Sport Specific Shoes

Running Shoes: There are a wide variety of running shoes. The main types are motion control shoes, stability shoes and cushioned shoes. Regardless of the type of running shoe, the constant pounding will wear out the midsole cushioning before the rest of the shoe. The impact at heel strike is typically 2.5 times or more your body weight [2]. This is the same force that is translated to the ankles, knees and lower back. Running shoes are specifically designed to redistribute and absorb shock to preserve the health of these joints. It is recommended to change running shoes every 350-500 miles or every 6 months to maintain proper shock absorption and help prevent injury [3].

Weight of running shoes is also significant in competitive runners. It has been shown carrying 100 grams of excess weight on each foot while running can decrease energy expenditure by 1%. This may seem insignificant, but it can add one to two minutes to the time required to run a competitive marathon [1].

Motion control shoes are made to control overpronation. Many of these shoes have rigid devices made out of plastic or fiberglass in the midsole. They are often built on a straight last and are either combination or board lasted. Straight lasts with more medial support and a wider base in the heel significantly reduce maximum pronation [1]. Flat-footed, as well as heavy runners, do well in these shoes.

Stability shoes aid with mild pronation. They provide stability with extra medial (arch-side) support and usually higher density foam. This is apparent on most shoes by the gray colored foam on the medial aspect of the shoe. They are usually built on a semicurved last and combination lasted. This provides rearfoot stability and forefoot flexibility. These shoes are good for runners with normal arches and only mild motion control problems.

Cushioned shoes have little, if any, motion control properties. They are the softest of all the running shoes. They are built on a curved or semicurved last and are usually slip lasted. This construct provides minimal rigidity with optimal cushioning. Runners with high arches and rigid feet do well in these shoes.

›Men's Running Shoes   ›Women's Running Shoes

 
Basketball: The game of basketball is full of short explosive moves. These movements occur in all directions. Shoes with a thick, stiff sole and rigid heel counter provide the most stability [5].

If ankle injuries are a problem, high top shoes should be worn. Make sure that the top of the shoe is above the ankle joint. Quarter cut shoes that rest at the level of the ankle joint may actually increase the frequency of ankle sprains in an unstable ankle.

Well-cushioned shoes are also a must, especially in the heel. The constant motion, as well as the high impact of jumping, requires adequate cushioning to reduce shock and prevent injury. If you are playing basketball five days a week shoes should be replaced every two to three months [5]. Even if the rest of the shoe is in good condition the midsole cushioning will be greatly reduced by this time.

The outsole in basketball shoes is very important. It must provide traction for running and cutting, but must also allow for pivoting motions. The tread pattern of running shoes provides too much traction, often locking the foot on the floor during pivoting motions, leading to injury. The 'herringbone' tread pattern is ideal for basketball shoes.

›Men's Basketball Shoes   ›Women's Basketball Shoes

 
Cleated Shoes: These are shoes used in baseball, football, and soccer. The main advantage of these shoes is the traction they provide. These sports all involve running and jumping on natural playing surfaces exposed to the elements. Shoes that have removable cleats allow the shoes to be adjusted for the condition of the field. The soft field requires a longer cleat to provide traction and stability. Cushioning is not as important as in sports played on harder surfaces. The natural give of the field allows for a thinner midsole, decreasing the weight of the shoe. The shoe for all these sports requires good stability, looking for those qualities as mentioned for basketball shoes above. Soccer shoes have an additional feature of specially constructed toe box, to protect the toes and allow ball control [5].

›Men's Cleated Shoes

 
Cross Trainers: As the name implies, cross trainers are designed for a number of different sports. To accomplish this goal there is some give and take. These shoes have more side-to-side stability than most running shoes to allow for cuts in court sports. They also have greater flexibility than most court-specific shoes to aid in low mileage running.

Today, cross trainers are becoming more specialized. Some companies have designed shoes based on the most prominent activity. For example, if most of your activity is running, these shoes are built closer to running shoes with additional support for side-to-side motion for some court activity. This holds true for the outsole as well. If you are more active in court sports, the tread pattern will be closer to a basketball shoe than a running shoe to provide appropriate traction.

›Men's Cross Training Shoes   ›Women's Cross Training Shoes

 
Tennis Shoes: This sport requires the same stability and cushioning elements as basketball shoes. They also have a padded toe box that helps prevent injuries suffered by tennis players [5].

The most important difference is the outsole. This is made for the specific court material on which the game is played. The material from the outsole is often wrapped around to the front of the shoe to protect the toes from the friction that occurs while the foot is being dragged during the serve. Some newer models have heel plugs to stabilize the heel during the side-to-side cutting utilized during intense volleys. These shoes are usually designed to keep the foot closer to the ground to give the most support and stability without sacrificing function.

›Men's Tennis Shoes   ›Women's Tennis Shoes