Shoes should be basketball-specific, with lots of ankle support and shock absorption. Some high-tops offer more ankle support than others. Shoes should fit well and be replaced before the soles become smooth or before the uppers begin to come apart. Proper shoes are essential equipment, second in importance only to the bike. The lack of shank support in sneakers allows the arch to collapse, which can cause arch pain or tendon problems.
Serious riders invest in shoes designed specifically for racing or mountain biking.
To heighten performance, biking shoes are used with toe clips, which hold feet to the pedals and capitalize on the leg's full range of motion. The use of clips and the sophistication of their design separate the casual rider from the more serious biker. Once, golf shoes were wing-tip oxfords with spikes. Today, shoes are constructed using basic principles of athletic footwear. Some even incorporate technological innovations such as graphite shank reinforcements, which keep them light and add strength.