Running Shoes Vs. Basketball Shoes

I've made this misjudgement myself, although I knew better, of playing basketball in running shoes. I ended up with blisters on my toes and aching toenails.

I am going to make this crystal-clear, running shoes are not constructed for basketball!

Running shoes are formed for movements in a straight line. They provide you with the cushioning and support your feet need to have for the endless impact they get from the ground. However, running shoes will likely not give much support, if any, for lateral movements. And for those of you who play basketball, you know that lateral motion is a big part of playing basketball. If you try to make a quick cut or lateral move in running shoes, you could end up twisting an ankle or spraining a knee.

Running shoes also deliver little support for the ankle. Most basketball shoes are mid or high tops and providesupply you with ample support for you ankles. Have you ever seen a high top running shoe? With out proper ankle support, you are much more likely to suffer an ankle injury that you could have you sidelined for quite some time.

Running shoes also feature completely different traction than basketball shoes. The traction featured on basketball shoes is made specifically for basketball courts. They supply you with a solid grip, but still allow for fluid motion.

Running shoes offer a totally different type of traction that doesn't work as well on the basketball court. The traction can be a bit excessive and could cause your foot to "stick" which could lead to injuries. If you are trying to make a quick cut and your foot sticks to the ground, you could over extend a knee, or roll an ankle.

Although both basketball shoes and running shoes are regarded as, "Athletic Shoes" they are produced for very distinctive purposes. Your safest bet is use running shoes for running, and basketball shoes for basketball. Otherwise you could end up badly injured.

The risk is so high of injuring yourself if you don't wear the proper shoes. You wouldn't go snowboarding with a skateboard, and you wouldn't wear baseball cap instead of a motorcycle helmet. So the same rule applies here.

A trick I use is to always keep an extra pair of basketball shoes in my trunk, that way, no matter what shoes I am wearing; I can always change into the proper footwear.

So find the best basketball shoes for you!