The right shoe for the right sport

I remember a time in my youth when the exchange rate was somewhere between 4 to 7 pesos to the dollar.  With the strong peso, it was kind of affordable to get high quality commodities but during those times, our spending power were purely dependent on our parents’ willingness and consent to our wishes and wants.

Athletic footwear then was mostly basic that we normally use a single pair for different sporting activities.  During the 70s, the Converse and Robertson’s canvass sneakers were popular that we used those for playing basketball and football.  Later came the introduction of leather sneakers that anyone in school wearing a pair get instant recognition not only from classmates but also from the upper classes.  Bonus pogi points specially if you have the white Adidas Stan Smiths and the colored Puma Clydes.  I pleaded for them but my father won’t budge because it costs above 300 pesos and that amount is already good for more than a week’s worth of groceries. 

Fast forward to today.  Shoe companies have been upping their products that we can find athletic shoes for any specific sport.  Technology makes it possible for athletes and the weekend warrior types to chose footwear for their sport that protects them from injury and could perhaps improve performance.  With innovation comes great expense, but if you can afford it, go ahead make your day and enjoy your sport.  If you can’t play well, at least you look good.

Running shoes – they are designed for forward motion, has plenty of cushioning to absorb shock and protects the front of the foot and heel.  A good pair goes for at least 3k and it may help prevent injuries like shin splints, tendinitis and stress fractures.

Trail shoes – they are built sturdier than traditional running shoes to withstand water, mud and rocks.  They have heavier, deeper treads and have more heel and side supports for uneven surface running.

Walking shoes – they are more stiffer at the front for the toes to roll instead of bend and there is extra shock absorption in the heel and ball of the foot.  They are made with rocker bottoms or a slightly rounded sole so that weight would shift more smoothly from the heels to the toes.

Cross-trainers – your choice if you do more than one sport.  They are made flexible in the forefoot for running but also has good side supports for court activities.

Court shoes – which includes tennis, badminton and volleyball shoes.  They’re made with ample support on the inside and outside of feet because of constant lateral movements.  There is more tread on the sole for traction.

Basketball shoes – they have thick and stiff sole for extra stability for running up and down the court.  High cut models support ankles when jumping and quick lateral movements.

Golf shoes – aside from looking good in them, they let you walk on the course safely with the closely spaced studs on the sole.  It helps keep your feet planted on the grass to prevent you from slipping when you do your golf swing.

Football shoes – they are made with cleats to give traction to players on grass but don’t have toe spikes so as not to create drag when kicking the ball.  They are form-fitting with a tight feel for more ball control.

Baseball and softball shoes – like football shoes, they are made longer and narrower than regular sports shoes.  There are toe cleats usually made of metal instead of molded plastic that gives traction for quick sprints.  They are heavier and have different cleat spacings than football cleats.

Cycling shoes – there are two types:

-Mountain and recreational – they are generally made and look like trail shoes with flexible soles because this sport involves frequent dismounting from the bike and walking on rough terrain.  Cleats are buried below the treads of the sole, preventing ground contact.

- Road – they have sleek designs and are made to optimize comfort and performance.  They have very stiff soles to create a barrier between the metal pedal and the rider’s foot to prevent discomfort and optimize efficiency in the pedal strokes.

Different sports, different footwear.  The choice is ours to make.

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