The global market for sneakers and sports shoes is worth almost $30 billion right now. Millions of people around the world invest in new shoes for sporting activities every single day.
But when it comes to shoes for sports, one question always emerges. That question is whether or not to get basketball shoes vs running shoes.
We’re going to highlight the main differences between basketball shoes and running shoes. That includes men’s basketball shoes and women basketball shoes.
That way, you can make sure you purchase the best basketball shoes for your purposes the next time you’re shopping.
Table of Contents
Basketball Shoes vs Running Shoes: Ankle Collar Support
The first major difference between basketball shoes and running shoes is the presence of ankle collar support.
Basketball is a sport that demands a lot of jumping around of every player. As a result, there’s often a lot of tension in basketball players’ ankles, as well as their feet.
To support this added exertion, men’s basketball shoes are always designed with ankle collar support in mind. They’ll have a large, extra part of the material that encloses around your ankles. This is what’s called a platform heel.
This means that overall, basketball shoes offer you a greater level of protection for your feet. But it does also mean that basketball shoes are heavier as a result.
Though running shoes are equipped to handle tension, they usually don’t include this additional collar support. As a result, they tend to be more lightweight.
This is something to bear in mind if you’re the kind of person who’s moving around a lot. Running shoes are more portable, whereas cheap basketball shoes or expensive options are usually bulkier.
If you are looking for quality basketball shoes, there are usually more options available for you.
Running Shoes Are a More Multi-Functional Option
All basketball shoes will always have been designed with basketball players in mind. That goes as much for Jordans as it does other brands of basketball shoes, even the best of all time.
But that also means that, on the whole, they’re a more specialist product. If you’re planning on playing basketball, then investing in basketball shoes is a given.
But if you’re just looking for general sports shoes, running shoes may be a more multi-purpose option.
This is thanks to the fact that most sports involve running, at least to a moderate extent. Running shoes are also easier to wear when out and about casually.
If you’re only going to buy one pair of shoes for all of your sports, then running shoes may be preferable.
Both Basketball Shoes and Running Shoes Are Usually High Quality
When it comes to the overall quality of shoes, these two options are usually quite similar.
Men’s and women’s basketball shoes have been designed for high-performance action and results. Because of that fact, they’re usually made of high-quality materials.
Similarly, running shoes have often been made to a high standard. The difference in quality is usually felt between different brands, rather than with different shoe types.
That means that if you are investing in either of these shoes, you should consider doing so with a reputable brand. The more reputable the brand is, the more likely you’re getting value for money with your shoes.
Can You Play Basketball Using Running Shoes?
Now we’re getting slightly more specific. If you intend to play basketball, can you do so in running shoes?
The reality is that basketball shoes will always be better for playing basketball in. This is thanks to their aforementioned ankle support, which can help you jump and dunk.
But there’s nothing necessarily stopping you from wearing running shoes to play basketball. If you’re only a casual player and only play for short periods of time, you may not notice much of a difference.
It usually depends on your personal style of play. If you prefer to jump around and shoot your shots, you’ll start to feel the pressure on your ankles after a while.
But if you’re a player who prefers to pass around and create space, you might be okay wearing running shoes to play basketball casually.
Can You Go Running Using Basketball Shoes?
Now, the opposite question. Can you go for extended runs in basketball shoes?
Just like the above, running shoes will always be better than basketball shoes for running. You should figure out which sport you’re going to do more of and base your decision off of that where possible.
But basketball shoes are high-quality sporting shoes. Basketball itself also involves a lot of running back and forth across the court.
That means that you can go running in basketball shoes if they’re the only shoes you have. However, they won’t fare quite as well on long-distance runs.
The ankle support may actually hinder your ability to run quickly because basketball shoes are so bulky. Running shoes are designed to be slimmer and lightweight, so you don’t feel the effects of lifting your feet as much.
If you’re planning on running a marathon, you should consider investing in running shoes instead.
But if there’s a basketball shoe that you absolutely love, you could also use them for running if you’re not running too far.
Both these shoes are a great option for sports and casual wear. It’s about deciding which option is best for your life and your wardrobe.
Where Can I Find Out More About Basketball Shoes and Running Shoes?
Hopefully, you’ll now know where you stand on the basketball shoes vs running shoes debate. Both these shoes have benefits over the other, and it’s about deciding what you’re most likely to wear your shoes for regularly.
If you’d like to learn more about sneakers, sports, or any other relevant topics, make sure to read through some of the previous posts on our website.
