Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee – Muhammad Ali’s idiomatic phrase encapsulates the essential movements in boxing.
You must be light on your feet and be able to move around the ring like a dancer, meaning the correct footwear is of the utmost importance. This is true whether you are training for a big fight or heading to your local Boxfit studio.
For a high-performance shoe, you need a silhouette that is, first and foremost, lightweight in construction. Champion-worthy shoes must support multidirectional movement and be unshakeable in the face (or at the jab, cross, hook) of your opponent.
We turned to Studio FIX’s Boxing Trainer Alex Lawson to discover everything to know about the right boxing trainers to make you feel like the King (or Queen) of the ring.
Should you wear trainers for boxing?
“Yes”, says Lawson. “As with any sport, it’s always a good idea to buy the right equipment as early as possible and footwear is no exception for boxing. Imagine taking to a grass football pitch on a rainy day while wearing a pair of road running trainers. It’s an injury waiting to happen”.
What should you look out for in your trainers for boxing?
According to Lawson, “Boxing shoes are generally very lightweight and have a flexible rippled thin sole that allows you to move quickly in and out of range. They are designed to glide over the ring canvas while at the same time allowing you to plant your feet when you want to generate more power without slipping. They also run high up the ankle to lessen the risk of ankle sprains”.
Are boxing boots worth it?
This depends. “If you’re just trialling a boxing class then I wouldn’t bother buying straight away, but if you’re going to commit to a beginners course and beyond then you should buy the boots at the same time as the gloves and hand wraps,” says Lawson. “Prices range from £40-£160”.
Does a designated boxing shoe make a difference?
“Absolutely”, he stresses and highlights the following features to look out for:
- Perfectly designed to both glide across and grip the ring canvas
- Lightweight for multi-directional mobility
- Ankle stability
- Comfortable
- They look cool!
But he cautions that these shoes should be reserved solely for boxing. “Be careful as they’re not designed for road running and can exacerbate knee issues and cause shin splints”.
Shop the best trainers for boxing below
Adidas Box Hog 4 Shoes
The most advanced boxing shoe to date from the German sportswear giant, the Hog 4 has seen its fair share of ring time - be that in gyms or matches. The upper is made from a breathable mesh that will keep your feet ventilated as the intensity ramps up, while also keeping your stance steady.
Speaking of which, stability is ensured through an EVA midsole, while the outsole grips have you covered as you bob and weave in all directions. It’s a unisex design and is made from 50 per cent recycled content.
Buy now £90.00, Adidas
Everlast Pro Elite Boxing Boots Mens
Everlast is a brand synonymous with boxing so it’s no surprise that it aces in the footwear department too. To match your wraps to your gloves to your shoes, look to the Pro Elite silhouette, a lightweight shoe prioritising grip. The outsole is fitted with a quality rubber so they will give you traction throughout your training and beyond, enhancing durability as well as stability as you demonstrate lightning-fast footwork.
The tread was created in such a way as to balance the feet during side-to-side movements so you can avoid that dreaded knockout. The shoes have a classic high-top boxing silhouette and an open weave upper for breathability. They come in black, navy and red.
Buy now £69.99, Everlast
Adidas Box Hog 2.0 Boots
When you envisage boxing footwear, we would put money on the fact that the aesthetic of the Hog 2.0 comes to mind. These boots from Adidas are in every way the classic boxing shoe, from the black colourway to the contrast three-stripes which are globally recognised for their quality.
But they’re treated to all the contemporary advancements such as reinforced inners for stability, a lightweight construction and premium fabrics. You can even have them personalised with up to eight characters per foot.
Buy now £60.00, Adidas
LEONE 1947 Cl188 Unisex Boxing Ankle Boots
LEONE may not be as mainstream recognisable to Boxfit enthusiasts but the brand has been a stalwart in the industry since its inception in 1947. Leather goods are the Italian label’s expertise and this extends from gloves to shoes with models to suit boxing as well as Muay Thai, Savate and MMA.
Comfort was at the forefront of the creation of these boxing boots. They are fitted with extra cushioning in the heel and ankle support that provides flexibility as well as is on hand to prevent injury. Whether you’re sparring or competing, these shoes will put a spring in your step and keep you firmly on your feet.
Buy now £59.78, Amazon
viper Mens Boxing Boots Mens Boxing Footwear Boxing Shoes
The venomous Viper logo of these boxing shoes may be enough to send your opponent running for the hills. But if not, your fast footwear across the canvas of the ring will secure the title. The bestselling shoes are hard-wearing with a rubber sole that will withstand intense training, all without adding weight to the featherlight footwear. They’re a quality shoe with a quality construction and offer good ankle support.
Buy now £34.99, Amazon
Outshock Light and Flexible Boxing Shoes 500 - Black
You can always count on Decathlon to provide affordable sports essentials and with the Outshock, it does just that. For under £40, the Boxing Shoes 500 give you what you need as you enter the boxing foray. These are not the kind of shoes you will wear in a match but will provide grip and flexibility as you begin on your martial arts journey. Honourable mention goes to the plastic stiffener at the heel that gives added ankle support to prevent the common injury.
Buy now £39.99, Decathlon
Adidas Speedex Ultra
The eye-catching multicolour sole will bring style points to your boxing look. But in signature Adidas style, it’s function (as well as fashion) that the brand has paid the utmost attention to with the Speedex Ultra. The label has called on the expertise of pro fighters to create the silhouette and as such, they are airy in terms of the mesh fabric as well as their minimal weight. The addition of foam at the heel provides comfort and stability even when you’re affronted with some real punching power.
Buy now £180.00, Adidas
Nike Machomai 2 Boxing Boots
Nike released the 2023 iteration of the Machomai Boxing Boots at the end of the year in neutral hues of black and white and white and black as well as a more daring red shade. The quick and responsive footwear was made for fast feet with a flexible construction that harnesses the properties of a gum rubber sole. If you’re looking to become more agile in boxing, these are the shoes for you.
Buy now £109.99, Boxfit
