The short answer to whether you can play basketball in running shoes is: Yes, you can. After all, running shoes enable you to move and spring off hard surfaces. However, the real question is whether you should wear running shoes for basketball given the negative impact on comfort, performance and safety. Ultimately, if you want to both run and play basketball with the same shoes, you should opt for a cross-trainer. Running shoes tend to be lightweight and made of thin material. They're designed to cushion the foot when hitting the floor but to be as as flexible as possible. The best running shoes feel like you're wearing hardly anything at all. The only really useful aspect of running shoe design as far as basketball is concerned is the cushioned sole, but even these are usually light and bendable. Using inappropriate footwear for basketball carries risks to your safety. The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine points out that bad shoes can lead to problems in the lower back, leg, hip and, of course, ankle.

These issues become more serious the longer you play basketball in running shoes. When you land from a rebound in a crowd of players all scrabbling for the ball, flimsy running shoes could mean you're injured before the end of the quarter. Hold a running shoe next to a basketball shoe and you'll see an obvious difference. While the running shoe is small and light, the basketball shoe is tall, stiff and relatively bulky. The sole is rigid and thick and the ankle high. This is to allow you to perform the regular stops and starts in a basketball game without turning your ankle or putting pressure on your feet. About 68 percent of NBA players use the high-topped shoe style, according to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. Only 10 percent use the low style -- though this is still not the same as a running shoe since the sole and sides are stiffer and more durable. If you're worried that a basketball shoe is too bulky for you to play fast, choose a different style of basketball shoe.

For example, according to Dick's Sporting Goods you can find heavy power shoes for forward players, lighter all-around shoes for general play and a super-light basketball shoe for faster players and point guards.sneaker shoes online india Gain 2 pounds per weeknike track shoes mens Gain 1.5 pounds per weekcheap purple mens nike shoes Gain 1 pound per weekbest nike football shoes 2014 Gain 0.5 pound per weekcheap nike free shoes from china Maintain my current weightnike shoes running pink

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The Effects of Shoe Weight on Running Speed Trail Running Shoes Vs. Running ShoesBasketball players are regularly breaking out the latest performance sneakers, and the best of them are even be lucky enough to have their own signature shoe. In rare occurrences, the unwritten rule of the game is broken and players wear footwear that isn't designed specifically for contemporary basketball. There are guys like Rasheed Wallace, who continues to wear the retro Nike Air Force 1 , utilizing technology that is three decades old. Then there's players who step away from basketball shoes altogether and go for something more interesting. The most popular non-basketball sneaker for college and pro courts is the crosstrainer, which is understandable since Tinker Hatfield first invented the style as a multipurpose shoe which would be suitable for basketball, running, and other gym activities. Most recently, stars like Nate Robinson and Iman Shumpert have been spotted in limited and sought-after collabs, just to switch into more performance-driven footwear for the remainder of the game.

Robinson showed off his Yeezys, while Shumpert flaunted the adidas x Jeremy Scott JS Bear, both obviously not made for the court. But these aren't the only examples that will surprise you. What follows is a selection of some of the surprisingly productive examples of players in non-basketball sneakers throughout the years. Riley Jones is a journalism student from Charlottesville, VA. With an unshakable affinity for basketball and all things '90s, he can be found on Twitter @rchrstphr. strong BARGAIN BUY: The 10 Best Training Sneaker Deals of the Week strong The 25 Best Basketball Sneakers from the Past 5 Years 02/09/ 11 vs. Milwaukee Bucks Notable Moment: Twelve points and eight rebounds made Blatche just as versatile as these crosstrainers. Nike's Huarache line has always been well-received by basketball players, but this trainer variation wasn't intended to be worn on the hardwood. Regardless, the 2010 Nike Zoom Huarache Trainer was a hit across the boards, scoring with players and sneakerheads alike.

An update to the original Huarache Trainer from the '90s, this version was tweaked with new performance traits like Zoom Air cushioning, a breathable Torch sockliner, and new materials. The Nike Zoom Huarache TR received a considerable amount of love on NBA courts, getting play time from Amar'e Stoudemire, Courtney Lee, Gilbert Arenas, and Washington's Andray Blatche (pictured). Date: 03/17/97 vs. Charlotte Hornets Notable Moment: Usually known for his passing, Stockton exploded in these Agassi's for 23 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds. This 1996 model was actually Andre Agassi's signature shoe at the time. Utilizing Zoom Air, which has remained popular on the hardwood, and a court-friendly traction pattern, there's no question why the all-time NBA assists leader chose this speedy trainer. Date: 03/31/96 vs. Mississippi State Notable Moment: Wallace put up 21 points in these crosstrainers made famous by NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino. The Nike Air Max Speed Turf was popular in the NFL during the '90s when fields were made of Astro Turf.

Due to the density of the artificial turf, players were able to wear crosstrainers and basketball sneakers without cleats, something you'd never see in today's atmosphere. But the Air Max Speed Turf also got some love on NCAA Basketball courts thanks to John Wallace, who led Syracuse to a National Championship in 1996 but had a disappointing career in the NBA. No. 2 - Amar'e Stoudemire x "STAT" Nike Zoom Huarache TR Date: 12/25/10 vs. Chicago Bulls Notable Moment: Ruling the court with an all around stellar performance: 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 blocks in a custom pair of Huarache Trainers. Before Nike hooked Amar'e up with his own NY-themed basketball models, he turned heads in these Zoom Huarache Trainers. Amar'e clearly enjoyed the Zoom Air cushioning and lightweight feel, because he wore them for months in three different Knicks colorways. Date: 12/07/10 vs. Los Angeles Lakers Notable Moment: Scoring 23 points in the NBA while wearing a high-end designer sneaker is all that needs to be said.