"Tennis shoe" was once a broad term to describe footwear used in a variety of athletic endeavors. Indeed, it was the generic term for all athletic footwear that didn't have spikes or cleats. Today, there are shoes specifically constructed to withstand the stresses of many specific activities while providing performance and comfort for the wearer. If you participate in an activity for more than three hours per week, the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine recommends you have shoes specific to that activity.
Non-Cleated Athletic Shoes
These shoes include running, walking and cross-training shoes. Running shoes are designed for straight-ahead movement. Because of this, they are ill-suited to the lateral stresses other sports involve. They are generally of lightweight construction, with good cushioning, comfort and stability. You will often find more cushioning in the heel area, retailer Academy Sports + Outdoors explains in its website guide to choosing athletic shoes, because a runner's usual gait is "heel-toe." This means the heel is the first part of the foot to strike the ground during the stride. Running shoes are strictly for running.
Walking shoes provide more lateral and structural stability than running shoes, but less than court shoes. Generally, walking shoes have a wide base and provide good traction on a variety of surfaces.
Cross-trainers provide a combination of support, stability, traction and durability. They are an excellent all-around shoe for a variety of sports, but are not the best choice for specific activities.
Court Shoes
Basketball shoes provide maximum stability to withstand the constant starting, stopping and directional changes the sport requires. These shoes feature a denser rubber sole, for longer wear and comfort, and a low-profile outer sole for better court traction. The uppers are usually made of leather and have a higher ankle cut for extra stability.
Tennis, racketball and volleyball shoes are durable, with excellent support and court traction. They generally feature thicker midsoles to absorb the shock of repeated court impact. Tennis-shoe uppers are usually leather, nylon or synthetic leather; they have a denser sole than basketball shoes. They may also feature a wrap around the sole at the toe due to toe drag during the serving motion.
Racketball and volleyball shoes have a sticky outer sole, usually made of gum rubber, for better traction on indoor court surfaces. Volleyball shoes have more reinforcement in the toe area and provide more cushioning for the forefoot.
Cleated Shoes
Cleated shoes provide better traction on grass and artificial surfaces for sports such as baseball, softball, football or soccer. Cleated shoes have strong uppers to withstand repeated lateral movements.
Buying the Shoes
Stores that specialize in athletic shoes provide the widest selection and most up-to-date information. You should have your feet measured each time you purchase shoes, as your foot size changes with age and actual shoe sizes often vary by manufacturer. You should also wear the socks you plan to use with the shoes, as well as any orthotics or inserts you will use. Be sure to check the shoe for improper stitching, tears or defects. Check that the heel is straight and level.
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