What are casual shoes?

The term casual shoes encompasses a few different types of lifestyle footwear, from sneakers and boots to slip-on styles like loafers, jandals and slides. This kind of footwear is made to be worn on an everyday basis, and typically isn’t designed for any specific activity type. Casual shoes became popular in the 1950s when the way some shoes were manufactured changed, and therefore casual shoes became cheaper for the masses. Nowadays, casual shoes are part of most people's wardrobes, and they vary from low-cost, simple designs to high-end, great quality pairs.

What are running shoes?

As the name suggests, running shoes are made especially for running. They have a range of features to support your feet for running, including cushioning, lightweight materials, and a special design to help with the physical impact of running. A well-designed running shoe will help with injury prevention by keeping your feet and ankles supported in the right places. Modern running shoes are becoming more hi-tech in construction, offering the wearer better running performance. Choosing the right running shoe for your feet is equally as important as the overall design, so it’s definitely worth looking at the different options available.

The benefits of wearing running shoes casually

Wearing running shoes for everyday life isn’t the worst decision, in fact, there are many benefits.

They can be comfortable

Because running shoes are so highly supportive with plenty of padding, they can be comfortable to wear casually. Some styles, in particular, offer a much more comfortable feel for day-to-day wear including those with lightweight fabric, flexible soles and additional cushioning. Once you have worn in your running shoes, they typically become even more comfortable as well.

They offer great breathability

If you are wearing the same pair of shoes all day, you definitely want them to be breathable to keep your feet free of moisture and odour. Running shoes are designed to be breathable as your feet will inevitably warm up when running, which also makes them a great option for wearing casually. Some running shoe designs offer superior breathability, especially those made with a modern knitted fabric, as they allow for better airflow.

They provide your feet with support

When a good quality running shoe is designed, every part of it is considered, from the upper fabric to the heel and arch support. Whether you are on your feet all day for work or just need comfortable shoes to walk the dog, running shoes can be a great option to ensure you can keep doing what you need to do. All of this without strain or injury entering the picture. Supportive shoes are more important than you might realise, not only for your feet but your knees, back and hips too.

What happens when you wear casual shoes for running?

Although wearing your running shoes for everyday life can be perfectly fine, the same can’t be said for wearing casual shoes for running. Here are some things to consider before you head out for a run in casual shoes.

You may be prone to injury

When you’re running, especially on hard surfaces like concrete, you need the specialist support of running shoes to help prevent injuries and muscle soreness.
Everything from lack of cushioning to minimal arch support can affect your body, and it’s likely to slow you down long-term due to incorrect running form and pain.

You can ruin your casual shoes

Wearing casual shoes for running can not only cause you discomfort, but the shoes are also likely to wear out quickly. This is because they haven’t been designed to withstand the impact of running.
General scuffs as well as dirt and debris picked up from running outdoors can also give your nice casual shoes a less favourable appearance.

It may result in a drop in performance

Casual shoes are great for everyday life, but if you have running goals you want to reach, they are unlikely to perform under pressure. In some cases, casual shoes won’t provide the right traction and may cause rubbing or slipping of the foot inside the shoe. This can ultimately reduce your speed and endurance, and tire your feet muscles faster. Whether you are looking to increase your pace, run further, or just start as a beginner, running shoes are the best option.