Are basketball shoes good for walking? We all know that sports shoes are designed for different kinds of activities than everyday shoes. But in this article we’ll find out if they’re actually good for walking long distances as well.
Basketball shoes come with plenty of benefits, but how do they compare to more ordinary footwear when it comes to walking?
Before we get into any specifics, it’s important to know what you’re looking for in shoes. There are numerous factors you should consider when shopping for new shoes and one of the most important is whether these shoes are going to be good for walking.
Is it good to walk in basketball shoes?
By much of the research we’ve done, wearing basketball shoes is actually not a good idea. Here are just a few of the reasons to avoid wearing basketball shoes for any long distance or regular walking.
Basketball shoes do not provide adequate cushioning and support for your feet, joints and ankles. The areas that need extra support are typically the ball of your foot, arches and ankle joints, which are in direct contact with surfaces that are often wet or hard.
Walking shoes are designed to provide more support than basketball shoes as they are specifically engineered to help your feet stay stable and keep you in control of your steps.
The padding found in most basketball shoes is not thick enough to protect your feet, ankles, knees and hips from the pressure of walking. This is even true in the very best basketball shoes.
By wearing a pair of basketball shoes for long distances, you could be risking an early onset of arthritis or tendonitis by putting too much pressure on your joints and muscles.
Shoes that are good for basketball are not necessarily good for walking.
Now you know where you stand. At the very least, you should avoid wearing basketball shoes for long distances or regular walking.
Can You Use Basketball Shoes For Running?
Basketball shoes are designed to help you play basketball and provide a lot of features that will help improve your game. However, they are not designed to be ideal running shoes, so you should only wear them for training purposes. By wearing basketball shoes for long distances or regular walking, you could cause injuries to your feet, ankles and knees.
If you want to wear sports shoes for walking or running, we recommend you look for shoes with increased amounts of cushioning in your heels and arches. These types of shoes will provide much more support than regular athletic shoes, which are made to help your feet absorb the shock of hitting hard surfaces.
Are basketball shoes good for everyday use?
Yes, but only if they have a very good level of cushioning and are designed to provide maximum support to your feet and ankles. If you want to be able to wear your favorite basketball shoes for daily walking or running, you will certainly not want them to have too much cushioning in the heel and ball of the foot.
It’s best to avoid anything that has too much shock absorption in these areas as this will cause pressure on your foot while walking.
Basketball Shoes Vs Walking Shoes: Is there a difference?
Although there aren’t any strict rules about it, you will find that most basketball shoes are made for basketball and have little to do with walking.
Just as mentioned above, most basketball shoes have little to no thickness in their padding. They also don’t provide much support for ankles and feet. On the other hand, walking shoes are much more padded and made with a thicker heel cushion and an elevated toe box. The primary goal of these designs is to make walking easier on your feet by providing more support than some basketball shoes do.
Footwear that’s specifically designed for walking, such as running shoes, have a lot more cushioning in these areas.
Walking Shoes: What Are They Good For?
Walking shoes are ideal for carrying out all kinds of regular tasks. They’re great for walking your dog to the park or the store and can also be used when you need to carry items like packages or groceries. Walking shoes provide cushioning in the heel and ball of the foot, which helps absorb damage from road surfaces when you’re on foot.
When you walk in your athletic shoes, you risk putting unnecessary pressure on your joints because they lack the kind of padding and protection walking shoes provide.
How Can I Choose Shoes That Are Good For Walking?
You’ve now read all about how basketball shoes are not the best choice for walking. So how can you shop for good shoes that are ideal for long distance walking? Here are a few things to look out for when shopping for long distance walking shoes.
1. Look for shoes with good arch support.
If the shoes you’re considering do not have a good amount of cushioning and support in the mid-foot and heel, they will not provide any cushioning when walking. The best shoes will have deep layers of foam padding in the heel and ball of your foot to provide maximum cushioning when taking steps.
2. Look for shoes with a thick toe box.
A thick toe box is ideal for absorbing shock when walking. Your toes will also be protected from damage and thanks to the padding, your toes will not feel as cold when walking in winter months.
3. Look for shoes with a smooth heel counter.
The heel counter is a layer of material that goes around the top of your heel to provide you with a smoother and more comfortable walk when wearing shoes.
4. Look for shoes that have good traction.
Good traction will give you better control of your steps and help to prevent slipping on wet or uneven surfaces while walking. The best shoes will have a proprietary grip coating on the outsole to keep you in control of your steps at all times. This is especially important if you live in an area with heavy rain or snow.
5. Make sure the shoe fits your foot correctly.
You need to make sure you have the right size for your shoes. You might have to try several different sizes to find the one that fits best. When buying shoes that are ideal for walking, it’s important to try them on before you buy them.
To find the perfect fit, try on one shoe and then tie a belt around your foot and pull it up to your calf before trying them on again. You need to be able to move freely in the shoe without any discomfort. The best shoes will have room for your foot to move in all directions.
6. Buy shoes that are lightweight.
Lightweight shoes provide more comfort when walking for long distances because they are easier to wear and take off/put on. The best walking shoes will have an outsole made from lightweight material that’s not too hard or stiff. It’s also a good idea to find shoes with a lower heel-to-toe ratio so the shoe is lighter and easier to carry around when you’re walking.
7. Buy shoes that are breathable.
Shoes that are breathable will help you to manage your foot temperature when you’re out walking. Moisture-wicking material will also help you keep your feet dryer and healthier by keeping your feet cooler.
To Sum Up
Basketball shoes have little to do with walking and should be avoided by people who plan to walk for long distances outdoors. They’re great for sports like basketball but little else.
If you want to buy shoes that are good for walking, make sure you look for ones that have the features listed above.
Also, make sure you buy the right size so they fit comfortably and feel stable when you walk. Before you shop for shoes, make sure you do your research so you know what to look for in terms of the best walking shoe brands.
If you have any comments or questions, don’t hesitate to ask them below!
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