Athletic shoes can be expensive and trendy. This leads many to use the same pair of athletic shoes for different activities and sports, but there are some major concerns that should be considered when determining whether shoes are appropriate for a specific activity or sport.
Weight
Running shoes are manufactured using lightweight materials. Shoe manufacturers are constantly changing the materials and uses to provide enough stability while maintaining the lightest shoe possible. Basketball shoes are noticeably heavier than running shoes. Although weight is considered in the manufacturing of basketball shoes, it is not as important as with running shoes. In addition, basketball shoes are usually larger, sometimes reaching above the ankle. The larger size is also a factor in the weight of the shoe.
Soles
The soles of running shoes are divided into two layers: the outer-sole and the mid-sole. The outer soul is a semi-hard carbon rubber that makes up the tread for wear and traction. The mid-sole is the most important layer as it is the layer that provides cushion and stability. It is usually made up of ethylene vinyl acetate which is softer material. It is sometimes combined with a harder, and more durable polyurethane for added support and structure to aide with bio-mechanical imbalances. Basketball shoes usually are made from the outer-sole carbon rubber and polyurethane, and very rarely use the softer ethylene vinyl acetate. The harder sole makes the shoe more durable for fast changes in direction.
Structure
Materials used for running shoes are lightweight and are constructed in a way that is stable through linear movements. They are made to move in forward motion; not side to side. Basketball shoes are commonly made with leather, vinyl or like materials. They are designed and constructed for multi-directional movements, and also for great amounts of force through those multi-directional movements.
Ankle Mobility
Because running shoes are designed for linear movement, there is no need for added ankle stability. This is why running shoes are designed to hold to the foot and usually are no higher on the ankle than the medial and lateral maleoli. Basketball is sport that involves jumping, cutting and sprinting. These movements involve a much higher risk of injury, especially to the ankle. Most basketball shoes are constructed with high sides that travel above the ankle for stability and safety during play.
Conclusion
Shoes are designed for specific sports, and many times for specific movement patterns, or sporting positions. Using shoes for an activity or sport for which they weren't intended can increase this risk of injury and also decrease the stability and structure of the shoe, causing them to not last as long as they should.
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