I've never really paid heed to the fact that there are different shoes for running, walking and training in the gym.. I used to just walk into a store, try on a few pairs and brought whatever felt the most comfortable.. I don't go out for runs, but am planning to start, but I have a habit of walking. I'm thinking about getting a new pair of shoes. Being a student, I need to consider the durability of the shoes that I'd be buying, too. Is there a way to tell which shoes will "last" longer for me? I'm a 180 cm, ~70-75kg male.
I am of the belief that running shoes will last longer, simply because they have a sole that's made to take more impact, but again, I also see that they're lighter and being light, the wear will (probably) be higher and hence will make the life shorter..
I have owned shoes from multiple brands, and they have fared differently. A pair of Woodland trekking shoes wore out from the inside (heel region) within a month because of the copious amounts of perspiration that my feet let out. I've owned a pair of Puma IDP running shoes which lasted for about two years of more or less regular use (just walking around) before the outsole simply came off. I've owned a pair of "trainers" by Fila, which lasted only a couple of months before the soles were absolutely flat, flat to the degree that I struggled for grip even on average surfaces..
So, is there a way for me to understand which shoe will be more durable than the other? I don't buy too many shoes, and whatever shoe I buy, I wear it around with almost everything... Be it casual shorts or jeans..
P. S. I've never had problems with foot pain due to shoes without manufacturing defects, not even if I walk in just slippers for a good 20 kilometres.