Boxing is a sport that requires mental and physical commitment. Intense training prepares you for the moment you step into the ring. And in the words of Rocky Balboa, it “ain’t all sunshine and rainbows.” Being prepared with the necessary gear can protect you and enhance your skills during a match. While the sport mostly involves the hands, having some of the best boxing shoes is just as important in the ring.
Professional boxers face extreme side effects to their health after being subject to intense fighting. This doesn’t just mean a broken nose or bloodshed here and there. A recent study examined blood samples from boxers and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters. The results revealed may have signs of long-term brain injury in their blood.
While repetitive hits to the head increase the risk of long-term neurologic conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), cognitive and behavior problems, and Parkinson’s, study authors report boxers and MMA fighters may experience some recovery in their thinking and memory skills and brain structure after leaving the ring and hanging up their gloves. When tested, retired fighters showed improvements in their verbal memory, motor speed, and processing speed scores over time, while active fighters’ scores in the same categories either remained stagnant or showed subtle declines.
Ready to slip into the ring? StudyFinds did the research, visiting 10 expert websites to find the best boxing shoes most recommended across those sites. As always, please leave us your recommendations in the comments below!
The List: Best Boxing Shoes, According to Sports Experts
1. Hayabusa Pro Boxing Shoes
Sweet Science Of Fighting names these as their top choice: “Hayabusa is a much younger brand than most others on the list, but in their short history, they have produced some of the best combat sports gear. Their boxing shoes combine tried and tested classic features with more modern details that make them stellar. The Hayabusa pro boxing shoe is a mid-top that gives perfect ankle stability without reducing too much agility.”
“The Hayabusa Pro Boxing Shoe is one of the few options that run wide to accommodate avid boxers with long toes and wide feet. This true-to-size combat shoe takes away the hassle of second-guessing your size options. That’s one of many interesting things about these best boxing shoes for wide feet,” says Praying Mantis Kung Fu. “The Hayabusa Pro Boxing Shoe features a custom slim rubber outsole delivering tremendous stability, traction, and protection. The upshot? Boxers can plant their feet to the ring mat better, and execute powerful techniques with utmost precision. The rubber outsole doubles as an excellent shock absorber for maximum joint protection during long, intense sparring or workout sessions. While it comes with a slim outsole that feels barefoot, it can be quite heavy. After 1 – 2 hours in them, you might start dragging your feet.”
“The lightweight design and custom outsole allow for explosive agility with an anchored grip for pinpoint pivots. The shoes provide explosive agility with their lightweight design, traction for pinpoint pivots with the grooved soles and a supportive fit with cushioned insoles. The flexible rubber outsole, mid-height ankle support, microfiber leather and mesh make this a favorite amongst professional and amateur boxers,” adds Boxing Gloves Reviews.
2. Ringside Diablo
According to Blinklift, “Ringside is a fantastic company that you can trust with your hard-earned money. They’ve been able to deliver to their many customers by providing them with such awesome products. I’m sure you’ll be a part of the positive side if you decide to purchase these boxing shoes. Likewise, I must say I’m a big fan of their design. If you’re looking for a more stylish choice, you can choose from the six colorful designs Ringside offers. Additionally, they’ll help you optimize your current abilities while looking good; a win-win situation.”
“The Ringside Diablo flaunts a modern, high-performance design that will undoubtedly surpass all of your expectations in the ring. Made with patent leather vinyl, the shoes are easy to clean, and durable, but also lightweight and comfortable to wear. Therefore, due to their low weight, they will support you in your dynamic movements during an intense fight,” adds Sport Launches. “The low-top design does not offer absolute protection to the ankle, but it does provide some support to the feet. Still, the low-top ankle allows you to move smoothly and with ease, while the non-slip rubber outsole ensures excellent grip, helping you firmly stand your ground and also move with superior speed.”
“The Ringside Diablo Boxing Shoes are contemporary in style and usher in a new generation of high performance ring footwear and are suitable for both wrestling and boxing. These sport-specific shoes have a patent leather vinyl finish and a low-top ankle for ease of movement and ankle support. Made with a breathable nylon mesh pattern and a non-slip rubber sole for added comfort and safety while fighting,” writes Boxing Gloves Reviews.
