10 Best Kickboxing Shoes (Review) In 2022

- 1. Reebok Men's Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Shoes
- 2. ASICS Men’s Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes
- 3. ASICS Men’s Matflex 5 Wrestling Shoes
- 4. WXQ Men's Running Lightweight Sport Shoes
- 5. ASICS Unisex Snapdown 2 Wrestling Shoes
- 6. Otomix Men's Stingray Shoes
- 7. ASICS Snapdown 2 Wrestling Shoes
- 8. Venum Elite Boxing Shoes
- 9. Adidas Hog 3 Boxing Shoes
- 10. Everlast New Elite High Top Boxing Shoes
When it comes down to kickboxing the way the professionals do it, barefoot is the way to go. This is because bare feet offer a lot of freedom in movement and more control. However, if you are a newbie and are just getting used to the game, you need all the support you can get. Also, if you’ve carried over pain from previous injuries or medical conditions, it doesn’t mean you are exempted from the sport.
A sturdy pair of kickboxing shoes may be just what you need to support your feet. Therefore, we have put together some of the best kickboxing shoes on the market to guide you. As you know, choosing one can be a huge task considering the technicalities involved and the tons of brands in the market to select from.
The Best Kickboxing Shoe
1. Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Shoes

Flexweave breathable upper
Lace-up enclosure
Padded/comfy insoles
Rubber-crafted outsole
The Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Shoes offers a lot of comfort. It features a flex weave upper with superior breathability and stability and comes engineered to keep your feet firm and extra comfy. This is partially thanks to the extra cushioning on the insides.
Reebok also poured in some extra padding on the Nano 8.0 insoles and midsoles. Once your feet dive into the shoes, this comfortable padding is one of the first things you’ll notice. Certainly, this extra cushion is nice because you’ll get to train for longer without pain. Still, on the topic of comfort, the forefoot flex grooves offer the freedom to wiggle your toes despite how firm it is around the foot.
As for durability, the entire shoe frame sits on a rubber-crafted sole furnished with high abrasion outsoles not only for long-lasting use but also for added protection and impact absorption. More so, if you are a fan of a low cut shaft, it’s another reason to opt for the Nano 8.0; you’ll slip in and out quickly with the adjustable lace-up. All in all, Reebok poured in some colorful magic, so you’ll have no reason to say no to Nano 8.0. Just pick whichever color that flows with your style.
Allows ventilation
Low-cut promote easy access
Different color design
May run small
Less support above ankles
Tie/untie hassle
2. ASICS Men’s Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes

Eva sock liner
Breathable upper
Breathable insoles
Mid-cut shaft
Get some extra support for the ankles with the ASICS Men’s Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes. Matflex 6 is what you need to gear-up your feet when you need to push yourself harder during workouts and real kickboxing matches. More so, the fact that the upper is breathable is another plus.
Furthermore, the shaft construction is a little higher, providing extra padded comfort beyond the ankles. All in all, the Matflex 6 kickboxing shoes offer a very firm fit, so you might want to take some days to break them in if it hurts on day one. For better movement and a firm grip on the floor, you’ll appreciate the rubber outsole design crafted for superior traction.
Allows ventilation
Eliminates dampness
Affordable
Not easy to put on
Not true to size
Needs to break-in
3. ASICS Men’s Matflex 5 Wrestling Shoes

Breather upper material
Lace-up secure
Lace garage
Soft rubber sole
Like other options in the Matflex series, the ASICS Men’s Matflex 5 Wrestling Shoes is also crafted for you to dominate the rings. But why choose Matflex 5? Asides the affordability these kickboxing shoes bring to the table, the comfort it offers is almost unrivaled. You’ll find that it fits like a glove; that’s a typical signature with the Matflex series.
This shoe is built to tug you well and lockdown your feet, so there are no accidental pull-offs. With the comfy inner padding and superior traction support, the Matflex 5 is what you need to take your training further. Also, the upper is a craft of all-round mesh material promoting airflow in and out of the shoes. ASICS also added a lace-tucking feature dubbed ‘lace garage tech’ – just so your laces don’t fly around lazily.
At a finished light weight of about 8 ounces, this is another reason to make it your trusted sidekick both in training and real action. Furthermore, the sole is crafted out of flexible rubber with an aggressive-patterned outsole designed to deliver superior traction like other members of the Matflex series.
Promotes airflow
Lightweight
Extra shaft support
No different color option
Runs small
Not ideal for wide feet
4. WXQ Men’s Running Lightweight Sport Shoes

