Why Sport Specific Shoes Matter
FAVOURITE THINGS
Written by Rachel Mehaffey
Not all shoes match all sports - What you need to look out for, what the sports scientist in me would recommend & why
As a sports scientist in my past life my interest is always piqued when it comes to the right performance wear. Not for the look of it (although that is definitely a sawy) but the functionality and why it is so important to find the right kit for the type of fit you are seeking.
In my eyes the most important piece of kit you can buy for any shoe wearing sport is the trainer. Why? Everything starts at the feet. It is not rocket science - we walk on them and any impact moves up and through the body. Without the right show injury is inevitable.
When it comes to sports shoes there is no singular brand I want to promote because I have not found one brand to be a specialist for all sports. I love ASICS for netball but hate them for running! Love Nike for running but a rolled ankle is guaranteed for anything cross sectional. I do however have my own personal favourites and have played near on all sports so can tell you all the feels & functions.
Why the shoes matters
With each activity comes need for assessment of the type of movement and support your foot, ankle and body needs for the sports specific performance. It is imperative to recognise the significance of wearing the right shoe for what you do. The movements are all different - from basketball to cross-training, each sport demands unique movements and impact levels, necessitating specialised sneakers for optimal performance and overall body wellness.
A podiatrist is your best bet if you are working at a highly competitive level and need to make sure you are on point but from my personal experience and know how here is what I would recommend.
My Recommendations based on the movement required
Starting with the sport I spent most of my life honing (and still dabble in now), Netball and its counterpart Basketball.
For these babies you need to rock agility, quick direction & elevation changes all with a focus on support. Sports like netball and basketball demand rapid direction changes, quick stops, and lateral movements.
Wearing sneakers with excellent traction and cushioning is crucial for maneuverability and preventing injuries. The cushioning is not only for the soles of the feet but everything attached! The reverberation sounds in your ankles, knees, hips and more when you play these high impact games. Add in the additional lateral support to prevent ankle rolls and ligament tears cause for anyone who has first hand experience in the sports, these are as common as your morning coffee.
Nike's React Phantom Vision Pro II and Adidas' Court Stabil models excel in providing stability, support, and multidirectional agility on the court. I wear the netballers by Adidas and have always found this shoe to have the best width and balance while remaining relatively lite, not adding additional strain as some shoes for cross training do.
Why then is a cross trainer not the best shoe for everything if it factors in all method of movement? Because not all sports need the additional lateral concessions and the additional weight they add can be counterintuitive to sports like long distance and pace based running. For these sports cushioning, shock absorption, and energy return are essential.
Running may appear straightforward, but the impact it places on the feet and joints is significant. Choosing the right running shoes should be a top priority to avoid injuries and enhance performance. As running is largely relying on a forward trajectory you want a shoe encouraging the heel toe movement and planting the ball of the foot in pace. The shoe needs to ensure leg and hip stability with little need for preventative rolling (Assuming your terrain is even). Shoes like Nike's Air Zoom Pegasus series or Saucony's Kinvara line offer suitable cushioning, shock absorption, and energy return capabilities, ensuring a comfortable and efficient running experience while minimizing fatigue and strains.
I personally love the pegasus zoom finding the weight and tread perfect for those 5-15K kick offs. They are great for around 600KM's when a change is recommended but the cool thing is, their designs are always popping so you are excited for the new addition everytime you clock up the K's.
Now running is just running you may say. Nope, trail running is a whole different ball game needing durability, traction, and foot protection. Venturing off-road onto uneven terrain necessitates specific trail running shoes, as they are designed to withstand harsh conditions. General terrain doesn't throw in sticks and stones that most certainly can break your bones and snakes really do hurt you!
Brands like Hoka and Saucony offer rugged yet lightweight sneakers for optimal foot protection, superior grip, and stability. Models such as Hokas Speedgoat and Saucony Peregrine series provide durability, enhanced traction, and support on unpredictable surfaces. You want a focus on grip while being balanced and protective from rolling as well as light enough you are carrying the mountain with you.