3. Ringside Undefeated
Purposeful Footwear mentions, “The Undefeated has a looser fit in the midfoot with a tight toe box, but the full lace-up design makes the shoe adjustable. Unfortunately, there are no half sizes. If you fall between sizes, order up to the next size. Women should order down two sizes from their normal size to get the best fit. There is a mild break-in period for the upper to stretch to your foot, making it more comfortable. There is no arch support – inserting a gel insole will support your heel and the ball of your foot. For such a budget-friendly shoe, the Ringside Undefeated is an excellent choice for amateurs and professionals alike.”
“These shoes from Ringside are one of the best value for money boxing shoes on the market today. The high-top ankle provides complete coverage for your ankle and offers great support for the price range,” says Boxing Gloves Reviews. “The sole is sewed on to the shoes for improved durability and provides decent surface grip. Their patented vinyl leather build makes these shoes look more expensive than they actually are.”
“Ringside is a recognized wrestling shoe brand that provides high-quality equipment. These boxing shoes are also great as wrestling shoes. If you prefer the boot look, these high-top boxing boots cum wresting shoes look pretty stylish. The breathable nylon mesh makes them even more comfortable, and the non-slip rubber sole aids performance. They come in just a couple of classic color choices: black and white,” explains K2 Promos.
4. Adidas Combat Speed 5
Hungry 4 Fitness points out that you don’t have to break the bank to have great boxing shoes. “They have received tons of highly favorable adulation and with over 700 reviews they’re but a tip off 5-stars! The Combat Speed.5 is a rare species of boxing boot as they are fashioned entirely from leather. To further enhance the durability of what is a well-wearing material, suede outlays have been added to prominent contact points. In addition, the soles are comprised of a traditional blend of leather and rubber. This mix provides the best of both worlds. The leather improves the flexibility and comfort of the sole while the rubber ensures grip and traction.”
“My choice for the best beginner boxing shoes is the Adidas Combat Speed 5. What makes these perfect as your first pair is their versatility. The design is very multi-functional, and the shoes are made so that you can use them not only for boxing but for weight lifting and wrestling,” adds Sweet Science Of Fighting. “And when you are starting, you may want a pair of shoes that you can use for other workouts. The upper of the Adidas Combat Speed is made from textile and synthetic and is breathable. The ankle support is excellent, and the ankle strap will give you even more control over how tight the shoes will be.”
“If you look at the underside of these shoes, you’ll see a little wedge right in the middle. That’s the EVA midsole, which will make the sole more flexible and give your feet a larger range of motion. The telltale adidas stripes you see on the sides of the shoe aren’t just for show. Beneath them hide support stripes that add rigidity to the shoe to avoid it being too flimsy due to the lightweight materials. The entire upper portion of this shoe is made out of breathable mesh, which contributes to making it incredibly light, as well as keeping air flowing so that athletes are cool and avoid sweaty feet”, certifies Smart MMA.
5. Venum Elite Boxing Shoes
Smart MMA loves this stylish pair: “I own these shoes and I LOVE them. I never considered myself a guy with big feet, I just thought most shoes were a little too snug for comfort and that was that, but when I tried these? Man, a whole new world opened up, one where workouts wouldn’t leave my feet sore and painful. And it made my heavy bag workouts on my Wavemaster XXL heavy bag fun again.”
“The Venum Elite Boxing Shoes will certainly make you the envy of your gym. That sleek design and shiny silver glitz make them suitable for a title fight in Las Vegas. However, do they perform as good as they look? Well, if ratings are anything to go off, the Venum Elite is a brilliant boxing boot,’ adds Hungry 4 Fitness. “By all accounts, they are both durable and comfortable, two qualities that rarely reside in the same shoe. The superior quality synthetic outer material ensures they’ll endure even the most demanding boxing workouts.”
“Well known for their grip and stability, these boxing shoes are made of the finest rubber and have an anatomical interior design. One of the best boxing shoes in India, these shoes are great for those athletes who want extra comfort in training and during matches. Incredibly durable and one of the finest boxing shoes available today, you won’t regret buying this pair,” notes Kreed On.
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Sources:
- Sweet Science Of Fighting
- Sport Launches
- Boxing Gloves Reviews
- K2 Promos
- Kreed On
- Blinklift
- Smart MMA
- Praying Mantis Kung Fu
- Hungry 4 Fitness
- Purposeful Footwear
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.