Sports Shoes
Each sport loads the foot differently. A running shoe is built for straight-ahead motion and can roll an ankle on a pickleball or tennis court. Using the right shoe for the sport is one of the simplest ways to prevent sprains, blisters and overuse injuries.
Golf
Golf means four or five miles of walking on uneven grass. Look for a stable, cushioned sole, waterproofing for morning dew, and spikes or spikeless traction that grips during the swing.
Men's golf shoes
Spiked and spikeless golf shoes from FootJoy, ECCO and Skechers GO GOLF, with wide widths in many styles.
Women's golf shoes
Women's golf shoes built on a women's last, from lightweight spikeless walkers to waterproof spiked styles.
Pickleball
Pickleball is quick side-to-side movement, and running shoes roll the ankle on lateral cuts. Wear a court shoe with a low, wide base, a reinforced toe, and a non-marking outsole.
Men's pickleball shoes
Court shoes made for pickleball, such as Skechers Viper Court, ASICS Gel-Renma and K-Swiss Express Light.
Women's pickleball shoes
Women's court shoes with lateral support and cushioning for hard courts, from Skechers, ASICS and K-Swiss.
Tennis
Tennis shoes need a durable toe and outsole for sliding and stopping, firm side support, and a heel that stays locked in. Choose a hard-court or clay-court sole to match where you play.
Men's tennis shoes
Hard-court and all-court tennis shoes like ASICS Gel-Resolution, New Balance 996 and adidas Barricade.
Women's tennis shoes
Women's tennis shoes with a stable base and durable toe, from ASICS, New Balance, Nike and adidas.
Running & Jogging
Fit and comfort matter more than any single feature. Neutral shoes suit most runners, and stability shoes help if your feet roll inward. Replace them every 300 to 500 miles.
Men's running shoes
Cushioned and stability trainers such as HOKA Clifton and Bondi, Brooks Ghost and Adrenaline, and ASICS Gel-Kayano.
Gym & Fitness
Cross-training shoes have a flatter, firmer sole than running shoes, for stability during lifts, jumps and lateral moves in classes. Running shoes feel wobbly under a barbell.
Men's cross-training shoes
Versatile gym shoes such as Nike Metcon, Reebok Nano and New Balance trainers for classes, circuits and light lifting.
Weightlifting
Lifting shoes have a hard, raised heel and a flat, non-compressing sole. The raised heel helps reach a deeper squat with an upright back, and a midfoot strap locks the foot down.
Men's weightlifting shoes
Olympic lifting shoes such as Nike Romaleos, adidas Adipower and Reebok Legacy Lifter.
Basketball
Basketball involves jumping, landing and hard cuts. Look for a mid or high collar and a firm heel counter for ankle support, cushioning under the heel and forefoot, and a herringbone outsole for grip.
Men's basketball shoes
Mid- and high-top basketball shoes from Nike, adidas, Under Armour and New Balance.
Women's basketball shoes
Women's basketball shoes with ankle support and cushioning, plus unisex models in women's sizing.
Trail Running & Hiking
Trail shoes add deep lugs for grip, a rock plate or firmer sole against sharp stones, and a protective toe. For rough terrain or heavy packs, step up to a mid-cut hiking boot.
Men's trail shoes
Trail runners and light hikers such as HOKA Speedgoat, Salomon Speedcross and Merrell Moab.
Soccer
Match the cleat to the surface: firm-ground cleats for natural grass, artificial-ground or turf shoes for synthetic fields. Cleats should fit snugly with no pressure on the toes.