Next to gloves, the most crucial piece of boxing gear is boxing shoes. It helps with the footwork aspect of training, which works on a fighter’s explosiveness, agility, and strike-landing abilities. It also lets fighters make anchored stops for pinpoint pivots.
There’s no doubt getting a good pair can be game-changing. The best boxing shoes should offer comfort and fit like they were made specifically for you.
On the other hand, a poor pair would feel alien around your feet, with strange crevices and lumps that do nothing to help your footwork.
In our list, we discuss the five best shoes for boxing that should improve any fighter’s game, no matter where they are on their boxing journey.
| Product | Highlights | Check Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hayabusa Pro Boxing Shoes for Men and Women (Best Overall) |  | Excellent traction for pinpoint pivots | Check Price |
| Ringside Diablo Boxing Shoes (Best for Boxing and Wrestling) |  | Breathable mesh design keeps feet ventilated | Check Price |
| Title Boxing Speed-Flex Encore Boxing Shoes (Best for Speed and Agility) |  | Super affordable | Check Price |
| Venum Elite Boxing Shoes (Best for Any Skill Level) |  | Has great flexibility and adaptability | Check Price |
| Adidas Box HOG II (Best Ankle Support) |  | Lightweight and comfortable | Check Price |
Best Boxing Shoes Reviews
1. Hayabusa Pro Boxing Shoes for Men and Women (Best Overall)
This pair combines stability, comfort, and traction to help boxers deliver explosive power and agility in the ring. It comes in warrior-color red and is designed to keep you light on your feet. Its custom outsole also allows boxers to deliver anchored grips at crucial moments.
Product Highlights
Boxing shoe reviews will tell you how important it is for a good pair to be lightweight. This Hayabusa pair doesn’t disappoint in that area, helping boxers stay light enough on their feet to create explosive, agile movements. You can slide and shuffle around the ring with incredible precision and the least bit of effort.
The shoes’ custom soles and angled grooves offer flexibility and stability, helping boxers perform precise pivots. In doing so, they are able to transfer maximum power to their punches.
This pair also offers excellent ankle support and a secure fit for ring warriors with a mid-height build. Its insole is cushioned and molds to your feet like custom-made gloves mold to your hand.
Designed with mesh ventilation, this Hayabusa boxing shoe is the epitome of breathability, even as your footwork gets more intense.
Another thing you will love about this pair of boxing boots is their durability. It is made of high-quality microfiber leather, rubber outsoles, and mesh panels that hold up well even after multiple brutal training sessions.
The Good
These shoes have such a crisp, clean, and traditional warrior-like look that any boxing enthusiast would love. While looks matter to a spectator, it is functionality that most users are looking for.
This pair doesn’t disappoint with its lightweight design, superb traction, excellent breathability, and great ankle support. It basically has all the elements a boxer needs to perform consistently accurate footwork that elevates his or her game.
The Bad
While this shoe shines in terms of durability, it still remains to be seen if it can hold up to professional-level training sessions.
Our guess is not, since pros aren’t likely to venture into the lower end of the price spectrum when selecting their boxing equipment.
- Excellent traction for pinpoint pivots
- Provides outstanding breathability
- Impressive ankle support
- Keeps boxers light on their feet
- Might not hold up well to multiple, professional-level training sessions
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2. Ringside Diablo Boxing Shoes (Best for Boxing and Wrestling)
You will definitely look like someone not to be reckoned with wearing these shoes, which work as well for wrestling as they do for boxing.
You can get them in black, red, pink, blue, and white. All colors, except pink, are available in men’s sizes, while pink is available in women’s sizes.
Product Highlights
Boxing has such an interesting history that most boxing shoes are usually designed after the more traditional footwear of past champions.
The Ringside Store veered away from that narrative with their Diablo boxing shoes, which caters to both boxing and wrestling enthusiasts. Yes, you can do both—unless you want to go professional in either one, that is.
