Protecting your feet is vital to living an active lifestyle. When participating in sports or other activities, choosing athletic shoes that are a good fit for the activity you’re doing is essential. Wearing improper footwear can cause discomfort or even injury.
Athletic shoes are designed with specific activities in mind.
This article discusses the different types of shoes that are most appropriate for various sports and activities and what to know and how to prepare when choosing athletic shoes.
There are athletic shoes designed for just about any sport or activity you can think of. (Imagine how many different types of shoes you would find at the Olympics!)
Here, we’ll touch on a few of the most popular sports and what to look for when choosing athletic shoes for these activities.
Even though walking is a lower-impact activity, it’s still important to wear proper shoes to ensure the health and comfort of your feet, especially if you’re walking regularly or for long distances.
Walking shoes provide good arch stability, shock absorption, and smooth treads. If you have arthritis or arch pain, consider a rocker sole that provides a natural roll of the foot when you’re walking.
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There are several different subcategories to consider when choosing athletic shoes for running. Running shoes are typically grouped into three categories:
The first step in choosing athletic shoes made especially for your unique feet and gait is to have a professional evaluate your foot. Wearing proper shoes will help prevent some running injuries.
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A cross-training shoe is designed to be worn for multiple activities. Cross trainers are made up of a combination of mesh materials and strips of leather.
When choosing athletic shoes that you can wear safely for different activities, cross-trainers might be a good option. However, this type of shoe is not appropriate for someone who does one type of activity heavily—like running more than four or five miles each day—or, for sports that require particular kinds of shoes, like soccer or cycling.
A hiking shoe provides more stability for walking on uneven surfaces and provides more comfort and cushion in the insole for better shock absorption. They will have good tread and a higher upper to provide better ankle stability.
If you’re someone who would rather run than walk on the trail, trail-running shoes are the right option. These shoes are designed specifically for off-road runners, with a deeper tread pattern for better traction and more stability than a normal running shoe.
If you play a court sport, like basketball or tennis, court shoes provide great stability. They’re typically made of soft leather and have a solid tread. Depending on your sport, there are options for both low-cut (below the ankle) or high-cut (above the ankle).
Low-cut court shoes are good for sports like tennis. High-cut shoes are designed for sports like basketball and provide increased ankle stability to athletes when jumping and landing.
Shoes with cleats or spikes have multiple protrusions on the bottom surface, made of steel or hard plastic. They provide additional traction on grass or turf.
These are essential when choosing athletic shoes for sports like soccer, lacrosse, football, or baseball.
Many indoor and outdoor bikes require a special kind of shoe that clips into its pedals. Cycling shoes fit snuggly, with some cushion under the ball of the foot to reduce compression while you repetitively push down on the bike pedals.
To find the right style and fit when choosing athletic shoes, visit a specialty sporting goods store where a professional can help you. If possible, find a store that caters to the specific sport or activity in which you participate.
Logansport Memorial Hospital’s podiatry care team provides services for a wide range of conditions. We have the training and expertise you need to keep your feet healthy and feeling their best.