The Shoe May Look Great, But Does It Fit Your Sport?
A Quick Rundown on Athletic Shoes
The shoe may feel and look great, and even fit into your budget, but how does it fit your sport?
“Various sports place different demands on the foot, and sports-specific shoes are designed to withstand those increased demands,” explains Dr. Dean Nakadate, a Scripps Clinic podiatrist.
Foot and fitness experts explain what qualities to look for in a sport-specific shoe:
RUNNING SHOES
The emphasis needs to be on cushioning and heel stability. Running shoes have the highest heels of any athletic shoes to protect against impact and reduce stress on the Achilles tendon. The sole should be flexible and bend easily at the ball of the foot. The shoes should have a toe box large enough so the toes aren't squeezed; should have a rugged tread for traction; and should be lightweight. The uppers should be made out of mesh or sheer netting so the foot can breathe.
WALKING SHOES
These shoes should have a low heel, no more than an inch higher than the sole under the ball of the foot, allowing the walker to land and push off properly. The shoes should twist and bend at the forefoot, but not in the middle of the arch. Walking shoes also need to have an ample toe box.
For race walkers and power walkers, running shoes may work better than walking shoes since the quickened foot strike is more similar to a runner's.
CROSS-TRAINER SHOES
Although it may look a lot like a running shoe, a cross-trainer has multiple treads to accommodate various activities. The toe cap is broader than a running shoe, but less substantial than a basketball or tennis shoe, making it a poor choice for court sports. It's also less flexible than a running shoe, and the heel shouldn't be quite as high. Since these shoes are worn for some activities involving side-to-side movement, there should be some lateral support.
While cross-trainers may be fine for gym weight training or workouts on the elliptical trainer, if you participate in a particular sport or activity three times a week or more, “a cross-trainer is not the best choice,” says Cedric Bryant, chief exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise. “To get the proper support and cushioning, you need a shoe designed for that sport.”
TENNIS SHOES
These shoes should be low to the ground, without much heel raise to give maximum stability for quick side-to-side movements. They are usually made out of leather instead of mesh for more lateral support. Make sure there is an ample toe protector. The sole under the forefoot needs to be flexible to accommodate quick forward and backward motion. In order for the sole to firmly grip the court, look for a durable herringbone outer sole with deep grooves. Also, look for pivot points on the shoe's sole under the ball of the foot. These circular treads can decrease resistance for smooth pivots and agility.
BASKETBALL SHOES
Make sure these shoes are high-tops with lacing all the way up to the ankle for support during jumping. Basketball shoes should be low to the ground with flat soles for the lateral support and stability that's needed for quick start-and-stop movement. Look for leather uppers, rather than nylon, for better lateral support.
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