If you are working hard to shine your name in stand-up combat sports, then you must learn some important skills that will help you acquire expertise in kickboxing. In addition to that, you will also need the right gear that will push your limits further.
You will need boxing gloves, shorts, and a mouth guard, but more than anything, you will need high-quality shoes because your feet have maximum involvement in this hardcore sport.
Kickboxing shoes are a must if you want to outdo this sport. Those without idea what kind of shoes to choose from can benefit from this post. In this post, you will see some best shoes for kickboxing that both men and women can use for their everyday kickboxing bouts.
LIST OF THE BEST SHOES FOR KICKBOXING
No. | Product Name | IMAGE | RATINGS |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Adidas Mat Wizard 4 |  | |
2 | Adidas Adi-Kick |  | |
3 | Adidas Combat Speed.5 |  | |
4 | Century Lightfoot |  | |
5 | Otomix Stingray Escape |  |
10 BEST SHOES FOR KICKBOXING
1. ADIDAS MAT WIZARD 4 - BEST ADIDAS KICKBOXING SHOES
Features
Looking for some cool kickboxing shoes? Here's the one you can choose. Adidas Men's Mat Wizard 4 is a classic pair of combat shoes that you can wear for your everyday workouts and wrestling practices. With the breathable mesh upper, you will feel like the shoes have no weight, yet you will have full coverage protection over your feet due to its flexible and lightweight build.
The rubber outsole provides impressive traction on any type of surface; be it mud or concrete cement floor, you will have a maximum balance over your shoes. The midsole has an EVA composition. With these wedge EVA cushions, you will have better impact resistance and an aggressive attack stance like no other shoes.
These shoes have sharp tongue-shaped toe and heel tapes that deliver maximum flexibility and protection to the toes and heel so that you don't feel pain even after vigorous kickboxing sessions. The good thing is these Adidas series come in various color and size options, so you can choose your desired fit and enjoy kickboxing.
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2. ADIDAS ADI-KICK - BEST UNISEX SHOES FOR KICKBOXING
Features
There are many training shoes in the shoe industry, but if you are looking specifically for kickboxing sneakers,, this upgraded Adi-kick series model is a great option. This model comes with plenty of upgrades to its predecessor.
The design of these shoes is workout-friendly due to their lightweight PU material that makes these shoes survive longer than usual. The PU leather is soft on the feet and strong enough to take hard kicks.
These shoes have additional leather padding where the laces are placed, usually to provide extra comfort and protection to your feet. These shoes have a rubber outsole that provides amazing traction and lets you take quick turns without twisting your foot.
With these shoes, you can have pivot points on the sole, allowing you to turn and twist your foot in any direction without causing injury to the foot. Adidas is prominent when it comes to providing comfort in everything they offer. Similarly, you will get utmost comfort in these kickboxing shoes without worrying about blisters or shoe bites.
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3. ADIDAS COMBAT SPEED.5 - BEST LIGHTWEIGHT SHOES FOR KICKBOXING
Features
Tough girls, are you looking for women's kickboxing shoes? Here's what you can consider. Adidas Combat Speed 5 is a unisex pair of training shoes that you can use for kickboxing sessions. The Combat Speed 5 is reinforced to provide flexibility and support that almost gives a 'sock-like fit', it's that lightweight! The mesh upper of these shoes allows your feet to breathe properly and have better sweat control.
These shoes have TPU and side panels strategically to secure your foot in place for a snug and perfect fit. The hook and loop fastener strap is placed around the ankle of the shoes for quick wear and removal. The footbed of these shoes has anti-slip liners to improve stability and comfort for the wearer.
In addition, the midsole is designed with EVA foam that provides sufficient cushioning to maintain the attack stance of the wearer. The outsole is designed with Suede leather that offers amazing grip over certain surfaces such as mats and is suitable for kickboxing. Overall, Combat Speed 5 is an exceptional shoe with many design upgradation.
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4. CENTURY LIGHTFOOT - BEST MARTIAL ARTS SHOES FOR KICKBOXING
Features
Combat sports need high-quality equipment. One of the most important pieces of equipment is shoes. For that matter, Century's Lightfoot martial arts shoes can be a great deal to purchase. These were specifically designed for martial arts as it features pivot points that let you turn and twist your foot in every possible direction without experiencing cramps.
