Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist specializing in women’s foot care in Manhattan and Westwood, NJ.
Selecting the right type of shoes can significantly impact your performance and comfort, whether you’re running, walking, or training. Each category of shoes is made with specific features designed for the activities they support. In this guide, we are going to explain how to choose a sneaker that’s perfect for everyday wear.
Most Common Types of Sneakers
Running Shoes:
Running is a high impact forward motion. Running shoes are designed to provide a high level of cushioning and shock absorption. They often have a lightweight design to enhance speed. The soles are typically constructed to absorb the impact of each stride. When shopping for a running shoe, make sure to find one that offers extra stability and cushioning to avoid foot pain and injury.
Walking Shoes:
Walking is also a forward motion but with much lower impact on your joints. Walking shoes prioritize stability and comfort over speed. They often have a more flexible sole, allowing for a natural foot motion, which is vital for walking. Walking shoes provide adequate cushioning, yet may not be as heavily padded as running shoes. It’s essential to choose walking shoes that fit well and offer support for the heel and arch to promote a natural gait.
Training Shoes:
These are versatile shoes designed for various activities, including gym workouts, aerobics, or cross-training. Training shoes offer a combination of support, flexibility, and cushioning, making them suitable for multi-directional and lateral or side to side movements. They typically feature a flatter and stiffer sole compared to running and walking shoes, which provides more stability. Training shoes have become a popular choice for everyday wear due to their supportive design, unmatched comfort, and versatile, stylish appeal.
Making small changes such as choosing Vionic styles with Vio Motion technology can make a big impact on your overall skeletal health. This technology includes a deep seated heel cup, cushioned and flexible forefoot and arch support and can aid in whole body balance.
How to Choose a Sneaker: What to Look for
Finding the right sneaker is an essential step for ensuring comfort, support, and preventing foot problems during daily activities. Whether you’re shopping for a running shoe, walking shoes, or a versatile athletic sneaker for everyday wear, understanding what makes the perfect sneaker can save you from unnecessary discomfort or even foot pain. From selecting the right shoe size to evaluating the style and support, each factor plays a critical role in maintaining overall foot health.
Vionic’s Walk Max, 23Walk 2.0 and Walk Strider offers these key features:
Cushioning: Good sneakers should provide adequate cushioning to absorb impact during activities and walking. Over time, overuse of shoes that lack cushioning can lead to injuries and discomfort such as tendonitis, heel pain, neuromas and stress fractures just to name a few.
Arch Support: Proper arch support is essential for maintaining foot alignment and preventing and treating skeletal issues. Sneakers that lack adequate support may also contribute to fatigue, discomfort, back, knee and hip pain. Most styles from Vionic have a removable insole which can be replaced with a custom orthotic when necessary.
Fit: A well-fitting sneaker is super important. It should allow for some wiggle room in the toes but be snug enough to prevent excessive movement. Ill-fitting shoes can cause blisters, calluses, and long-term foot problems.
Durability: Vionic’s high-quality sneakers are designed to withstand regular use without quickly wearing out. Investing in durable footwear can save you money in the long run.
Finding the Right Shoe for Your Needs
In summary, the key differences lie in the shoe’s construction and purpose. Understanding these distinctions can help you choose the best shoe for your specific needs. It is very important to wear the appropriate shoes for your activity to prevent injury and pain. Vionic’s commitment to combining innovative walking shoe technology with stylish designs makes it easy to find the perfect sneaker, whether you’re looking for walking shoes or versatile athletic sneakers. When you choose Vionic, you’re investing in both your foot health and your style.
Author:
Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, believes in a holistic approach to foot care, guiding patients to discoveries that are related to every part of the body, not just the foot. She has practices at City Podiatry in Midtown Manhattan of New York City and Hackensack Medical Center at Pascack Valley in Westwood, NJ.
After graduating from Fordham University in the Bronx, where she received bachelor’s degrees in biology and philosophy, Dr. Sutera earned her medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in Manhattan. She performed her residency at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, where she served as chief resident.
Dr. Sutera is a board-certified podiatrist and specializes in women’s foot care, giving her patients the opportunity to talk through ailments and help them understand how podiatric issues relate to their overall health. She’s one of New Jersey and New York City’s most trusted experts in the industry and has appeared in many national news outlets discussing and writing about foot care. Dr. Sutera approaches her practice with compassion, conscientiousness, and her unique wide-ranging base of knowledge and experience.
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