If you don’t use the correct form when performing kickboxing moves, you can end up hurting yourself. Well, not using the right pair of shoes can end up hurting you too.
That is why finding the right shoe for kickboxing is essential to ensure that you keep your feet and ankles comfortable and protected.
There are a lot of components that go into making the right kickboxing shoe that will not only protect your foot but also support it and keep it comfortable.
Things like fit, breathability, durability, and added features differentiate a good kickboxing shoe from a not so good one.
There are many shoes out there on the market right now that claim to be great for kickboxing, so I’ve narrowed it down to the seven best shoes for kickboxing of 2022 to help make your search a little bit easier.
In this article, I will compare what features each of these pairs of shoes has to offer so that you can more easily determine which pair is right for you and your needs.
I’m going to start with the Otomix Ninja Warrior Shoes, the shoes that I have found to be the best due to their durability, foot and ankle protection, and versatility.
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Best Shoes for Kickboxing
1. Otomix Men’s Ninja Warrior Bodybuilding MMA Shoes
Ranking in at number one on this list is the Otomix Ninja Warrior Shoes.
An excellent way to determine the quality and durability of a shoe is by looking at what materials it’s made of. These shoes are constructed of real suede, giving them added durability and longevity.
Otomix was the first company to release a shoe specifically designed for weightlifting back in the 80s when lifting became very popular. Since then, they’ve only grown and perfected their design, making their shoes more lightweight and versatile.
These Ninja Warrior shoes are light enough to move around and kick easily in, as well as versatile for several activities such as yoga, wrestling, kickboxing, and more.
This shoe comes in six unique color and design options, so whether you’re looking for something more muted and simple or something more colorful and fun, you’ll be able to find a design that suits your style.
Their tongue patent-pending design also keeps laces tucked away and out of sight.
Pros
- Tongue patent pending design to tuck away laces
- Made of real suede for added durability and longevity
- Mid-cut height with padding for added ankle protection and comfort
- Six different color and design options to choose from
- Enough room for wider feet to fit comfortably
- Provides enough support to run in without hurting your feet, making them versatile
- Lightweight enough to be able to move around and kick with ease
Cons
- Shoes may be slightly big if you have narrow feet
- Some stitching is a little less durable if using shoes for high-intensity activities
It was difficult to find cons for this pair of shoes because there aren’t very many. This shoe was designed with both versatility and durability in mind, ensuring that you get great use out of them.
2. adidas Men’s Combat Speed.5
Second, on the list are the Adidas Combat Speed.5 Shoes. These shoes are available in eleven different stylish color and design options, so you have a variety to choose from as far as design goes.
They equipped with a die-cut EVA midsole that provides a light cushioning for your feet to keep them comfortable.
It constructed of high-quality suede and leather, so it’s very durable and will last you through a lot of wear and tear. It also has a single layer mesh body to increase the airflow and keep your feet cool and dry.
The rubber that the soles are made out of is a bit hard though and doesn’t have as much of a grip as some other shoes have.
Pros
- Single layer mesh body for added breathability and airflow
- Lightweight enough to be able to move around and kick with ease
- Die-cut EVA midsole for added comfort
- Eleven different color and design options to choose from
- Mid-cut height and TPU stripe for added ankle protection and support
- Split suede and leather outsole for added durability and longevity
Cons
- Sizing runs a little narrow
- The rubber soles don’t have as much traction or grip as some other shoes do
This is an excellent pair of shoes that will hold up even if you wear them often due to the high-quality materials used to make them.
3. ASICS Men’s Matflex 5 Wrestling Shoe
Next up on the list is the ASICS Matflex 5 Shoe.
This shoe is great for a few reasons, one of them being the built-in lace garage technology it’s equipped with to tuck your laces away, keeping them out of your way and unexposed.
The mesh-lined upper gives added breathability and airflow to help keep your feet cool, while the gum rubber outsole gives you enough traction not to slip or slide around.
These shoes have a flat, flexible sole as well that mold to your feet, creating a lightweight feel that is easy to move around and kick in.
However, since the soles are so flat, there isn’t much support to do certain other activities, such as running, so they don’t have as much versatility as some other shoes.
It is also important to note that the sizing runs a bit small, so you may need to order a half or even full-size up.
Pros
- Equipped with a pocket to tuck laces in, keeping them out of the way and unexposed
- Gum rubber outsole for added grip and traction
- Open mesh upper for breathability and flexibility
- In compliance with all tournament regulations
- Mid-cut height for added ankle protection
- Flat, flexible sole and lightweight design
Cons
- Sizing runs small
- Only two muted color options to choose from
- Not enough support to run in
Although these shoes may not be as versatile as the Otomix Ninja Warriors, they are still a great, lightweight shoe for kickboxing.
