There are various kinds of shoes that are manufactured by an abundance of companies. Each kind has been designed for either a specific function or a particular activity. There are shoes that cater solely to running, others that have been made for the gym, and a few made for a specific sport.
It is always a good idea to buy the shoe according to your needs. This is because one’s feet are basically what supports the entire body. Thus extra care and protection should be provided to the feet so that you can tirelessly go about with your life.
Choosing the wrong shoe may result in extremely bad consequences as well. Some of the ailments that come along with wearing the wrong shoe include blistering, chaffing, and back pain. It can also increase existing problems including arthritis and pain in your hips, knees, feet and ankles.
Court shoes and cross trainers are two entirely different types of shoes. They have certain similarities but mainly have a lot of differences. There are some things you should keep in mind when deciding which one of these you should buy. We have mentioned those as well, to help you out.
What are Court Shoes?
Court shoes refer to trainers that have been made for a specific sport. They include both indoor and outdoor court shoes. These come in various types as well and a single pair can be worn for different kinds of sports too. Court shoes are fit to be worn by athletes in squash, tennis, basketball etc. Although each game has its own set of requirements, and it is considered a wise decision to have separate specific shoes for each a single set can be used across these as well. They are available for both men and women and are noticeably different from cross trainers.
What are Cross Trainers?
Cross training is an activity that combines various exercises together. Do not confuse it for cross-country running. However, it can be regarded as a practice or warming up activity for running. Cross training is a mixture of exercises such as cycling, strength training, running etc. What makes these cross trainers different is that they do not cater to a single exercise but rather can be used for a bunch of them. Basically, these are the kind of shoes that you can opt for if you want a single pair for various activities.
What is the main difference?
As stated above court shoes are made to be specific to exercises and activities related to an indoor or outdoor court whereas cross trainers can be used for many activities. The difference is in their functionality. This means that the shoes have been designed in a different manner and will have marked differences in their specifications.
The Differences
Mentioned below in a tabular form are the differences that will help you easily compare the two types of shoes.
| PROPERTY | CROSS TRAINERS | COURT SHOES |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Cross trainers are made for all kinds of activities. This is why they provide a lot of flexibility. You can do lateral as well as heel to toe movement easily in these shoes. | Sports that take place in courts require more sideways movement rather than front to back ones. This is why these shoes provide enough flexibility that your feet can move laterally without being injured or sprained. |
| Durability | The durability although depends on the quality of the material of the shoe. But, as these get used a lot for different exercises, they undergo a high level of duress which may cause them to lose shape or get worn out as compared to shoes that are specific. | An athlete that wears these shoes is most likely to use them only on the court. This increases their lifespan and makes them comparatively more durable than the cross trainers. |
| Functionality | The name says it all. Cross trainers have been designed for various uses thus they can function as gym shoes, running shoes as well as cycling shoes etc. | These can be used for sports that are played on the court. They cannot be used for other activities that have heel to toe movement as no support is provided for that particular function. |
| Weight | These are a little on the heavier side as they help with maintaining your balance. | These are lighter than cross trainers but not as light as running shoes as some sort of traction is necessary when it comes to court activities. |
| Insoles and Outsoles | Cross trainers have solid slip free soles as they are used in weightlifting as well. The soles provide both a cushioning effect and stability to your movements. | The insoles are usually made of gum rubber, while the outsoles have treads and a wider base so that you can wear them easily and not fall while you play. Different court shoes may have some varying tread patterns and outsole flexibility depending on what the sport is. |
| Presence of any specific feature | There are no specific features present as this shoe is more of a general choice for different activities. | The midsole is flatter to increase stability. Court shoes may also have non marking outsoles to make for a smooth use. |
Which one to go for?
The simple answer to this question is both of them. It really depends on what your usage is. Once you identify what you need the shoe for, choosing the shoe becomes a piece of cake. The court shoes are best for court-related sports, while if you are preparing for a marathon go with the cross trainers.