Hence, I believe these would be great for kickboxing. The shoes have pliable, breathable material that feels lightweight and a slide-proof grip which is highly important in combat sports. While performing martial arts or kickboxing, your ligaments become vulnerable to injuries, so you need a slide-proof grip in your shoes.
The Century Lightfoot is made to last for ages as it is built with pliable PU and rubber material that does not fade away its effect even if your overwork them. These shoes focus mainly on their soles that also feature special pivot points for quick pivotal movements. Interestingly, these shoes are non-marking; thus, there is no scope of sticking dirt on the shoes.
Lastly, I would say this is a great value for money if you are looking for an economical kickboxing pair of shoes.
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5. OTOMIX STINGRAY ESCAPE - BEST WOMEN'S KICKBOXING SHOES
Features
Good looks along with great performance are the best combination. Otomix has the same intention for building powerful weightlifting shoes for women.
These women's kickboxing shoes are designed with thin sewn-on soles that enable wearers to move very quickly in any direction they want and improve the leg's position right before kicking. With the introduction of Otomix Stingray shoes, they continue their heritage in mat sports equipment. These ultra-light shoes provide aggressive stability and support to the feet and entire leg.
When you wear these shoes, you will have multiple ranges of movements. You can move your leg in any direction without worrying about cramps or dislocation of the ligaments. In addition, these Otomix Stingray are featherlight shoes that deliver ultimate traction over all surfaces.
Traction is very important in sports like kickboxing; the better the traction, the higher the stability. Besides kickboxing, these shoes are also suitable for Judo, Karate, Wrestling, etc.
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6. ADIDAS CONTESTANT PRO - BEST TRAINING SHOES FOR KICKBOXING
Features
The contestant Pro series from Adidas was a limited edition specifically designed for the 2020 Olympics Games. These training shoes offer excellent comfort and durability in the longer run. The Contestant Pro is designed with ultra-durable outer material, a heavy mesh fabric covering the entire body. These shoes do not have laces, making them even more comfortable as the athlete does not have to worry about the loose laces between their intense practice sessions.
If not for kickboxing, these shoes are also great for martial arts and other combat sports. No matter where you wear it, ultimate comfort is promised. These hard, durable, and extremely lightweight training shoes from Adidas deserve to be your kickboxing partner.
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7. FISTRAGE - BEST HIGH-TOP SHOES FOR KICKBOXING
Features
Looking for some high-end kickboxing trainers? Take a quick look at the Fistrage Leather kickboxing shoes. With these shoes, your comfort will never be compromised. These shoes are designed with high-quality cowhide genuine leather and PU sole that provide excellent grip over your leg and surface. Breathable mesh upper allows your feet to stay cool even in the hottest weather.
The heel cushions and cushioned midsoles work together to deliver exceptional traction and grip over any surface. Among all the features, the best feature these shoes offer is the open mesh that encourages unbound ventilation in and out. The PU sole in the Fistrage kickboxing shoes lets you freely move your feet around the ring with significant grip and traction.
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8. YES! ATHLETICS DEFIANT 1 - BEST MESH SHOES FOR KICKBOXING
Features
Are kickboxing shoes for women and girls available? Yes, they are! Defiant 1 wrestling shoes are breathable, eco-friendly, and weightless, and any young girl or woman can use them for their everyday kickboxing practice.
These shoes are loved by many female athletes worldwide for weightlifting, boxing, MMA, etc, not just for their design but also for the comfort and durability it offers. The upper body of these shoes is made with microfiber suede that comes with 3 layers of mesh to make it more breathable and comfortable to wear. The tongue of the shoe has a velcro pouch that protects your toes from various weight impacts.
The insole is made of 100% hi-poly rubber that provides good stability and makes your shoes anti-slip. The good thing is the soles are stitched and glued so that they never detach even after years of use. This series from Yes! ATHLETE is worth a try for women and girls.
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9. CORE - BEST TRACTION SHOES FOR KICKBOXING
Features
The requirement for high-end shoes is fairly modest for an amateur athlete. But some professional athletes only prefer superior trainers. If you are one of those, you should try the Core wrestling shoes for your wrestling, MMA, and kickboxing sessions.
