Y ou don’t have to be Mike Tyson to know that an important part of boxing is having the right boxing shoes.
Just think about it:
Pivoting, bouncing, sliding, weaving, and even punching all start with the feet, which is why proper footwear is crucial to performance and safety (not to mention, preventing an ass whooping).
Compared to cross trainers, a good pair of boxing shoes is designed to meet the specific needs of a boxer, most notably traction, stability, ankle support, and freedom of movement.
So whether you’re training for a fight or just to get in fighting shape, it’s worth investing in the right pair of boxing shoes.
Of course, finding the right pair can be a battle all its own.
That’s why we’ve put together this complete guide to the best boxing shoes on the market for every skill level — including the MVPs for beginners and flat-footed athletes.
Ready? Then… LLLLLlllllet’s get ready to rumble!!!!!!
(I promise to never do that again.)
- Overall Best Shoes for Boxing Training ↓
- Best Boxing Shoes for Flat Feet ↓
- Best Boxing Shoes for Wide Feet ↓
- Best Boxing Shoes for Grip↓
- Best Boxing Shoes for Beginners ↓
- Best Cheap Boxing Shoes ↓
- Best Boxing Shoes for Speed ↓
- Best Boxing Shoes for Versatility ↓
- Best ASICS Boxing Shoes ↓
- Best Adidas Boxing Shoes ↓
The 15 Best Shoes for Boxing
Breaking Down the Best Boxing Training Shoes for Floating Like a Butterfly
(the stinging like a bee part is up to you)
First Up:
Our Top 10 Picks ↓↓
Overall Best Shoes for Boxing Training ↓
Everlast Elite High Top Boxing Shoe
Rating:
- 4.7 Stars
- 770 Reviews
Advantages:
Everlast is one of the most respected brands in the boxing world, so it’s no surprise that their Elite High Tops rank high on our list of the best shoes for boxing workouts.
High-top shoes are known for their ankle support, and these go the extra mile with an additional ankle strap that provides security when pivoting and punching.
While super supportive, the breathable mesh upper keeps them lightweight and flexible; ideal for floating like a butterfly.
But what makes them special is the high quality Michelin® Technical sole that offers the same grip and traction you’d expect from tires, giving you stability during footwork without compromising speed.
Additionally, the sole’s versatile hybrid design means you can go from your gym workout to the canvas without changing shoes (and we could all use less stuff in our gym bags, am I right?).
Pro Tip:
If you loved the previously discontinued Reebok Boxing Boots (worn by Floyd Mayweather at the end of his career), this is an excellent alternative.
Promising Review:
These are my favorite boxing shoes for all training sessions.
They’re lighter feeling and less restrictive than some other brands so they provide support without the constant friction that you might accept in an event/match shoe but wouldn’t be able to tolerate in a daily trainer.
– Ben
Best Boxing Shoes for Flat Feet ↓
Venum Elite Boxing Shoes
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 494 Reviews
Advantages:
The Venum Elite is an all-around great boxing shoe, and an excellent option for fighters with flat feet.
They have everything you’d want in a premium boxing shoe, including a thin sole for grip and stability, mesh panels for air flow and comfort, and lateral ankle support for, well… everything.
But what sets them apart is the ergonomic insoles, which give much-needed arch support for flat footed athletes (this also makes them ideal for plantar fasciitis).
In addition to being functional, they’re stylish as hell and available in up to eight color combinations.
Promising Review:
Beautiful shoes, very comfortable and high quality Material. Do be advised there is a little bit of arch inside the shoe, I was scared at first because I’m flat footed, but no problems. Beautiful boxing boot all around.
Best Boxing Shoes for Wide Feet ↓
Otomix Ninja Warrior Bodybuilding Shoe
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 466 Reviews
Advantages:
While technically deemed a weightlifting shoe, the Otomix Ninja Warriors perform just as well on canvas as they do in the squat rack.
An upgraded version of the Otomix Stingray (which we’ll get into later), this model has a wider toe box and comes in half sizes specifically to accommodate those with wide feet.
They’re also ultra lightweight to keep you light on your toes, yet still durable enough to withstand tough workouts and sparring sessions.
Just keep in mind these are thin, flat-soled shoes, which is optimal for a firm grip but not for flat-footed boxers.
Promising Review:
They are very comfortable and the traction is great for spinning and twisting on carpet as well as gym mats and wrestling mats. I have wide feet and these were the only ones I could find that had the wider box.
Best Boxing Shoes for Grip↓
Hayabusa Pro Boxing Shoes
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 749 Reviews
Advantages:
Let’s face it, any shoe that’s designed for boxing is going to have excellent grip, since stability is a must for absolute control and power in the boxing ring.
But the Hayabusa Pro takes good grip to the next level with a grooved, synthetic sole ideal for generating power and navigating sudden change of direction.
