7 Best Martial Arts Shoes (Review) In 2022

No matter the activity, there’s a pair of shoes out there for the occasion – all that is required is for you to find the right pair. Whether you need a pair to keep up with the trends or go for a run, there is a specialized shoe available. But when it comes to martial arts shoes, it is only natural to opt for a pair that provides an adequate amount of support and flexibility; seeing as martial arts require a lot of movement. With that said, we are here to help out as it could get a little prickly when picking out the best martial arts shoes. For that reason, we have a list of some of the ones you should certainly be looking out for.
The Best Martial Arts Shoe
1. Adidas Adi-Kick 2 Tae Kwon Do, Martial Arts Shoes

Made with breathable material and design
Features pivot points for better movement
Rubber soles provide excellent traction
Lightweight sneakers that ease mobility and flexibility
The Adidas Adi-Kick 2 Tae Kwon Do, Martial Arts Shoes is the perfect pair of shoes for any martial arts practitioner. However, it is especially suitable for Tae Kwon Do as it features special pivot points that allow easy movement, so you can turn with ease and swiftness. This special addition to the shoe also makes you comfortable and more vigorous. Not only that, but the shoes are lightweight, which is great as it means that you aren’t burdened with unnecessary weight, which is not only uncomfortable but could lead to fatigue. Made for comfort, this Adidas shoe is constructed using a comfortable and flexible material that carpets your feet and is an unending source of convenience.
On top of this, the rubber soles supply excellent traction so that you can move lightly and with no challenges whatsoever. Furthermore, as the design of the Adi-Kick 2 is well done and aesthetically pleasing, you get to practice your Tae Kwon Do in style. As for the material, they are breathable enough to keep your feet cool and fresh. All in all, with their track record for creating some truly awe-inspiring products for over half a century, you are undoubtedly in safe hands.
Aesthetic design that is easy on the eye
Comfortable footbed that enables all-day use
Taekwondo shoes made for true practitioners
Some users didn’t find it to be durable enough
Some of the consumers were unimpressed with the return policy
Some users found the laces to be uncomfortable
2. T.O.P ONE Kung Fu Martial Arts Parkour Shoes

Foldable design gives you more flexibility
Made with durable design to last long
Rubber soles for superior traction
Breathable material leaves your feet cool
When it comes to martial arts shoes, there are few as accomplished and suitable as the T.O.P ONE Kung Fu Martial Arts Parkour Shoes. These shoes have a stunning design that is perfect for the quintessential martial arts practitioner. Versatility is an essential factor in these shoes, and they are able to service a significant number of martial artists, including kung fu and taekwondo practitioners.
Furthermore, their excellent design makes them suitable for runners and those who dabble in parkour. This versatility can be attributed to the folding design of the shoe, which lets it conveniently twist/fold at 360 degrees with no hassles whatsoever. This isn’t a common feature in many shoes, and it is an important distinction that makes the T.O.P One shoes such a must-have.
But that’s not where the fun ends as the shoes also come with fantastic rubber soles that grant the much-needed traction and flexibility to pull off amazing stunts. Apart from that, the lightweight construction of these shoes ensure that moving is as easy as breathing, and wearing them all day is a delight rather than a chore.
Despite its lightweight construction and flexibility, the shoes also supply adequate support and stability while you run, train, or spar. And as it’s made with breathable materials, rest assured it won’t stink up your feet, but rather, ensure that they remain cool and fresh even after prolonged use. Additionally, the shoes are perfectly suitable for men, women, and children, ensuring that no one is left out.
Versatile and useful for various martial arts disciplines
Usable by men, women, and children
Lightweight
Some wearers found that the shoes wore out quickly
It wasn’t comfortable for some of the buyers
The soles were a bit too thick for some users
3. Century Lightfoot Martial Arts Shoes

