Is Running in Converse Shoes a Good Idea? – Get a Clear Idea

“Run often; run long” – it’s the best therapy.

Running makes you strong, energetic, and confident, and when a perfect pair of shoes accompany you, running becomes your greatest joy. However, can you run wearing the converse?

The answer is pretty perplexing – “Well, yes, you can, but it’s wise if you don’t.”

Running in converse isn’t a good idea on a professional level. A runner needs a shoe light enough to run effortlessly. However, Converse is usually heavy that can meddle with your running pace or form. In addition, they lack sufficient cushioning, shock absorptions, midsoles, and breathability that running shoes must have.

An ideal running shoe comprises several crucial characteristics – durability, cushioning, arc support, breathability, reflective material, etc. However, converse shoes are made of decent material and quality; these shoes can’t provide the support and balance you need for effortless running.

Let’s explore in the article why converse is unsuitable for running and which shoes are best for an enjoyable and smooth run.

Is Running In Converse Shoes A Good Idea?

Converse shoes are trendy shoes. These shoes are durable, high-quality, comfortable casual shoes that you can wear for walking and various sports. However, are they suitable for running? Is it a good idea to run in converse shoes?

However simple the question may sound, the answer is not that straightforward.

The answer is yes; you can wear converse while running. However, it might not be a good idea. They are great for short walking, even for frequent jogging. But the support, balance, and performance you need for running converse can’t provide you that.

Converse shoes are not lightweight, sufficiently cushioned, and supportive of the arch. In addition, they lack breathability and proper ventilation, causing excessive sweaty feet.

However, if you are a new runner or run for a short time, you can use converse vans. They are relatively lightweight; however, they cannot support your feet for a longer distance for a longer period.

Why Converse Are Not Suitable For Running?

Converse are great street-style shoes, highly comfortable, and a perfect workout partner. However, running is not a suitable match for converse.

Let’s explore why you should consider not running in your converse.

1. Material Matters

A significant difference between an ideal running shoe and converse is their materials.

Most running shoes are made of combination materials – knit polyester and nylon mesh. In addition, they consist of PU leather reinforcements upper. As a result, they are lightweight, breathable, stretchy, and feet-hugging.

Converse, on the other hand, uses rubber that makes the shoes too heavy to run smoothly. The material also decreases the sufficient breathability that a runner needs.

2. Mind The Midsole

The midsole is an essential running shoe feature that provides appropriate cushioning and maximum shock absorption. Usually, a running shoe has thick midsoles, making your feet easily roll off the ground leading to a smooth running. In addition, they provide excellent arch support.

However, the converse has flat midsoles that are relatively tight in the heel area. As a result, they can’t deliver proper support and safety while running. In addition, they lack enough arch support, making your feet and running smooth and comfortable.

3. Cushioning And Shock Absorption

Highly cushioned shoes are crucial for running shoes for maximum shock absorption. EVA cushioning in most running shoes decrease the impact, helping your leg and feet to get less injury.

However, converse shoes don’t have enough cushioning to support intense running. Now, lack of cushioning means decreasing shock absorption, leading to less absorption and more feet injury.

This one is probably the main factor you should avoid converse for running among all the aspects.

5. Breathability and Ventilation

Running shoes are highly breathable, containing proper ventilation. It prevents sweat from getting inside the shoe, making your grip and running smooth and comfy.

However, converse shoes lack enough breathability and possess poor ventilation. As a result, your feet become swampy and sweaty, making your running shoddy and your feet full of blisters.

Now, running with sweaty feet isn’t any runner’s fantasy! Is it?

In addition, moisture can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, resulting in a very smelly shoe. Now, that’s not anyone’s fantasy!

6. Waterproofing

Most running shoes are waterproof – comprising Gore-Tex membrane. It keeps your feet dry during rain, splash, or walking across the water.

However, converse shoes feature a canvas body that can’t keep your feet dry during rain. Often it causes blisters in your feet. In addition, they are also unsuitable for running across muddy areas as they get dirty very easily.

What Kind Of Shoes Are Good For Running?

Running is the best form of exercise.

However, you can run smoothly and fluently if your shoes are suitable – after all, a good pair of shoes is a runner’s best buddy.

So, what makes good running shoes? Let’s check the essential aspects that a running shoe must-have.

• An EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) midsole to distribute weight and provide stability and maximum cushioning.
• Carbon rubber for durability and breathability
• A durable heel counters to secure your heel
• Increasing shock absorption and motion control supports
• A waffle-pattern outsole for traction
• Reflective materials
• Varying lacing methods for shoe-fitting customization
• Forefoot flex grooves, which provide maximum flexibility
• Removable insole for easy cleaning and replacement.

So, what are good shoes for running? Let’s take a quick look at the top 5 running shoes for a delightful running experience.

What Happen When You Wear Converse For Running?

If you still ask – if you can run in converse shoes, the answer would be yes; however, it will be unwise.

Wearing converse for running may lead to several unwanted consequences making you regret your judgment. The issues may include-

• Lack of cushioning will give discomfort and painful feet.
• Lack of shock absorption will provide flat feet, injured heel, and wounded feet.
• Lack of waterproofing will provide you with sweaty feet, smelly shoes, and blister-full feet.
• A lack of thick midsoles can make your heel slip out of shoes while running.
• Lack of enough arch support can cause your body to decline proper alignment, leading to severe foot issues.

Where Can You Wear Converse Shoes?

The converse may not be a good option for running. However, the comfiness and design are pretty good for casual wearing, walking, and certain sports and exercises. They are good for-

• Walking
• Jogging
• Short distance running
• Weight lifting
• Squatting
• Bench pressing
• Deadlifting
• Kickboxing
• Skateboarding.

Are Converse Good For Walking?

Converse are usually street-style casual shoes suitable for walking – but only for a short distance walk.

Converse are flat sole shoes that lack enough shock absorption techniques. As a result, it can’t provide sufficient and satisfactory cushioning and arch support.

Wearing converse for a long time on long-distance walking can lead to several foot problems that include-

• Heel pain
• Arch pain
• Tendinitis
• Back pain
• Flat feet.

If you want a pair of everyday walking shoes, wear shoes that provide enough cushioning, proper arch support, firm heel counters, and maximum shock absorption. You can try Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 Shoes for the great support and maximum cushioning.

FAQs;

• Can you run on the treadmill in Converse?

Running in converse shoes isn’t a good idea. However, converse shoes aren’t also ideal for intense workouts, including treadmills. They lack adequate cushioning and arch support, resulting in a painful run over time.

It is better to look for actual athletic shoes if you want to run on a treadmill. Try HOKA ONE ONE Mach 4 Shoes, perfectly suitable for treadmill runners.

• Can you do cardio in Converse?

You can use converse for certain sports and workouts, such as kickboxing, weightlifting, etc. However, they are not suitable for cardio as they lack proper arch support, contain flat heels, and are heavy.

As a result, you may encounter-

• More injury due to poor arch support and less shock absorption
• Colliding or slipping on your foot due to flat heels
• Unfitting cardio training due to heavy weight.

You can use the On Cloud X workout Shoes which are lightweight, flexible, and comfortable.

Final Thoughts

Convers are trendy street-style shoes popular for their style and design. However, can you do running in converse shoes?

Yes, you can; however, it’s not wise and advisable. Running shoes requires excellent arch support, cushioning, shock absorption systems, breathability, midsoles, etc., that a converse lacks. As a result, your running will be uncomfortable and painful. Moreover, it can lead to severe foot problems.

Therefore, it would be wise to wear proper running shoes, providing sufficient support, balance, and comfort, instead of converse shoes.