This more modern version of the conventional boxing shoe helps you deliver a high level of performance in the ring. Its superb ankle support lets you move with ease and execute explosive footwork.
It is designed with a nylon mesh pattern to keep it breathable and comfortable. It also has a rubber sole with a non-slip quality to amp up safety even as the fighting gets more intense.
The Good
This pair excels in terms of breathability, traction, and ankle support. With these three elements, it should be easy for any boxer wearing these shoes to perform well inside the ring.
The Bad
What you are probably not going to like about this pair is its lack of durability. Sure, it will hold up well for the first few months of non-intense training.
But as sessions become more frequent and brutal, you might find yourself needing to purchase a brand-new pair. You might even need a higher-quality model if your experience is anything to go by.
- Breathable mesh design keeps feet ventilated
- Can be used for boxing and wrestling
- Non-slip quality to keep you from losing your footing in the ring
- Lacks durability
- Might not hold up well against professional-level training sessions
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3. Title Boxing Speed-Flex Encore Boxing Shoes (Best for Speed and Agility)
Here’s an affordable choice from a brand trusted by athletes, fighters, and enthusiasts from all over the globe. This warrior-red number comes in sizes that fit mid and tall heights. It also offers the support that boxers need to dance strategically around their opponents.
Product Highlights
Most boxing shoe reviews will tell you what happens when you wear an ill-fitting pair for training and sparring (hint: it’s not anything good). Not only do you become slower, but your footwork also turns sloppy, leaving you more vulnerable to your opponent’s attacks.
The Speed-Flex Encore Shoes by Title Boxing ensures that doesn’t happen. The pair is comfortable and lightweight, which allows you to move around the ring with ease.
When worn during training sessions, it makes you feel lighter on your feet and gradually helps improve your footwork.
Since boxing is a brutal combat sport, you will need shoes made of tough material to carry you through your training sessions. This pair doesn’t disappoint in that aspect, either.
It’s made of high-quality synthetic leather that looks and feels great around your feet. The material also helps boost speed and footwork.
The Good
This pair is exceptionally lightweight and durable, making it great for bag and sparring training combinations. It helps you maintain good speed and agility while providing your ankle the support it needs to remain stable and move optimally.
The Bad
The shoes are initially tight when you start wearing them, but they don’t take long to break-in. They also run small in sizing and can be challenging to take on and off due to their lace-up design.
- Super affordable
- Comes in a variety of color options
- Good flexibility
- Excellent ankle support
- Needs to be broken in
- Runs small
- Difficult to remove and put back on
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4. Venum Elite Boxing Shoes (Best for Any Skill Level)
The name itself screams to a boxer that he or she can go places. If you are looking to get into the big leagues, you need to rely on equipment almost as much as skill.
These Elite Boxing Shoes by Venum are among the best boxing shoes around because of how well they meet the needs of beginners and practiced fighters alike.
Also, who in boxing doesn’t love the black and red combination? The answer? Absolutely no one.
Product Highlights
These shoes take support and lightweight to a new level. If you are used to a pair that holds up well in light training sessions but starts to show signs of durability weaknesses when subjected to professional-level training, this one will surprise you in a good way. The pair is also quite flexible, which means it can make dancing around your opponent in the ring easier.
Sure, it’s on the higher end of the price spectrum, but its features more than make up for that expensive tag. It also shows how determined Venum is at coming after the top boxing shoe brands.
Venum tends to venture into over-the-top territory when it comes to their design, but this one seems to be an exception.
It looks classy and traditional but with a bit of a modern vibe, which is usually quite appealing to boxers. It doesn’t matter if you are sparring or bagging; these shoes will have you covered. They help you stay on point in terms of footwork and power in any training scenario.
The Good
One of the things to love about this pair is its adaptability. It can help beginners transition into the early phases of their boxing journey and assist experienced boxers looking to improve their footwork.
In short, its best features are the fact that it is durable, lightweight, and provides excellent ankle support. Really, you couldn’t ask for more.