4. Rival Boxing BOOTS-LOW TOPS
The Rival Boxing Boots are fourth on the list.
These shoes provide maximum breathability and airflow for your feet due to the ventilated microfiber and mesh lining that they constructed out of. This will help keep your shoes from smelling after sweating in them as well.
They’re a mid-cut height, so they provide excellent ankle support, and they are equipped with an ergonomic insole, so they’re very comfortable too.
The lightweight design of the shoe makes them great for kickboxing and helps give you a wide range of motion.
One downside is that although they are available in five different color options, none of those options are very simple or muted. Four out of the five pairs are very colorful, while the last one is a black and white snakeskin pattern.
If your style isn’t very loud or colorful, then these shoes probably won’t be your taste.
Pros
- Ventilated microfiber and mesh lining for added breathability and airflow
- Ergonomic insole for added cushioning and comfort
- Constructed of high-quality synthetic leather for added durability and longevity
- Mid-cut height for added ankle protection and support
- Five different color and design options to choose from
- Rubber outsole for added traction and grip
Cons
- Sizing runs a bit small
- It is not offered in any simple or muted colors/designs
Overall, this is a high-quality shoe with a variety of fun designs that were designed with your comfort and protection in mind.
5. Ringside Diablo Boxing Shoes
Next up are the Ringside Diablo Boxing Shoes.
These are another lightweight option that is easy to move around and kick in. They also use a nylon mesh lining to keep your feet cool and comfortable with added breathability.
Similar to the Rival Boxing Boots, these shoes come in a variety of bright, bold colors. However, both are black and white with the gray combination for those of you who have a simpler, subdued style.
The mid-cut height provides excellent ankle support and protection as well.
One thing to note is that these shoes are made with a vinyl finish, which isn’t as durable as a suede or leather finish. They also tend to run a bit large, so you made need to size down.
Pros
- Nylon mesh lining for added breathability and airflow
- Non-slip rubber sole for added grip and traction
- Mid-cut height for added ankle protection
- Lightweight enough to be able to move around and kick with ease
- Five different color options to choose from
Cons
- Uses more inexpensive materials such as vinyl, which takes away from shoe’s durability
- Sizing runs a bit large
These shoes provide breathability, comfort, and protection, although they may not provide as good of a fit or as much durability as some other shoes on the list.
6. Century Lightfoot Martial Arts Shoe
The Century Lightfoot Shoe is next up on the list.
These shoes were designed to be used for martial arts but versatile enough to also work great for kickboxing due to the breathable, lightweight design.
One nice feature they have is the high traction rubber soles that provide many grips so that you don’t slip or slide in them. They also have built-in pivot points, which makes moving around much easier, especially since they do have such a grippy sole.
Since these shoes were designed for martial arts, they have a low-cut height to them. This is not ideal if you’re someone who has terrible ankles, as there is no added ankle support or protection built-in.
You could wear an ankle brace if you wanted to give you that extra protection, but there isn’t any built into the shoe.
Pros
- Lightweight enough to be able to move around and kick with ease
- Rubber soles for added traction and grip
- Equipped with pivot points to make footwork easier
- Constructed of high-quality synthetic leather for added durability and longevity
- Breathable design to keep feet cool and dry
Cons
- Low-cut height, so there isn’t any added ankle support or protection
- Sizing runs a bit large
- Only three muted color options to choose from
These aren’t a great option for someone with ankle issues, which may need extra ankle protection, but they are lightweight and great for moving around and footwork.
If you need shoes for proper ankle support, click here to check 7 great shoes for ankle support.
7. adidas KICK Shoes Martial Arts Sneaker
The last pair of shoes on this list are the adidas KICK Shoes, which, like the Century Lightfoot Shoes, were originally designed to be used for martial arts. In fact, these shoes share a few other similarities with Century Lightfoot Shoes.
These shoes also have very grippy rubber soles equipped with pivot points that make footwork easy, while still providing lots of grip and traction. They also have short laces to give added fixation on the foot.
These shoes are a low-cut height since they were designed with martial arts in mind, so if you have bad ankles or need extra ankle support, these shoes aren’t an excellent option for you.
They also run both small and wide, so it can be tricky to determine which size fits you best. If you have wide feet, then you may be able to order a half size up and find a perfect fit. However, if you have more narrow feet, there’s a chance these shoes will be too wide for you.
Pros
- Lightweight enough to be able to move around and kick with ease
- Constructed of high-quality synthetic leather for added durability and longevity
- Rubber soles for added traction and grip
- Short laces for better fixation on foot
- Equipped with pivot points to make footwork easier
Cons
- Low-cut height, so there isn’t any added ankle support or protection
- Sizing runs both small and wide
- Only available in one color/design option
Even though these shoes were originally designed to be martial arts shoes, they still give you the traction and flexibility you need in the right kickboxing shoe, although they don’t provide any ankle support.
