Q1: WHAT IS AN INDOOR COURT SHOE?

This is from Leona Breyer of Washington, DC.

Hi, I am learning to play netball but can’t see much of a difference between netball shoes, volleyball shoes and running shoes? What’s the difference and can I play in any indoor court shoes?

To answer any question, we ask our industry colleagues, delve into the research and / or conduct tests. So, let’s see why we have court shoes….

Received this from a colleague? 🧑🏻👩🏼‍🦲👵🏽👳🏾‍♂️👧🏿

WHY THE QUESTION?

Clearly we can play volleyball, netball and basketball with running shoes, many people do (possibly more than those that wear court specific shoes), so why do we have to pay more for indoor court shoes? Do they make a difference and is that value for money?

Let’s have a look…

Running Shoes:

Running Trainers are designed to provide comfort, support, and cushioning for the repetitive motion of running. They are optimized for forward motion and impact absorption.

Running shoes are designed to be worn for hours (think of marathon times) and have a versatile sole for various terrains, including pavement, trails, and tracks.

Running shoes typically have extra cushioning in the midsole and heel areas to help absorb the shock generated during running. This helps to reduce the impact on your joints and muscles.

Running shoes are often designed with materials that promote airflow to keep your feet cool and dry during extended periods of physical activity.

Running shoes may have a heel drop (the difference in height between the heel and toe) that varies depending on the type of running shoe (neutral, stability, etc.).

All of this means that running shoes are optimized for forward motion activities outdoors. We are often told as sports equipment designers to remove what is unnecessary; to reduce cost and weight. Hence, there is little need to include a lot of stabilisation for lateral movements required of indoor shoes…

Indoor Trainers (Court Shoes):

Indoor trainers, also known as court shoes, are designed for indoor sports such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, netball, and indoor soccer.

They are intended to provide grip and support for lateral movements and quick changes of direction. Their main aim is to stabilise the foot to prevent roll (ankle and foot) on a flat surface, this is usually termed “lateral support”.

The outsole of indoor trainers often features a non-marking rubber or gum sole that provides good traction on indoor surfaces like hardwood, rubber, or tile.

Since indoor trainers are often used on abrasive indoor surfaces, they may have reinforced areas or materials to withstand the wear and tear from quick movements and stops.

While some court shoes may have cushioning, it is generally not as extensive as what you would find in dedicated running shoes, as the impact forces are different.

The functions are quite different, but is there a difference between court shoes?

What’s the difference between basketball, volleyball & netball court shoes?

While these shoes may share some similarities, they have distinct features tailored to the unique demands of each sport.

Netball Shoes:

• Excellent Lateral Support: There is a lot of focus on lateral support in netball shoes. Brands create terms such as TRUSSTIC™ (Asics) & MAGWIRE (Nike) to indicate that they have taken this function seriously and have dedicated time to optimising lateral support.

• A Touch of Cushioning: These shoes often feature cushioning in the forefoot and heel areas to absorb impact during jumping and landing. However, the cushioning might not be as extensive as in running shoes.

• Additional Durability: Netball shoes are built to withstand the wear and tear of indoor court play, including the abrasive movements and stops.

Volleyball Shoes:

• Best Indoor Cushioning and Shock Absorption: Volleyball shoes usually have cushioning in the midsole to absorb the shock from jumping and landing, which is a critical aspect of volleyball. The cushioning helps reduce the strain on the knees and ankles.

• Lightweight Design: Volleyball shoes are often more lightweight than other indoor shoes to enable players to move quickly and jump effectively without feeling weighed down.

• Non-Marking Outsole: Volleyball shoes are designed with outsoles that provide grip on indoor court surfaces without leaving marks. This is important to maintain the condition of the playing surface.

Basketball Shoes:

• Ankle Support: Basketball shoes are known for their high-top design, which provides ankle support and helps reduce the risk of ankle injuries during dynamic movements on the court.

• Mid-sole Cushioning and Impact Protection: Basketball shoes have substantial cushioning in the midsole to absorb the impact from running, jumping, and landing. Some models even incorporate advanced cushioning technologies.

• Versatility: While primarily designed for basketball, many basketball shoes can also be worn casually due to their stylish designs.

In summary, netball shoes, volleyball shoes, and basketball shoes are designed with the specific needs of their respective sports in mind. There are subtle differences which will make you perform better if you wear the correct type of footwear for the given sport.

• Running shoes for indoor sports = NO!

• Court shoes for all indoor sports = Beginners only if cost is a factor

• Specific court shoe = Definitely for the competitive athlete

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