Basketball, tennis and volleyball shoes fall under the category of court shoes, according to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. These sports require you to move forward, backward and laterally in quick bursts and short sprints, subjecting court shoes to heavy abuse. But if you are an avid basketball, volleyball or tennis player, you are going to want a sport-specific shoe. Although there are many similarities between shoes for the court sports, there are some significant differences as well.
Basketball
The position you play can determine the type of shoe you should buy. A power player needs a shoe with more cushioning and stability. A high-top shoe is the logical choice. It's heavier, but it gives you more support. A mid-top shoe is ideal if you are an all-around player. Some guards who rely on speed choose low-cut shoes, but you will sacrifice ankle protection by doing so. About 70 percent of players choose high-tops, 20 percent select mid-tops and 10 percent use low-tops. Basketball shoe soles usually have a herringbone pattern for traction.
Tennis
Tennis features quick stops and starts, short bursts of speed and frequent lateral movements. If you have a serve-and-volley style, you need a reinforced toe. If you are a baseline player, you want lots of lateral support with a highly durable sole. Bigger players need even more lateral support than smaller players. Shoes for tennis players have a relatively wide outer sole with a flat bottom and tread pattern. If you are prone to rolling your ankles, you might need a higher cut, but most tennis shoes are low-cut and lightweight.
Volleyball
Your heels absorb up to eight times your body weight when you leap and come back down, and volleyball players jump all the time. So you need a shoe that reduces the shock in the heels, which are susceptible to injury. Most volleyball players opt for high-top shoes, which help prevent their ankles from rolling. Some shoe brands, such as Kaepa, have an ankle brace built into the shoe.
Considerations
The best time to buy new athletic shoes is after you work out or at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest. You should be able to easily wiggle all your toes, and your heel should not slip. Shoes should be comfortable right away -- modern athletic shoes do not have a break-in period.
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