The Best Shoes for Every Sport: Running, Basketball, Tennis, and More

The Best Shoes (And Socks) For Every Sport

Shoes are the most important piece of equipment in just about any sport. Whether you’re running, golfing, playing basketball, or doing yoga, proper footwear is a must. The right pair of kicks doesn’t just improve your game – they ensure that you don’t get injured, and they just make you look cool.

To help find the right pair of shoes for the job, we rounded up the best shoes for every sport from Nike, Adidas, Asics, and more.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock
Running: Asics GEL-Quantum 360 Knit

Asics are favorited by serious runners because they provide support, and they last more miles than running shoes from Nike or Adidas. These GEL-Quantum’s are Asics’ newest release, featuring a modern knit fabric that provides top-notch breathability and all-around comfort.

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Image courtesy of Asics
Basketball: Nike LeBron Soldier XII

Nike’s LeBron basketball shoes will get you as close as you’ll ever get to playing like The King. They’re super lightweight, and the strap system makes them incredibly secure for responsiveness.

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Image courtesy of Nike
Football: Under Armour Spotlight MC

For footballers at any level, we recommend these Under Armour Spotlights. Their knit ankle gives a snug fit, while TPU fibers enforce the upper for explosive breakaways down the field.

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Image courtesy of Under Armour
Golf: Adidas Tech Response 4.0WD

We like these golf shoes from Adidas because they offer the grip and comfort you need on the golf course, but they look modern enough to wear in the club restaurant. Plus, they’re one of the highest rated golf shoes on Amazon with 4.5 stars and over 500 reviews.

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Image courtesy of Amazon
Hiking: Columbia Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoe

Unless you’re doing some serious trekking, lightweight hiking shoes are going to be better than boots. This pair is from Columbia, the go-to brand for everything outdoorsy, and they’re great all-around shoes for any adventure.

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Image courtesy of Amazon
Tennis: Nike Court Lite

Tennis shoes need to be lightweight and breathable, and these ones from Nike achieve both, thanks to their leather and mesh construction, and molded foam footbed. The rubber sole won’t scuff up the courts either. Ace!

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Image courtesty of Zappos
Training: PUMA Tsugi Apex evoKNIT

A great pair of training shoes doesn’t just make you look like a pro; they let you train like one. These knit Puma’s do just that with a super snug fit and a cushioned sole for jumping, lunging, balancing, and anything else your trainer might have you do.

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Image courtesy of Zappos.com
Yoga: Qing Outdoor Yoga Socks

Grip sole yoga socks provide better traction than going barefoot, and save your fellow yogis from stinky feet. If you don’t have any, try these from Amazon. They’re highly rated, and purpose built for yoga and pilates.

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Image courtesy of Amazon
Cycling: Zol Predator Cycling Shoes

Whether you’re biking up a mountain or breaking a sweat in SoulCycle, you’ll want a great pair of cycling shoes that clip into the pedals. With clip-in shoes, you distribute the workload to more muscles, letting you push yourself harder and get a much better workout.

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Image courtesy of Amazon
Baseball: New Balance COMPv1

These baseball cleats from New Balance keep you agile and ready to to take-off at any second. They utilize innovative plastic spikes that feel like metal, but don’t weigh you down.

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Image courtesy of New Balance
Skateboarding: Vans CHIMA PRO 2

Skating demands a stylish sneaker that can handle continued wear. We highly recommend this pair from pro skater Chima Ferguson because they feature a reinforced toe that won’t break open, and a classic skate style that you can wear around outside the skatepark, too.

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Image courtesy of Vans

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Soccer: Adidas Nemeziz Messi

These soccer cleats feature a soft agility mesh upper for ball control and responsiveness, as well as dual lock collar for ankle stability. They also leave Leo Messi’s signature footprint, which any soccer fan will appreciate.

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Image courtesy of Amazon

The Best Shoes (And Socks) For Every Sport

Running: Asics GEL-Quantum 360 Knit

Basketball: Nike LeBron Soldier XII

Football: Under Armour Spotlight MC

Golf: Adidas Tech Response 4.0WD

Hiking: Columbia Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoe

Tennis: Nike Court Lite

Training: PUMA Tsugi Apex evoKNIT

Yoga: Qing Outdoor Yoga Socks

Cycling: Zol Predator Cycling Shoes

Baseball: New Balance COMPv1

Skateboarding: Vans CHIMA PRO 2

Soccer: Adidas Nemeziz Messi