Made with durable leather for longevity
Pivot points for convenient high-speed turns
Rubber outsoles provide excellent floor grip
Lightweight construction adds to a pleasurable experience
Martial arts is all about movement, which is why it is so important for the shoes you use to be as lightweight as possible. This is where the Century Lightfoot Martial Arts Shoes shine bright, as they fit the criterion in every way. As the name implies, these are very light shoes that provide the right balance between flexibility and support with all activities.
Most importantly, the Lightfoot shoes were made specifically to aid footwork, and they do this job perfectly thanks largely to its impeccable construction. With the frequent use of several rigorous moves during karate and other martial arts, you tend to exert your foot a lot. In the wrong pair of shoes, this could lead to a lot of sweating and discomfort. However, the manufacturers anticipated this and have provided the ultimate product to keep your feet cool while you practice. On top of that, the material is sturdy and made to last for the long haul, which, in turn, makes this a low-risk investment.
Even more, the rubber outsoles grip the floor and ensure that you have the right amount of support for fast movements without slipping. Then the pivot points are also added to the soles to enable high-speed turns and easy movement for a smoother experience. You’ll like that the Century brand has been steadily churning out martial arts- specific shoes since the 70s and are one of the top brands for niche shoes.
Breathable material keeps the foot cool
Made specifically to aid with footwork
Comfortable enough to wear all-day
Due to the grippy sole, they aren’t comfortable on carpets
Some users had sizing issues
Difficult to maneuver on rubber mats
5. Adidas Box Hog 2 Men’s Boxing Boots

Lace enclosure provides adequate support
Grippy outsole supplies excellent traction
Thin midsole provides comfort over long periods
Mesh design supplies much-needed ventilation
With shoes suitable for karate, taekwondo, and kung-fu already highlighted, boxing fans might feel left out. Not to worry though, as this next product, the Adidas Box Hog 2 Men’s Boxing Boots, is made specifically with you guys in mind. Crafted from high-quality materials, you can’t go wrong with these amazing boxing shoes. Apart from its attractive design, these boots also contain a lot of other features that make them ideal for boxers and boxing enthusiasts. For instance, its lace closure is easy to use and helps to stabilize the feet as you move.
Furthermore, the knit mesh upper offers the much-needed breathability, so feel free to train or spar without worrying about sweaty feet. And as with other shoes on this list, the lightweight construction here is well suited to boxing as the constant movement involved in the sport requires thin shoes.
What’s more, the inner section is equipped with enough reinforcements for added comfort.
Even better is the fact that there’s also the addition of a mid-cut which provides excellent ankle support. And on top of all this, a grippy rubber outsole combines well with the thin midsole to ensure harmony between your feet and the shoes. All in all, the Box Hog 2 shoes are quite durable, and their synthetic suede overlays make sure of this while also wrapping your feet conveniently. Overall, they are easy to maintain and, therefore, enjoy a longer lifespan than other inferior brands.
Beautiful design
Uniquely suited for boxing
Mid-cut supplies fantastic ankle support
Some users had severe sizing issues
Not suitable for those with wide feet
Women might find it harder to get the right size
6. Otomix Men’s Original Lite Shoes

Updated version of Otomix lite shoes
Made with durable materials
Lightweight construction eases movement immensely
Laced top
The Otomix Men’s Original Lite Shoes are a legacy when it comes to shoes as a whole. Why? They were the very first pair created by the company and, therefore, they bear the history and all the triumphs of the institution. Established in 1988, the Otomix brand has dedicated itself to producing only the best shoes for gym freaks, martial artists, and bodybuilders. 30+ years on, and they are still a brand that you can rely on.
Flexible, lightweight, and durable, the Otomix shoes are an improvement on the original and are made to suit the needs of modern gym enthusiasts. Also, the stingray sole is incredible and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It excels at providing adequate balance to the foot, which increases explosive power and high-speed movement.
With this set of features, it is an ideal pair of shoes for martial artists of various disciplines. Also, pulling on the shoes is a cinch as it is incredibly flexible with a laced top that doesn’t get in the way of your training.
Easy to slip on
Useful for various martial arts disciplines
Thin sole
The arch supports aren’t too great
Some users have sizing problems
The material isn’t breathable, so socks are required
7. ASICS Men’s Matflex 5 Wrestling Shoe

Lightweight construction
Powerful outsoles for better grip
Provides adequate stability
Ideal for wrestling
As the name implies, the ASICS Men’s Matflex 5 Wrestling Shoe is uniquely suited for wrestlers, and it has all the necessary attributes to make it an incredible shoe. Firstly, the materials used for these shoes are all flexible and ensure that you are able to move nimbly. All this is thanks to the impeccable construction of the Matflex.
Not only that, but it protects your foot as you pull off all your maneuvers with zero discomforts. Furthermore, thanks to the high-quality used in its manufacture, the Matflex lets you pull off all your fancy footwork while your shoes stay on, therefore, letting you focus on the most important task at hand; wrestling.
Also, the fit is great and offers great comfort which makes for day-long use and as the mesh panels are included in the package, this provides even more ventilation for the feet. What’s more, the good news here is that, you won’t have to worry about slipping as the powerful outsoles that come with the Matflex 5 ensure that you have a good enough grip to keep stable. In case this pair is your favorite pick from our list, you should check out our buying guide for best wrestling shoes.
Here’s a fun fact, the name ‘Asics’ is an acronym for a Latin expression “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano,” which means “You should pray for a healthy mind in a healthy body.” This is a mantra that shines through in all their products as they expertly blend athletic shoes with cerebral designs and techniques.
Affordable and budget-friendly
Textile and synthetic design
Mesh material provides ventilation
Sizing issues
Some users found it to be too narrow
Isn’t great for wide feet
8. Tiger Claw – Martial Arts Shoes

