Forums » Help » Basketball Shoes Vs Running Shoes
I've made this mistake myself, even though I knew better, of playing basketball in running shoes and I wound up with blisters on my toes and aching toenails.
Let me make this crystal clear, running shoes are not created for basketball! They are made for movement in a straight line. They offer you the cushioning and support your feet have to have for the incessant impact they take from the ground. However, running shoes usually tend not to 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.
They also supply little support for the ankle. Most basketball shoes are mid or high tops and provide you with ample support for your 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 have different traction than basketball shoes. The traction featured on basketball shoes is developed specifically for basketball courts. They provide a solid grip, but still allow for fluid movements.
Shoes made for running have a completely 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.best basketball shoes to jump high
Although both types of shoes are thought of as, "Athletic Shoes" they are crafted for totally different purposes. Your safest bet is to buy running shoes for running, and basketball shoes for basketball. Otherwise you could end up seriously 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.