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Athletic shoes are made for movement, so it makes sense that they have some specific features to make this easier, right? But what makes a shoe a sports shoe?
A sports shoe (sneaker or sneaker) is a shoe that is specially made for wearing during sports activities, lightweight, with a plastic sole and sometimes with flashy colours. Sometimes there are special shoes for such as the tennis shoe, golf shoe, or very specific for the sport with, for example, studs.
But how do you know if a shoe is right for you? And WHAT should you pay attention to? I'll explain it to you.
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
Why do we need sports shoes?
Running shoes
Running shoes dampen shocks, promote flexibility and correct. They are often lighter than other shoes. When looking for a running shoe, it's important to know what your foot type is, whether you're a heel or forefoot runner, and whether you prefer a stiff or flexible shoe. Make sure your shoes have about 1 inch of room in the front. Don't buy the shoes too small, because your feet can expand due to the heat. When purchasing, it is important to look at your budget.
Fitness shoes
If you do fitness, it is important that your shoes are comfortable and stable. It is wise to use running shoes for a cardio session on the treadmill. If you do both strength and cardio training, it is wise to buy a fitness/running shoe from Nike. Don't buy shoes with air or gel for the gym. If you want to do Olympic lifting or crossfit training, it is important to buy shoes that give you a lot of stability.
dancing shoes
If you want to participate in dance lessons, it is important that your shoes are suitable for a wooden or hard floor. Choose shoes that fit your feet well, as there is a lot of side-to-side movement involved in dancing.
Tips for choosing the right shoes
Here are a few tips for choosing the right shoes:
- Get advice from a sports podiatrist, sports doctor (for example with a sports medical examination) or go to a running store nearby.
- Choose shoes that fit your feet well.
- Make sure your shoes have about 1 inch of space in the front.
- Don't buy the shoes too small, because your feet can expand due to the heat.
- Check whether an expensive shoe is really better than a cheap version.
- Take your old shoes with you when you go to buy a new shoe.
- Use two pairs of shoes to gradually get used to your new shoe.
From Plimsolls to Sneakers: The History of Sports Shoes
The Early Years
It all started with the plimsolls. These shoes were first produced in England in 1847. They were intended to protect children's feet while playing. Not much later, in 1895, the first real sports shoe came on the market. The British JW Foster and Sons made gloves especially for running competitions.
The Merge
Soon the techniques of both the plimsolls and the sports shoes came together in a growing market of sports and leisure shoes. In the United States, these types of shoes were soon called sneakers.
The Contemporary Fashion Culture
Since the emergence of popular music movements such as hip-hop, rock and punk, sneakers have become even more part of contemporary fashion culture. The market is now very broad. From exclusive collaborations with luxury fashion houses, artists and musicians to shoes where you can run a marathon as well as go out to a hip party. There is a suitable sneaker for every outfit and for every taste:
- Luxury Fashion Houses: Exclusive collaborations with luxury fashion houses to upgrade your look.
- Artists and Musicians: Collaborations with artists and musicians to enhance your look.
- Running competitions: shoes specially made for running competitions.
- Parties: shoes that you can wear to both a marathon and a party.
Exploring the differences between sports shoes
Whether you are an avid runner, a footballer or a basketball player, it is important to choose the right sports shoes. The right shoes can help you improve your performance, prevent injuries and feel comfortable. In this article we take a closer look at the differences between the different types of sports shoes.
What should you pay attention to when buying sports shoes?
When you buy new sports shoes, it is important to start from the sport for which you use them. For example, running shoes and fitness shoes have different properties. Pay attention to the degree of cushioning, stability and grip the shoes provide. Also look at comfort and color, but only if the other properties match what you are going to do.
Also make sure you have enough space in your sneakers. By default, 0,5 to 1 centimeter of space is sufficient in the shoes, in the length. If you do active sports, you want to keep 1 to 1,5 centimeters of space. That way you are freer and you are less likely to suffer from an oppressive feeling.
The different types of sports shoes
To make a good choice, we have listed all types of sports shoes for you below. We also give you tips that you should pay attention to when buying sports shoes.
- Basketball Shoes: during basketball it is important to be able to move freely. Choose shoes with sufficient comfort and softness if you have to jump a lot. There are three different types of basketball shoes: high, medium and low.
- Fitness shoes: fitness shoes should be suitable for strength or cardio, or other sports you do. Choose shoes with sufficient stability and grip if you want to train for strength. You then have little use of cushioning in the shoes.
- Golf Shoes: golf shoes should provide stability and a comfortable fit. This way they ensure that you enjoy them all day long.
- Hockey shoes: look for shoes with sufficient grip, even on short artificial grass and, for example, on gravel. Choose shoes with more stability to protect your ankle.
- Football boots: football boots must provide stability, agility and speed. This way you ensure that you are too fast for your opponent.
- tennis shoes: tennis shoes must have enough grip to prevent slipping. Note the differences between indoor and outdoor shoes.
- Hiking boots: hiking boots should above all offer sufficient comfort. Choose shoes with sufficient stability, especially when you go into the more inhospitable area.
- Cycling shoes: cycling shoes are intended for hard cycling and must provide sufficient grip on the pedals. Choose shoes with a handy click system to ensure that you are firmly in the pedals.
Buy sports shoes
You can buy all types of sports shoes online. We refer you to various online stores where you will find shoes for all sports. With our tips and the extensive range, you can be sure that you are making the right choice.
Choose the right sports shoes for your activity
Choose the right sport
If you are looking for new sports shoes, it is important to know which sport you are going to practice. Running shoes and sports shoes can differ greatly in properties, such as cushioning, stability and grip. Also look at comfort and color, but only if the other properties match what you are going to do.
Space in your shoes
If you are going to buy sports shoes, make sure you have enough space. By default, 0,5 to 1 centimeter of space is sufficient in the shoes, in the length. For active sports it is wise to keep 1 to 1,5 centimeters of space. This way you have a little more freedom of movement and you prevent an oppressive feeling.
Tips for buying sports shoes
If you're looking for the perfect sports shoes, keep the following tips in mind:
- Choose the right sport: running shoes and sports shoes can differ greatly in properties.
- Pay attention to the degree of cushioning, stability and grip.
- Also look at comfort and color.
- Make sure there is enough space in the shoes.
Cushioning for your feet: why is it important?
If you want to give your feet some love, then cushioning is a must! Whether you're running, jumping or lifting weights - your feet endure a lot of shock. Fortunately, we have shoes that reduce the impact on your muscles and bones. But how do you know which shoes you need?
Running shoes
Running shoes usually have cushioning at the heel. This ensures that your feet feel more comfortable while running. Choose a shoe with good cushioning if you make a lot of kilometers. For example, the Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 2 or the Adidas Supernova+.
Fitness shoes
When you're at the gym, you need shoes that protect your feet well. Choose a shoe with cushioning in the forefoot, such as the Nike MC Trainer. This shoe is perfect for HIIT sessions, as well as for agility exercises on artificial turf.
Long distance running shoes
If you do a lot of miles, you need shoes that protect your feet well. Choose a shoe with sufficient cushioning, such as the ASICS Gel Pulse 12. This shoe offers your feet comfort and support, so that you can walk long distances without tiring your feet.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a sports shoe, it is therefore important to know what you need. There are different types of shoes for different sports, so you have to choose the right shoe.
Do you opt for cushioning, flexibility or also a corrective foot position? More stability such as the basketball shoe or an agile futsal shoe? The possibilities are endless.
