A lot of people who participate in sports seem not to emphasize the importance of the support equipment they need to play that particular sport. For example, while hockey players take a lot of time finding a stick that works great for them, they may not spend much time at all looking at the hockey gloves that will hold that stick. Support equipment plays a vital role in giving players the little edge they sometimes need to be successful at a sport. Such is the case in boxing, where owning the best boxing shoes possible can add an extra bonus on your road to success.
As a general rule, remember that boxing shoes are generally not meant to give you a huge amount of lateral support or foot cushioning. Many models will address those issues to some degree, but a boxing shoe is meant to get you around the ring with virtually no resistance as you move. They are super lightweight with usually a bit of heel support to keep your foot in place, but if you can imagine a tough sock with a bit of a sole, that’s a boxing shoe!
Top Boxing Shoes Comparison Chart
Why should a good pair of boxing shoes be important to you? The reason is that traction and stability play a huge role in you being able to box to the best of your abilities. You need to have your feet firmly planted in order to get the most out of each punch you throw and good traction helps you move quickly to avoid your opponent’s punches. The better are the shoes you wear to train and fight, the more of an edge you will have against your opponents. Boxing shoes really are that critical piece of equipment.
Best Boxing Shoe Reviews
We took a look at a large variety of boxing shoes and these were the pairs that we thought stood out among those that we looked at.
1. Adidas Box Hog 2 Boxing Shoes
PROS
- Affordable quality
- Excellent breathability
- Extremely lightweight
CONS
- The high ankle height may bothersome
- Could be more stylish
- Customer service could be better for exchanges
These were the boxing shoes we really liked best when we took everything into consideration that was relevant. There were a few pairs that were higher quality than these but when you factored in the price of them these were just too good of a deal for what you get. They are an exceptional and very affordable boxing shoe.
These shoes are built with quality on both the inside and outside of them. They are made out of synthetic suede material and this shoe also has a great gum rubber outsole for excellent grip and stability. Add the fact they have excellent cushioned comfort on the inside of them and you can easily see why we like them so much.
Everyone should own a pair of these really good boxing shoes. Even if you wear a superior shoe during a fight; you can’t beat these to train in and they will keep a more expensive fight shoe from wearing down faster because it’s used outside the ring.
2. TITLE Speed-Flex Encore Mid Boxing Shoes
PROS
- Affordable quality
- Well ventilated
- Great support
CONS
- The high ankle height may bother some
- Slow to lace up
- Laces should be longer
If you are the type of boxer that likes superior support when you fight, then these boxing shoes will work nicely for you. They conveniently lace up past the ankles to give your feet the extreme support they need as you use your footwork in the ring. Title has done a really nice job with this design.
Despite all the support these boxing shoes have, Title has still managed to keep them very lightweight too.
These are a very stylish boxing shoe also. Another nice thing about them is they come in a variety of vibrant colors too; everyone should be able to find a pair that looks good with their chosen boxer shorts. When you factor in the affordable price point of these boxing shoes it really makes them a great buy.
3. Otomix Stingray Escape Bodybuilding Weightlifting MMA Boxing Shoe
PROS
- Superior quality
- Very lightweight
- Leather/Synthetic Blend
CONS
- Only average ankle support
- Basic styling
- High price point
This is a great multi-purpose shoe from Otomix that can be used for several different sports that are done in a ring or on a mat. Make no mistake about it; they will serve any boxer who wears them very well. They are extremely lightweight yet very durable at the same time.
There are very few boxing shoes that have real leather as part of their outer material but these shoes do. They have a suede and synthetic finish to them also.
This is a mid-height shoe that offers better than average support in the ankle area. The sole of this shoe is made of a very thin material that lets you move as if you are in bare feet. They are also very light so they do not restrict you at all when moving around inside the boxing ring.
These shoes are a little bit to the pricey side but you would be hard-pressed to find someone who does not think they are worth every penny after wearing them. These are an impressive shoe, to say the least.
4. Reebok Men’s Boxing Boot
PROS
- Ankle strap for support
- Lightweight feel
- Simulated Leather/Synthetic Blend
CONS
- Run a little large in size
- Not everyone will like this style
- Upper price point
There are not many types of athletic shoes that the reputable Reebok Company does not do a good job of making. This excellent boxing shoe design supports that statement very nicely. It is a durable and comfortable shoe that will help most any boxer with unrestrictive foot movement and superior traction.
They are made out of a single layer open mesh (the upper it) construction. The added synthetic Suede material keeps them very lightweight and durable to help maintain superior foot movement when wearing them. They are also a very well ventilated shoe to help keep your feet dry when they are on.
