The right pair of shoes has the power to support your body, elevate your performance and make sure you are at the top of every game. Whether a sports enthusiast or a professional player, you must choose the right pair of shoes according to the sporting activity to ensure the most comfort and accurate support.
Here is a guide to make choosing your next pair of sports shoes easier.
Choosing the Right Shoes According to the Sport
The shoes you wear during physical activities are vital in providing support, stability, and cushioning to your feet. Ill-fitting or inappropriate sports shoes can lead to discomfort, injuries, and poor performance. Different sports have different requirements, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach does not work in the world of sports footwear.
Here is how you can choose the right type of shoes based on the sport you will be playing.
Running Shoes
When buying a running shoe, you need to check several things to ensure the right cushion level, support type and heel stability.
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Where are you running?
If you are running on the pavement – which is hard and smooth, a road running shoe would be best as it provides better cushioning to offer more shock absorption. If you are joining the trail – which is soft and muddy, then trail shoes are a waterproof option with greater grip and enhanced ankle support for uneven terrain.
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Running long distance or short?
Lightweight, minimal running shoes are best for short and fast sprints. In contrast, bulkier shoes provide better cushion and support for long-distance runners.
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What is your pronation type?
Pronation refers to the natural inward rolling motion of the foot while running. Get your gait analysed to understand which shoe would best support your pronation.
Basketball Shoes
Basketball is a game that involves sprinting, jumping, pivoting, and more. So you need sports shoes that support these movements on all sides and reduce the risk of injury.
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Ankle height
The usual options in basketball shoes are – high tops, mid tops, and low tops. The first one provides the most ankle support but is heavier than the others. Mid-tops have lesser ankle support but are lighter and more flexible, which is good for those who play multiple positions. Low tops are for those who want speed and agility but offer little to no ankle support.
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Cushion
Consider the height and bounce when choosing the cushioning. A higher cushion will offer better impact protection and buffer the court’s feel. The bounce is crucial for impact support and responsiveness to your movement.
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Traction
The bottom of the shoe should have enough grip to aid your shifts and agility. Outdoor basketball sports shoes have harder soles and traction, while indoor basketball shoes have better grip for dusty courts.
Soccer Boots
Soccer boots are also called soccer cleats due to the studs on the soles of these sports shoes. The cleats offer good traction for quick pivoting, pace, and minimal mud clog. Soccer boots are different from other shoes because they need to offer greater control, pace, accuracy, and comfort.
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Position
The player’s position is important in deciding which type of soccer shoe will best elevate their performance. Are you a goalkeeper, midfielder, wing, defender, or attacker? Depending on your role, you should look for shoes that provide strength, agility, speed, or pin-point accuracy to score the goal.
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Soccer Field
The surface you play on will ultimately decide the right football shoes. Firm ground boots are made for natural grass, while soft ground boots are best for muddy conditions. Artificial grass boots are ideal for fake grass, while indoor boots are flat and designed for court surfaces. Each boot has features that enhance speed, accuracy, balance, and reduce injury.
Hiking and Trail Shoes
These sports shoes are made for long-distance walking in rough terrains wrought with mud, grass, stones, and other natural materials.
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Ankle Support
Higher-cut hiking boots provide greater ankle support for rough terrains but are heavier. Hiking shoes have lower ankle cuts, providing less ankle support, but they are made for those who want greater freedom and lightweight shoes.
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Waterproof
Waterproof shoes keep your feet dry if you expect to hike in muddy, rainy conditions. A waterproof membrane might not be necessary if you are more of a dry trail hunter. Also, look for sports shoes with great traction to protect yourself from accidental slips.
Training Shoes
Training shoes are your best bet if you regularly engage in weightlifting, High-Intensity Interval Training, CrossFit, or gyming. These shoes offer a balance of support, stability, and flexibility.
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HIIT Training
You will be incorporating jumping, multi-directional movements, and quick pivots. So you need light sports shoes with medium cushioning for shock absorption and strong lateral support for stability.
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Strength Training
As a weightlifter, you need shoes that boost your grip, stability, and power. Avoid cushioning and choose hard soles so you are closer to the ground for power lifts. Supportive uppers for greater stability are also recommended.
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Gym
An all-rounder cross-training shoe will be your best bet for general gym activities, including treadmill, squats, some weightlifting, and spinning. They offer medium support, agility, cushioning, stability, and shock absorption.
Tips to Check the Fit of the Shoes
Here are some tips to ensure a perfect fit when buying a new pair of sports shoes.
- Always buy sports shoes in the evening because this is when your feet swell up and become their largest.
- While trying on the shoes, wear the socks you usually wear for the specific sports activity.
- Take out the laces and replace the shoes yourself. Start with the farthest eyelets and create a crisscross pattern, ensuring you apply even pressure.
- The heels should not slip. They should have a firm grip on the shoe when you walk.
- Check the fit by ensuring there is a one-thumb or a half-inch space between your largest toe and the end of the shoe. Wiggle your toes freely.
- Walk a few steps or run in the shoes to ensure comfort.
- The shoes should feel comfortable the moment you wear them. Avoid waiting to ‘break in’ them to feel the comfort.
Conclusion
Wearing the right shoes according to your sports can immensely improve your performance. Remember this guide when you buy your next pair to ensure you have the best sports shoes that are durable, long-lasting, and extremely supportive of your gameplay.