Martial arts shoes – sport, surface and fit
Boxing, wrestling and taekwondo shoes have different constructions. Choose footwear for your sport's movements and training surface.
Do I need shoes?
Boxing and wrestling commonly use specialised footwear. Karate, judo and many other martial arts are usually practised barefoot on mats. Taekwondo is also often barefoot; training shoes are not automatically permitted in competition. Ask your club before buying.
Fit, grip and support
Measure as instructed by the product's size guide and try shoes with appropriate socks. The heel should stay secure without the toes being compressed. Check movement during side steps and turns. A high ankle collar does not guarantee protection from ankle injuries.
More grip is not always better: the sole must allow both traction and rotation on the surface. Use clean indoor shoes and check that the sole is permitted in the training area.
Care
Open shoes after training, remove removable insoles where permitted and let them air-dry. Avoid direct heat and machine-wash only if allowed by the manufacturer. Inspect sole wear and stitching regularly.
Can I use one shoe for several martial arts?
Sometimes, but fit, sole and rules must suit each use. Running shoes are not an automatic substitute for boxing or wrestling shoes.
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