We Found The Best Boxing Shoes (2024)

Many people wear regular trainers to boxing training, thinking they don’t need to invest in a dedicated pair. But this is a mistake.

Footwork is a fundamental part of boxing, and nothing delivers the optimal feeling and conditions for proper footwork better than boxing shoes.

Only after you’ve tried will you learn how much better you can glide and pivot in the ring and sit on your punches with good boxing shoes.

But what are good boxing shoes? Do you need to spend north of $120 for a decent pair? Find the answers to these questions and review my top recommendations for the best boxing shoes for different needs and budgets.

• Best Boxing Shoes: Hayabusa Pro Boxing Shoes
• Best Budget Boxing Shoes: Title Boxing Speed-Flex Encore Mid Boxing Shoe
• Best Boxing Shoes For Beginners: Adidas Combat Speed 5
• Best Boxing Shoes For Wide Feet: Ringside Undefeated Boxing Shoes
• Best Low-Top Boxing Shoes: Everlast Modern Low Top Boxing Shoes
• Best Venum Boxing Shoes: Venum Elite Boxing Shoes
• Best Adidas Boxing Shoes: Adidas Box Hog 4
• Best Non-Boxing Shoes For Boxing: ASICS Men’s Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes
• Best Boxing & Kickboxing Shoes: Adidas Adi-Kick 2

Best Boxing Shoes

Hayabusa Pro Boxing Shoes

Pros

• All-direction grooves provide the optimal grip and traction levels
• Lightweight design for precise footwork
• The cushioned midsoles and padded interior provide a comfortable and supportive experience.

Cons

• The leather is artificial.

While legacy boxing brands still make exceptional shoes, the Hayabusa Pro Boxing shoes are my favorite. What I love about them the most is the combination of classic features with a pinch of innovation.

Furthermore, they look super stylish, have great quality, and are priced reasonably for what they offer. My favorite part is the custom outsole. It is rounded on the edges, similar to wrestling shoes, and the grooves provide the optimal grip for pivoting and gliding across the canvas.

The Hayabusa Pro Boxing Shoes are a mid-top that offers outstanding ankle support while retaining decent flexibility.

The microfiber leather and mesh technology make these extremely lightweight, as any boxing shoe should. I prefer genuine leather, but the synthetic substitute is excellent as well.

The thin and flexible sole allows for easy gliding and rotation. The plushly padded insole conforms to your feet.

At the same time, the mesh ventilation keeps you cool and comfortable throughout intense workouts. The distinctive toe creases also help with pivoting and power transfer.

The Hayabusa Pro boxing shoes are my favorite pair because they look and feel professional, and the price of $119 is quite affordable for what they offer.

Best Budget Boxing Shoes

Title Boxing Speed-Flex Encore Mid Boxing Shoe

Pros

• $50 is a steal for proper boxing shoes.
• Look much more expensive than they are.

Cons

• Quality is lower than in more expensive shoes.
• Synthetic material has poor breathability.

Boxing shoes are a narrow niche, and there aren’t too many options available, and even fewer can be considered budget-friendly. Luckily, one of the big names in the sport, Title Boxing, has a solid model with an affordable price tag.

The Speed-Flex Encore has a classic mid-top design and comes in a synthetic leather upper and tight weave nylon fill. The colorways and embroidery make for a stylish look, and the shoes look much more expensive than they are.

As expected from the low price tag, the quality is lower overall than in the rest of the models on the list.

This does not mean they are bad, but the nylon weave and synthetics can’t be compared to the materials used by Hayabusa, for example. 

Scouting through the user reviews, I’ve found some people complaining about quality issues, such as unraveled stitches or torn leather, after only a few training sessions.

But for $50, the Title Boxing shoes are a great deal and can be the perfect first shoe for someone just dipping their toes in boxing or even for experienced weekend warriors on a tight budget. 

Best Boxing Shoes For Beginners

Adidas Combat Speed 5

Pros

• Mid top with ankle strap allows you to control the tightness.
• Suitable for boxing, wrestling, and strength and conditioning work.
• Affordable price providing great value.

Cons

• As with all Adidas shoes, the toe box is too narrow for people with wide feet.

