There is a reason walking shoes and running shoes are always separated in department stores. Different sports and athletic activities put pressure and stress on the body in different ways and places. It only makes sense that footwear differs radically for each sport. But it is not only the shoe’s structure that should be different; different sports require shoes that fit differently. Read below to learn more about the appropriate fit for each kind of sports shoe.
Baseball: Shoes should fit snugly, but make sure you can still wiggle your toes when standing up straight. A good heel fit is very important as baseball shoes have a firm heel with very little padding.
Basketball: There should be approximately the length of a thumbnail between the big toe and the end of the shoe. (Note: If your second toe is longer than your big toe, use the second toe to measure the distance.) Some movement in the heel is permissible, but the heel should not slip up and down excessively.
Cross-Country Running: There should be approximately the length of a thumbnail between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. The heel can have some movement, but it should not slip excessively.
Football: Shoes should fit snugly, almost like a glove. Make sure that you can wiggle your toes when standing straight. Make sure the heel area of the shoe is firm with very little padding. A snug fit in the heel is absolutely essential.
Soccer: Soccer shoes should fit very snugly. (But make sure you can still comfortably wiggle your toes.) Look for a tight fit in the heel region; there should be very little movement up and down. The heel of a soccer shoe should be firm with very little padding.
Tennis: There should be approximately the length of a thumbnail between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. The heel can have some movement, but it should not slip up and down excessively.
Track and Field: Shoes should fit like a glove (but make sure the toes can still wiggle). Track and Field shoes also have a firm heel with little padding. Avoid purchasing shoes that do not properly hold the heel in place.
Volleyball: There should be approximately the length of a thumbnail between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. Some movement in the heel is permissible, but the heel should not slip up and down.