If you’re someone who likes to try new sports and activities, you’ve likely run into a situation where you don’t necessarily have the recommended equipment, but you try and make do with what you have. After all, why would you want to spend hundreds of dollars on things that you’re not sure if you’ll be using in a few months’ time?
One of the more common occurrences that we’re alluding to is between running and basketball. It happens a lot with people who are just looking to get into basketball, but only have running shoes. However, it is also common for people who grew up playing basketball to not have proper running shoes.
If you’re trying to take basketball seriously, it makes sense to try and increase your stamina by running long distances and doing sprint drills. But is it safe to do these exercises in basketball shoes?
The short answer is, if you’re going to be taking running seriously, you should not do it in basketball shoes. There is a reason why basketball shoes and running shoes were made distinctly different, and in this article, we will dive into the topic a little deeper to understand why that is.
Are Basketball Shoes Safe To Run In?
Yes, basketball shoes are safe to run in. In fact, basketball players usually run between 2 – 3 miles per game! However, playing on a basketball court involves a specific kind of running that isn’t the same as running for sport.
Typically, the maximum distance you’ll be running in one spurt is from one side of the court to the other, and the bulk of this running is sprinting or shuffling. Since basketball requires explosive movements, and is not always forward moving, the shoes are designed so that you have a lot of shock absorption and ankle support.
Below we’ve listed the key areas where each shoe should excel:
Basketball Shoe Key Characteristics
- Shock Absorption
- Ankle Support
- Wide + Flat Sole
- Grip
Running Shoe Key Characteristics
- Arch Support
- Insole Cushion
- Light Weight
- Flexibility
Running as a sport focuses on repeating the same motion over and over again, whereas basketball has a lot of irregular movements in quick intervals. Because basketball players are pushing off the floor with the sides of their feet explosively, ankle support, surface area, and grip are necessary to ensure the safety of the player. Runners need something that is light and allows the foot to move in natural ways (i.e. a shoe that is not as stiff as a basketball shoe).
Is It Legal To Wear Basketball Shoes When Running?
If you are running as a hobby, you can where any shoe that you want. When we look on the competitive stage, however, there are some regulations to keep in mind. World Athletics, the international governing body for running, states in its rulebook that any athletic shoe is legal as long as it sticks within the confines of the sole thickness. See the table below for more details.
| Running Event | Maximum Sole Thickness |
| Track Events (including hurdles) up to (but excluding) the 800m | 20mm |
| Track Events (including hurdles and steeplechase) 800m and above | 25mm |
| Cross-Country | 40mm |
| Road Events (Running and Race-Walking Events) | 25mm (spike shoe); 40mm |
| Mountain and Trail Races | Any Thickness |
As long as your basketball shoe’s sole thickness does not surpass the above thresholds for the event(s) you are looking to participate in, then you’re in the clear! Keep in mind though that for many of these races, lighter shoes work in your benefit. So, while some basketball shoes may be legal, they may not always be the best choice.