If you’re trying to decide whether buying boxing shoes is worth it, you’re not alone. It can be quite hard to make the decision to purchase a relatively expensive pair of shoes for only a single use, boxing. Hence, you can decide to box with running shoes, and you should be solid for the beginning.
Running shoes are good for boxing because they’re comfortable and flexible, allowing you to move freely inside the ring. That said, boxing shoes are, of course, more suitable for that purpose, as they’re flat and provide more traction with the ground. They provide stability and ensure you don’t slip as often.
That’s why you’ll never see an elite boxer showing up with running shoes of any kind to a match. Professional boxers are aware of the advantage and benefits of a solid and high-quality pair of boxing shoes.
To read about the best boxers in history, follow this link!
If we examine different martial arts, such as Muay-Thai, we’ll notice that they don’t use any shoes. Moreover, it’s also similar to boxing, as it utilizes similar punches and combinations. Of course, it requires you to learn how to kick, which boxing doesn’t go over. And still, both martial arts are similar in a way.
Why am I telling you about Muay-Thai? Well, to help you understand that you can box barefoot, if that’s what you want. You’re not required to wear any footwear. So, if you’re using the boxing shoes as an excuse not to start training, you can’t anymore. I encourage you to begin as soon as possible, with or without running footwear.
Before we dive in, if you want to pair yourself with the best boxing shoes for your money, I highly recommend following the link to an article of mine listing the best ones.
Pros and cons of running shoes for boxing
Now that we understand that you can even box barefoot, let’s go over the pros and cons of running shoes for boxing. Before we start, however, I want to emphasize the importance of understand that you can box with any type of shoe.
If it was kickboxing or Muay-Thai, I would advise you to stay away from various type of footwear, as you also use your legs as striking weapons. In our case, however, our hands are the only weapon. As a result, the shoes you wear aren’t as relevant.
And still, use common sense. Don’t show up to training with flip-flops or any other uncomfortable, unsuitable type of shoe.
Pro #1 – Running shoes are comfortable
If you show up to boxing training with running shoes, prepare to be comfortable throughout the training session. Boxing shoes, on the other hand, aren’t as comfortable as them, since they’re not meant for you to wear them for a long time.
On the other hand, running footwear are suitable for you to wear for extended periods. As a result, you can expect to be more than comfortable throughout training.
According to a fantastic article on the benefits of running shoes, here’s why they’re a fantastic choice for exercise.
- Cushion the midsole area of your foot from the impact of foot to the ground.
- Provide support for your arches.
- They help prevent injuries.
- They improve your running performance.
- Reduce stress on the ankles, heels, and toes.
- They help to prevent/reduce back, hip, and knee pain.
Con #1 – Running shoes have less traction
Now, let’s go over the disadvantages. The first one is that running shoes won’t provide as much traction with the ground. This will cause two main things: the first is that you’ll be prone to slipping more often, which can be devastating for any boxer, especially while competing.
The second result is that you won’t be as stable. Therefore, you won’t be able to move around the ring and maneuver yourself around the opponent. Boxing shoes are meant for you to have high traction and thus be more stable.
Pro #2 – You won’t have to spend more money
The second advantage is that you won’t have to spend more money on footwear. This is why I won’t advise young boxers to buy boxing footwear when they’re still inexperienced. Who knows? You might end up quitting in a week; so why spend money on a product you may never touch again.
For that reason, I encourage you to hold buying boxing shoes until you’re sure you’ll stay consistent in the near future. You’ll immediately notice how much more comfortable you are, and ready to box, when wearing such a suitable pair of shoes.
Are running shoes good for fighting?
This section will discuss whether you can fight using running shoes. If you’re anything like me, you won’t care about minor differences and benefits each item can grant you. That said, once you’re consistent enough, you’ll invest in specific products which can boost your comfort and skills.
Running shoes are suitable for fighting, as they’re comfortable and allow you to remain flexible, unlike other types of shoes, which don’t provide as much comfort. However, if you want to take your fighting game up a notch, it’ll be best to buy a specifically designed pair of shoes just for that purpose, such as boxing footwear.
I encourage you to hold buying fighting shoes before you see yourself as a consistent fighter, regardless of which martial art you do. Boxing is a fighting style that promotes its own product line. As a result, you might be more eager to buy specifically designed items, to ensure you’re more comfortable and stable in the ring.
What is the difference between running and boxing shoes?
Once you wear both running and boxing shoes, you’ll notice an immediate difference. You won’t be able to run long distance with the latter. However, you’ll be capable of boxing with running footwear, as they’re comfortable and flexible.
The primary difference between running and boxing shoes is that running footwear provides more support and flexibility to the foot and reducing impact; boxing shoes, however, will provide more stability inside the ring. Boxing with running shoes is fine; but, doing the opposite can lead to leg and joint injuries.
But again, you might hate how boxing shoes are on your feet. So, you’ll stick with any other type of shoe, even while boxing. I recommend going to a local sports or martial arts shop to check whether you like the feeling of it. If you do, there’s no doubt in my mind that you should invest money into it.
Eventually, running shoes will reduce the impact your joints and knees experience from jumping, running, and walking. As a result, they’re much more suitable for long-distance running. Boxing shoes, on the other hand, won’t reduce the impact as much. Likewise, they won’t be as comfortable on the foot to ensure you can be in them for extended periods.
Although boxing shoes do provide more stability to ensure you won’t slip as often, they take away some of your feet mobility. As a result, you won’t be comfortable if you try running with them, for instance.
If you want to learn how much do professional boxers run, follow the link to see the full answer. Spoiler alert, they run a lot.
Do you need special shoes for boxing?
A common misconception people have regarding martial arts, is that you require special equipment to start your training. However, the opposite is true. You really don’t need anything except for one thing: hand wraps and gloves, to protect your hands. But, you can even start without them by shadowboxing.
While boxing shoes can boost your performance and skills by providing more stability and ensure you don’t slip as much, you don’t need any pair of special shoes to either start or progress in boxing. You can even go ahead and attend your first lesson with running footwear, as they provide sufficient stability and comfort.
I want to return to the point of shadowboxing. If you’re unwilling of buying anything to compliment your boxing training, then you can start by literally punching the air. You can do it naked, if you’d like. That’s the beauty of it.
I actually wrote an article on why you should shadow box. If you want to learn why and how to do it, follow the link.
Are flat shoes better for boxing
Flat shoes are better than other types of footwear for boxing because they provide more traction with the ground. Therefore, you’ll be much less likely to slip and be more stable while fighting. However, boxing gyms allow the use of any type of shoes inside the ring, as long as you’re not showing up barefoot.
Final words
Boxing is one of the best sports out there. If you want to maximize your skills and progression, it’ll be best to pair yourself with a suitable pair of shoes. However, you’re not required to. You can even box while being barefoot.
Nevertheless, running shoes are a suitable alternative, as they’re comfortable and provide some flexibility. Likewise, they’re designed to reduce the impact you have while running, as that is their purpose. So you can definitely box while wearing them!
If you enjoyed reading this article, you’ll also enjoy reading about why you should buy boxing shoes to hone your abilities. Do give it a read.