Shoes, shoes, and more shoes. There seems to be a shoe designed for every sport out there. But
there's a method to the madness. Sport-specific shoes really can change your game. See the tips
below to learn why the shoe you choose could make or break your day on the court or field.
Basketball -- Whether you're making the perfect pass or
finishing off the high-flying dunk, basketball shoes have
several features that will help you prevent injury.
- A thick, stiff sole gives support while running and landing
from jumps.
- High ankle construction supports the ankle during
quick changes in direction. A basketball shoe should
have the strongest support on either side of the ankle.
Racquetball/Tennis -- On the surface, court shoes for tennis and
racquetball may look like any other athletic sneaker, but it's
what's on the inside that makes the difference.
- A court shoe supports both sides of the foot because of all
the quick lateral movements and weight shifts in court sports.
- It provides a flexible sole for fast changes of direction.
- It has less shock absorption than a running or basketball
shoe.
Running -- The running shoe is perhaps the most personal and intricate
of all athletic shoes. Every runner has different needs and there
are a multitude of choices out there.
- A running shoe must provide maximum shock absorption to help
runners avoid ailments such as shin splints and knee pain.
- The shoe should control the way your heel strikes the ground, so
the rest of your foot can fall correctly.
- Know your foot type (high, medium, low arch) so you can get the
shoe with the right support for your foot.
Tips:
Be sure to select a shoe for the activity.
Make sure it fits properly.
Change them out as they show signs of wear.