It's no accident that Michael Jordan was asked to represent Nike's Air Jordan campaign. The right shoes do make a big difference in performance, and wearing basketball shoes for running gives the competition an edge. Runners or joggers require specialized running shoes that allow them to maintain a natural stride, while court shoes are designed for stability.
Runners
Generally, running shoes offer their wears additional cushion, control over traction, and heel stability. Different types of running shoes also offer added benefits. For example, performance training shoes respond quickly to the wearer's motions and are very lightweight. These shoes are perfect for experienced, efficient runners. These offer much less cushion than other running shoes, though.
In comparison, racing shoes are optimal for sprinters who desire little in the way of cushion or heel stability. These are the most lightweight running shoe. Off-road running shoes, which are also known as trail shoes, are much heavier, but offer the best option for cross-country running. These shoes feature toe bumpers as well as reinforced stitching, and are extremely durable.
Athletic Shoes
Conventional athletic shoes are made with rubber soles and leather, canvas, or synthetic materials. Some athletes prefer cross-trainers, which are good for limited running or court wear. Recreational or competitive walkers often prefer walking shoes, which are less cushioned than running shoes, and contain a sole that has an upturned toe so that walkers can maintain a natural heel-toe gait.
Aerobic shoes are also popular for workout routines. These feature additional cushioning in the ball of the foot, and are more lightweight, helping wearers avoid foot fatigue.
Court sports
Basketball, volleyball, and tennis players usually prefer court shoes. The soles of these shoes are light-colored and do not make black marks on the court's surface. Basketball shoes are designed for stability and breathability. Most offer good support for the heel, ankle, and middle of the foot, and a lacing system that offers maximum support. The shoe's upper part is usually manufactured from nylon, leather, or mesh.
Tennis shoes are designed for extra foot support and cushioning. The shoe's sides are specially constructed for stability and lateral movement. Nike, Wilson, and Adidas make high-quality tennis shoes. In contrast, racquetball shoes or squash shoes feature excellent traction which allows players to make rapid starts or stops. These soles are rubbery and do not make marks on the surface of the court floor.
Shoes for Cyclers
Cycling shoes are different from other athletic shoes. These shoes are stiff-soled and provide little cushion for the wearer. This allows the cycler to pedal with optimal power. Buy shoes that fit snugly; this will keep the cycler's feet from slipping out of the pedals.
Specialized road biking shoes are stronger, and use Velcro or ratchet clothing for quick fit adjustments. Mountain biking shoes are very similar, but also include recessed cleats as well as good tread that will assist the wearer in pushing his or her bike if this becomes necessary.
Field Sports
Shoes worn for soccer, football, baseball and other sports usually feature spikes, cleats or studs so that players can get good traction on grass or dirt surfaces. Leather cleats are sturdy, comfortable, and flexible, while synthetic cleats are much easier to maintain and less expensive than leather cleats.
Some shoes feature detachable cleats with metals tips. These are worn or removed depending on the condition of the playing field. Other shoes feature molded cleats. These are made of molded plastic and are widely used with different types of fields or in varying weather conditions.
When playing on artificial turf, some players wear turf shoes. These provide the best traction. Indoor soccer shoes are also sold for players. These shoes are free of studs and cut low, and decrease the likelihood of damage to the floor's surface.
Specialty Recreation Shoes
Specialized shoes are available for almost any sport the wearer can imagine. For example, bowlers require shoes that are specially designed for walking on the surfaces of a bowling alley. Even beginners who bowl regularly should invest in an inexpensive pair of bowling shoes - unless they enjoy wearing someone else's shoes every time they bowl.
Boating hobbyists prefer boat shoes with non-skid soles that are water resistant as well as comfortable. Some boat shoes offer antibacterial coatings that reduce the odor that often arises when wet feet mix with wet shoes. In comparison, wading shoes and boots allow water to enter and exit the shoe freely, and are usually made of a rubbery material. Wading boots and fishing shoes should feature superb traction.
Golfers also prefer golf shoes with superb traction and comfort. Golf shoes are usually sold with removable spikes that can be worn or removed depending on the condition of the course. Comfort and balance are also essential, so practice a swing or two when trying on a new pair of shoes.
Climbers usually opt for climbing shoes made with stiff rubble soles. Climbing shoes are designed primarily for support and traction. Climbing boots are quite different from hiking shoes or hiking boots, which are designed for durability and water resistance as well as traction.
Hunting boots vary as widely as the terrain in which the wearer is hunting. For instance, for cold weather hunting, boots that are waterproof and insulated are essential. If the ground is uneven or rocky, good ankle support, cushioning, and durable soles should be worn. For hunting in wet or marshy terrain, choose tight-fitting rubber boots with lugged soles for good traction. Finally, hunters walking in open or grassy areas don't require much traction. Lightweight boots are best suited for hunting in open terrain.
One other sport in which special shoes are a must is horseback riding. Usually, competitors in Western-style contests prefer cowboy boots, although some wear paddock boots or lace-up boots instead. In contrast, English riders almost always wear knee-high leather boots for equestrian events.
Shoe sizes: The perfect fit
Sometimes, walking into a store and asking the sales clerk to measure for the right shoe size is the easiest way to go, but for people purchasing shoes online or by mail order, this isn't always possible. If there is no other choice, follow these steps to measure your own feet:
- Measure in the early evening. Trace the outline of each foot on a paper. Stand on a hard surface such as a tile or hardwood floor.
- Mark the widest and longest parts of each foot by drawing a straight line on either side.
- Measure the length between the toe heel marks, and measure the width from side to side.
- Subtract 1/5th inch from the length. This is the shoe size.
One other factor to consider in choosing the right shoe is the arch. Some people have normal arches. In this case, a wet footprint will show what kind of an arch a person has. Persons with high arches will have toe prints and a heel print, with nothing at all in between. Persons with low arches are often said to have flat feet. These persons will have no inward curve in their arch. Those with normal arches will have a full footprint, showing a slight curve inwardly at the point of the arch.
Sometimes, buying shoes online or through the mail can be really hard for people who have very large or small feet, for people who need motion control shoes, or those who aren't sure what brand of shoe they prefer. Sometimes, it's better to just walk in a store, and try on shoes - that is, if you want to have the competitive edge.