When you first begin boxing, you know the importance of several pieces of equipment. You won’t go far without a good pair of hand wraps, gloves, and protective gear, but what about boxing shoes? You might see other boxers sporting their boxing shoes while you’re still sprinting in your sneakers. Is this okay, or should you jump on the boxing-shoe bandwagon?
Are boxing shoes necessary for beginners? When you are just starting, boxing shoes are not necessary, you are just fine with your running shoes or the shoes you wear when going to the gym. However, as your training becomes more intensive, you may want to consider boxing shoes as they offer more support and stability while you are punching and moving around on your toes.
It’s good news for a boxing newcomer to know that they won’t need to shell out more money right away for boxing shoes. However, they are an important piece of gear you will want to consider in the future if you decide to stick with boxing. In this article, you will find the benefits involved with boxing shoes and which pair you might want to consider purchasing.
Basketball shoes are similar to boxing shoes. If you have a pair of them and you are wondering whether or not you can use them for boxing check out this article: Can You Use Basketball Shoes for Boxing? after finishing with this one. I talk in detail about their differences and in which cases you can or can’t use them for boxing.
What actually are Boxing Shoes?
Boxing shoes are exactly what their name suggests – a pair of shoes that are specifically designed for boxers. They are uniquely designed with a construction that allows for better ankle support and traction, which is necessary while boxing.
Every sport focuses on different parts of the body and has specific needs. For instance, while you are walking or running, you are placing lots of impact on your feet, so you are likely to seek out a good pair of running shoes to keep you comfortable and lightweight during sprints.
A wrestler, on the other hand, requires specially made wrestling shoes. They provide an extreme grip on the floor to keep the wrestler stable and should only be used in wrestling as they greatly limit your movement capabilities.
A boxer needs a lightweight shoe that provides great movement and stride while still allowing for some grip and protecting the ankles from potential injuries. This is where the boxing shoe comes into play. There are six reasons why you might want to consider purchasing a pair in the future.
The 6 Benefits of Boxing Shoes
As a new boxer, you have probably shelled out some cash for your necessary equipment. You won’t get far without boxing gloves and other protective equipment, and if you didn’t have good workout clothes, then that was on the list, too. Therefore, you are probably not looking to spend more money to kickstart your new passion.
The good news is you don’t need boxing shoes right away. As a beginner, you can get by with regular sneakers. However, as your training continues and intensifies, you are going to want to buy a pair of shoes specifically designed for boxers. But why?
There are six reasons why you might want to consider buying boxing shoes, and they are:
- They give better traction
- They provide superior ankle support
- They are lightweight for better movement
- They are a sturdy pair of shoes
- They feel comfortable
- They provide ample sweat protection
1. They Give Better Traction
Having a good grip while you are boxing is a must. Again, this is important inside and outside of the ring. When you’re bobbing right and left and pivoting to dodge blows or give that extra fancy footwork for a right cross, the last thing you want to do is have a slip-up. A good pair of boxing shoes will provide the right amount of traction to get the job done.
2. They provide Superior Ankle Support
Your ankles are probably the last thing you think about when it comes to boxing injuries. After all, someone is throwing punches at your face – why would you be thinking about your feet?
Well, you might be surprised to learn that ankle injuries are very common in boxing. This is because your ankle can roll when you’re trying to bob and weave around the ring. Therefore, you need a good pair of boxing shoes to keep your ankles supported at all times.
But not any boxing shoe will do. While you can find some security with low-top boxing shoes, your best bet is to find a good pair of high-top boxing shoes. These will provide superior ankle support to reduce the risk of an ankle injury.
3. They are Lightweight for Better Movement
Aside from needing good grip and traction, you also need a pair of shoes that are lightweight. Heavy, bulky shoes are only going to hold you back from quick movements, which could eventually lead to a lost fight. If you want to make sure that you can be quick on your feet and not feel fatigued after the first round, consider a pair of boxing shoes.
Boxing shoes are designed to be more lightweight than other types of shoes, allowing for quick movements and overall improved agility.
4. They are a Sturdy Pair of Shoes
Just because boxing shoes are lightweight doesn’t mean they lack in quality or durability. Boxing shoes are uniquely designed to be a very sturdy shoe and are more than likely going to be constructed using suede or genuine leather.
5. They are Reliable and Comfortable
In recent years, boxing shoes have become immensely more popular. They are created with a thermal regulating mesh to provide added comfort while you’re in the ring.
Keep in mind, though, that there is likely going to be a break-in period that isn’t entirely comfortable. This period shouldn’t last too long. Once your shoes are broken in, you will enjoy a pair of comfortable and reliable boxing shoes.
6. They Provide Ample Sweat Protection
One of the benefits of choosing boxing shoes that may be overlooked is the sweat protection. Certainly, this isn’t the most important thing on your list, but it’s something you will be grateful for in the future.
Face it: you are going to get sweaty whether you’re practicing with the heavy bags or duking it out in the ring. You don’t want to be worried about wet, annoying shoes and socks, so having a good pair of boxing shoes that allows for sweat to evaporate quickly is a huge plus.
Recommended Boxing Shoes
I prefer high-top boxing shoes because of the better ankle support they provide. When your ankle is stable you can generate more power in your punches and move more efficiently.
One of the best high-top pairs of shoes right now is the Reeboks’ Men’s Boxing Boot-Buck Sneakers. They are really comfortable, have an ankle strap which makes your feet feel more locked into the shoe, providing more support. The rubber outsole of the shoes adds a great deal of traction which is very useful especially if you like to move a lot and cut angles when boxing.
Their price is very good considering their quality (around $100 by the time I wrote this article. But you can check the current price on Amazon.com.
Conclusion
A good pair of boxing shoes are not necessary when you are just starting, but you may want to consider them in the future. These shoes are comfortable and lightweight while allowing for better traction, durability, and ankle support. They can seriously improve your training and boxing in and out of the ring while reducing the chances of injury.
