Almost all sports require specific footwear to maximize performance, and boxing is no exception. While you only make contact with your opponent with your hands, footwork and full-body movement is necessary for success.
Boxing shoes are designed to increase your speed and agility in the ring. They provide stability for your feet and ankles as well as traction to prevent slipping on your training or match surface. Boxing shoes are an important piece of equipment for regular or serious boxers.
If you are just getting into the sport or don’t want to pay a lot of money for the shoes, there are many quality options. We’ve kept this list short and sweet for you by selecting our 10 favorite boxing shoes for under $100.
Best Boxing Shoes Under $100
While there are plenty more brands offering less expensive shoes, we only wanted to show you the ones we feel will deliver while you box. These provide the boxer with comfort, stability, and durability to last over time and enhance your boxing performance.
Low-Top vs. High-Top
There are two types of boxing shoes: low-top and high-top. Low-top boxing shoes look very similar to high-top sneakers, which would make more sense if they were called mid-top shoes. In comparison, they are low compared to high-top boxing shoes that stop mid-shin.
The type of shoe you should choose is dependent on preference as well as the type of boxer you are. High-top boxing shoes provide much more ankle support than low-tops. At the same time, low-top boxing shoes provide better mobility and allow for faster movements. If you are a speed boxer, low-top should be your choice. Those who depend more on sharp and fast movements and turns in a match should go with high-top shoes for increased support in pivoting.
Many experienced and high-level boxers use high-top shoes to support their advanced movements. These lace-up to the shins and provide increased support with tight lacing and quality leather materials. If you are prone to ankle injuries, the high-tops are a better choice.
What To Look for In Boxing Shoes
Boxing is all about being light on your feet and turning quickly to surprise your opponent and avoid hits. The shoes on your feet have a large impact on your ability to move quickly and with agile footwork. There are multiple aspects of a boxing shoe that make this possible and vary based on boxing type and preference.
You should consider these factors when choosing a boxing shoe:
- Weight: The best boxing shoes are lightweight allow for quick movements. The shoes should be helping you instead of weighing you down. Make weight a high priority in your decision.
- Ankle support: Depending on the boxing you do and your ankle strength, you may want to choose shoes that offer more support. Lateral movements and fast stepping in all directions put stress on your ankles.
- Sole: The sole of the shoe is based on user preference, but you will want to choose a thinner sole for better contact with the ground. Pivoting is also a crucial aspect of boxing movement and can be impacted by the sole shape and design. Some boxers prefer more or less grip depending on their style and athleticism.
- Comfort: If you’re a regular boxer, you’ll be spending a lot of time in these shoes. You will want them to be comfortable, so they do not interfere with your training or competitions.
#1 Reebok Boxing Boot – Buck (#1 High-Top Shoe)
Reebok boxing shoes are one of the most popular brands on the market now for their design, performance, and durability. Professionals such as Floyd Mayweather wore this style, showing their performance value.
The Buck boxing shoe may be one of the more expensive on this list (you can check the current price on Amazon.com), but it is backed up by premium features. Let’s talk about fit. If you are looking for a snug and tight-fitting shoe that will provide additional ankle support, the Bucks should be your choice. With lace and strapping system, these high tops ensure little to no ankle instability but still allow for agile movement.
The shoes also provide a little extra grip compared to other boxing shoes, giving you more stability and traction. They offer a full rubber outsole for extended use and durability as well as an EVA midsole for increased comfort (foam-like material for extra cushion). If you have narrower feet, these are great shoes for their tight and slim fit.
What We Like
- One of the most attractive and fashionable designs on the market
- Very lightweight for their size and material
- Breathable with synthetic and textile fabric for limiting heat and odor
What We Don’t
- Higher price point than many of its competitors
- With increased support, they are slightly more difficult to take on and off
#1 Rival Boxing Lo-Top Guerrero Boots (#1 Low-Top Shoes)
Rival is known as a premium supplier of boxing equipment. They offer high-quality gloves and a variety of boxing shoes. The Guerrero boots (click here to check them on Amazon) match this standard of quality and are recommended by boxers of all levels. These are low-top boxing boots, best for speed work and boxers looking for flexibility. Patent leather and microfiber mesh provide durability as well as breathability for extended use.
The rubber outsole is strong and provides an exceptional grip for greater traction. The insole is padded for increased comfort as well as arch support. If you have flatter feet or need a heightened arch, these boxing shoes will provide that without additional inserts. Plus with crazy colors, your shoes will most definitely be the talk of the gym.