The Bad
Some might think this pair veers away from the traditional design of a boxing shoe.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially when you consider how great the pair functions.Still, you have to keep in mind that boxing is and always will be a storied sport. As such, the traditional look will always be something boxers look for in their shoes.
- Made of excellent-quality materials
- Has great flexibility and adaptability
- Lightweight
- Has impressive ankle support
- Non-traditional design may put off some users
- Might be too pricey for beginners
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5. Adidas Box HOG II (Best Ankle Support)
If you are into boxing and MMA, you’re going to love this affordable pair from Adidas. It is top-notch in terms of training quality, comfort, and durability. It’s also lightweight and offers good traction, which makes dancing around the ring a breeze.
Product Highlights
This pair is made of synthetic suede, making it durable and flexible at the same time. With this on, you should be able to move your feet around without the slightest bit of discomfort.
Getting traction to execute those explosive footwork should be easier, too. Then, you have those precise pivots that elevate your game, which these shoes can aid you in performing.
What’s probably surprising about this pair is that despite its robust structure, it still stretches pretty well.
When you’re experienced enough with boxing shoes, you know synthetic material usually doesn’t provide both these benefits in a single package. However, with this suede version by Adidas, you get a pair that defies the odds.
The shoes’ grip is great, as well. Nevertheless, the traction isn’t too strong that it prevents you from doing precise pivots. Instead, you’re given just enough control to execute winning moves accurately.
The Good
Ankle support is where this model stands out the most. This is important for any boxer because it would mean executing powerful footwork with speed and agility. The ankle section of the shoe is soft and padded. It also isn’t too tight that it causes discomfort.
The Bad
The shoe’s grip, while acceptable, isn’t anything special. It’s what you will typically find with the most high-quality but average-priced boxing boots on the market. If you’re expecting this shoe feature of Adidas to be exceptional, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
- Open-mesh layer offers good breathability and ventilation
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Fits like a glove
- Synthetic suede is flexible and durable
- Great value for the price
- Size runs large, so order down
- Excessive use can lead to soles breaking off
- Not as comfortable for running
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Buyer’s Guide
To land a great pair of boxing shoes, you will need to look at a number of features. When choosing, consider the pair’s grip, material, laces, strap, fit, and ankle support. Selecting a pair that scores high in these areas should help ensure a good boxing journey.
1. Grip
You want a pair of boxing boots that mold securely around the ankles and soles of the feet. This helps keep you safe and mobile as you dance around the ring.
The shoes have to feel like they are a part of you, so your movements and footwork become fluid.
Let’s not even get started with the consequences of slipping. Slipping while sparring or competing might not just result in a loss; it could also potentially lead to a serious, long-term injury.
Shoes with a good grip have a higher chance of keeping you from slipping as you slide and shuffle around the ring.
2. Material
A boxing shoe has different components, each of which is composed of different materials. Ideally, the upper area should be made of either suede, leather, or a synthetic material. These materials may vary depending on the brand, but you want to make sure they are comfortable and breathable.
It’s important to place particular attention on the upper section of the shoe since that’s the area that minimizes fall impact during training or competition. As for the soles, you want them to be made of light rubber to give your game the versatility it needs.
3. Laces
Laces are part of shoes in general. When tied, they impact the stability and fit of your shoes. In boxing, though, how tightly or loosely laces are fastened can affect your game. You want to make sure they are tied properly so that your game isn’t compromised.
Never assume that tying an ordinary pair of kicks is on the same level as tying boxing shoes. Instead, you must learn about the different ways to tie boxing shoes and stick to the one that works for you.
4. Strap
Not all shoes for boxing feature straps, but those that do can help improve your footwork. Generally, straps provide additional ankle support, which lets you move freely and with more stability. You will also find that boxing shoes with straps become more comfortable every time you wear them.
