Jumping rope for 10 minutes equals 30 minutes of jogging, making it one of the most efficient and effective cardio exercises. To maximize your workout, you must have the proper equipment: in this case, the best shoes for jumping.
When specifically shopping for fitness shoes, do not make shoes multitask, know your foot quirks, remember that your feet can change (they tend to swell over the course of the day), shop for quality instead of price or fashion, and recognize that you will need to replace them.
Keeping these guidelines in mind, after comparing several popular shoes, the Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Sneaker comes out on top.
Best Shoes for Jumping Rope
1. Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave
The Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave is comfortable with a bootie design and a molded sockliner in the midsole.
Vital for jumping rope, it has flexibility with its forefoot flex grooves and durability with high-abrasion rubber outsoles. Toe tection adds protection for the toes, and a nanoweave allows for breathability.
The price can range from $50.00 to $229.95, depending on size and style.
Features on the Nano 8.0 Flexweave that are excellent for jumping activities include a wide toe box, flexible and sticky sole, stability, and cushioning. In many of these areas, the Flexweaves outshine Nike shoes.
The Reebok Nanos are excellent for cardio, including box jumps.
The durability of Reebok Nano 8.0 Flexweaves can be questionable; many have found them to last a long time while others have experienced a short lifespan. The Reebok’s soles have ripped, the sides have torn, and the Reebok logo has been known to fall off.
The sizing is also up for debate; sometimes, the Flexweaves have run large while other times they have run small and narrow. However, the positive features certainly outweigh the negatives, plus these issues influenced by individual use.
Pros
- Molded sockliner in the midsole for comfort.
- Forefoot flex grooves provide flexibility.
- High-abrasion rubber outsoles deliver durability.
- Toe tection protects the toes.
- Nanoweave allows for breathability.
Cons
- Durability may be limited, which means that the shoe could fall apart faster from heavy wear than others.
- Sizing has run too small, too large, and too narrow.
The Reebok Nano 8.0 Flexweave sneakers have features that make them one of the best shoes for jumping rope. They surpass the competitors by having qualities such as the molded sockliner and toe protection.
The few negatives target topics that could be issued with just the individual; for example, as stated early on, your feet can change size with something as simple as the time of day.
These criticisms also found in some of Reebok’s competitors, who don’t have all the positive aspects.
2. Nike Metcon 2
The Metcon 2 offers features similar to the Nano 8.0, including comfort in lightweight foam cushioning, stability in a flat heel, a mesh upper for breathability, and a rubber sole for traction.
The Metcon 2 shoes have wide feet, high arches and insteps, traction, and overall support. They can be preferred for multi-axis movement due to the support and traction. The features also make them suitable for lifting, box jumping, and climbing.
On the other hand, the featured qualities make the Metcon 2 shoes bad for running and jumping. After a few months of jump roping, you may find that one shoe feels different than the other from uneven wear.
Worse of all, these shoes may make your feet hurt after running or jump roping.
Pros
- Lightweight foam cushioning to keep your comfortable and your foot from becoming strained.
- A flat heel for stability, so you are less likely to lose your balance.
- Mesh upper for breathability to keep out sweat.
- A solid rubber sole for traction.
Cons
- The sole is too firm for comfortable jumping.
- Uneven wear is possible to the soles of the shoe from jumping.
Overall, the Nike Metcon 2 shoe has features that make it a good exercise shoe but can cause your feet to hurt after fitness that focuses on jumping or running.
3. Inov-8 Men’s All Train 215 Cross-Trainer Shoe
Similar to the Nike Metcon 2, the Inov-8 Men’s All Train 215 Cross-Trainer Shoe has the potential to be good for jumping, but some features make it not ideal.
The 215 Cross-Trainer features sticky rubber outsoles in areas important for secure footing, a solid platform. An ADAPTER FITS Met-cradle that adapts to the natural movement for speed and a Fusion midsole for cushioning.
The prices range from $35.00 to $124.75, depending on size and style.
Compared to previous Invo-8 shoes, the All Train 215 Cross-Trainer shoes have improved in comfort and practicality with features such as the Fusion midsole and solid platform.
The material allows them to be lightweight in terms of carrying them and being breathable. They also have a wide toe box and a thin sole that is good for lifting.
However, the thin sole also provides little impact resistance for jumping rope. The laces also go up so far that they must be tied loosely, or your foot will get pinched. You also may find that they do not last long for the price.
Pros
- Sticky rubber outsoles for secure footing when moving to make sure you don’t trip easily.