Cross-Training, exactly what it says on the tin - a little bit of everything needs a shoe much the same offering versatility, stability, and flexibility. Cross-training involves a combination of activities, ranging from weightlifting to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Selecting the right shoes for cross-training is vital, as they should offer stability, flexibility, and support in various directions while allowing upward trajectory and not too much weight when those pesky pull ups come into play.
Nike's Metcon series and Adidas' CrazyTrain line are well-regarded for their versatility across different workouts. These sneakers provide exceptional traction, lateral support, and cushioning to handle a wide range of exercises.The Importance of the rights shoe for whole body wellness is essential. Choosing the appropriate sneakers extends beyond enhancing sports performance; it promotes whole body wellness.
You need to add in extra considerations for factors liek arch support, cushioning, and impact absorption to prevent injuries, minimize strain on joints, and maintain overall foot health. Wearing ill-fitting or incorrect shoes can lead to discomfort, blisters, stress fractures, or even long-term structural damage. I cover this in other posts because it really does need a gearnsery.
My ethos on overwellness sits in 2 camps. Everything growth, hormones, mental wellbeing stem from the gut, all structural and postural health starts at the feet.
Selecting the right pair of sneakers tailored to specific sports is vital for optimizing performance, safeguarding your body, and improving overall wellness. Nike, Hoka, Adidas, Saucony, and other reputable brands offer a range of options designed with specialized features to cater to various athletic activities.
Prioritize comfort, support, traction, and the unique requirements of each sport when choosing the perfect shoes. Remember, your feet are the foundation of your active lifestyle, so invest wisely in footwear that ensures both performance and long-term well-being. Don't get fooled by all the platform foam bells and whistles it may just lead to you looking good in an ankle boot or with a bad back!
So the reveal - what do I wear ... Nike Pegasus Zoom cause these days I mostly road run. Perfect, light and great balance for my battered netball ankles.
Keep It Simple - Sugar
Rach xx
Hey, I'm Rach. I'm a Life Coach, Podcaster, Digital Course Creator, Writer, Educator, Single Mum & Science Nerd.
I started coaching for interest sake then left my 20 year Big Corporate Gig to make it my life's work. Now I'm helping people all over the globe with mindset & teaching how to access the life you want.
Subscriber
Like to learn? Subscribe to my tribe here, pick your topic and get weekly updates on new blog posts direct to your inbox.
My Top Picks On The Blog
Mindset
Coach Candour
All about the thing I love most - science of the mind meshed with the inner workings of the body & how you can take back control of your subconscious.
The mindset pages are designed to share real life experiences we all have on mental health & give you practical advice & steps you can take to start to heal & create your new narrative.
The sports scientist in me loves to shortlist all the kit for the pursuit of fit! The naturopath keeps a tidy collection on all things wellbeing and health. I don't promote anything I have not used myself.
I love Benable for this! It lets me create a collection you can scroll in one place without a million links.
psst.. it's referral only, get your own shareable lists
Take the Sneaks Assessment
READ about more Little Helpers on The Blog
I Catalogue My Shoes
Yep - The Sport Science Nerd in me keeps all my favourites in one handy little catalogue
Want a direct link to the shoe best for your sport. No messing about just an easy access..
Here you go - you're welcome!
Before you dive in ... Hey, I'm Rach!
I'm your in home life coach, a nerd when it comes to the body & mind. My vibe is teaching you how to thrive.
An Adelaide born life coach, podcaster, educator & dog obsessed animal lover. My purpose is giving you the tools to Level Up your life. I'm so happy you are here.
Coach & Friend -
Can we please?
A writer at heart hankering to be your pen pal! Allergic to junk mail I send only what you benefit from. Real strategies, workshop style challenges, unwavering encouragement & things you didnt know (but soooo... want to) - Direct to your inbox. You in?
Free tools to start your Life Level Up
FREEBIES
Downloads
