Are Basketball Shoes Good For Running/Jogging?
As you probably already know, Basketball is a sport that involes a lot of running however are Basketball shoes good for running/jogging? Many would assume they would be fine for running however basketball involves short spurts of intense movement whereas running is a lower intensity over a longer period of time.
Running shoes as you may have guessed are designed specifically for the purpose of running long distances without failing/breaking whereas basketball shoes are only designed to endure the rigours of the sport. This difference seems insignificant for many however hopefully after reading this article you will have the knowledge to make your own informed decision.
All Shoes Are Designed Differently
Shoes like many things in life are made for a purpose and consequently can vary immensely. Shoes that are designed for running are usually more lightweight designs and made to handle the pounding of running long distances. They are usually also very flexible so they can handle various inclines whilst running. These characteristics make running shoes fit for purpose however if you took running shoes onto a basketball court they aren’t likely to last very long due to their lightweight designs not being able to hande the changes of direction, side to side moment and sudden bursts of speed.
Basketball shoes on the other hand are more bulky and solid than running shoes with extra ankle support and a thick sole capable of shock absorbing the kinetic energy from landing on the floor after a jump. They are more rigid and these characteristics give them the ability to withstand all types of jumps, cuts and stopping and starting as the sport requires. Basketball shoes are basically the polar opposite of running shoes and are not fit for running long distances. By using them as such you are likely to ruin your shoes and possibly even injure your legs/feet.
Pros And Cons Of Running Shoes
Pros
- Lightweight (Don’t weigh your feet down)
- Flexible (Great for Running on Inclines)
- Durable (Can be used for long periods of time)
Cons
- Minimal Ankle Support (Can lead to injuries jumping/cutting)
- Too Flexible For Basketball (Shoes likely to break under the pressure of basketball movements)
- Easy To Roll Your Ankle during Lateral Movements
Pros and Cons of Basketball Shoes
Pros
- Sturdy Build to withstand the rigours of basketball
- High Ankle Support (Prevents ankle injuries cutting/jumping)
- Thick Sole (Cushioning for landing after jumping)
Cons
- Heavy (will exert you more over longer periods of time)
- No Flexibilty (making them poor for running on inclines or uneven surfaces)
- Possibility for injury in activities they are not designed for
Use Shoes Suited To The Task
In conclusion it is safe to say basketball shoes are not at all suited for any kind of long distances training/running. In a pinch it may be ok for a one off however there is always a higher risk of injury using basketball shoes for running/jogging. You will also ruin your basketball shoes quicker so you will end up spending more money on quality basketball footwear, you would be better off having seperate running shoes for when you want to go jogging so you can preserve your basketball shoes and save money in the long run. It is not recommended to wear running shoes for basketball activities, instead where basketball shoes for jumping.
