There are a lot of great options for kickboxing shoes, and it is an important part of your training. When you are kickboxing, you pivot and twist a lot, and you need shoes that provide the right support without limiting your range of motion. Continue reading to learn all about the best shoes for kickboxing.
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What to Look for Before Purchase
When you are kickboxing, it is important to keep your balance. Your kickboxing shoes will help you with this. They should be lightweight so that you can move around as you need to, but they should also be flexible so that they move with your feet. When it comes to kickboxing, you need to move quickly, and the shoes should accommodate this. You will also expect to find a light layer of foam to provide protection for your joints.
You can find kickboxing shoes with high-cut or mid-cut support for your ankles, as well as shoes with low-cut designs if movement is your priority. Also, you should find the style that is best for your needs. Consider the following features when you are choosing the best shoes for kickboxing.
Durable
When you are kickboxing, you are constantly moving around the ring. Even in training, you rarely stand still. Make sure that you choose shoes that are built to handle this activity. If you choose a durable pair of shoes, they will last longer.
Supportive
One of the primary goals of kickboxing shoes is to provide support for your feet and ankles. When you are kickboxing, your body works hard and your ankles and feet go through a lot of stress. You want as much support as possible while still having flexibility with these shoes.
Breathable
You should try to find kickboxing shoes with small holes that promote breathability. They may offer air circulation so that your feet don’t get too sweaty, and you will be much more comfortable. You won’t slip, and it is better for your feet.
Cushion
You also want some cushion in your shoes. Kickboxing is an indoor sport, so you won’t have any outdoor issues. However, you want to make sure that there is cushioning under the ball of your foot. This will help lessen the impact when you jump on the hard floor.
Flexible
In a perfect world, your kickboxing shoes will feel like they are a part of your foot. They need to be flexible so that you can bend your feet, point your toes, and move the same way you can when you are not wearing shoes. The shoes should fit like a glove.
Lightweight
You want to avoid any shoes that are heavy, as they will slow you down. If the shoe is flexible and minimalist, it will be naturally lightweight, and it will not get in your way when you are moving around the ring.
Your Feet
You need to consider your own feet when you are choosing a shoe. You want these shoes to fit like a glove, so they should feel perfect on your foot in terms of size, width, and shape. It is important to know whether your arches are flat, high, or in the middle, and you should know whether your feet are wide, narrow, or medium.
You should have room for your toes, but they should be snug. Adjustable shoes are a great option because you can make them fit your feet just right.
You can find kickboxing shoes, but many people also kickbox barefoot. Some people go barefoot but still wear guards, but if you want to protect your feet and your ankles, you can find shoes designed specifically for kickboxing. You can use Taekwondo shoes or minimalist shoes as well, as they are designed for these quick movements around the ring. The best shoes for kickboxing will offer support and comfort without interference. Take a look at the following:
Our List of the Best Kickboxing Shoes
After several hours of comparing and reviewing, we have selected these twelve winners for our readers.
1) Ringside Diablo Wrestling Boxing Shoes
If you want protection, this boxing shoe is one of the best options. You can choose from black, blue, red, or white, and they are made of leather vinyl that is durable but not stiff. They have a low-top ankle for excellent support, but they don’t interfere with your movement at all. They make this shoe for men and women.
*Details last updated on 2023-03-16
Your feet will stay comfortable because they are made with a nylon mesh that is breathable. They also have a non-slip rubber sole, so that they are comfortable and they allow you to pivot while protecting your ankles. You can kick, pivot, and move around the ring without any trouble in these shoes.
They come in men’s sizes, and they do offer pink in women’s sizes. They are affordable, and they can be used for boxing or wrestling, too. You will find them lightweight and easy to wear all around the ring. They are also adjustable, and they have a lace up design that allows you to get a good fit. People are satisfied with the quality of this pair of shoes for kickboxing, and they look great at a reasonable price.
- Made with durable leather vinyl
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Nylon mesh is breathable
- They have extra support for your ankles
- Limited color choices for women
2) Adidas Men’s Combat Speed Wrestling Shoes
These shoes from Adidas were designed for wrestling, and they are great for kickboxing. They come in a black and white design, or you can choose turquoise and yellow. Adidas is a well-known brand for athletic shoes, and they make this shoe to be durable and long lasting. It is made of synthetic leather and suede, and they provide support for the ankle without feeling stiff. They are a higher cut, so they provide ankle support.
*Details last updated on 2023-03-16
They have rubber soles, and they give you traction and allow you to grip the floor. You can use them when you are in the ring competing or when you are practicing. They are made to be fast and have breathability so that your feet stay comfortable when you are in the ring.
Although they are made for wrestling and are a small bit heavier than kickboxing shoes, they still do a great job. Make sure that you aren’t impaired by the extra weight before a match. The grip on the shoes is a big draw for many people because it helps you maintain stability as you deliver powerful kicks and punches.
