Shoes

Hi Friends,

Hope you’re doing well. Today I’m coming to you with another one of my passions, related to sports, music, and life in general: SHOES! Look, we are a standing species and what we wear on our feet is critical to stay standing, stay sporting, and stay performing, comfortably, stylishly, and safely. Today I’ll share some different types of shoes for different situations that are part of my life and the lives of many of those around me. Let’s get to it.

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Indoor Volleyball

Usually, the best shoes for indoor volleyball are ones which are lightweight, responsive cushioned, and most importantly non-marking rubber soles. Use these shoes for indoor volleyball and some gym activities, but avoid it for outdoor pavement, trails or mud because they damage the soles, reduce grip and increase injury risk. When I go to my indoor volleyball practices Saturdays and Sundays, usually I come in with normal walking shoes then change into volleyball shoes before stepping on court. Those rubber soles are ONLY for that court. Fun fact, my Spaceneedle Volleyball Foundation practices are on the same court that was in the Kingdome, where MJ famously landed that free throw line flyer in the slam dunk contest, 20 days before my Dad was born, nearly 40 years ago! These shoes are built for fast jumps and quick lateral steps, and brands that make these include Asics and Mizuno.

Basketball

The best shoes for basketball are ones that are built for jumping, hard stops and lateral cuts on hardwood, usually with more ankle coverage/options, substantial cushioning and a durable court outsole. Use for basketball and indoor court play, and avoid for hiking, long-distance running or tennis as these shoes have a smooth surface and are not meant for outdoor courts/pavement, which can cause twisted ankles and falls. Leading brands include Jordan Brand, Puma, Nike, Reebok, and Li-Ning. There are high tops, low tops, and tons of styles, and you can even customize these on sites like Nike by You. Sneaker culture and collecting historic sneakers is a huge industry, largely centered around basketball shoes. One of these days I’ll share some of our special shoes here at home.

Tennis/Pickleball

These shoes are meant for repeated lateral slides, sudden stops on court and sprints, usually with reinforced toe/sides, a durable outsole and court-specific tread. Use for tennis, pickleball and some court sports, and avoid long-distance runs as these shoes are heavier and stiffer. Leading brands include K-Swiss, Reebok and Babolat. In some old school clubs, they also need to be white-soled given some of the tradition and history around all-white uniforms, and of course non-marking soles.

Football (Soccer and American Football)

These both demand traction and acceleration on grass/turf, so studs or spikes matched to the surface and support for cutting and contact are the best. Use for field sports like these two,and avoid for indoor courts; the studs create pressure points and poor grip. Leading brands include Nike, Adidas and Under Armour.

Golf

These shoes are built for stable footing during a swing and wet grass, with spike or spikeless traction pads, torsional stability, and waterproof. Use for golf courses or wet grass, avoid for running, court sports and pavement – spikes are unstable and can damage floors. Leading brands include Footjoy, ECCO and Callaway.

Walking

These shoes are meant for everyday steady heel-toe walking with flexible forefoot, stable platform and moderate cushioning. Best used for daily walks and standing, avoid for jumping or court sports. Leading brands include New Balance, Hoka and On.

Running

These are meant for repetitive forward motion and impact, ideally lightweight, cushioned midsole, and flexible forefoot. Use for running, jogging and treadmill, and avoid for basketball, volleyball, football or golf. Leading brands include Saucony, Altra and Brooks. Not going to lie, Brooks are my go to day to day shoes.

Hiking/Boots

These are built for uneven terrain, rocks, mud, and weather, with a lugged outsole, stable/stiff platform, and a durable upper. Use for these things, avoid for indoor courts and running tracks; lugs are unstable and can damage floors. Some top brands include Salomon and Merrell.

Cycling

These shoes are built for efficient power transfer to pedals, ideally with stiff soles. Use for road cycling, mountain biking, and spin classes, and avoid for walking, running and court sports; stiff soles make walking awkward and can be slippery. Leading brands include Salomon, Merrell and La Sportiva.

Ballet

Built for foot articulation, pointing, balance and classical technique, usually with a very soft, thin and flexible sole, these shoes are best used for ballet, barre and contemporary technique. Avoid outdoor walking or running or basketball as there’s almost no cushioning, grip or weather protection. Leading brands include Bloch and Capezio.

Dance

Jumps, slides, floor work, turns, kicks, stage movement and high-energy routines are what these shoes are built for, with a cushioned, supportive, pivot-friendly sole. Best used for hip-hop, dance and fitness choreography, avoid for running or hiking as dance sneakers trade some durability and grip for flexibility. Leading brands include Sansha and Linodes.

Concert/Dress shoes

These are meant for looking presentable and standing comfortably with often leather, thin/firm soles and minimal athletic cushioning. Best used for concerts, performances and formal events; avoid for sports; poor grip, support and impact protection. You can buy many different brands at designer clothing stores like Nordstrom.

I think I’ll leave it there for today. Let’s be honest, we could talk about footwear forever. Maybe I’ll write a follow-up blog someday with specific shoes I love. What would you like to read about regarding shoes? What are your favorites? Why? Leave your answers in the comments or DM.

That’s all for today! See y’all next time! Sarang out.