I have picked the Adidas Combat Speed 5 for the best beginner boxing shoes because they are affordable and versatile. As the official product description suggests, these are multisport shoes, which can be a great feature for a beginner who may want to use them for different purposes.

The design allows you to safely and comfortably use them for boxing, wrestling, weightlifting, or strength and condition work. The mid-top with strap provides superb ankle support and control over the shoe’s tightness.

The Adidas Combat Speed’s upper is made from breathable textile and synthetic materials. Flexible, supportive TPU stripes combined with an integrated side panel reinforce the sock-like fit, providing additional support.

Adidas has been a premier boxing and wrestling shoe brand for many decades, and there aren’t bad products from the brand in general. The Combat Speed 5’s $85 price tag, solid quality, and versatility make it an excellent choice for a boxing beginner.

Best Boxing Shoes For Wide Feet

Ringside Undefeated Boxing Shoes

Pros

• Wider toe box than other boxing shoes.
• The shoes look like something a professional boxer would use on fight night.
• Good price, which can become a great deal if you catch a sale.

Cons

• Only available as a high-top.

Shopping for boxing shoes with wide feet is a headache, as I know from experience. As much as I like how Adidas shoes look, I can’t squeeze into them if my life depended on it.

Most models, like the Hayabusa, are decently wide, but the Ringside Undefeated is the best choice if you want freedom in your toe boxes. At $90, they are also much cheaper than the Hayabusa or Adidas, and I’ve even seen them go down as low as $50 on a sale.

The Ringside Undefeated has a vinyl and leather style and appears like something a pro boxer would wear on fight night. They are high-top and offer plenty of ankle support.

Despite looking quite heavy, the shoes are relatively lightweight and breathable. The sole features wrestling-style circular grooves, which I enjoy since they provide additional lateral traction.

The most important feature of Ringside Undefeated boxing shoes that qualifies them for this list is its wide toe box, which will be the main selling point for people with wide feet.

Customers on Amazon even complain about having to order one size up, so these are the best option if width is your primary concern.

Best Low-Top Boxing Shoes

?Everlast Modern Boxing Shoes

Pros

• There aren’t many other low-top boxing shoes on the market.
• Michelin rubber sole provides excellent grip both on canvas and on other typical gym floor surfaces.
• Open weave mesh upper keeps shoes lightweight and comfortable despite the bulkier sole.

Cons

• The sole’s thickness and material create a distinctly different feel than other boxing shoes.

Boxing shoes are characterized by higher-than-regular tops, and most models have either mid- or high-tops. However, if you want to wear low-tops, the choice is scarce. Let me introduce the Everlast PIVT.

Not only is the PIVT a low-top boxing shoe, but it is also a hybrid that is equally good on the ring canvas as it is on any other type of gym floor surface, thanks to the trademark Michelin outsole.

The same sole is used on their Elite model, considered Everlast’s top boxing shoe. The rubber performs equally well on abrasive gym floors and on a ring canvas, providing a subtle balance between traction and durability.  

While this design may initially look strange, especially when compared with traditional boxing shoes, the idea is actually surprisingly effective in real life.

The lightweight open-weave mesh, microfiber, and suede combine to produce the ideal speed, comfort, and durability balance.

The downside of the low top is the reduced ankle stability compared to higher boots, but on the flip side, you get more mobility and less overall weight.

Best Venum Boxing Shoes

Venum Elite Boxing Shoes

Pros

• One of the most comfy boxing shoes out there.
• Premium look and feel.
• The outsole provides optimal traction and grip.

Cons

• The most expensive shoes on the list.

The most expensive model on the list comes from Venum. The Elite is Venum’s first attempt at boxing shoes, and they are gunning for the high leagues straight away. Selling for $160, the Elite will be most appreciated by the seasoned boxer.  

Venum claim the shoes offer the perfect balance between canvas stability and lightweight mobility, and they are not far from the truth. The outsole has lateral reinforcements, while the flatter insole provides excellent stability.

The shoes are sold as mid-cut, but they are definitely on the higher side of mid-tops and have outstanding ankle support.

The lightweight mesh upper, designed in a honeycomb shape, is breathable and stylish. Perhaps the best feature of the Venum Elite is the comfort.