5. Ankle Support
We can’t put enough emphasis on ankle support, especially in a combat sport such as boxing. Those shuffles, slides, and dancing around in the ring can take their toll on the ankles. Without proper ankle support, you could end up doing an inaccurate pivot that leads to an injury.
That said, it is vital to look for a pair that keeps your ankles tucked away safely while also allowing them to move optimally.
6. Fit
In a combat sport like boxing, an ill-fitting shoe won’t do you any favors. You may as well stop training or get off the ring right then and there. Learn more about sizing charts concerning the different brands of boxing shoes out there.
Remember that some brands have sizes that run small and others have sizes that run bigger than you expect. Always research a particular brand you’ve chosen so that you don’t end up choosing boxing shoes that don’t fit.
Boxing Shoes FAQs
1. What boxing shoes do the pros use?
What good is skill or talent when you don’t protect one of your biggest weapons in boxing? No, we are not just talking about fists; we’re also talking about feet.
Your feet are part of the weaponry that allows you to plow through your opponent’s defenses to land a nice, good punch. So, it’s a must to tuck them inside a pair that offers protection, comfort, and optimal mobility.
Here are some of the brands the world’s top fighters recommend:
- Nike
- Adidas
- Venum
- Mizuno
- Hayabusa
- Asics
Regardless of the brand you choose, make sure your shoes fit perfectly, have great ankle support, and let you move freely and with stability.
2. Are boxing shoes necessary?
That depends on whether or not you plan on taking boxing seriously. If you are looking to join a competition or do competitive sparring, the short answer is yes. On the other hand, if your only goal is to do some bagging or pad work every now and then, boxing boots aren’t necessary.
Although, we would still recommend getting a pair if you really want to deliver outstanding performance. Boxing shoes can improve your footwork in ways that cross-training shoes never could.
3. What boxing shoes does Floyd Mayweather wear?
Floyd Mayweather is a boxing superstar that companies pay millions to endorse their products. For most of his career, the boxing champion has boxed exclusively in a pair of Reeboks.
However, the exception came in his fight with Connor McGregor, where he donned a pair of custom Adidas in black and gold colorway. Each shoe had a fringe collar and bore his name.
4. Why do boxers wear high tops?
High-top shoes are vital to boxers because they add more stability. Whether training with a partner or doing competitive sparring, boxers are constantly shuffling and sliding, which puts them at greater risk of rolling an ankle. Wearing high-top shoes reduces the risk of such an incident.
And while a sore ankle doesn’t necessarily mean the fight is over, it does make a boxer slower, weaker, and generally more vulnerable to an opponent’s attacks.
5. Do you wear socks with boxing shoes?
Beginners often ask: do socks make you better at boxing? Some famous boxers in the past usually forewent such garments in a lot of their fights, while others never fought without them.
Socks continue to be overlooked in the world of boxing, but they do have their benefits. They can provide extra protection and support and may improve a boxer’s overall game. With some really great socks, you might be able to take your boxing skills to the next level.
What Are the Best Shoes for Boxing?
Whether you are doing pad work, training for a competition, or sparring with a partner, the Hayabusa Pro Boxing Shoes ensures stability and ankle protection. It also lets you deliver those accurate pivots effortlessly, thanks to the soles’ excellent grip and traction.
You’d think that this was one of the pricier pairs of boxing shoes on the market, but it actually isn’t. This average-priced pair offers the best value for money on our list, and that’s why it’s our choice for the best shoes for boxing.
The pair has that breathable mesh design that keeps your feet fresh no matter how intense the training gets. It molds to your ankles and the soles of your feet as if it was made for them.
Plus, due to its stable foundation, wearers won’t have a problem putting maximum power into their punches.
Now, this is what boxing shoes should be all about. You don’t want a pair with a precarious grip that makes you hesitant to do a combination, as that only sets you up for your opponent’s attacks.
Where safety, stability, and comfort are concerned, the Hayabusa Pro gives a high performance through and through.