On the inside, they are very soft and comfortable and they have a cushioned midsole for support. A built-in ankle strap helps with support in that area too.
These shoes have a very unique styling of all their own. Some people will really like them and others will probably refuse to put them on their feet. These shoes can run a little large so be sure you try them on before wearing them in the ring.
5. Cleto Reyes Leather Lace Up High Top Boxing Shoes – Black
PROS
- Superior traction and support
- Very lightweight
- Leather styling
CONS
- May be too high for some
- Basic styling
- High price point
If a lot of support in a boxing shoe is your preference, then these quality boxing shoes from Cleto Reyes have got you covered. They support your feet up past the ankles and lace up very high and tight. These are a very well-designed boxing shoe to put it mildly.
Among the nicer features these boxing shoes have is the superior traction they offer because of their polyurethane soles. When you go to plant your feet to throw a punch or move these shoes will allow you to do it perfectly.
Despite all the material in these, the Cleto Reyes Company has still managed to keep these shoes very light in weight. Their combination leather and synthetic material also makes them a very durable shoe that should keep you from having to replace them for a long time.
They are a bit on the pricey side but most of you will find them well worth the money. Their styling is very basic but functional.
6. Rival Low Top Boxing Boots
PROS
- Very ergonomic design
- Extremely lightweight
- Many styles to choose from
CONS
- Mid-high shoe may not be enough support for some
- Need a break in period before fighting in them
- Glue replaces stitching in some places
Rival is known for making quality boxing products and these fine boxing shoes are no exception. Their lightweight feel and mid-high fit offers superior freedom of movement to anyone who wears them inside a boxing ring.
These are also a very comfortable shoe to box in. They combine both natural and synthetic fabrics to give them strength and flexibility. Even the outsole of these boxing shoes is thin and lightweight but you will still get very good traction with them too.
Among the best features of this boxing shoe is how ergonomically designed the interior of the shoe is. This leads to superior arch support and fit when you are wearing them.
We all agreed that these are one of the most stylish boxing shoes on our review list. They also come in a wide range of colors, so anyone should be able to match them up with their favorite pair of boxing trunks.
7. TITLE Predator Boxing Shoes
PROS
- Superior traction and support
- Very lightweight
- Gum rubber sole traction
CONS
- May be too high for some
- Basic styling
- Mid-high price point
Title is a proven company when it comes to making very good boxing shoes. This is the second pair of their boxing shoes that made it on to our top review list. When you take a closer look at these boxing shoes you will see that they really deserve to be on here.
This pair of boxing shoes is very lightweight and comfortable when on your feet. The material they are made of gives them good airflow throughout the shoe and also makes them so flexible the shoe moves nicely with your feet.
What do we like best about these excellent quality boxing shoes? Most of us here agree it would be the very good traction you get with them. This is due to the sole of this shoe being made of very tacky gum rubber.
They are not an inexpensive boxing shoe but they are not as high as some of the others we have reviewed either. The styling on these is fairly basic but you can make up for that a little by ordering them in one of the three different color schemes they come in.
8. Otomix Ninja Warrior Stingray Bodybuilding Boxing Shoe Men’s
PROS
- Excellent traction
- Extremely lightweight
- Many colors to choose from
CONS
- Mid-high shoe may not be enough support for some
- High price point
- Basic styling
Here is another very versatile boxing shoe on our review list that can easily be used to participate in other ring and mmat-based sports too. Otomix has done a really nice job with the design here. These are definitely a high-quality pair of shoes that will serve any boxer who wears them well.
These have a great feel to them when on thanks to the polyester blend they are made with. It helps to make these shoes durable, lightweight and very flexible. They also feature a rubber sole that helps you maintain excellent traction as you move around the ring.
They also seem to have a little wider toe box than any of the other pairs of boxing shoes we tried on. We can easily see how they can be used for other sports besides boxing too.
These shoes are a little bit pricey but they have a lot of great features to help justify their price point. These shoes have a decent look to them and are also available in a wide variety of colors.
9. Ringside Undefeated High Top Muy Thai MMA Wrestling Boxing Shoes
PROS
- Superior traction and support
- Very lightweight
- Affordable quality
CONS
- May be too high for some
- Basic styling
- Tend to run big
If you like a high top boxing shoe when you are in the ring, then these fine boxing shoes from Ringside should really appeal to you. There are also a lot of other features to like about them besides their high height too. They are a comfortable and well-designed shoe that should really benefit you when you wear them during a fight.
