There are different categories of athletic shoes for optimum performance and they are as follows:
Walking:
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Lightweight
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Extra shock absorption in the heel (specifically in the ball of the foot)
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A slightly rounded sole or rocker bottom
Running/Jogging
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Lightweight
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Sufficient cushioning to absorb maximum shock
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Good heel control
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Upper mesh to keep feet cool
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Grip for single directional movement
![Picking the Right Shoes for the Right Sport 12 Nike_Free_4_0_2012_Womens_Running_Shoes_Hot_Sale](http://destinationksa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Nike_Free_4_0_2012_Womens_Running_Shoes_Hot_Sale.png)
Hiking:
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Sturdy and inflexible rubber soles
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Maximum shock absorption
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Very deep lugs for the most traction or shallow/widely spaced lugs for less grip.
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Raised heel sole (heel break) to reduce chances of sliding
![Picking the Right Shoes for the Right Sport 13 hiking-boots](http://destinationksa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/hiking-boots.png)
Aerobics/Exercising (Similar to running):
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Lightweight to prevent foot exhaustion
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Extra shock absorption in the sole.
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Work out on a carpet flooring
![Picking the Right Shoes for the Right Sport 14 Running-Shoes-Mens-Womens-Nike-Free-5.0-V2-Black-Silver](http://destinationksa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Running-Shoes-Mens-Womens-Nike-Free-5.0-V2-Black-Silver.png)
Football:
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Cleated, studded, bladed, or spiked outsoles
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A sports insole for further cushioning and support if needed
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Molded studs for hard ground and screw-in studs for soft ground for traction and movement.
![Picking the Right Shoes for the Right Sport 15 football-boots](http://destinationksa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/football-boots.png)
Tennis/Other Racquet Sports:
Outdoor:
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Mid-foot and ankle support
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Slightly light shock absorption
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Flexibility in the sole
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Good grip for multi-directional movements
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Low profile
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Cushioning in both front and back
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Made of durable rubber
Indoor: (Same as above, but..)
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Made of gum rubber
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Lighter
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More mesh on the upper part
![Picking the Right Shoes for the Right Sport 16 Photo Credit: sneakerdoctor.com](http://destinationksa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_0009_105.png)
Basketball:
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Moderately flat rubber soles that are wider with a herringbone pattern etched in to improve stability and traction for quick pivots, starts and stops. Thinner rubber for indoor and thicker for outdoors.
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A high-top shoe for extra support
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Maximum shock absorption
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Moderate flexibility
![Picking the Right Shoes for the Right Sport 17 Photo Credit: getpickshoes.com](http://destinationksa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Jordan-Prime-Mania-X-Mens-Air-Jordans-Basketball-Shoes-SD2-3516.png)
Golf:
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Less shock absorption
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Less flexibility.
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Spikes:
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Metal spikes (removable) to improve stability and traction on wet, irregular land.
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Soft spikes (detachable) for moderate traction
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Spike-less (non-detachable) with built-in rubber nubs on the shoe soles for more traction than regular street shoes.
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![Picking the Right Shoes for the Right Sport 18 Photo Credit: overstock.com](http://destinationksa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Nike-Mens-Lunar-Control-II-White-Blue-Venom-Green-Golf-Shoes-2839c360-b022-46cb-b9be-f7d6f0a6f30b.png)
Hockey:
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Stable and durable to offer protection from the hard ball
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A grip that is suitable for artificial grass
![Picking the Right Shoes for the Right Sport 19 Photo Credit: hfssport.com](http://destinationksa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/adidas_srs3_field_hockey_turf_shoe.png)
Resources:
http://www.sporting-feet.com/content/how-choose-sports-shoe
http://www.livestrong.com/article/345103-about-different-types-of-soles-for-sport-shoes