- Adidas is a well-known and trusted brand
- Shoes are breathable
- They are made with durable and flexible material
- Sturdy shoes that help you remain balanced and stable
- Some users find them heavier than other shoes
3) Century Lightfoot Martial Arts Shoe
The Century Lightfoot Martial Arts shoe is designed to help you with your footwork during martial arts and kickboxing. It is a lightweight shoe with a very comfortable design, and the material is breathable and keeps your feet dry. They make this shoe for men and women, and it comes in three colors, including black, black with pink, and white.
*Details last updated on 2023-03-16
These shoes are very flexible and pliable, so they feel like an extension of your feet. The outsole is rubber, and it helps you grip the floor. They also have pivot points that help you move better. They are made of both leather and synthetic materials, and they are durable.
- Flexible and pliable shoes
- Unisex with different color options
- Rubber outsole with pivot points
- Lightweight and comfortable shoe designed for martial arts and kickboxing
- Some users find the soles more grippy than they would like
4) Adidas Unisex Low-Top Adi-Kick
Adidas is a well-known brand, and they produce quality athletic shoes for all different sports. This pair of shoes is made for martial arts, including kickboxing. They are made with durable materials to handle the wear and tear. They are built to last yet lightweight so that you can focus on your footwork.
*Details last updated on 2023-03-16
These shoes are made with synthetic leather, which is strong enough for their purpose but soft on your feet. They have a piece of synthetic leather in place of the laces, which provides protection to the tops of your feet. They are also very secure around your ankles.
These shoes have a rubber outsole, and the manufacturer placed pivot points on the sole. This helps you grip without slipping, and it reduces the risk of twisting your foot when you do quick turns. You can still have speed and control without slipping.
- Great value for the price
- Durable and comfortable shoe
- Designed for an excellent fit for most people
- Long lasting with synthetic leather
- Some users complain that shoes are too narrow
- Less padding than other shoes
5) PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 Cross Trainers
These kickboxing sneakers are one of the most popular for women. They are great for kickboxing as well as a lot of other sports, and they come in three different color combinations. This shoe is made with 100% synthetic leather, and it is durable yet pliable and flexible. It allows you to move around while you are working out, which is great for both cardio kickboxing classes and training.
*Details last updated on 2023-03-16
They have rubber soles that help you grip the floor, but they are lightweight and won’t feel bulky. They are made with breathable EcoOrthoLite sock liners, so your feet will be comfortable. Comfort is one of the main reasons that women love this shoe, but they are also stable and have a TPU shank that helps you keep your balance. This provides extra support for your ankles.
- Lightweight and easy to move around
- Made of durable synthetic leather
- TPU shank for extra stability
- Made with a breathable liner for maximum comfort
- You may need to go up one size
6) ASICS Men’s Matflex 5 Wrestling Shoe
This shoe is one of the most popular for those who are martial arts professionals. The reason is that they are so functional, and they are lightweight and comfortable. You can kickbox effortlessly with these shoes. They are built to last, and they provide maximum comfort. The uppers are made of durable canvas that is breathable and long lasting.
*Details last updated on 2023-03-16
They have a padded insole to cushion your feet. The ASICS have exactly the tread you need to turn and pivot as you move around while you are kickboxing. They have a snug fit that makes your movements more natural, and they are comfortable and lightweight.
- Durable and long lasting shoe
- Padded insole provides extra comfort for your feet
- Lightweight and comfortable shoe
- Tread helps you maintain stability and prevents slipping
- Good for training but not for kickboxing competition
7) Adidas SM II Low Cut Martial Arts Shoes
These shoes by Adidas are made for martial arts. They are designed for Taekwondo, Karate, and Kungfu, but they work great for kickboxing as well. The SM II are durable and made with lightweight construction. They are made with soft leather that is strong enough to handle heavy workouts. They will last no matter how hard you practice.
*Details last updated on 2023-03-16
You can use these shoes for other sports, and they have a single lace-up ensign. The outsole is flexible, and the synthetic leather makes the shoe fit and mold to your feet. They are attractive and easy to maintain, and they hug your feet. You get the support you need, and these shoes work for both men and women. They recommend that women order one size down from their normal size.
- Attractive shoe
- Very comfortable and easy to maintain
- Snug fit around your feet
- Durable and lightweight shoe
- Shoe has less padding than other options
8) Otomix Men’s Warrior Shoes
These shoes are stylish and look the part when you are kickboxing. They are incredibly comfortable, so you won’t have any trouble practicing all of your moves. You can score top points. Although these are bodybuilding shoes, they are still lightweight and feel comfortable and good on your feet. They have excellent ankle support, which ensures that you are safe and reduces the risk of rolling your ankle.