- A firm platform for power and balance to move from.
- An ADAPTER FITS Met-cradle for speed so you can move as fast as possible.
- Fusion midsole for cushioning and comfort.
Cons
- The sole is too thin for jumping.
- The laces can be uncomfortable.
The Inov-8 Men’s All Train 215 Cross-Trainer Shoe has excellent potential to be a top fitness shoe, with features that add to secure footing, balance, and lightweight design. Unfortunately, the thin soles disqualify it for being the best shoe for jumping.
4. New Balance Men’s MX1267 Training Shoe
One shoe that has excellent cushioning is the New Balance Men’s MX1267 Training Shoe. It also features a breathable no-sew mesh upper, stabilizing external heel counter, REVlite midsole, and non-marking rubber outsole.
The prices range from $35.00 to $165.63, depending on size and style.
The MX1267 Training shoe has very good arch support and is very comfortable. The cushioning makes it excellent for jump rope exercises, with additional padding in the ball and heel area.
The stabilizing external heel counter is an essential feature to add to your balance.
The biggest flaw with New Balance’s MX1267 shoes is that they do not last long; the seams can split along the sides and front. Similar to its competitors, the size may either be too big or too small.
Pros
- Breathable mesh upper so your foot gets the air it needs, and you don’t sweat.
- Stabilizing external heel counter to make sure you don’t stumble.
- Non-marking rubber outsole to keep them looking pristine.
- Excellent cushioning for comfort overall as long as you wear them.
Cons
- More likely to wear out quickly from use.
- Sizing varies so you might have to try on a few different sizes.
New Balance offers an excellent candidate for a jump roping shoe, but the fact that you will have to replace the shoe after a short time ruins all the positive features.
5. Puma Women’s Tazon 6 WN’s FM Cross-Trainer Shoe
One shoe that has excellent durability with the potential to be one of the best shoes for jumping is the Puma Women’s Tazon 6 WN’s FM Cross-Trainer Shoe. The Puma offers a rubber sole, breathable EcoOrtholite sockliner, and TPU shank for stability.
It also offers a midfoot saddle to maximize fit and EVA in the heel for impact absorption. The price varies from $31.00 to $145.63, depending on size and style.
The Tazon 6 WN’s FM Cross-Trainer shoe has excellent stability and is very lightweight. It also offers arch support, allowing you to wear them for long hours. The EVA in the heel helps with impact absorption, which is vital for jumping activities.
Although Puma added the EcoOrtholite sockliner for breathability, these Cross-Trainers do not let your feet breathe very well. You also may find that they are very stiff, which negatively impacts cardio.
The stiffness is probably the most harmful feature of these shoes, since it actually may make your feet hurt if you wear them for too long.
Pros
- TPU shank for stability to keep you on your feet.
- Midfoot saddle to maximize fit as we all know that the best fit can keep you comfortable.
- Eva in the heel for absorption on impact so you feel less strain.
Cons
- The EcoOrtholite sockliner does not help breathability.
- They are extremely stiff and unflexible.
Puma tried to add features to the Tazon 6 WN’s FM Cross-Trainer shoe that made it the potential to be an excellent jumping rope.
Unfortunately, the lack of breathability and the issues that may arise from the extreme stiffness outweigh any of the positive features.
Big fan of the brand Puma? Check out our top 7 puma running shoes review here!
6. Xero Shoes Prio
While Puma failed in making the Tazon 6 comfortable, Xero Shoes Prio designed for lightweight performance as well as comfort. They feature wide toe boxes, a zero-drop sole, and a flexible sole with FeelTrue for traction.
Xero also touts that these shoes made from vegan-friendly materials with an adjustable instep strap. Their price seems to stay around $95.00 regardless of size or style.
The Xero Shoes Prio designed to feel like you are barefoot, which can improve your posture, balance, core strength, and exercise technique.
Some shoes with this design make you feel a little too barefoot where you can feel all the rough surfaces you may be on; the Xero shoes have enough padding to protect your foot from most surfaces.
All these features allow these shoes to be great for running and even hiking.
On the other hand, the minimalist natural design of these makes them poor candidates for the best jumping shoes. They do not have enough support or cushion to soften the impact of jumping.
They also tend to fall apart fairly quickly, after only a few uses. The Prio shoes also run about half a size too small (which the company admits to).
Pros
- Lightweight performance so you can feel comfortable without heavy shoes.
- Flexible sole, which helps with your movement.
- Adjustable instep strap to help with fit and comfort.
- Designed for a natural, barefoot feel.
