Q: To stay in shape, I like to go running a few times a week, and I also like to go to the gym to play pick-up basketball on occasion. Can I wear the same athletic shoes for both activities?
A: Exercising to stay in shape and stay healthy is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. To remain injury-free and to enjoy your workouts in comfort, you need to protect your feet by wearing the right shoes for your sport.
In recent years, traditional running shoes, with cushioned soles and with stability and support for forward motion, have been challenged by a new generation of runners and running-shoe manufacturers who favor minimalist and “barefoot” running shoes. In essence, these shoes have very little cushioning, and advocates claim they encourage a more natural stride. The jury is still out on whether or not this new style of running shoe can enhance performance and prevent injury, but my experience as an injury-free runner for many years leads me to recommend traditional running shoes for my patients.
If you like to exercise at least three times a week, I agree with the recommendation of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) that you wear a sport-specific shoe.
So, to answer your question: no, you should not wear the same shoes for running and pick-up basketball.
Good Cushioning May Prevent Overuse Injuries
Your running shoes should have cushioning for overall shock absorption, good heel control, and flexibility at the front of your foot. You want a lightweight shoe that can help propel you forward. No shoe can guarantee you’ll never get an injury, but shoes with good cushioning may help to prevent overuse injuries such as shin splints, tendinitis, heel pain, and stress fractures.
Try on some different styles before you buy, and look for stability as your foot rolls forward, and good traction for running indoors on a treadmill or outdoors on a trail. I recommend that you buy running shoes at a good athletic shoe specialty store if you can. It’s a great idea to get your foot measured for length, width, and arch length so you’ll get the proper size.
For casual runners, most experts suggest you get a new pair of shoes once a year, and that you don’t wear your shoes for errands around town. If you’re a serious runner and regularly tackle 10K races or marathons, replace your shoes every six months, or every 300 to 500 miles. That’s a lot of running, and the cushioning in your shoes will take a beating after that much use — even if they still look like they’re in good shape.
Invest In Different Athletic Shoes for Each Sport
Now, to get back to your question about sport-specific shoes. As I said above, if you are both running and playing basketball on a regular basis, invest in athletic shoes (sneakers) for each sport. While running requires your foot to roll forward, basketball asks your feet to move forward, backward, and side to side. So for this you’ll want a shoe with a thick stiff sole and ankle support for lateral movements. A high-top shoe may give you that extra support, but don’t necessarily count on it to prevent a twisted ankle or an ankle sprain.
Finally, if you are simply a weekend warrior and participate in your favorite sports of running and basketball only on occasion, you might only need a pair of cross-training athletic shoes. A good pair of cross trainers should be able to provide the flexibility and cushioning you need for running, as well as the lateral support for movement on the basketball court.
I hope this information is helpful.
Keep moving and stay healthy!
Dr. Shier