India, June 8 -- A surprising number of people use sneakers and running shoes interchangeably. After all, they look similar, right? Not quite. While both belong in the footwear aisle, they're designed for completely different purposes. Wearing sneakers for a casual coffee run is great. Wearing them for a 5K run? Not so much.

The biggest difference comes down to function. Running shoes are engineered to support repetitive forward motion, absorb impact, and reduce strain on your feet and joints. Sneakers, on the other hand, prioritise style, versatility, and all-day casual comfort.

If you've ever wondered whether you actually need running shoes, or if your favourite sneakers can do the job, here's what you should know.

Sneakers are every...