Choosing sports shoes by sport, not by brand
Which sports shoes do you need? What changes between running, training, court, football and hiking shoes, which suits which sport, and what to pay.
Running shoes at the gym, wobbling under a squat. Gym shoes on the netball court, sliding on the first quick turn. Old takkies on the hiking trail. The same pair you wore to the braai, now on the five-a-side pitch. Most of us own one pair of "sports shoes" and ask it to do every sport, and most of us have the sore ankles to show for it.
Each sport loads your feet differently, and shoes are built for those loads. This guide covers what changes between the main types sold in South Africa, which shoe suits which sport, and what to pay, so the brand becomes the last decision rather than the first.
What to decide first: which sports shoes you need
List the sports you do every week, not every year. Then rank them by time spent. The top one gets its own proper shoe. If you do two sports with similar demands (say, gym classes and occasional running), one shoe may cover both. If they're very different (running and netball), they need separate pairs.
Running shoes
Soft cushioning and a raised heel for repeated forward strides. Great for running and walking, poor under a barbell or on quick turns, because soft foam shifts under load. If running is your main sport, our running shoe guide covers picking a pair, and road or trail running shoes covers which surface you need.
Training and gym shoes
Flatter, firmer soles for a stable base under weights, reinforced sides for lateral moves, and a grippy outsole for classes. They're the right shoe for gym, CrossFit-style classes and circuit training. They're too firm for long runs, so use them for short treadmill warm-ups only.
Court shoes
Built for quick stops and side steps, with lateral support, durable toe areas and outsoles made for the surface. Netball shoes add cushioning for all the jumping and landing. Tennis and padel shoes differ by outsole, and our padel or tennis shoe guide covers that choice.
Football boots
Studs for grip, a close fit for ball control, and versions for different surfaces: firm ground (FG) for dry natural grass, artificial ground (AG) for synthetic pitches, multi-ground (MG) for both, and turf (TF) shoes for short-pile astro. For five-a-side on short astro, turf shoes with small rubber studs are the safer pick. Wearing the wrong stud on the wrong surface wears the boot faster and can be hard on knees and ankles. Entry and mid-level boots suit most social and school players; the top-tier versions are lighter and pricier.
Hiking shoes
Deeper, stickier outsoles for loose ground, a protective toe, and a stiffer build for rough trails. Low hiking shoes suit day hikes on good paths; mid boots add ankle support for heavier packs and rocky ground. Waterproof linings help in wet weather and run warm in summer.
| Shoe type | Best for | Price band |
|---|---|---|
| Running | Running, walking | R2,000 to R3,500 |
| Training | Gym, classes, lifting | R1,600 to R3,300 |
| Court | Netball | R1,800 to R3,500 |
| Football boots | Social and school football | R1,300 to R3,500 |
| Hiking | Day hikes and trails | R1,100 to R1,800 |
Where the deals are
Shoe brands bring out new colours each season, and last season's pairs get marked down while sizes last. A big discount on boots with the wrong surface code, or in a size you can't wear, saves you nothing. Filter by size and sport first, then look at the percentage.
Sports deals on THE REAL DEAL are ranked by REALRANK™, which reads six signals: how deep the discount is, how much it saves in rand, how the price compares to other shops, whether the brand is one people search for, how recently the price dropped, and whether it's in stock across sizes.
Before you pay
Try shoes on in the afternoon, when feet are slightly bigger, wearing the socks you'll play in. Check the return terms on worn shoes, because most shops only take back unworn pairs with tags on. For football boots, check the surface code (FG, AG, MG or TF) matches where you play.
Before you buy, Check The Deal. Shop great sports deals, verified and ranked by REALRANK™.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use running shoes for the gym?
For cardio, yes. For lifting and side-to-side moves, training shoes are more stable and safer.
What is the difference between training and running shoes?
Running shoes are soft and cushioned for forward strides. Training shoes are flatter and firmer for stability under weights and lateral moves.
What do FG, AG and MG mean on football boots?
Firm ground for dry natural grass, artificial ground for synthetic pitches, and multi-ground for both. For short five-a-side astro, turf (TF) shoes are the safer pick.
Do I need hiking boots or will trainers do?
On easy, dry paths, trainers can do. On rocky or wet trails, or with a heavy pack, hiking shoes or boots give better grip and protection.
Where are the best sports shoe deals in South Africa?
THE REAL DEAL ranks live sports deals from the shops we track by REALRANK™.
Sources
- Bash, running shoes range (price bands), read 21 October 2026
- Bash, gym and training shoes range (price bands), read 22 October 2026
- Bash, netball shoes range (price bands), read 22 October 2026
- Bash, soccer boots range (price bands), read 22 October 2026
- Bash, hiking shoes range (price bands), read 22 October 2026
- Sportsmans Warehouse returns, refunds and exchanges policy, read 19 October 2026
Written by Dean. Reviewed 27 October 2026. Price bands are for a decent option at full price, rounded, and change; the live deals show today's prices. Some links earn THE REAL DEAL a commission. Placement buys visibility, it never touches REALRANK™.