Unbeknownst to many, there are specialty shoes designed just for boxers. While regular sneakers can serve the same purpose just fine, a good pair of boxing shoes can actually help to improve a boxer’s performance. They’re designed to offer traction and ankle support, increasing not only a boxer’s speed and mobility but their comfort and power as well. They’re quite similar to wrestling shoes, with one key difference in the soles. While wrestling shoes have ridged soles that dig into the mat for a better grip, boxing shoes’ soles are smoother for quicker movement. They do have some shallow texture for backward and forward traction, but overall, they’re meant to offer mobility rather than stability. If you plan on doing any sparring or competitions, a pair of boxing shoes is a worthwhile investment. Here are a few we recommend.

What to Consider in Boxing Shoes

Here are a few things to think about before buying boxing shoes:

• Height: Since boxers often get knocked off their feet without warning or having time to prepare for the fall, they are at fairly high risk for breaking an ankle. Therefore, the higher the shoe, the better when it comes to boxing shoes. Some boxing shoes may stretch as tall as 12 inches up the calf for extra support. Be sure that your boxing shoes are reinforced with laces or Velcro straps too.
• Materials: When it comes to boxing shoes, lightweight materials are your friends. Since boxing requires a lot of quick, sudden movements and pivoting, you don’t want your feet to be weighed down or feel rigid. Lightweight leather, faux leather, or suede boxing shoes with textured rubber soles are generally the best choice since they’re both light and flexible. Some may be blended with mesh for better breathability to avoid sweat from weighing you down.
• Sole Thickness: All boxing shoes will be lightly textured or grooved to offer some traction with mobility and are usually made of rubber. The thickness of the soles can vary depending on your personal preferences. Thinner soles will feel lighter and offer better agility. Thicker soles won’t let you move quite as quickly, but they offer better stability, which may make you feel more powerful. Consider your fighting style and which thickness might better suit you.

Top Choice: Ringside Diablo Boxing Shoes

High-performance and athletically designed shoes made especially for the modern-day boxing ring. Available in four different solid colors and one neutral multicolored option, they’re made of nylon mesh that gives your feet plenty of air and breathability during use, with a patent leather vinyl finish for security and support. The low-top design is ideal for anyone who doesn’t like the look or feel of taller boxing shoes, as they’re high enough to protect the ankles but not so tall as to restrict movement. The rubber sole is non-slip for additional security and safety purposes, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally losing your balance during a fight or practice. 12 unisex sizes are available; be sure to refer to the accompanying sizing chart to determine the correct size for you.

Best Tall Shoes: Ringside Undefeated Boxing Shoes

Ankle support and protection is one of the most key components of a boxing shoe. For this reason, many boxers prefer tall boxing shoes, especially those who prioritize security and stability over other features. If you want the additional ankle protection of a high boxing shoe, this is the perfect option. Modern and stylish, the lace-up, high-top ankle and patent leather vinyl finish give you all the ankle support you’ll need. The breathable nylon mesh helps your feet feel lighter and airier, while the non-slip rubber sole gives the bottom of your feet some additional comfort as well as safety. Refer to the conversion sizing chart to determine which of the 12 sizes is the best fit for you. Choose between solid black or white and gray shoes.

Best Premium: Venum Elite Boxing Shoes

High-end boxing shoes of the highest quality and comfort. Unlike most boxing shoes, these are made of three different materials, glossy PU patent leather, PU flex leather, and a mesh honeycomb pattern. The synthetic leathers are strong and flexible, while the mesh allows your feet to breathe better during use. The anatomically designed insole gives you maximum comfort, and it’s also bonded to prevent you from slipping while sparring, practicing, or during a match. The rubber outsole provides grip and stability without hindering your range of motion. While the base shoe is always black, there are five detailed colors from which to choose: gold, red, silver, white, or black. Sizing ranges from 4 to 14, including half sizes. It is recommended that you order half a size down from normal as these boxing shoes tend to run large.

Also Great: Adidas Adult Boxing Shoe

Boxing shoes that invoke a more classic design that are still perfect for the modern athlete. The rubber sole has light groves that prevent the wearer from slipping without hindering their range of motion. The shoes have a slight heel and platform to give you a little boost, though the base is still flat for stability purposes. The high-top ankle laces all the way up to protect your ankles if you’re knocked over during sparring or a match, and the 10-inch opening makes them easy to slide on then tie securely into place. The gray and black coloring combined with the unique green tint on the interior and the pale blue sole offers a timeless color scheme with a modern touch. Sizes start at 4.5 and run up to 13.5.