Knitted breathable upper
Has a cushioned inner
Laceless design
Tongueless design
The WXQ Men’s Running Lightweight Sport Shoes is what you need if your aim is a perfect blend between a casual and sporty look. The design brings in an all-round knitted mesh upper that comes devoid of a tongue and laces. This is perfect if you don’t like the hassle of tying and untying shoelaces. And for easy access, the shaft is furnished with a narrow elastic collar that promotes easy entry and also delivers a sock fitting. Altogether, it’s a super comfy option.
That being said, although this isn’t precisely your go-to-shoe if you are looking for something that&’;ll deliver unique, rugged everyday use, it will hang in there if it’s for occasional use. Nevertheless, all-round flexibility is another highlight of these shoes. From the upper to the soles, there’s no breaking-in needed.
Wide-footed folks are also welcome to use these with ease. However, if you’ve got extra-narrow feet, you might want to order a size smaller. Altogether, it’s worth a trial considering how affordable these shoes come. And if you are not a fan of white color, there’s an array of colors to pick.
Promotes ventilation
Lightweight design
It is affordable
Not very rugged
Collar not very elastic
Narrow feet order down
5. ASICS Unisex Snapdown 2 Wrestling Shoes

Suede & synthetic upper
Breathable mesh panel
Padded insoles
Lace tuck-away pockets
The ASICS Unisex Snapdown 2 Wrestling Shoes bring significant improvement to the Snapdown series to deliver more comfort and, of course, added durability. First, there’s a combination of suede to the already existing breathable synthetic mesh material for the upper construction. Furthermore, the interior is packed with comfortable, soft padding, which allows the shoe to mold nicely around your feet.
There’s more; so you don’t trip over your shoelaces when they loosen, ASICS added the thoughtful lace-garage feature for easy tucking away after tying them. The manufacturer further crafted Snapdown 2 for new and mid-level kickboxers/wrestlers that want something with maximum support, whilst still looking presentable.
The shoes come in at a lightweight of just 9-ounces so you can move around quickly in the ring without any resistance. Even more, the multicolor design makes for a versatile shoe that will not inhibit you from expressing your style when battling it out in the ring.
Allows free air movement
Added support from the tongue
Not heavy
May feel too narrow
Not true to size
No lace eyelets
6. Otomix Men’s Stingray Shoes

Leather/ synthetic upper
Fitted construction
Mid-height shaft
Lace-up closure
The Otomix Men’s Stingray Shoes are by far one of the most fitted athletic shoes on the market. The stingray features a leather and synthetic upper material devoid of excess bulkiness. The insides are well padded with soft landing insoles and midsoles. One look at the Otomix stingray and you might think they’d run small, but quite the contrary.
The Otomix Stingray is almost perfect when it’s come to the fit. It’s crafted with enough flexibility and room to accommodate wide and narrow feet. More so, the flat soles are another plus that makes the boots feel like well-padded socks. They offer a mid-cut shaft with a well pronounced padded tongue for added support to your ankles. Asides all the protection and comfort, the camouflage design that will guarantee you’ll turn a couple of heads the next time you’re out.
Easy to put off/on
Lightweight
Sock-like fit
Not breathable
The tongue may be too long
A bit pricey
7. ASICS Snapdown 2 Wrestling Shoes

Camouflage design
Mid-height shaft
Adjustable lace closure
Rubber-crafted outsole
The ASICS Snapdown 2 Wrestling Shoes are well known for the aggressive rubber-crafted outsole that delivers superior traction, a feature you cannot help but appreciate in the ring. These versatile wrestling and kickboxing shoes are another durable craft from ASICS for mid-level athletes. If you are also in need of good workout shoes for deadlifting and powerlifting, this is a good stop.
For fans of camouflage designs, ASICS Unisex Snapdown 2 Wrestling Shoes will catch your attention, as the hint of grey adds to the overall aesthetic. Still on the design, the Snapdown 2 upper features a single-layer mesh panel with synthetic leather-like suede. On top of this, the soft bed of the insoles offers enough comfort for your feet as you tug it out with an opponent.
Allows air in/out
Offers high grip
Soft midsole lining
Run small
Not true to size
May run narrow
8. Venum Elite Boxing Shoes