Cons
- Not enough support or cushion.
- Runs small so you will have to try larger sizes than you used to.
The Xero Shoes Prio are an exciting alternative to the traditional exercise shoes and certainly have their merits.
Regrettably, the same features that are positives for this shoe are also the reason that it makes a poor jump rope shoe; you must have support and cushion when jumping.
7. ASICS Men’s GEL-Acclaim Training Shoe
At the other end of the spectrum, the ASICS Men’s GEL-Acclaim Training shoe has proven to be one of the more cushioned exercise shoes.
It features a foam-padded collar and tongue, cushioned footbed, cushioned textured midsole, rubber sole, breathable mesh, and a non-marking rubber outsole for traction.
It does not come in a variety of styles and appears to be priced around $37.97 regardless of size.
The GEL-Acclaim Training shoes have great impact support thanks to the extra cushioning, which is great for jumping exercises.
The cushioning and extra foam padding make them very comfortable, allowing you to wear them for more extended periods. The price is also tough to beat, especially when you consider that they are very durable.
Unfortunately, this is a situation where the price can reflect quality. While many pairs last for a long time, there are also many that have defects, such as a misplaced arch, holes on the inside, and stains on the material.
Just like all of the competitors, you may also find that the sizing varies.
Pros
- Foam-padded collar and tongue for comfort.
- Cushioned footbed helps keep your foot feeling happy.
- Cushion textured midsole, so your foot doesn’t cramp.
- Breathable mesh so you won’t sweat.
- Non-marking rubber outsole for traction.
Cons
- Inconsistent quality outweighs the price.
- Sizing often varies so you will have to try on different sizes.
At first glance, the ASICS Men’s GEL-Acclaim Training shoe appears to be an excellent candidate for one of the best shoes for jump roping, with its exceptional price and extra cushioning.
Unfortunately, the inconsistent quality outweighs the low price and extra padding.
What to Look Before Buying Shoes for Jumping Rope
After reviewing so many different exercise shoes, how do you ultimately chose the one that is the best shoe for jumping rope? Six key things to focus on are:
Material
Everyone’s budget is different, something to keep in mind when comparing the traditional canvas shoe to the new athletic gear one.
The material is certainly not the most critical aspect of an exercise shoe, but you do want to ensure your feet can breathe, and the material is suitable for your activity.
Sole
Shoes having padded insoles and arch support (either built-in or a shoe insert) are extremely important because they can help prevent a variety of issues, from blisters and corns to plantar fasciitis.
Flexibility
The need for flexibility in exercise shoes is relatively simple: the shoes for jumping also need the flexibility to allow you the freedom to jump and move quickly.
Features
The first thing you must remember is to match your shoe to your activity, so you need to look for shoes that have the features that are required for high-impact cardio.
In this case, the two main features are stability and padding for impact.
Durability
When you are comparing shoes, you want to pay for quality but don’t want to overspend on a shoe that doesn’t have a long lifespan.
Exercise shoes worn two to four times a week can be expected to last (in terms of cushioning and support) four to eight months.
This is very important because once the shoes are not absorbing your actions, you are more likely to injure your knees and ankles.
Support
The shoes must be stable so that you can maintain your balance. Additional friction protection is also necessary to help with stabilization.
The drop between the heel height and the front of the shoe mainly determines the level of stability, a key element to looking at when comparing shoes.
If you speak with a knowledgeable salesperson, the staff will ask you about pronation, the natural inward roll of your foot that happens with every step.
Some people over or under pronate, which can cause complications and requires you to look at specific types of shoes so you can exercise safely.
The salesclerk should also encourage you to jump up and down to ensure the cushioning is sufficient.
It is essential to try the shoes on and perhaps try a different pair if the first ones feel odd; everyone’s feet are different.
Once you find a pair you like, test them out by jumping and perhaps jogging; if they make you feel like you are getting started with your exercise regimen, then they are the ones.
It is also essential to not use your exercise shoes casually; if you are going to work out at the gym, perhaps leave them there.
Remember that your feet do change. You need to measure your feet frequently, shop at the end of the day (when they are the most swollen), try them on using the socks you will wear them with, and do not assume that they will become comfortable over time.
It is important to note that modern exercise shoes should not need to be broken in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are these shoes suitable for High-Intensity Interval Training? (Do they provide enough cushion for exercises that include a lot of jumping and side-to-side movements?)