Venum has sponsored many elite boxers, like Vasily Lomachenko and Jorge Linares, and quite a few high-level names wear the brand. However, they are not aimed only at pros, and everyone willing to spend 160 bucks will surely appreciate the amount of work that went into the design.

Best Adidas Boxing Shoes

Adidas Box Hog 4

Pros

• One of the best boxing shoes on the market in every way.
• Great ankle support.
• The outsole is very durable.

Cons

• The toe box is notoriously narrow and not suitable for wider feet.

The Adidas Box Hog is a classic boxing training shoe created by a brand that has been making boxing boots since the 1940s. The Box Hog 4 is the most recent incarnation of their best-selling classic.

The latest version preserves the original’s vibe while incorporating updated technologies and a more contemporary look.

The shoe’s mesh upper is lightweight, breathable, and visually appealing, and it will keep your feet dry even during hard sparring sessions. Extra synthetic suede overlays have been added for durability.

The high tops offer good ankle support. As with other classic boxing shoes, the outsole is threaded in a single direction, offering excellent traction for linear movement.

The disadvantage of the Addidas Box Hog is its notoriously narrow toe box. Its shape reveals how narrow it is, so if you have wide feet or simply enjoy some room for your toes, stay away from this model.

But if you have narrow feet or don’t mind wearing narrow shoes, the Adidas Box Hog 4 is one of the finest boxing shoes money can buy.

Best Non-Boxing Shoes For Boxing

ASICS Men’s Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes

Pros

• More durable than boxing shoes.
• Very light and flexible with excellent traction in all directions.
• A big choice between colors.
• Amazing value for $55.

Cons

• Less ankle support than high-top boxing boots.

While many people choose to train boxing with regular trainers, I don’t believe it’s a good idea as it hampers natural movement. But there is a non-boxing type of shoe that works almost as well as a dedicated one: wrestling shoes.

When you compare the two types, you will notice many similarities—both are light and have a tight sock-like fit, a mid-top, and a level and grooved sole.

However, wrestling has different demands, and the grooves are usually placed differently to provide grip in all directions. Wrestling shoes have generally thicker materials to endure more wear and tear.

The wrestling shoes also have a higher grip level at all times, which may be negative in boxing, where you want to glide a bit more freely.

The design works perfectly for boxing as well if you wear mid- or low-top shoes anyway because there are no high-top wrestling shoes.

Any wrestling shoe will serve you well, but I usually recommend the Asics Matflex, the brand’s most popular model. Costing merely $55, the Matflex outperforms every boxing shoe under $100 and is the best non-boxing shoe for boxing.

Of course, other models of wrestling shoes will work just as well.

Best Boxing & Kickboxing Shoes

Adidas Adi-Kick 2

Pros

• The laces are covered by leather, so you can kick with them.
• Lightweight and agile.
• The sole and overall feel are very similar to boxing shoes.

Cons

• Zero ankle support.

Kickboxing shoes don’t exist per se. Combat sports with kicks are almost always practiced barefoot, so you don’t need any footwear. Still, there are scenarios where you might want to use shoes for kickboxing, and two options are available.

One option is to use regular boxing or wrestling shoes, which are designed for largely the same movement patterns and demands. However, they are not ideal for kicking because of the laces. There is a shoe that takes care of this flaw, and it’s the Adidas Adi-Kick 2.

These aptly named shoes are designed for taekwondo and traditional martial arts. The solution to the laces issue is the added piece of leather on top of them.

Otherwise, the sole and overall feel are similar to those of a boxing shoe thanks to an even and flexible sole and sock-like fit, but with a low top. Because of this, you can also use them for your boxing practice if you cross-train.

The downside is the absence of any ankle support, but if you are kicking, you need full ankle mobility anyway.

Best Women’s Boxing Shoes

Every model on this page is unisex and suitable for both sexes. Ladies can select from an extensive size range, and the shoes are designed to be unisex.

The color scheme usually makes a specific model more attractive to women, and some offer more varied choices than others.

Still, every model on the list is suitable if it is the right size.

How To Choose The Best Boxing Shoes

Height/Ankle Support

The most notable difference between boxing shoes is the height of the ankle. Boxing shoes come in three styles: low, mid, and high tops.

Low-top boxing shoes like the Everlast PIVT are still higher than regular shoes but merely cover the ankle knuckle. They provide the least ankle support but are the lighter and most mobile.  