Breathable upper design
Padded midsole and insole
Hug-cut shaft
High traction soles
You must have noticed the Venum Elite Boxing Shoes don’t come cheap. Well, that’s because this craft is not hurriedly put together. Years of intensive research and optimizing birthed this menacing pair. If you are all about an attack in the ring, this shoes’ lateral ankle support makes it easy to launch mean and quick jabs. Equally, a quick maneuver won’t be a problem if you need to evade an opponent’s counter-attack. It features a honeycomb designed upper for maximum airflow during an intense workout.
The Venum Elite also comes with all the comfort you need with cushioned insoles and a midsole while eliminating unnecessary bulkiness. While you&’ll readily admit the Venum was crafted for superior performance, you can’t help but notice the style poured into the aesthetic finish. The black and metallic gold design combined with the unmissable cobra head logo by the sides will surely turn heads when you make an entrance. Altogether, the entire design terminates below with a durable rubber outsole engineered for balance, superior grip, and pivot. It’s exactly what you need when you have to make a quick upper body maneuver while your feet are locked on the ground.
Offers firm grip
Allows ventilation
Slip-proof
Runs big
Not easy to wear
Pricey
9. Adidas Hog 3 Boxing Shoes

Lightly padded tongue
Lace-up secure
Ankle support
High shaft
The Adidas Hog 3 Boxing Shoes don’t come short of everything you’d expect from the sporting gear giant. Like other Hog predecessors, the upper is a knitted mesh with a synthetic overlay construction for ventilation and long-lasting performance. But make no mistake; the Hog 3 comes with some commendable improvements. The lightweight finish is undeniable, considering how bulky the shoes look. Although the lace-up design might be a bit of a hassle, if you are all about extra support to your ankles and a few inches up, the Hog 3 is a fantastic pick.
More so, if you like to make a loud entrance, Adidas made sure their famous three stripes are large enough and unavoidable on both sides of the shoes. The inside cushioning, insoles, midsoles and gum rubber outsole, contributes to the superior support the Hog 3 offers.
Multicolor design option
Offers good grip
Lightweight
A bit pricey
May be difficult to wear
Ankle support too light
10. Everlast New Elite High Top Boxing Shoes