A. The Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave, New Balance Men’s MX1267 Training Shoe, Puma Women’s Tazon 6 WN’s FM Cross-Trainer Shoe, and ASICS Men’s GEL-Acclaim Training Shoe all have enough cushion for jumping and side-to-side movements.
However, the Nike Metcon 2, Inov-8 Men’s All Train 215 Cross-Trainer Shoe, and Xero Shoes Prio do not have enough cushion to dampen the impact of jumping correctly. The Inov-8 Men’s All Train 215 Cross-Trainer Shoe.
Q. Do these shoes have a wide toe box? Also, do these shoes run narrow?
A. The Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave does have a wide toe box but can run narrow.
The Nike Metcon 2 has a rather narrow toe box that loosens overuse and is a narrow shoe; this is understandable only because the Nike brand tends to run narrow in general.
The Inov-8 Men’s All Train 215 Cross-Trainer Shoe has a wide toe box (but you may need to try different sizes to find the right fit) and is a rather narrow shoe.
The New Balance Men’s MX1267 Training Shoe is both narrow in the toe box and overall.
The Puma Women’s Tazon 6 WN’s FM Cross-Trainer Shoe has a very small toe box regardless of size but does offer narrow and wide models.
The Xero Shoes Prio does have a wide toe box but fits narrow overall.
The ASICS Men’s GEL-Acclaim Training Shoe has a decent size toe box as long as you don’t have wide feet, but it is a narrow shoe.
Q. Is the size accurate/do the shoes run true to size?
A. Remember that your feet can change and are usually larger/swollen at the end of the day, so sizes can (and will) vary.
That being said, both the Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave and New Balance Men’s MX1267 Training Shoe have run too small and too large.
The Nike Metcon 2 runs true to size.
The Inov-8 Men’s All Train 215 Cross-Trainer Shoe, Puma Women’s Tazon 6 WN’s FM Cross-Trainer Shoe, The Xero Shoes Prio, and ASICS Men’s GEL-Acclaim Training Shoe all tend to be small.
Q. Are these shoes appropriate for someone with flat feet?
A. The Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave and the New Balance Men’s MX1267 Training Shoe both have very good support for flat feet.
The Nike Metcon 2, Puma Women’s Tazon 6 WN’s FM Cross-Trainer Shoe, and ASICS Men’s GEL-Acclaim Training Shoe are too flat themselves to properly support flat feet.
The Inov-8 Men’s All Train 215 Cross-Trainer Shoe and Xero Shoes Prio are also reasonably flat but are decent work-out shoes even if you are flat-footed.
If you have flat feet, you can check out these flat feet shoes to help support.
Q. How does this shoe compare to [X brand’s Y shoe model]?
A. This can be a very complicated question depending on the features that you need. For jumping, you should focus on breathability, flexibility, stability, good arch support, and excellent cushioning for high impact.
The Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave has all these features; hence, it is the best shoe for jumping rope.
The sole of the Nike Metcon 2 is too firm, so it is a waste of time to compare it for the other features. Similarly, the soles of the Inov-8 Men’s All Train 215 Cross-Trainer Shoe and Xero Shoes Prio are too thin.
The Puma Women’s Tazon 6 WN’s FM Cross-Trainer Shoe does not have good breathability or stiffness, so it is not a good comparison to the Nano 8.0.
The ASICS Men’s GEL-Acclaim Training Shoe has all the features needed, but the quality varies so much, it is not worth taking a chance on it.
The New Balance Men’s MX1267 Training Shoe is the best comparison to the Nano 8.0, having all the features needed for jumping; however, the Nano lasts longer than the MX1267.
Conclusion
When you shop for the best shoes for jumping rope, it is essential to ask questions related to your own feet.
If you don’t know what peculiarities your feet have, make sure you go to a store specializing in training shoes; the salesperson should be experienced and know what questions to ask.
Also, remember that your feet do change, even during the average day, so try to shop at the end of your day. In general, you should target shoes that are breathable, flexible, stable, have good arch support, and include good cushioning for high impact.
The shoes should be durable enough to last you from four to eight months, depending on the frequency of use. You might be like more details about durable shoes for extended walking.
A good shoe to start your shopping journey with is the Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave. It fits the criteria for jumping rope and has features that allow for individual foot quirks.
Of course, if you try the Nano 8.0 and find them uncomfortable, move on to the next pair; remember, all feet are different.
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Additional Resources:
- 7 Benefits of Jumping Rope, by acefitness
- The Best Jump-rope Workout, by MENS JOURNAL
- Balanced Workout Routine with Jump Rope Can Help You Lose Weight, by healthline