*Details last updated on 2023-03-16
They have a rubber sole to grip the floor, so you can make precise moves with your feet. The outsole is a bit thin, but it does its job. These shoes are functional and practical for kickboxing. They have a wide toe box, which helps some people.
- Lightweight and comfortable shoes
- Functional and keep your feet safe for kickboxing
- Rubber sole for easy gripping
- Extra ankle protection and support
- Not as long lasting as other brands
9) Otomix Women’s Stingray Escape Shoes
This is the women’s version of the Otomix shoe, and it is designed for bodybuilding, lifting, MMA, and more. People love this shoe for weightlifting and martial arts. They are made with leather and synthetic materials, so they are both lightweight and durable. They have a high top design, which ensures that your ankles are fully supported.
*Details last updated on 2023-03-16
The Otomix shoes also have a rubber sole that is thin enough for you to feel the floor. They have plenty of traction to provide you with stability. They come in a variety of colors, so you are sure to find one that is just right for you. People who use this shoe love it, but it is more expensive than other options.
- Very durable but still lightweight
- Thin sole lets you feel the floor but still grips well
- High tops provide extra ankle support
- Made of both leather and synthetic
- Expensive
10) Whitin Men’s Minimalist Trail Runner
Although this shoe is technically made for trails, it works well as kickboxing sneakers. One thing people love about this shoe is that it is made using animal-free products and processes, so it is a great shoe for vegans. It also has a wide toe box so your toes can spread and relax. This allows you to have greater stability.
*Details last updated on 2023-03-16
The shoes have rubber soles, which lets you grip the ground, but they are thick enough that you can still feel the ground under the shoe. They have a sock liner that you can remove if you want to feel closer to being barefoot. They also make a women’s version of this shoe, so anyone can enjoy the benefits of it.
- Wide toe box allows you to spread your toes
- Perfect for vegans because they are made with animal-free products and processes
- You can remove the sock liner to feel like you have bare feet
- Rubber sole grips the ground
- Some find the insoles too thick
11) FISTRAGE Leather Kick Boxing Shoes
This is a great pair of shoes for kickboxing. They have reinforced cushioning in the heel for added stability, and they help you keep your footing more accurate. They also reduce the risk of injury or strain on your feet, ankles, and joints. The FistRage kick boxing shoes have a gum rubber sole that is designed to give you excellent grip and traction. They are comfortable, durable, and lightweight.
*Details last updated on 2023-03-16
The uppers are made of cowhide genuine leather and breathable mesh, so you won’t overheat, and they are very comfortable. They offer performance and protection when you are kickboxing. Your feet stay cool and dry, which helps you focus. They fit snugly so that your feet can move when and where they need to move.
- Breathable mesh uppers keep your feet cool and dry
- Extra stability and protection with reinforced heel cushioning
- Gum rubber sole gives you good grip on the floor
- Made for men or women
- Some users found them less durable than other brands
12) Weweya Barefoot Shoes Minimalist Cross Training Shoe
These mesh kickboxing sneakers have a minimalist barefoot design. It is made to simulate a truly barefoot feeling. This is helpful in kickboxing because you want that kind of feeling with the ground. They also have a wide toe box design, so your toes can spread out the way they would if you were barefoot. There is no tongue, and your foot fits through the opening and slides into the shoe.
*Details last updated on 2023-03-16
You can tighten the laces, which are elastic. It will give you a lightweight feeling as if the shoes are a second skin. They come in a variety of colors, and they have a removable arch support insole. In addition to kickboxing, you can use these shoes for all kinds of indoor activities, such as the gym, squats, treadmill, yoga, spinning bike, jump rope, and more.
- Wide toe box safety design to allow barefoot feel
- Removable exclusive arch support insole
- Minimalist barefoot design
- No tongue for a snug fit
- Some say sizing doesn’t run true: go up one size
Do You Need Kickboxing Shoes?
Some people do wonder whether they actually need kickboxing shoes. They may prefer to train barefoot, or they might feel comfortable using their gym shoes. There are different types of shoes that are appropriate for kickboxing training, so your shoes do not have to be made specifically for kickboxing, but they should share features that make them a good choice for it.
Traditionally, people kickbox barefoot. However, when you do this, you risk injury to your feet. You could roll your ankle or hurt your foot when you make contact. If you want to go barefoot, try wearing kickboxing socks that give you some grip. If you do cardio kickboxing, you will need shoes because the kickboxing is combined with other exercises.
What Are the Problems Associated with Kickboxing Barefoot?
Although many people do kickbox barefoot, there are some common foot problems and potential injuries that can occur. Take a look at the following:
Plantar Fasciitis
When you pivot on the ball of your foot over and over again, you can develop plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation and irritation of the thick tissue in your foot. It is the tissue that connects your toes to your heel bone. It leads to pain in the heel and arch, and sometimes it hurts in the ball of the foot. This will sideline you so that you can’t kickbox for a period while you’re recovering.