What to Look for When Buying Shoes for Kickboxing
Fit
Finding a kickboxing shoe with a good fit will help keep your feet both protected and comfortable, so it’s important to note if a shoe runs a little larger or smaller so that you can order up or down a size to ensure you find the right fit.
When a shoe is too small, it squishes your feet, which is extremely uncomfortable and can also cause some issues for your feet.
When your toes are squished together inside of a shoe, it can increase the risk of athlete’s foot, ingrown nails, and bunions, none of which are enjoyable to have. Not to mention, it can make kickboxing and be active very painful.
It’s not suitable for a shoe to be too big, though either. When a shoe is too big, your foot will slide around in it, which can throw off your balance and potentially cause you to roll an ankle.
Breathability
Breathability is a crucial component to have in a kickboxing shoe because if your shoe can breathe and get some airflow, then your feet will stay more cool and dry. No one likes having sweaty feet or smelly shoes, and a shoe with excellent breathability will help prevent those things. Look for materials like mesh and microfiber, as these provide the most airflow.
Comfort
You want any shoes you own to be comfortable, but especially shoes that you’re going to be active in. Wearing a pair of uncomfortable shoes can cause you to perform more poorly than if you were wearing a shoe that you felt comfortable in, which is not something you want as a kickboxer.
As mentioned before, finding the right fitting shoe is essential for the shoe to feel comfortable. Ergonomic insoles that are made of materials designed for comfort, such as EVA can provide some extra cushioning for added comfortability as well.
Features
Extra features like a variety of colors and designs, built-in lace garage technology, or soles with pivot points can put a shoe a bar above the rest. I recommend taking a look at the extra features all of the shoes on this list have and figuring out if any of those are a must for you.
If the shoe design is an important factor for you or if you want a shoe that is fun and colorful, you may opt for one of the pairs offered in a wide variety of colors and designs.
Built-in lace technology is a great feature as well because it eliminates the need to tuck laces inside of your shoes, which can be uncomfortable and get in the way. Having a built-in pocket specifically to store your laces in can be very convenient.
Durability
Durability is determined by the construction of the shoe and the materials used to make it. Higher quality materials such as suede and leather typically mean that the shoe is going to be more durable and, therefore, last longer and withstand more usage.
Synthetic leather can be okay, too, as long as it’s high quality.
Support
Having shoes with proper support for both your feet and ankles can help protect them and keep them free of injury.
If you already do have ankle issues, it’s essential to find a shoe with a mid or high top height because it gives your ankle added support and cushioning.
It is recommended to pick shoes with thick cushioning in it and EVA insole for proper arch support for people with higher arches. However, try to find shoes that give you better motion control and medial support for lower arches.
Having excellent support for your feet promotes balance and stability, which can help improve your performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is it necessary for a kickboxing shoe to be lightweight?
A. Yes. Kickboxing requires a lot of footwork, kicking, and moving around. Having a lightweight shoe will increase agility, which is necessary for performing all of these actions.
If you are wearing a heavier or bulkier shoe during kickboxing, it can slow you down and negatively affect your performance. For this reason, we have picked the most lightweight shoes on the list.
Q. Should I buy shoes with added ankle support even if I don’t have bad ankles?
A. I don’t think that it’s necessary for you to buy a mid to high top shoe if you don’t have any ankle issues or previous ankle injuries. However, it can help prevent any future ankle issues or injuries from happening, so it’s something to consider.
I always feel like it’s better to be safe than sorry, and with a high-intensity activity like kickboxing, added protection and support can never hurt.
I would opt for at least a mid-height shoe for kickboxing, but if you’ve never had any ankle issues before, then I think it’s okay to choose a low-top shoe if you want to.
Q. Can I use my kickboxing shoes for other activities like lifting or running?
A. It depends on the activity and the shoe. Since kickboxing shoes are so lightweight, some of them don’t provide enough support for activities like running, so be sure to look for added support if you want to use your kickboxing shoes to go running as well.
Lifting and training usually are best to do in a shoe with a little bit of a heel on it since you tend to push from your heels when doing things like squats or deadlifts.
Because of this, a lightweight shoe that is good for kickboxing probably won’t be bulky or heavy enough for particular lifting and strength training activities, specifically focusing on the legs or glutes.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why choosing the right kickboxing shoe is essential. Not only can it help your performance, but it can also protect your feet and ankles, reducing the risk of injury.
Knowing which components to look for when choosing a kickboxing shoe is important in making sure you choose the right one.
Now that you know what to look for as well as what the best shoes for kickboxing of 2022 are, hopefully, you have all the tools you need to choose the best kickboxing shoe for you.
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