The most popular type is the mid-top, which effectively balances ankle protection and movement.

High tops are stronger and more stable, yet they might be uncomfortable for certain people, and you will spend much more time lacing up.

If you have problematic ankles, consider mid- or high-tops, which offer the best ankle support. A low top is better suited for cross-training.

Remember that, despite their names, not all shoes in the same category have the same height.

Depending on the manufacturer and model, low-top shoes can sit right on, beneath, or just above the ankle knuckle.

Similarly, different high-top models can have an inch or two height difference.  

Size & Fit

Boxing shoes have to fit almost like gloves and should be incredibly comfy. Most of the models are lightweight and relatively flexible.

Lightweight is a given with boxing shoes, while flexibility varies. Some prefer a more flexible shoe, while others opt for more rigid models as they feel they provide more stability.

Because much of boxing success depends on footwork, the fit and features of the footwear are more important than some give it credit for.

Most boxing shoes are unisex and fit all kinds of feet. The only people with issues are boxers with wide feet or those used to minimal shoes with wide-toe boxes.

If you fall into this category, I strongly advise you to avoid Nike and Adidas, regardless of how well they are made or how cool they look. Your toes will suffer.

The Hayabusa shoes offer a more natural fit, while the Ringside Undefeated are the largest boxing shoes I’ve tried.

When selecting boxing shoes, always refer to the manufacturer’s sizing charts. Remember to measure your foot, not your present shoes, because most sneakers and everyday shoes are designed differently, and the size may not match boxing shoes.

Sole Design

The outsole design is also important, and there are some subtle differences you should consider.

Old school models like the Adidas Box Hog have a narrower and more level outsole, while Hayabusa and Venum’s outsoles are wider and rounded on the edges, more like wrestling shoes.

Almost all boxing shoes have very thin soles, but models like Everlast PIVT and Elite break this mold and use thicker soles reminiscent of regular running shoes. Again, the choice boils down to personal preference.

I prefer the thin and flexible sole, but the thicker one is better if you also use the shoes for running, jumping, and similar high-impact movements.

Price

Overall, boxing shoes are expensive. There aren’t many manufacturers, and it’s a smaller niche market, which means the prices are usually higher.

But the good news is that if you only use your shoes at the boxing gym, they should last a long time.

Even the less expensive ones are pretty good and well-made. As usual, paying more frequently results in a higher quality product, but after a certain price point, you pay for design and brand rather than quality.

Frequently Asked Boxing Shoe Questions

What Shoes Should You Wear For Boxing?

The best choice is to wear dedicated boxing shoes, which have been developed and manufactured to better meet the demands of boxing.

The sole provides optimal traction on the canvas, while the rest of the shoe is lightweight and comfortable, providing stability and support to the right areas.

Are Boxing Shoes Useful?

Boxing shoes allow you to move better when boxing. The entire design lets you move, glide, and pivot on the canvas, provides support, and lets you transfer power from the feet to the punches optimally. Something no other type of shoe does as well.

Can You Use Running Shoes For Boxing?

Many people, especially beginners, practice boxing using their running or generic sports shoes. They work, but it’s highly recommended to transition to genuine boxing shoes as soon as possible because the provide a much better experience.

Dedicated boxing shoes provide greater feel, traction, and protection for the exact movement patterns done in boxing.

Why Do Boxers Wear High Tops?

High-top boxing shoes provide the most ankle support. Boxers move around a lot in a fight or sparring, and the more ankle support they have, the less likely they are to roll an ankle.

Can I Wear Boxing Shoes Every Day?

There is nothing stopping you from wearing your favorite boxing shoes wherever you like, but this is not good for your shoes or your feet. Boxing shoes do not provide the same level of comfort and durability as other types of shoes, and they will wear out much faster if you expose them to mixed surfaces and the elements.

Summary

The Hayabusa Pro Boxing shoes are my top recommendation for boxing shoes. They offer the best balance between design, looks, quality, and price.

If you are after a cheaper model, the Title Boxing Speed-Flex Encore is a solid choice, while the Ringside Undefeated is the best for wide feet. Whichever model you choose, your expertise in the ring will dramatically improve if you’ve only used running shoes prior.  

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