Athletic footwear used to be limited to sneakers; high tops and low tops. The only variations were the manufacturer and the color.
The athletic shoe business now encompasses women's running shoes, women's athletic footwear, men's running shoes, men's athletic footwear, overall athletic shoes, trail running shoes, tennis shoes, running shoes, golf shoes and, of course, sneakers.
The athletic footwear industry is not just limited to helping you buy running shoes, but is also involved in helping you chose the best running shoes.
There are three basic issues to look at when choosing athletic footwear:
- What sport are you playing? For example, tennis shoes have different requirements than golf shoes.
- What support do you need?
- What age/sex is the athlete?
Most people also take price and amount of usage into account when choosing their footwear. Once you find the type of shoe you need, then price and time used key components in finding the right athletic footwear.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
The sport is key in choosing the right athletic shoes
Sneakers started out as the choice of footwear for basketball and tennis players. Many of the current designs are still based on those sports and integrate those needs into the athletic footwear. The athletic footwear industry also has a complete line of running shoes.
I recommend: For overall athletic footwear (including sport specific footwear), check out
The Finish Line as they have a wide selection to choose from and some good returns policies. For basketball shoes,
Nike is always a good choice, as is
Converse.
Get the support you need from your athletic footwear
Buying the right athletic footwear also depends on the support you need. Do you have knees that can't take the pounding of running? Are your ankles not as strong as you would like them to be? Or are you looking to improve your game?
I recommend: To find out the support you need before you get in the game, visit
Foot Smart for their selection in footwear and support systems. If you know where your weaknesses are,
New Balance has a line of both men and woman's athletic footwear which offers a variety of support options.
Spira Footwear has a fantastic line of impact protection shoes as well. Both lines are carried through Foot Smart.
Finding the right athletic shoes is also dependent on age and sex
There are some differences when choosing the right shoe for you, based on your sex and your age.
I recommend: For women's athletic footwear and running shoes, visit
Women's Sports for shoes and other running gear. For men' athletic footwear and running shoes visit
Skechers. For both men's and women's athletic shoes in the same place, check out
Road Runner Sports.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Remember, it's all in the fit, the feel and the function. If the shoe doesn't fit, feel good or aid you in your sport, it's the wrong shoe for you.
- Keep in mind your physical build when considering the cushioning of your shoe. An extra-cushioned shoe should be worn by men over 180 pounds and women over 150 pounds.
- When considering the size of your shoe, after you measure it, add up to a half-size more for the swelling which occurs during exercise.
- When in doubt, throw them out. Styles and functions of shoes change every year and a good pair of running shoes will last 300-500 miles; or about a year of regular running.
The official source of Athletic Footwear is the Athletic Footwear page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
Comments
Is any content on this page inappropriate? To let us know, please 
