Basketball vs Tennis Shoes (Differences, How to Choose)
Although both tennis and basketball require quick response and heavy movement, this can confuse you regarding whether you can use one shoe for both games or not. With so many similarities, each game has some significant differences in regards to shoe type based on their use and purpose.
If you prefer performance while playing any of these games, you need to understand the difference between basketball vs. tennis shoes that will surely boost your gameplay. A suitable pair of shoes according to game type helps you improve your productivity and showcase your skills in a better way.
The primary difference between tennis and basketball shoes is their weight, as tennis shoes are relatively lighter than the basketball ones to provide quick movements. Also, the upper part of basketball shoes has variety while tennis shoes have low upper with minimum ankle support for forwarding play. Other than these differences, there are many distinctions according to their basic functionality and ground requirements.
Basketball VS Tennis Shoes: Major Differences
There are four major differences between tennis and basketball shoes. As it has been already discussed that tennis shoes are lighter in weight because in tennis you need speed. In contrast, basketball players need extra jumping, running, and aggressive movement; heavyweight provides support and grip. In this article, we will discuss each factor in detail to let you know more about it. Here are these key differences:
1. Uppers
While playing basketball, you have to cover a specific position and jump to throw the ball. However, not all jobs in basketball play require grip and support; instead, there are multiple positions. Therefore, shoes for basketball have three types in tops, i.e., high, mid, and low tops. You can pick one according to your position. For example, if you are a guard, you need speed, so you should choose a shoe with a low top. While, if you need to cover a specific location, you can pick the one with high tops.
In contrast, tennis needs quick movements to take shots on time. Also, unlike in basketball, there are no multiple positions in tennis. Therefore, tennis shoes have only low tops to offer maximum flexibility so you can move fast without getting pressure on joints.
2. Sole Design
As basketball involve frequent jumping, players need extra balance and grip. Therefore, the soles designed for basketball shoes are thick and heavy. Also, professional basketball players prefer customized soles according to their foot size and design to ensure a perfect fit and maximum foot support in case of any injury.
Conversely, the tennis shoes are pretty lighter due to game requirements. In tennis, players must move faster to hit the ball on time. Therefore, a lightweight sole lets them move faster while maintaining the necessary support and comfort. However, traction of sole depends on the playing location. Shoes designed for indoor play have thin and low traction soles to avoid scratches on the court floor. In contrast, outdoor shoes have thin yet high traction soles to provide balance.
The sole of a basketball shoe is designed to make forward movements, while the sole of a tennis shoe protects during side to side movement.
3. Weight
At first glance, you can surly differentiate between a tennis and basketball shoe based on their weight. Tennis shoes are lighter than basketball shoes. In tennis, players need to make heavy movements to get desired results. Therefore, these shoes are made up of lighter material as well as thin soles reduce additional weight to offer the required functionality.
On the other side, a basketball player needs extra support, traction, and durability because he/she has to jump and move faster simultaneously. To provide necessary functionality, basketball shoes are made of heavy material as well as have thick soles. That’s why these shoes are heavier than tennis shoes.
4. Midsole
The midsole is the central cushioning in the shoe that enables you to play for hours by providing maximum comfort. To maintain pace in basketball games, players have to jump more often. Therefore, basketball shoes have thick cushioning to get good support. While, in the case of tennis players, they have to take quick actions, thick cushioning can hinder the speed. Therefore, shoes designed for tennis have a thin midsole that provides maximum movement without compromising comfort.
How to Choose Basketball Shoes?
You need to consider multiple factors before putting your hand on any shoes. As a basketball player, you have to jump more often to make a goal or stop your competitor from making a goal. In all conditions, your feet require proper cushioning and high traction to ensure a slip-free experience and a solid build to stay with you in a longer run. However, there are some significant points that you should keep in mind while stepping into a shop.
- First of all, consider your position and playing style while picking the upper part of your shoes. If you are an aggressive player and need extra support, select shoes with a high top. On the other hand, pick a shoe with low tops if your game demands speed with some backing. In mid of that, if you are a player who plays in multiple positions, then pick a shoe with a mid top, as it will support you without hindering your speed.
- Next, look for a suitable shoe weight according to your needs. If your demand is speed, then choose a lighter one with a thin sole. However, a heavy shoe with more traction can be the right pick for an aggressive player.
- Pick a shoe with appropriate cushioning. A heavy yet hard cushioning provides support. However, never go for too hard mid sole; try to make a balance between support and comfort.
- Based on your ground location, if you are looking for a shoe for indoor play, then you need low traction to reduce court damage. However, a shoe with a more grippy sole is recommended for an outdoor game.
- Lastly, look at your appearance and weight. If you are a person with a long height and heavy weight, then choose a weighted shoe because your shoe has to bear more pressure. In contrast, a thin yet active player needs a lighter shoe.
All these mentioned points are essential to boost your ground performance, so keep them in mind while shopping for a new basketball shoe.
How to Choose Tennis Shoes?
The right tennis shoe surely improves your performance on the tennis court; therefore, looking at these points before purchasing your shoes is essential.
- Tennis is a game where quick reflexes determine the end result. So, always choose a lightweight shoe with a thin sole. If you pick a shoe with heavy weight, then it will reduce your speed hence your productivity.
- Look at your physical existence, whether you have a heavy or average weight level. Based on this factor, choose the sole of your shoe as this part bears the most pressure among all shoe parts.
Can You Play Tennis With Basketball Shoes?
No, you should never wear basketball shoes while playing tennis as basketball shoes have a thick soles and are heavier than tennis shoes. Therefore, they will reduce your speed and negatively affect your game performance.
Which shoe has the best sole? basketball vs tennis shoes
There is no clear answer to this question as the quality of each sole depends on its utility. Tennis shoes should have a thin sole to move swiftly on the court, while basketball shoes should have a thick sole to absorb extra pressure from jumping. However, if we generally look at the sole quality, the sole of a basketball shoe is more dense and provides maximum traction. So we can say that the sole of a basketball shoe is better.
Can you play basketball in tennis shoes?
Tennis shoes have a thin sole and a low top. However, they give high movement but low traction. Also, these shoes cannot bear the pressure of jumping. You can play basketball with these shoes, but still, these will wear out soon because of high stress.
How often should you change basketball shoes?
There is no fixed time; instead, it depends on your activity level and your physique. If you play basketball five days a week and have a heavy body, then according to research, you should change after every month. On the other hand, if you are not as regular, then you can keep these shoes for six months or more based on shoe condition.
Shoes are key to good performance, whether it is basketball or tennis. Therefore, each game required shoes with specific qualities based on their playing style. If you are confused between basketball and tennis shoes, now you know that there is a considerable difference in the upper part, sole, and weight. As the difference is clear, then it’s time to visit the market while keeping all your requirements and pick a shoe that adds to your performance as well as to your personality.
