Sneakers and athletic shoes, what are the differences?

You’re hesitating between sneakers and athletic shoes: what are the differences? And can you wear both during sports and for casual occasions? You sometimes can't tell just by looking at the shoe. In fact, many wear a pair of athletic shoes during casual moments, while playing sports on sneakers that aren’t meant for that activity. Want to know how to get it right? We figured it out for you!

There are actually differences between sneakers and athletic shoes. It's important to keep the two well apart. That way, you avoid mixing up the different styles. More importantly, you prevent exercising on a shoe that is actually meant for walking around town in comfort, which might cause injuries.

Sporty shoes

A pair of sporty sneakers is somewhat different from athletic shoes you can actually wear for sports. It has to do with how the sneakers are constructed. For example, while playing sports, it is important that they provide sufficient cushioning, grip and stability. This is much less important in a casual shoe. Therefore, pay attention not only to the looks, but also the materials and more functional features of the shoes. This way you can find out whether they are sports shoes or sneakers. Only athletic shoes offer you the support and the extras you need to exercise. A sneaker basically does not, because it isn’t meant to.

For sports or more casual

So are you thinking about a new pair of shoes? Consider whether you're looking for sneakers with bright colors for a great look, or whether you actually want to play sports on them. By keeping this in mind, you'll avoid buying the wrong shoes and getting injuries while working out.

Sports shoes with great looks

The other way around, however, isn’t harmful. You can easily choose athletic shoes for regular wear. There are many athletic shoes available that have great looks. They actually look like sneakers on the outside, yet they are not constructed the same way. They offer more grip and stability for example, as they’re actually intended for sports. Furthermore, keep in mind that athletic shoes are generally a bit stiffer. This way, they ensure that your feet get the right support and guidance, for the different movements you want to make.

Sneakers with a sporty look

Sneakers, on the other hand, often have a soft sole. After all, these are meant to be nice and comfortable to walk on, whether casual or more formally. This means that the shoes should offer comfort, and thus are quite different in functional design from athletic shoes. On the other hand, a pair of sneakers can look like a pair of sports shoes. You do choose the sporty looks, but not the stiffness and support.

Buying sneakers and sports shoes

So do you want to buy a pair of sneakers or are you looking for athletic shoes? Keep in mind that they are quite different. We work with more than 100 online stores. That means you will find online both sporty sneakers and actual shoes for sports. Browse and compare them, by listing the different brands and models. This way we will help you make a good choice. Then, of course, you can easily order the sports shoes as well as the (sporty) sneakers online.

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Get inspired, compare and purchase clothes and shoes safely and easily online at Dressed.com.