You’ll notice they’re a higher price than most brands on our list, but you’re getting good quality boxing shoes with great ankle support and durability.
A word of caution: The one thing they lack is cushioning, so these are not a great choice for flat feet.
Promising Review:
Bought these for my first fight, they’re the most comfortable boxing shoes I’ve ever tried on, great traction control on the mat, super lightweight. Worth every penny.
– Zach
Best Boxing Shoes for Beginners ↓
Adidas Combat Speed V
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 773 Reviews
Advantages:
As one of the top boxing shoe brands on the market, Adidas has a lot of great options available (a few of which we’ll get into further down the list).
But we chose their Combat Speed V as the best boxing shoe for beginners for a few reasons.
The first is the sock-like fit: Snug and ultra lightweight with open weave mesh uppers, they provide the breathability and comfort you want from your first pair.
The second is versatility: While marketed as a wrestling shoe, they’re great for both weight room workouts and in-ring use.
Lastly, is price: If you’re not ready to invest in an expensive shoe out of the gate, these come at an affordable price.
Promising Review:
I use for boxing everyday when I workout. No complaints. Good value for the price
– ferg1son
Best Cheap Boxing Shoes ↓
Ringside Diablo Wrestling/Boxing Shoe
Rating:
- 4.2 Stars
- 241 Reviews
Advantages:
When it comes to the best shoes under $100, the Ringside Diablo offers style and function at a great value.
One of their biggest selling features is the unique patent leather vinyl finish that’s stylish as well as flexible, durable, flexible, and easy to clean.
They also have a non-slip rubber sole for safety and traction, which you already know is crucial for wrestling, boxing, and martial arts.
And at only $70, these guys are punching way above their weight class.
The only potential downside is the low-cut design offers less ankle support than high-top boxing shoes.
(However, low tops allow for more movement so it really comes down to personal preference.)
Promising Review:
These shoes have made ALL the difference! I decided to buy them after dealing with a lot of foot and ankle pain from working out with regular sneakers.
And honestly, it was the best decision I could have made! I no longer feel any pain and my turns are swift and solid. If you’re serious about boxing, I would invest in these shoes.
– Sofia
Best Boxing Shoes for Speed ↓
Adidas Speedex 18
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 360 Reviews
Advantages:
Another entry from Adidas (as promised), the Speedex 18 has the quality and performance you’d expect from this brand, along with being shockingly lightweight.
As the name suggests, the ultra lightweight design (just 11.1 oz to be exact) is ideal for speed and agility, two crucial elements of a boxer’s performance.
In addition to feeling lighter than other types of boxing shoes, they’ve got a rear-foot foam and strap system that locks down your heel for a secure fit and added stability.
All that said, these are a great pair of shoes for a professional boxer or anyone looking to take their boxing to the next level.
Promising Review:
Good shoes, does what it says it will do, fits perfectly for my normal width feet.
Best Boxing Shoes for Versatility ↓
Otomix Stingray Escape
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 2,104 Reviews
Advantages:
If you’re the kind of athlete that dabbles in multiple sports and training styles, this is the shoe for you.
Lightweight and durable, these shoes are designed to take a beating, whether it be wrestling, martial arts, boxing, or weightlifting.
Otomix famously boasts a thinner sole than traditional shoes, which means better grip and flexibility, however it also means you may need an insole for a little extra arch support.
Plus, they’re made of leather and synthetic materials, so they’re going to be extremely comfortable shoes right out of the box.
Promising Review:
I use this product for weight lifting and boxing, the way the shoe allows the toes to splay out more to get that wider base really just makes a huge difference.
Unfortunately this shoe isn’t for everyone due to the lack of arch support, however pair this shoe with a good insole and you’ll be set!
Best Boxing Shoes for Women ↓
Title Total Balance Boxing Shoe
Rating:
- 4.7 Stars
- 292 Reviews
Advantages:
For women, finding the right shoes for boxing can be tricky, especially since most of the brands tend to cater to male consumers.
Luckily, the Total Balance shoe from Title Boxing is a great option for women.
Besides just looking badass, the fit is sleek and more narrow than most of the shoes on our list (which is ideal for women because our feet tend not to be as wide as men’s).
Additionally, they’ve got breathable nylon mesh for air flow and molded rubber soles that provide better grip than regular shoes but without compromising speed.
Plus, the high top design and synthetic leather uppers offer the additional support around the ankles that many women are looking for in good boxing shoes.
Sizing tip:
While not specifically made for women, sizing shouldn’t be a problem if you order a size and a half down (so if you’re a size 8, order a 6.5 or 7).
Promising Review:
For all you fighting females, YES! I am a woman’s 8.5 and got size 7.
These shoes deserve all the stars. Simply the best. I train 10 hrs a week and have had no issues, great support and fit. All the guys ask where I got them…LOL
– Q
Best ASICS Boxing Shoes ↓
ASICS Aggressor 5
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 85 Reviews
Advantages:
Asics is another reputable shoe company in the world of combat sports, specifically when it comes to wrestling shoes.