The Core Nordic wrestling shoes are lightweight and reliable for all combat sports. The soles are made from synthetic leather and soft, breathable mesh, giving you comfort and flexibility throughout the day. The rubber sole is enduring and provides proper stiffness to the shoes that you certainly need while doing your sessions.
The sole inside is slightly steeped on the sides to provide lateral movements and traction unduly. The velcro pad keeps the shoestrings secured and hidden while protecting your toes from any impact. Seeking the best shoes for kickboxing class? Go for Core Nordic Wrestling shoes and stride freely.
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10. QUIKSTRYKE UNGUIS - BEST LOW-TOP SHOES FOR KICKBOXING
Features
If you are looking for the best sneakers for kickboxing or any other indoor sports, then QuikStryke is a brand you should consider. The shoes from their Unguis series were developed by martial artists themselves to combat battles with shoes instead of being barefoot.
These shoes have 30 pieces of anti-skid composite sole that provide maximum comfort and durability to the wearer. Having these many layers does not affect the shoes' weight; they still feel lighter. The shoes have pivot points on their outsole for smooth rotation and pivotal movements that might not be possible in ordinary shoes.
Quiknit Technology empowers more flexibility, stability, and breathability to the shoes. In addition, you get a tight weave knit around the ankle support for better stability.
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BUYER’S GUIDE TO CHOOSE BEST KICKBOXING SHOES
When you are getting ready for your fighting rivalry, you should be no loose ends. You must be ready with everything, especially the shoes. You cannot just go and pick any random pair of shoes. For kickboxing, conventional shoes wouldn't work. You need to pick professional trainers. Here are some points you shouldn't miss out on while buying the best kickboxing shoes;
Durability
Impact and pressure on the feet and leg are intense while kickboxing. Thus getting durable shoes is a must. Durability is defined by the type of material used to make the shoe. Thus make sure the shoes you look for have PU or EVA soles. Do not ignore the company's warranty stake. It somehow determines the longevity of the shoes.
Support
You need in and out support when you are practicing kickboxing. A little negligence can cause huge damage to your knees or entire leg. Thus, ensure your shoes have excellent arch, heel, and toe support along with thick, padded midsoles.
Breathability
This is the most important aspect while buying shoes for kickboxing. An intense workout makes the body sweat profusely, and the same goes for the foot. If there is no ventilation, the feet will not be able to perform well. Therefore, it is important to have breathable mesh material around the body to keep the air ventilation going.
Weight
Lighter the weight, the better the performance. If your shoes are heavier, you would have to put too much pressure on the feet to lift them and kick. But kicking would get faster and better if you have a lightweight shoe. Look out for shoes that weigh less and still deliver optimum performance.
FAQ
1. Do Kickboxing Shoes have to be lightweight?
Yes, kickboxing shoes are nicer if they are lighter in weight. Kickboxing requires continuous use of legwork. If your shoes are heavier, you wouldn't be able to lift your leg with full intensity; instead, you will get tired faster. Thus, kickboxing shoes should be lightweight.
2. Can I use Kickboxing shoes for other sports?
Kickboxing shoes are built for combat sports; if they can withstand such intense workouts, they can work for other sports. However, you cannot do outdoor sports with these shoes due to traction and water resistance issues.
3. What are the best kickboxing shoes made out?
The best kickboxing shoes are made of breathing, either with PU, leather, or composite soles. EVA midsole along with heel tapes are a good add-on to the shoes.
CONCLUSION
This was all you needed to know about kickboxing shoes. You can also use Taekwondo shoes as kickboxing shoes as they offer similar comfort and support that you need during kickboxing. I have reviewed some of the top-notch kickboxing shoes going trendy in the market right now. You can either opt for them or look for other suggestions.
Jeffrey has a Master of Science degree in sports science and a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. Jeffrey has worked in sports medicine clinics, corporate wellness facilities and rehabilitation clinics. He/She is an exercise physiologist and fitness consultant who has been writing about sports equipment and training techniques for athletes and fitness enthusiasts for over a decade.