These shoes lace up well past your ankles to give you tremendous support when boxing. They will help you keep your feet firmly planted as punch and defend yourself in the ring. They are also a lightweight boxing shoe that is pretty flexible.
One of the things we liked best about these boxing shoes is that they seemed to fit those with wider feet very well.
These boxing shoes are priced very reasonably for all that they provide to you when in the ring. Their style is very basic but they do come in a few different color choices. The patent leather they are made of also makes them very durable at an affordable price.
10. PUMA Women’s Eskiva Very HI Women’s Boxing Shoe
PROS
- Superior traction and support
- True rubber sole
- Leather upper
CONS
- Might be too high for some
- For women only
- Tend to run narrow
No boxing shoe review list of the best ones would be complete without a boxing shoe that is specifically designed with a woman’s foot in mind. Puma has really done a nice job with the design of these. As you would expect from Puma these boots are as stylish as they are comfortable.
These boots are around 13 inches high. That means they will support your feet and lower legs very well as you wear them. They use a lot of leather in their construction but are still very light in weight.
The Eskiva line by puma is a revolutionary line in the sports design category. This shoe maintains its sleek, flexible shape and its ability to contort and adjust to its wearer’s body movements. A progressive look with a dash of flair, the Eskiva New Hi features a bold strap with statement branding and mesh textile on the lower tongue.
We found it looked futuristic and fashionable as much as it was functional, and we also know that women buy this specifically for its fashion features only (pssst. yup – no boxing!)
11. RIVAL Boxing Hi-Top Mesh Paneled RSX-ONE V2 Boots
PROS
- Excellent traction
- Extremely lightweight
- Many styles to choose from
CONS
- Mid-high shoe may not be enough support for some
- High price point
- Basic styling
Don’t be fooled by the fact that these boots were not up a little higher on our list. As a matter of fact, these were the personal favorites of a few of us here. They are a well-designed boot that will do a lot for those that wear them during a boxing match.
Although these are considered a high top boxing shoe, they are not nearly as high as some of the other boots that made our review list. They offer great support too in the foot and ankle areas and they do it without having to do an abundance of lacing. The outsole is thin and flexible so you get the traction without the heavy structure and weight. Arch support is above average and the insole attempts to offer a reasonable ergonomic design.
The use of some cowhide in these helps with the durability of the shoe and the synthetic parts of the shoe help to keep it lightweight and promote airflow. It is a combination that works very well.
These are also a very stylish and sleek looking boxing shoe. They’re 8.5″ tall and come in a few different color choices and will look good on anyone that wears them during a fight. These are a very good all-around boxing shoe’
12. Venum Elite Boxing Shoes
PROS
- Affordable quality
- Advertised as lightweight
- Very versatile for a variety of sports (ring sports and weight training sports)
- 5 color options
CONS
- Possibly a bit too expensive for some
- The heel is very stiff
- 3% of reviewers complained of a “heavier” feel on the shoe which is not great for lighter fighters especially
Venum proudly introduces their very first ACTUAL professional boxing shoe. In collaboration with pro fighters Jorge Linares, Miguel Berchelt, and Juan Francisco Estrada, Venum has made this shoe with ultimate support, grip and stability. Features that were focussed on were comfort, protection, lightness, stability and grip. All of these were developed so as not to impede any of those qualities and maximizing them all. It was tough, but Venum has come awfully close as far as we can tell.
They’re made of 3 materials – Glossy Polyurethane patent (leather), Polyurethane Flex and mesh honeycomb for a very cool look (not that looks matters right?….. RIGHT?!). The sole has also been designed anatomically for arch support and the insole is bonded to prevent slippage. The sizing is a bit weird as they run a half size larger. If you take a size 10 in the U.S. you should order a 9.5.
Boxing Shoe Buying Guide
Never take what shoes you do your boxing in for granted. Boxing is a precision type sport where even the smallest edge you can get will help you when in competition. A quality pair of boxing shoes can help give you that age. There is a large variety of styles that boxing shoes come in and it’s important you get a shoe that is complementary to the way you like to box. That is why you do not just want to purchase the first boxing shoe you come across or settle for a pair that does not meet your needs.
Take your time when shopping and carefully focus on the following key characteristics of boxing shoes before you make your purchase:
Price
We have not found a huge correlation between the price of boxing shoes and the quality of them. Higher prices often mean that the materials in the shoe are more expensive, such as is the case with shoes that have a lot of leather in them. This is good news for people who are looking for a good pair of boxing shoes at an affordable price.