Despite being a wrestling shoe, the Asics Aggressor line has become popular among boxers and MMA fighters alike for one main reason: Durability.
The Aggressor 5 has synthetic suede-like material on the upper that not only provides softness around the foot, but can stand up to daily workouts for a long time without showing wear and tear.
(Bonus: This material also makes them one of the most comfortable shoes from Asics.)
If you’re a fan of the popular Aggressor 4, this generation has similar reinforcement panels on the sides for support and stability, but with more flexibility.
Promising Review:
Shoes are amazing on the mat. The shoes are really comfortable.
Best Adidas Boxing Shoes ↓
Adidas Box Hog 4
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 35 Reviews
Advantages:
No matter your experience or skill level, this latest version in the Adidas Box Hog line is a great shoe for all boxers.
They’ve got an EVA midsole (essentially a foam pillow for your feet) that provides support and cushioning for long bouts on the canvas, as well as a premium rubber outsole for better traction during fast footwork.
A closer look inside reveals a welded support cage that’s designed to add stability, so you know you’re going to feel secure.
And weighing just 10 ounces, they’re one of most lightweight boxing shoes on the market, hands down.
They’re everything you’re looking for in a high-quality pair of boxing shoes, and they’re made with 50% recycled materials to boot.
Pun intended.
Promising Review:
Great shoes I really recommend to all boxers! Original and high quality!
– Er
The Best of the Rest ↓
We’ve already covered the heavyweights, but these five shoes can hold their own in the ring, too.
ASICS Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoe
Rating:
- 4.4 Stars
- 6,218 Reviews
Advantages:
Billed as a wrestling shoe, the Asics Matflex 6 is great for boxing because of its incredible traction and durability.
You’re not going to get the same level of quality as the shoes on our Top 10, but at this price it’s a decent shoe and a great starting point for beginners.
Plus, if you prefer low-top shoes, this is a good option.
Promising Review:
Good quality at a great price point.
– Shaun
Nike Speedsweep VII
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 221 Reviews
Advantages:
Another example of good low-cut boxing shoes, the Nike Speedsweep VII is as stylish as it is lightweight.
The breathable mesh, ankle support, and a thin rubber sole make them a decent shoe if you’re looking to improve your footwork.
There is one caveat: The fit is extremely narrow so make sure to go up a size (and if you have wide feet, skip them altogether).
Promising Review:
I actually bought these to wear to kick boxing and Krav Maga classes, Really some of the all time best fitting wrestling shoes I have ever owned, amazing price too, I highly recommend them.
Rival RSX Genesis 2.0
Rating:
- 5 Stars
- 1 Review
Advantages:
Better known for their high-end boxing gloves, Rival’s boxing shoes are well respected by industry amateurs and pros alike.
The RSX Genesis 2.0 is reminiscent of an old school boxing boot but the design includes modern-day technology for comfort and performance.
Promising Review:
If I was ever to return back to the ring everything I would be made from Rival Boxing Boxing.
– Matt R.
Ringside Undefeated Boxing Shoes
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 460 Reviews
Advantages:
The Ringside Undefeated is a good option to turn to if you’re on a budget.
The high-top cut provides stellar ankle support, but they’re still lightweight enough to make moving around the ring a breeze.
In terms of sole thickness, they’re on the thin side, so you’ll want to use an orthotic insert if you need arch support.
Promising Review:
I was looking for a new pair of boxing shoes. After trying on about six pairs i tried these last. Unbelievable…
Tons of support, light, great movement laterally and for hooks. These are my new boxing go to boots
Fistrage High Top Boxing Shoes
Rating:
- 4.3 Stars
- 305 Reviews
Advantages:
Another affordable option, Fistrage High Top Boxing Shoes offer comfort and support during boxing workouts.
The open mesh upper combines with leather panels for anan incredibly lightweight, breathable and comfortable shoe.
Plus, the gum rubber outsole is perfect for pivoting and shifting without slipping.
Promising Review:
I love these shoes. I have knee problems and my regular sneakers stick to the floor.
These shoes give me cushion and let me pivot. I bought arch support inserts and now my boxing workouts are much easier.
FAQ
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Kirstyn Brown
Kirstyn describes herself as a “coffee lover and cat lady,” but don’t let her humility fool you:
As the co-creator and former Editor-in-Chief of Strong Fitness Magazine, she’s one of the most respected fitness and health journalists in the industry, whose work has appeared in top publications ranging from Strong and Oxygen to Clean Eating, Girls Gone Strong and more.
The Recap ↓
Summary
High-top shoes are known for their ankle support, and these go the extra mile with an additional ankle strap that provides stability when pivoting and punching.
Banner Image: Eugene Onischenko / Shutterstock