Sports Shoes For Every Sport: How To Find The Ideal Footwear For Your Passion

n

Wearing the wrong sports shoes while working out or in a game does not only mean a less effective workout or losing during a game! It could also lead to injuries or foot conditions that may take you several days, weeks, or even months to recover from. If you go hiking wearing shoes with a thin thread, you are prone to an ankle injury. Wearing cross-training shoes while aiming to cover a long distance during running can cause your feet to ache terribly. Wearing walking shoes while doing Zumba will hinder you from doing various movements involved in the activity.

nnnn

While it can be tempting to buy sports shoes that look stylish and suit your personal style, you need to understand the fundamentals of the physical activities or sports you pursue. Every sport has specific movements involved that are unique to it. When you play a sport, your entire body depends on the foundation that your feet are. You need to provide better support to your body by giving good support to your feet during the specific game you play. With so many types of sports shoes available, it is possible to feel lost. Don’t fret. In this guide, we will discuss how to find the ideal sports shoes for you. Let’s begin! 

nnnn

1.   Shop Carefully

nnnn

Even if someone who plays the same sport as you tells you they have the perfect sports shoes from a particular brand or in an ideal design, don’t just go for it. What footwear may be right for one person doesn’t automatically make it right for everyone. This is because your foot type, pronation type, or foot condition could make your requirements different from those of someone else. Make sure you consider the size, width, and shape of the sports shoes in accordance with the shape of your feet.

nnnn

You should also check how comfortable you feel when trying and walking around in your athletic shoes. If you feel pressure in any area of your foot or find your toe pinching, the fit will not improve in time. Just skip it and try another one.

nnnn

2.   Consider Your Workout/Sport

nnnn

If you hit the gym regularly, do aerobics, do yoga, or play basketball regularly, you need footwear to support you during specific movements. The key is to pick sports shoes for the motion you indulge in.

nnnn

Exercises such as walking or hiking are low-impact activities for feet involving forward motion. Running involves forward or linear motion but is a high-impact activity. Workouts such as circuit training or Zumba and sports, such as basketball or tennis, require movements in several directions. Similarly, sports like football or baseball have their unique movements. You need to identify what kind of movements are involved in your game and accordingly buy sports shoes.

nnnn

3.   Understand Shoe Design

nnnn

Now, this may seem challenging, but you have to know a few basics (just the basics) of shoe design before you pick the right sports shoes for yourself. Once you know the corresponding movements of your sport/workout, you need to focus on four parts of shoe design.

nnnn

First, the tread and sole come in contact with the ground to provide traction and prevent you from injuries. Shoes can have a smooth sole and tread that are okay for indoor lighter workouts, medium for asphalt exercise or sidewalk, and blocky and big for trail running or exercises. The cushion of the shoe lies primarily inside the heel of the sole. You should try a few sports shoes and determine if the cushioning is ample for you. Next is the heel rise, which determines how your heel is positioned compared to your toes and promotes forward motion. The toe box determines the width of the shoes. The ankle support determines where your shoes line above or below the ankle. It could be high-top or low-top and enhances or restricts ankle motion.

nnnn

4.   Know the Different Types

nnnn

Once you know your feet well, the movements of your exercise or sport, and the basics of shoe design, you can head to find durable sports shoes that match your needs. Athletic shoes can have different designs, weights, and materials. They are designed to protect those areas of your feet that are most stressed during the game.

nnnn

Sports shoes are available for nearly any activity these days. Running shoes, basketball shoes, football shoes, cricket shoes, hiking shoes, aerobic dancing shoes, etc., are some types of sports shoes. If you have a particular foot condition or deformity, you may need to consult a healthcare provider who can suggest the proper footwear.

nnnn

Conclusion

nnnn

Choosing the right sports shoes may not win you the match itself, but it will definitely enable a better performance. One wrong movement while you work out or play on the field, all because of a lack of proper foot support, can injure you. It is best to wear sports shoes that enable better movement, are comfortable, and provide enough traction and stability. Make sure you measure your feet correctly and find sports shoes that suit your requirements.

n