What are non-marking shoes for?
Every activity comes with its own specific shoe. Understandably, indoor and outdoor sports require different equipment. While hiking calls for some sturdy, rugged shoes, running requires something light and soft. For many indoor sports, there is a specific type of shoe that many choose because of its surprisingly soft and comfortable sole. Non-marking shoes are very popular among tennis players, as well as badminton, handball, basketball, and volleyball enthusiasts.
These shoes are perfect for all types of indoor sports because of their soft soles that aren’t only comfortable, but also don’t damage the floor like the classical shoes worn outside.
As we can read on sportsuncle.com, the sole of these shoes is made from some sort of rubber-like material that provides maximum friction and easy movement which is vital for such fast-paced sports like tennis where there are a lot of quick changes of direction and explosive movements. The reason they’re called non-marking shoes is that they leave no trace on the floor unlike the shoes with hard soles. Another surprising occasion when you might want to put on your shoes on is when you’re going on a boat. Many leave footprints all over it and cleaning it afterward can be difficult, but with these shoes, you won’t leave any marks at all.
How to recognize a non-marking shoe?
You need only your finger and a piece of paper. One easy way to see if your shoes come with non-marking soles, is by pressing your thumb or your fingernail into the sole and checking whether or not the sole remains dented. If the sole returns quickly to its previous shape, you’re holding a non-marking shoe. However, if the dent remains there or is recovering slowly, then you’re not dealing with a non-marking ones.
Another way to test your shoe is by pressing the sole on a clean piece of paper and rubbing it so you don’t tear the paper. If the paper remains clean after you remove the shoe, then you have a non-marking shoe.
How to choose your non-marking shoe
This mainly depends on what you’re going to be using it for. However, it is important that your shoes are lightweight and provide good grip and traction. The soft, cushioned sole will absorb the impact and spare your knees and ankles, while the ergonomic shape of the shoe will provide good support and stability for your feet and minimize the risk of injuries. This means you stay comfortable, flexible, and free.
There are some differences among shoes for different sports. While badminton shoes provide almost no lateral support and are extremely light, shoes made for volleyball can range between 9.2 and 15 oz, and have a good ankle support. Volleyball shoes have paddings in the front because of the constant jumping.
There are many different types of tennis shoes since tennis is played on many different surfaces such as clay, synthetic, concrete, or grass, while badminton is mainly played inside.
People usually wonder whether they could use their non-marking shoes outside and the answer is yes, you can. However, keep in mind that doing so might damage them.