What We Like
- Thin outsole allows for better “feel” with the ground to enhance movement and footwork
- Male and female customers both find this shoe effective and of high-performance quality
- Emphasis on extra padding and arch construction make this a well-supported shoe for a low-top
What We Don’t
- Consumers with wider feet may find it more difficult to find a size that is comfortable enough without slippage in the shoe
- Best for training environments may be slippery in a ring
#2 Title Speed-Flex Encore Boxing Shoe
Offering the shoe in both low-top and high-top versions, the Title Speed-Flex Encore on Amazon.com is a high-quality boxing shoe at an affordable price. Title is highly regarded among athletes for their consistent performance across equipment lines. Their shoes have been designed with boxing specifically in mind. Synthetic leather and nylon materials used are durable and strong for long-lasting use.
These shoes are best suited for those who value speed and fast footwork in training and the ring. We recommend these for sparring, mitt work, and conditioning training. If you are a light and a quick hitter who moves around a lot, these are the shoes for you. We also appreciate the simple design (clean and tight embroidery) with lots of color options to satisfy boxers’ preferences.
What We Like
- Versatile for many boxing activities makes them a great training and competition tool
- Incredibly lightweight and supportive for quick and sharp movements
- Offered in both low-top and high-top for boxer preferences with same quality across both lines
What We Don’t Like
- Needs a bit of time to break in for increased comfort
- Unlike many on this list, these shoes tend to run small (opt for larger size)
- High-top variation is difficult to take on and off with extra fastening technology
#3 Adidas Box Hog 2
Excellent quality at a great price makes the Adidas Box Hog shoe stand out among others near its price point (you can check the price on Amazon.com here). If you are looking for an all-around solid boxing shoe, we recommend these for their lightweight features that will lead to overall better footwork. Their classic simple design with the three stripes makes these appealing to the minimalist and comfortable through long-lasting workouts.
This is a low-top shoe, emphasizing speed over ankle stability, but for a low top shoe, it does really well in the ankle protection category. It also offers additional foot support with a cushioned heel, EVA midsole, and gum rubber outsole.
The outsole also provides excellent traction and grip for all indoor training surfaces. This has one of the best grips among shoes we’ve selected which is better for hard-hitting. We recommend this shoe for beginners and experienced boxers alike.
What We Like
- Unlike many shoes that do run large or small, these fit true to size
- Single-layer open mesh material allows for proper ventilation
- Synthetic suede covering gives the shoe a tighter yet comfortable fit
What We Don’t
- Limited color options and no customization
- Consumers have experienced the sole coming unglued from the shoe after extended use
#4 Adidas Combat Speed.5
Adidas has built a reputation for itself over the years for great footwear in fighting sports. The Combat Speed.5 (see it on Amazon here) is a versatile shoe that has proven its success among boxers. These shoes are low-tops, therefore being designed for speed. They are also incredibly lightweight and provide a tight fit, almost like wearing a sock. This gives you the feel of being barefoot, but also the protection and traction of a well-designed boxing shoe.
The sole is the main feature of this shoe as it has a strong grip with a suede leather outsole aimed to prevent slipping. It is made completely of rubber for maximum movement but also stability in cutting. For increased comfort, the shoe features an EVA midsole for extra padding, but not too much as to take away from the feel of the ground beneath you.
What We Like
- Lace-up and strap closure enhance tightness of shoe and foot support
- An inner mesh layer makes the shoe breathable to keep your feet cool during exercise
- Suitable for all levels of athletes for their versatility and comfort
What We Don’t
- Not well-suited for consumers with wider feet, tend to run more narrow
- Consumers find that the shoe runs slightly large and many prefer to select a half size down
#5 Adidas KO Legend 16.1 Boxing Shoe
Another Adidas shoe makes the list for its lightweight nature and strong stability. The KO Legend 16.1 on Amazon.com is fully laced to customize your tight fit depending on preference. The thin outsole also gives you a great feel of your surface as well as exceptional grip for quick movements.
The use of a foam color makes these shoes much more comfortable than other offerings. The neoprene foam reduces rubbing against the shoe for improved comfort. The midsole also features EVA padding for additional comfort and support. These are low-top shoes that are best for speed boxing that requires fast footwork.
What We Like
- Mesh material increases breathability to eliminate sweat and odors
- Fits snuggly and like a glove with the sleek design
What We Don’t
- Not designed for increased ankle support
- Those with wide feet may find this style uncomfortable for extended use
#6 Ringside Undefeated Wrestling Boxing Shoes
The Undefeated Wrestling Boxing shoe on Amazon.com by Ringside works well for the ring and the wrestling mat, making them versatile for many workout types. If you plan on using your boxing shoe for different types of fighting and martial arts, the Undefeated will work through just about anything. The high-top style increases performance with added ankle support and patent leather vinyl materials increase durability.
