It is hard to imagine that there was not someone inside of Nike that lost their faith in humanity when the pitch for these things was originally taking off.
Running shoes will focus on function with support, breathability, moisture wicking, and breathability. They aren’t necessarily the most comfy shoes to walk in because your gait is different walking vs running. The front of the shoe will have more cushion to help support you pushing off in your running stride.
Sneakers are meant to be more stylish everyday shoe. They focus more on form over function.
You’re right there can be overlap. Adidas ultra boosts are stylish enough to be worn every day and are technically a running shoe. Not a lot of runners use them but they do offer the function of a running shoe.
Interesting to know. I’ve been buying running shoes and wearing them everyday. I don’t even run or jog really. I guess I could be buying sneakers and they might end up more comfortable? At the rate I wear through shoes though, my current ones will probably last another 5 years.