-off movement. Therefore, shoes are better when used for running only. With that, running shoes are declared not versatile.

Training Shoes:

Training shoes are made for different activities. Because, just like I mentioned earlier, training is a broad word that carries several activities within itself. So for instance, we have shoes for weight lifting and still have others for different training activities. That’s why we refer these shoes to be versatile. They can basically be used for many purposes, unlike the running shoes.

Similarities Between Running Shoes Vs Training Shoes

I guess the differences are quite clear. I feel it’s also important that you get to know about the similarities too. SO that you don’t get to confuse them with differences.

1. Breathability

This is one of the top similarities between running shoes and training shoes. Running is a very challenging activity and thus you will definitely need to have your shoes well ventilated to keep your feet fresh and cool all day long. Same to training shoes, the pressure is usually too much with both shoes and so you need to keep your feet free form sweating. That’s why most of these shoes (both running shoes and training shoes) come with meshed uppers to allow for free air circulation.

2. Traction

Traction is the ability of a shoe to resist sliding. In both cases, the shoes are well-grooved to give them an effective grip. The grip is very essential for both running and training shoes. They help keep you safe from sliding and falling off on slippery floors. The more the grooves, the more traction you get from the shoe.

3. Support and stability

In both cases, you need to be stable and well supported. Arch support is very important when it comes to running and training as well. In most cases, you will find that many running and training shoes come with great arch support. Stability is also a very important feature. You need to be stable while running. This depends on the outer sole of your shoes. Most running and training shoes come with flat outer soles to initiate more stability.

Conclusion

It may seem to you that running shoes vs training shoes are actually similar but that is not the truth. The truth is that they are very different. The differences I just listed above could at least help you differentiate between the two.  However, among all these differences, the only key and clear differences are sole flexibility and heel drop. Therefore, you should understand that all these shoes are especially for different purposes. Running shoes are meant for running and not for training. Do not assume things out of mere ignorance now that you can tell the difference between running shoes and training shoes. If you find this post really informative, kindly share with family and friends.