There are different categories of athletic shoes for optimum performance and they are as follows:

Walking:

• Lightweight

• Extra shock absorption in the heel (specifically in the ball of the foot)

• A slightly rounded sole or rocker bottom

Running/Jogging

• Lightweight

• Sufficient cushioning to absorb maximum shock

• Good heel control

• Upper mesh to keep feet cool

• Grip for single directional movement

Hiking:

• Sturdy and inflexible rubber soles

• Maximum shock absorption

• Very deep lugs for the most traction or shallow/widely spaced lugs for less grip.

• Raised heel sole (heel break) to reduce chances of sliding

Aerobics/Exercising (Similar to running):

• Lightweight to prevent foot exhaustion

• Extra shock absorption in the sole.

• Work out on a carpet flooring

Football:

• Cleated, studded, bladed, or spiked outsoles

• A sports insole for further cushioning and support if needed

• Molded studs for hard ground and screw-in studs for soft ground for traction and movement.

Tennis/Other Racquet Sports:

Outdoor:

• Mid-foot and ankle support

• Slightly light shock absorption

• Flexibility in the sole

• Good grip for multi-directional movements

• Low profile

• Cushioning in both front and back

• Made of durable rubber

Indoor: (Same as above, but..)

• Made of gum rubber

• Lighter

• More mesh on the upper part

Basketball:

• 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.

• A high-top shoe for extra support

• Maximum shock absorption

• Moderate flexibility

Golf:

• Less shock absorption

• Less flexibility.

• Spikes:

  • Metal spikes (removable) to improve stability and traction on wet, irregular land.

  • Soft spikes (detachable) for moderate traction

  • Spike-less (non-detachable) with built-in rubber nubs on the shoe soles for more traction than regular street shoes.

Hockey:

• Stable and durable to offer protection from the hard ball

• A grip that is suitable for artificial grass

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