These boots are incredibly lightweight, comfortable, and provide all necessary performance metrics for elite training and competition. Consumers also prefer them over other brands for their design. If you care about looking great while training great, the Undefeated provides a clean and simple design that appeals to both men and women.
What We Like
- Breathable nylon mesh inside decreases overheating during a workout and prevents odors
- Rubber sole with increased traction to prevent slipping and improve movement as well as safety
What We Don’t
- The shoes do not always run true to size (tend to run big), making it more difficult for consumers to find the proper fit
- Not available in half sizes makes it more challenging for all boxers to find the correct size
- High-tops are shorter than they appear, still providing support but not as high up the shin
#7 Lonsdale Contender Boxing Shoe
Lonsdale has been in the boxing shoe game for a long time because of their performance. The low-cut Contender is a lightweight shoe that features laces for tight fit and stability. You can see it Amazon here.
With a quilted ankle, this provides additional cushion on sides and support for safety and comfort. If you are primarily doing sparring training, these are great shoes as they allow you to feel your surface and make quick movements.
These are a comfortable training shoe, with additional padding in the insole, giving shock absorption benefits as well as increased comfort. With a simple design and quality materials, these are great boxing shoes for those who prefer a simpler look. The performance and long-lasting durability speak for themselves.
What We Like
- Vents provide aeration to reduce sweat and odor
- One of the most supportive shoes for ankles in the low-top category
What We Don’t
- Limited color options: definitely not for the flashy or colorful boxer
- Some consumers have found loose stitching on the seams
#8 Asics Men JB Elite V2.0
Designed as a wrestling shoe, this one makes the list because it is great for wrestling, but also a top-rated shoe for boxing. This Asics shoe (check it on Amazon here) has a strong rubber sole for gripping, a tight fit, and solid ankle support. They are lightweight, making them a great option for moving around a boxing ring or training environment. With versatility in use, you should consider these shoes for all fighting types you may participate in.
While they fit snuggly, many rave about their comfort. With strong arch support, these shoes make workouts easy with no pain. With no limitations on mobility and increased ankle support, these shoes work well for all types of boxers and their preferences.
What We Like
- Mesh material increases breathability to prevent overheating and odors
- Excellent ankle support for a low-top cut
What We Don’t
- Not forgiving in width, may not be well-suited for those with wider feet
- Run true to size, but many consumers complain of the shoes being too tight
#9 Ringside Diablo Boxing Shoes
With a modern design and breathable fabric, the Ringside Diablo boxing shoe on Amazon.com is a lightweight shoe suitable for all types of training. They are low-top shoes, increasing your ability for movement and speed. These shoes are versatile, being used by wrestlers and mixed martial artists. If you have wider feet, these are a top choice for you. Unlike traditional boxing shoes, these shoes are not as tight, increasing comfort for users.
The grip on the shoes is durable, allowing their performance abilities to last longer. Beyond their quality and performance metrics, they also come in lots of fun colors. If you want to show off your shoes with flashy colors in the ring, the Diablo offers a variety for both men and women. These shoes get the job done at an attractive price point, allowing you to get the most out of your workout without spending a fortune.
What We Like
- Nylon mesh fabric is breathable to eliminate overheating and reduce odors
- Wide range of size and color options for boxers of all shapes and sizes
What We Don’t
- They are not true to size (tend to run a little big) and you should make sure they fit properly before use
- Consumers find them to be a great training shoe but could be improved for ring use
Final Recommendation
Finding an affordable boxing shoe that boasts the qualities of premium shoes can be challenging, but that’s why we did the hard work for you! You want a lightweight shoe that is comfortable and can enhance your performance. Whether your desired result is ankle stability or fast footwork, you’ll find that all of these shoes will deliver in quality.
Our favorite low-top on this list for durability, performance, and weight goes to the Rival Guerrero boots. We like the added foot support for a shoe that doesn’t focus on ankle stability. With great grip and comfort, we also really like the fun colors you can choose from! This is a great shoe to highlight and improve your quick footwork!
For high-tops, stick with the Reebok Buck Sneaker. It delivers consistently in performance, allowing you to keep up with the competition while wearing a lightweight and comfortable shoe. With great ankle stability, this is our preference for quality high-tops. All of our recommendations will yield great boxing results at an affordable price. Having a good pair of shoes can make a world of a difference and take your training to the next level.