Tall shaft
Lace & Velcro strap support
Rubber sole
Mesh & synthetic airflow
Here are a pair of kickboxing shoes that will help improve your speed in the ring. This is all thanks to the durable construction that delivers maximum support without compromising a lightweight finish, for natural movement.
The Everlast New Elite High Top Boxing Shoes come with uppers that have been crafted for superior airflow whilst eliminating dampness. Furthermore, the shaft measures high from the arch, therefore the inner padding extends to the collar offering extra ankle support.
With a double secure mechanism, lace-up closure, and an ankle Velcro strap for combined stability and comfort. There’s almost nothing like a good grip in the ring, so these shoes are equipped with a rubber-made outsole engineered for maximum traction and flexibility. What’s more, its innovative tread design is anti-slip, promoting easy and quick side movement when you need to dodge your opponent quickly.
Promotes airflow
Extra ankle support
Double secure
May run small
Velcro straps may weaken
Lace tie/untie hassle
Kickboxing Shoe Buying Guide And FAQ
If you’re after the best kickboxing shoes, the following section details all the features you need to look out for, as well as the most commonly asked questions.
Features To Consider With Best Kickboxing Shoes
Materials
Like virtually all sports footwear, kickboxing shoes are crafted to be durable, offer protection, and of course, be light enough to not impede performance. In terms of durability, leather is one material that is practically unrivaled. However, it’s usually heavy and does not allow airflow. This is where synthetic materials come in. Manufacturers engineer most kickboxing shoe uppers with durable synthetic material further fitted with breathable mesh panels. These will offer durability, lightweight, and promote airflow.
Outsole
You will notice that kickboxing is a sport that people learn on different surfaces, such as gym floors, sand, etc. If the floor is more friendly, people practice barefooted. But ideally, footwear with well-constructed outsoles are needed. This is the portion of the shoe that offers grip, allowing you to make quick maneuvers without losing your balance or suddenly spraining an ankle. Look out for outsoles with an aggressive pattern, this will offer more grip. If the outsole design is too smooth, the traction support will likely be minimal.
Midsole
The midsoles are the cushioning support under the feet just after the insoles. Their function is to absorb shock with every movement you make. Since kickboxing involves more shock and movement, midsoles made from a material that absorbs more impact is required. Unlike running shoes, where the cushioning is more in the heels, kickboxing shoes require midsoles that will disperse impact evenly. This will aid in the reduction of muscle and joint fatigue. Look out for midsoles made out of EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate).
Protection
Kickboxing shoes are crafted to provide protection in a number of ways. An example is protection at the ankles. If you are a newbie or you’ve experienced an injury in the past around the ankle area, it might be best to opt for shoes that offer more support for the ankles and a bit higher. These are shoes with a high-cut shaft. Because the material extends higher, they offer more stability and padded protection from the collar and the tongue as well.
Another form of protection kickboxing boxing shoe offer is cushioning underfoot. Cushioning material furnished under the feet disperses impact generated from every landing or slamming on the floor. There’s more, kickboxing is a sport that involves lateral movement i.e side movements. You, therefore, need shoes that hug the midfoot with very little space that could allow the feet to twist inside the shoes.
Support
Support is a factor that is largely dependent on your foot type or condition. The type of feet means the natural anatomy of the get you have. This can be either wide, narrow, high arch, flat feet, etc. Some shoes are crafted to offer a firm fit and may not be ideal for wide-footed persons and vice-versa. Therefore, a shoe type that will support your anatomy is what you should choose. Also, the condition of your feet will also determine your kickboxing shoe type. If you experience joint pain such as arthritis, you may need special shoes that are roomy enough to accommodate recommended special insoles.
Breathability
Breathability is a shoe ability to promote airflow, in and out. When training, working out, or a kickboxing match becomes intense, the chance that the feet will start to sweat becomes higher. If the shoes are breathable, air will flow in keeping the feet at the right temperature and reducing any dampness. Non-breathable shoes can cause deterioration in terms of athletes’ performance because dampness can cause discomfort during training or real matches. Look out for kickboxing shoes constructed with synthetic mesh material.
Kickboxing Shoe FAQ
Q: What are Kickboxing Shoes?
A: Kickboxing shoes are specially crafted shoes that offer support and protection to athletes that engage in kickboxing. They may be adaptable for boxing and wrestling as well. Depending on the kind of support the kickboxer requires, they come in different designs, such as high or low shaft cut. They also vary in prices depending on how durable, the nature of material, construction, and brand.
Q: Do you need shoes for kickboxing?
A: Most professionals do not engage with shoes on. The simple reason for this is that bare feet offer kickboxers better control on the ground, in addition to total freedom of movement. However, if you are just getting a hang of the sport, you may need protection. Also if you are managing pain from a past injury, it is recommended to engage with shoes.
Q: Why Do The Most Fighters Go On Barefoot?
A: In most professional kickboxing settings, fighters don’t wear shoes. One of the greatest reasons is because bare feet offer more connectivity and traction with the ground. No matter how light the shoes may be, not putting on shoes at all offers the kickboxer more flexibility and easy movement. It’s much easier for kickboxers to control themselves without shoes on.
Q: Should The Kickboxing Shoe Be Energetic?
A: Just as kickboxers are energetic and responsive in the ring/court, the shoes must equally be energetic. If the shoes become weak, unsupportive, and unresponsive, the kick boxer’s performance may likely deteriorate. Therefore, it is recommended that kickboxers use shoes with ultra-boost tech to keep the movement going. Once a boxer’s movement becomes impaired during a game because of his shoes, he might be defeated by the opponent.