Running is a great form of exercise. It’s also a way to work up an appetite. But, most people raise the question, can basketball shoes be used for running? Well, the answer is not so simple. There are many factors to consider when answering this question. This article will go over some of these factors and help you decide if basketball shoes would be good for running or not.
Can Basketball Shoes Be Used For Running?
Basketball shoes are usually not recommended for running since they are heavy and have thinner cushioning than running shoes. Basketball shoes are made for multi-direction brief motions such as forward, back, and side to side. Running shoes are lightweight and developed particularly for forwarding mobility.
If you’re only running a short distance, basketball shoes are a good option, but they’re not ideal. When compared to running with running shoes, you will fatigue more quickly.
Conversely, you should never play basketball with running shoes because the risk of spraining your ankle is incredibly high.
Types of Basketball Shoes
Mentioned below are some types of basketball shoes.
- Low-top basketball shoes: These are great for speedy players since they allow them to move more rapidly, but they don’t provide much ankle support.
- Mid-top basketball shoes: These shoes allow players to move more freely while also protecting their ankles.
- High-top basketball shoes: These shoes provide much more ankle protection and stability, making them excellent for players who play in the center or forward positions.
Types of Running Shoes
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Pronation
Running shoes are designed to assist runners who fit into one of 2 groups: under- pronators or overpronators.
Running with under pronation (or supination) implies rolling your feet outwardly, whereas running with overpronation means rolling your feet internally too far.
According to Healthline, a normal amount of inward pronation is around 15 degrees. Overpronation is common in those with low arches, while under pronation is common in people with high arches.
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Drop
If you’re thinking about updating your running shoes, you should also evaluate the amount of shoe drop. The drop is the difference in heel height between the densely padded back of a shoe and the less padded front.
A standard running shoe has an 8–12 mm drop. The norm used to be a 12 mm drop, but with the movement toward minimalist shoes, an 8 mm drop is now more prevalent.
Basketball shoes often contain a 10 mm drop, which is good for persons who are prone to heel striking but bad for encouraging perfect running form or for people who have already learned to avoid landing on their heels initially.
Running Shoes vs Basketball Shoes
To know can basketball shoes be used for running? we will look upon their differences.
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Weight
Running shoes are often lighter making it a bonus, but if you’re running for weight loss and are carrying a few extra pounds, the increased ankle support and stability of basketball shoes, as well as the improved traction, can be beneficial.
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Soles
For use on highways and pavement, running shoes frequently have tougher soles, but indoor basketball shoes have softer soles because they will be used on a smooth court.
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Movements
Basketball shoes are designed for both side-to-side motions and running while running shoes are designed for forwarding movement only.
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Cushioning
Cushioning is concentrated in the midfoot area of basketball shoes, making the sole lighter and ideal for fast maneuvering. Running shoes offer extra cushioning in the heel and forefoot, which helps your body cope with a shock of around two and a half times your weight while running.
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Support
Basketball shoes protect your heels, which is excellent for game-related actions but never for running because you should not strike with your heels.
The Bottom Line
Basketball shoes provide a lot of cushioning and stress absorption, which is vital for long-distance running. They are appropriate for short runs (or less than 10 miles per week), not for long runs. Even for short runs, basketball shoes are not a wise choice if you routinely run in snowy or sandy locations. We hope that this guide has been helpful for you in understanding the importance of running shoes and basketball shoes.