When you wear shoes for kickboxing, you can avoid this problem because you have rubber soles that are designed to make pivoting effortless.
Sesamoiditis
This condition happens when the two small bones under your big toe and the nearby tendons become inflamed and hurt. This can be caused by pivoting and kicking barefoot. You could end up with pain in the ball of your foot as well as your big toe.
Sprained Ankle
Because kickboxing includes a number of lateral movements, you can roll your ankle or sprain it. You can also tear the tissue in your ankle bones, which is a condition called syndesmosis. It can be very painful, and any of these injuries take a while to heal.
What to Do If Your Kickboxing Gym Doesn’t Allow Shoes
Sometimes a kickboxing gym won’t allow you to wear shoes. When this is the case, you should use other protection. You can use a foot wrap or tape to protect your ankles and your feet. You can also buy kickboxing socks, which provide support and grip. This is a safe option so that you reduce the risk of injuring yourself.
FAQs
Below you can find the most asked questions.
What is the difference between kickboxing and cardio kickboxing?
When you are kickboxing, you are kicking and punching bags or other objects, and you can spar with people. Cardio kickboxing is a form of exercise where you do some of the same moves, but you are not coming into contact with anything else. You will likely be required to wear shoes for cardio kickboxing, whereas you may not be allowed to wear them for kickboxing.
Why can’t you wear regular running shoes?
You can, but you will have better form when you use the best shoes for kickboxing. These shoes are designed to grip the floor and provide stability when you are pivoting. They are lighter and thinner so that they feel like a second skin, and they are more supportive while being lightweight.
What are the most important features in a kickboxing shoe?
The most important features in a kickboxing shoe are comfort and support. You should make sure that your shoe fits like a second skin and allows you to feel the floor. At the same time, it should have a rubber sole that grips the floor and provides stability when you pivot. They should also provide support for your feet and your ankles. Your feet should be able to move around feeling unencumbered.
What are the best kickboxing shoes made out of?
You want a shoe that has synthetic uppers with breathability. They could be mesh, and they may be partially leather. In addition, they will have dense foam under your feet to support you and help prevent injuries.
Do I need lightweight kickboxing shoes?
You do want your kickboxing shoes to be lightweight. It is important to feel the ground when you do your footwork, both for kicking and for jumping. If you have a bulky shoe, it takes more energy to go through your moves, and you will tire more easily when facing an opponent.
Can you use kickboxing shoes for other sports?
You can use your kickboxing shoes for some other sports. They are certainly fine for martial arts, and you can use them indoors without harming them. However, if you start using them for intense outdoor activities, you will go through them much more quickly and need to replace them.
Is ankle support important?
Even if you have strong ankles and have never suffered an injury, ankle support is very important when you are kickboxing. The types of movements you do puts you at risk to roll or sprain your ankle, and supportive shoes will protect you. It is advisable to buy the most supportive shoes within your budget when you are buying kickboxing shoes.
How should the kickboxing shoes fit?
When you choose kickboxing shoes, you want to make sure that they are snug and feel like a second skin over your feet. Different people have differently shaped feet, so some shoes may not work for you. You want to make sure that there is no extra space around your heel, toes, or instep, but you shouldn’t choose a shoe that is too tight. It is also important to make sure that the width is right so that your feet don’t move around inside the shoe. If your shoes fit you perfectly, they will not impair you when you are going through your kickboxing moves. They will also protect your feet and prevent injury.
How much padding should kickboxing shoes have?
Sometimes people mistakenly think that more padding is better, but this is not the case for kickboxing shoes. You want the right amount to help your performance without getting in the way. If there is too much padding, you can’t feel the ground or how hard you are hitting your target. However, you do want enough padding to protect your heel, toes, and the balls of your feet.
Can you wear boxing shoes for kickboxing?
You can wear boxing shoes for kickboxing because both sports have similar foot movements. They are designed to protect your feet the same way, and they both are lightweight and designed to allow your feet to feel the ground.
What are kickboxing grip socks?
Kickboxing grip socks are designed for people to use in place of kickboxing sneakers. They might need them if they kickbox at a gym where they aren’t allowed to wear shoes. Usually, they are made of four-way stretch neoprene, and they stretch in all directions. They are also breathable and have a non-slip foot to help you grip the floor. They allow you to feel as if you are barefoot while providing a degree of protection.
In Conclusion
When you are kickboxing, it is important for you to wear the right shoes. Kickboxing shoes are lightweight and fit your feet like gloves. They are usually made with breathable uppers and a rubber grippy sole. They protect your feet without interfering in your moves. Any of the shoes above are great options if you are looking for the best shoes for kickboxing.
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