Don’t mistake this as meaning that a $35 pair of boxing shoes is as good a quality boxing shoe as a $120 pair. Large differences in price do usually signal that the higher priced pair of boxing shoes has better materials used in making it and more effort has been put into such things as ergonomics, support and durability.
Weight
One of the biggest factors in any fight is the fatigue that sets in as the fight goes along. The heavier your boxing shoes are the more they will contribute to your legs getting fatigued as the fight goes into the latter rounds. That is why you need a pair of boxing shoes that are very lightweight in nature. The lighter the better as long as they are not so light that their durability comes into question. So compare weights of the different boxing shoes you are considering buying.
Material
We just mentioned that any boxing shoe that you are looking to purchase should be made out of a material that is very durable in nature. This is especially true if you buy a very expensive pair of boxing shoes. You certainly don’t want them to where out after just a few fights and then have to spend money again replacing them.
Another factor that has to do with the material in a boxing shoe is the flexibility you get while wearing a shoe. You want to find a combination where the shoe stays on tight and supports your feet and ankles well, but you also want your movement in shoe to give you as much flexibility as possible.
Air Flow
There are few things that will be as bothersome to you in a fight as when your boxing shoes get filled with sweat. It is no secret that boxing is a sport where a lot of sweat is generated because of the extreme exertion your body goes through when doing it. That is why you want a pair of shoes that are very well ventilated so they allow maximum air flow through them. Look for such things as large areas of mesh and other dry-wicking material that will accomplish this.
Outsole/Traction
Traction and the ability to plant your feet during a boxing match are key ingredients to success in the sport. It’s a simple fact of you cannot plant your feet when you go to punch you will not get as much power behind that punch. Good traction helps you move quicker in order to avoid getting hit or to get in position quicker to set up your own punches.
In order to be able to do these things well, a boxing shoe must have a sole that is made out of a material that grabs well but does not become so tacky as to slow you down when you try to move. That makes soles made out of gum rubber and similar materials to be very advantageous in the design of a boxing shoe. So pay close attention to what the sole material is on any boxing shoe that you are considering buying.
Support
This is a very critical area for any boxing shoe but you have to be careful when choosing a boxing shoe based on this factor also. You want a boxing shoe that supports your foot and ankle area well; this is especially true if you have a history of ankle injuries.
What you want to be careful of is that you do not purchase a boxing shoe that has so much support it also restricts your foot movement a little bit. Quick feet are an essential asset that all boxers need. So look for a compromise area when it comes to supporting versus freedom of movement.
Lacing
A big part of a boxing shoe’s support system is its lacing. The higher the height of a shoe, it is likely it will have more lacing. Lots of lacing tends to bother some people and it can also be a little annoying when it comes to tightening up your boxing shoes. So consider how you feel about the amount of lacing your boxing shoes have and factor that into your buying decision.
Cushioning
There are very few competitive sports that are harder on your feet than boxing is. You certainly don’t want to fight several rounds or have an intense heavy bag session in a shoe that is very uncomfortable on your feet. That is why a good boxing shoe will be very well padded in certain areas. Look for such things as cushioned arch support and good padding in the heel area. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of having comfortable feet as you are participating in any boxing training or boxing match.
Warranty
Long any other product, boxing shoes do not always get made as well as they should. For a product that will take a beating when you are training and fighting you will need it to last a long time. Unfortunately, material defects and poor workmanship can and do happen. That is why you should be aware of the warranty that comes with any boxing shoes that you are thinking about buying. The longer that warranty is the better.
A good warranty will not only give you peace of mind it will help you in other ways too. It will do such things as give you an idea about how well a manufacturer thinks there product is made. It can also be the deciding factor between two similar pairs of boxing shoes that you are having trouble choosing one over the other.
Conclusion & Recommendations
It is so important to make a sound decision when it comes to the boxing shoes you choose to buy. A little bit better shoe can easily contribute to having a better performance as you fight.
Which pair of boxing shoes do we like best? That is difficult to say here. Of all the different types of sports products we have reviewed, this has to be one of the most competitive and closely matched lists of the top products. When we choose we usually go with value for the money. We will stick with that formula here and pick the very first pair of boxing shoes on our list. For the price and all they do for you it is hard to beat the Adidas Box Hog 2 boxing shoes. They are really amazing , o say the least.
All of the boxing shoes on our review list we feel are very good buys. If you do not feel any of these very good boxing shoes we reviewed meets your requirements, then use the handy buying guide found here in the article to help you select the best boxing shoes for your needs.