Power pivots for smooth turns
Rubber outsole
Heel cup for added support
Vinyl upper for comfort
The name ‘Tiger Claw’ screams martial arts shoes and is already an indication that you should pay some attention to this pair of shoes. Impressively, the Tiger Claw – Martial Arts Shoes aren’t just bestowed with a flashy name, but with features that make them a perfect pair to purchase. Wrapped in a vinyl cover, the shoes protect your feet and offer the comfort necessary to pull off complex moves without discomfort.
Interestingly, the shoelaces have been placed on the side of the shoe rather than the top; no doubt, this design quirk means you can easily execute high flying kicks with precision and panache. And with a ½ inch heel cup that’s coupled with a rubber outsole, impressive traction, and easy movement is the result.
Not only that, but the inner layer is decorated with the Tiger Claw logo, which is, of course, badass while extra padding cushions your feet. Not yet sure about all these great features? Well, the manufacturers added a powerful pivot for easier turns, while also providing adequate support. Also added to the package is a carrying case that is really convenient to use and affords your shoes a safe storage space. Available in both white and black variants, the Tiger Claw shoes are certainly worth your time.
Side laces for better movement
Available in black and white
Comes with a carrying case
Vinyl material means less ventilation
Some users had sizing issues
They can be quite noisy
Martial Arts Shoe Buying Guide
Features To Look For In Martial Arts Shoes
Before you buy a pair of shoes for martial arts, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself. From whether it’s the right fit, to if it has the right features to match your discipline. Failure to consider some of the necessary elements will result in an unsuitable product and, ultimately, a waste of money. Therefore, below we have a list of the features to look out for when buying your next pair of martial arts shoes.
Fit - The fit of the shoe is of utmost importance as it determines whether you’ll get value for your money. Generally, your martial arts shoes should fit perfectly with the heel area providing adequate support. It should equally ensure that you don’t step out of your shoes by mistake. This is an important point as it could be dangerous when training or sparring, and for this reason, you are advised to carefully inspect your shoes before paying for them.
This is because close-range inspection tends to reveal little imperfections that could affect your performance later on. With that said, ensure that there are no tears or wonky stitching as this tends to adversely affect the fit of the shoes. which. In turn, this leads to discomfort when in use.
Size - There are a lot of people that have sizing issues when purchasing shoes; hence why size is especially important when buying martial arts shoes as they play a crucial role in performance. So, if you buy a pair of shoes that are too small, not only will you be incredibly uncomfortable, but they also cause things like blisters, corns, among an array of other unpleasant conditions. Furthermore, if you go too large, your mobility and flexibility take a dip, which could be the difference between victory and defeat.
Use - Naturally, it is sensible to consider what discipline you want to use the shoes for before buying them. In a nutshell, most martial arts shoes share similar characteristics such as lightness, sturdy support, and powerful grips. Nevertheless, there's a truckload of other features that make some shoes more suited to a particular discipline.
For example, karate requires laceless shoes as it protects opponents or sparring partners from the whiplash that can come from laces. Likewise, boxing shoes tend to have high tops, which provides excellent ankle support for you.
That said, there are also low-top boxing shoes that help with maneuverability and are equally effective. Whatever your interests are, make sure that your shoes cover the basics of flexibility, support, and grip. When that's all done, you can go a step further to ensure you get the shoes that work best for your discipline.
Style - Style might not be the first thing that comes to mind when picking out a pair of shoes, but it is very important as it is tied to your confidence and self-esteem. If the all-around design is attractive to you, then you're guaranteed a lot more confidence, which affects your performance in training and sparring matches.
On the other hand, performance can dip if the style of the shoes is not right. That said, the most important thing is how you feel about the shoes and the emotions they spur in you. So, while most martial arts shoes come in white or black variants, you can get them in any color you want.