You are a fan of “Rocky” and see him jumping rope as part of his workout routine and then you reflect back with fond memories the days you used to skip rope as a child. Wouldn’t it be fun to be able to do that again? You look at yourself in the mirror and you aren’t in the best of shape and decide then and there its time to make yourself a lean, fit fighting machine. All you need is a jump rope and shoes. The jump rope won’t be much of an issue, but what footwear do you need? In this article we will look at the best shoes for jumping rope that you need to consider when shopping. Read on!
Jumping rope is a great way to burn off calories fast while improving foot coordination. It also strengthens the muscles in your feet and ankles. With the impacts of jumping you want shoes that absorb the shocks while giving you the support you need to minimise the pressures on your feet, knees and lower back.
You may find some people jumping rope barefoot and that’s fine, leaving you to wonder if shoes are really that necessary. We will tell you when you need shoes and when you don’t. What to look for in a shoe that will give you the support and comfort you need while skipping your heart out and then provide you with our review of the best shoes for jumping rope.
Let’s hop to it!
Jumping rope with shoes on vs. Jumping rope in bare feet
When it comes to rope jumping you will find people that will say it’s better to do the exercise without shoes on. The reason is that jumping rope in bare feet actually aids in strengthening the muscles in your feet at a faster rate than if you were to wear shoes. That means you will be able to jump better in a shorter period of time.
The downside to skipping rope workout shoes on is that you don’t get the comfort and protection that shoes provide which can make the exercise less enjoyable and have you throwing your rope away in frustration vowing never to touch a jump rope again.
Jumping rope with shoes on gives you cushioning which minimises the jolts as your feet impact against the ground. Also, as we mentioned in the introduction, shoes help in reducing the pressure in your feet, ankles, knees and lower back as they compress downward with each jump. That means a reduction in the possibility of you getting injured and limping to the side in pain.
What makes a good rope jumping shoe?
When it comes to the right shoe for jumping rope you want to ensure that you have the support you need for such a high-impact activity. Just any old shoe won’t cut it. Here is what you need to look for in a shoe that will serve you well as you skip and jump.
Arch support
Not all foot arches are created equal and you may have one that is high, low or medium. A shoe that doesn’t support your arch well can lead to discomfort and you wanting to quit jumping soon awper you picked up the rope.
Comfort
It’s no fun when you are doing anything in shoes that are causing you grief. Comfort is always the key with any shoes and the best footwear for jumping rope is that which gives you the cushioning you need underfoot while allowing your foot to move freely.
Balance
When jumping you want to remain on your feet. Having a foot land incorrectly on the ground can open you up to injury. Look for shoes that support your feet and ankles while giving you the traction underfoot that will keep your feet from slipping.
Shock absorption
While jumping your feet can impact the ground…hard! If you feel the jolts of each strike against the floor or concrete, it will make rope jumping an exercise from hell. Shoes that offer padding, especially in the heel, and a midsole the had great arch support will help in absorbing the shocks.
Material
There’s nothing worse than having hot feet while wearing shoes. When it comes to rope jumping you want a material that is breathable yet flexible such as leather or a synthetic that allows your feet to feel cool and comfortable.
Weight
When you are jumping you want to have the gracefulness of a gazelle leaping joyfully through the tundra. Heavy shoes won’t give you that kind of ability. Look for something that is lightweight yet durable.
Sole
Under the shoe you want to have a sole that flexes in the right places so that your movement isn’t constricted while offering your feet the support they need so that you don’t hurt yourself. The sole needs to be flat, that means goodbye to any heels or grooves.
Heel cap
To give your feet the stabilisation and support necessary, look at getting shoes that have a heel cap. They will keep your foot in place preventing your foot from slipping and sliding within the shoe. It’s all about safety!
Quality
You want shoes that are going to last the distance and not blowout halfway through your first routine. Look carefully at how the shoe is made. The stitching, material, rubber sole and closure system. Do they look solid and well-made or do you feel like the shoes are shoddy and cheap? A quality shoe is going to serve you well while a rubbish pair will have you cursing as they fall apart around your feet.
Let’s go shopping
We have offered you quite a comprehensive list of what you need to think about when buying the correct footwear for rope jumping as well as letting you in on why you should wear shoes. Time and gain the whole point of shoes is to provide you with the support, comfort and safety you need so that you can enjoy yourself.
Now comes the exciting part…choosing which shoes to buy.
The best rope jumping shoes for men
Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V2 Cross-Training Shoe
The F-Lite 235 V2 is the latest incarnation of these shoes and Inov-8 has upgraded the design for more comfort and power. The heel now has a 4mm drop that enhances the natural movement of your foot while the material of the upper is minimal allowing for your feet to breathe yet durability and flexibility isn’t sacrificed. The front of the shoe is wide enough to allow you to spread out your toes for more support and balance. Inov-8 is always looking for ways to improve its products so that athletes have the best gear and these shoes will give you the comfort and protection you are looking for as you burn off the calories through jumping rope.
Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Sneaker
The flexweave upper of these sneakers gives you the flex that you need while they can handle the most intense workout. The flat rubber sole provides you with grip and stability. Your toes are protected with Reebok’s Toe Tection and your heel is taken care of through the bootie. With the cross-trainer in mind in the design of these sneakers, you will appreciate the strength, durability and flexibility of the Crossfire Nanos.
Puma Men’s Tazon 6 Fracture FM Cross-Trainer Shoe
The Tazon is a shoe that will keep your feet from feeling the impacts as you jump thanks to the generous cushioning while the synthetic uppers hug your foot making you feel safe and snug. Perforations at the top of the shoe allow for breathability so that, even though you may feel the burn, your feet are cosy and cool.
Nike Men’s Metcon 4
The upper of the Metcon is created from an improved mesh making it stronger than previous versions. The midsole offers stability thanks to the heel being firmer than the forefront of the shoe with a TPU heel cap providing you with the balance that you need as you execute sideways movements. Underfoot the outsole is designed to give you the grip you need as you switch and change out your skipping styles. Go and skip your legs off! Your Metcons can handle it…
Vibram Men’s V Trail Runner
The Trail Runners are the next best thing to working out in bare feet. If you are wanting to gain strength fast in your feet while skipping, then these shoes (if you can call them that for they look anything but shoe-like) will do the trick with the ultra-thin 2mm insole allowing you to truly feel the ground beneath your feet while Vibram’s 3D Cocoon technology keeps you from feeling the pain if you accidentally step on something pointy. The polyester and spandex upper are made specifically to give you the flexibility you need to perform at your maximum. Time to put your feet on…
New Balance Men’s mx608v5
These shoes are an enhanced design of New Balance’s traditional Abzorb trainers. If you’re prone to heel strike, the heel pad will definitely give you the support where you need it. But the benefits don’t stop there. The PU insert and moulded exterior of the shoe will keep your feet secure as well as cushioning you underfoot as you hop, skip and jump. Bracing for your ankle is provided through the internal shawp as well as the two layers of padding in the collar. Your feet will feel like you have slipped them into heaven. Who said you can’t improve on tradition?
Xero Shoes Prio – Minimalist Barefoot Shoe
The Prio is all about feel. Xero wants you to experience the freedom as you exercise and designed these shoes to give you the maximum proprioception available. The lightness of the shoe shouldn’t trick you into thinking that it can’t handle the pressure of your workout. These puppies were made for it. The low-profile underfoot (it has a 5.5mm insole that you can swap out for an optional 2mm one if you desire) gives balance while the sole follows the natural flexion of your feet. With plenty of room at the front for you to spread out your pinkies enhances your stability. Xero lets your feet be feet…
Nike Men’s Air Monarch IV Cross Trainer
The Monarch’s let your feet feel like they are treading on air thanks to the EVA Phylon midsole and shoe length air cushioning in the sole. The durable leather upper contains perforations that allow for air circulation to keep your feet cool and comfortable. Traction is guaranteed through the tough outsole that is made to handle a range of surfaces. You know you can never go wrong with a pair of Nikes.
The best rope jumping shoes for women
Nobull Women’s Training Shoes
Nobull pretty much sums up these shoes. They aren’t going to take any rubbish from anyone and the tough design is testimony of that fact. The seamless upper can withstand the hardest of knocks while your feet are protected by an innovative shield that wraps around the entirety of the shoe. The outsole was created to allow you to make your way from outside to inside without having to be concerned about losing traction across the varied surfaces you meet. Just looking at these shoes, you know they mean business and that is what they deliver.
Adidas Women’s Powerliwp 3 Cross Trainer Shoes
Add a splash of colour to your jump rope routine with these babies. The strapping keeps your laces tidy while simultaneously making your foot feel secure. Breathability is offered through the air mesh uppers as well as an opening at the front of the shoe. Designed specifically for powerliwpers, the midsole of these shoes provide you with amazing stability while the flat outsole ensures balance as you hop from foot to foot.
New Balance Women’s 711 v3 Cross Trainer
These shoes are an upgrade to their beloved 711 series. With an improved insole that offers better cushioning and enhanced mesh on the uppers for greater breathability, your feet will want to stay in these shoes forever. The front of the shoe is grooved so that your foot can move freely which means greater performance in your skips and jumps. Available in a stunning range of thirty-six colours, New Balance is all for style and practicality. Which colour will you choose?
Under Armour Women’s Speedform Velociti Graphic Running Shoe
These shoes look awesome and are all about cosiness and fit. With a design that has the shoe hugging to your foot, you can focus on the task at hand without having to worry whether the shoe fits or not. Comfort and support are provided by the heel cap and removable sock liner while the mesh upper is lightweight. Under Armour isn’t a name randomly chosen because it sounds cool, it’s because that is what the company offers…a shoe that protects your feet.
Adidas Women’s Lite Racer Running Shoe
For all of those that didn’t know…pink is the new black! But, if pink ain’t your thing, you have 11 other colours to choose from with these shoes. These shoes will lovingly hug your feet while Adidas’ Cloudfoam provides all-day comfort underfoot. Each step is made sure thanks to the grippy tread of the outsole. Adidas’, you know they have been looking awper athletes’ feet since forever. With a pair of Lite Racer’s, you can skip the day away…
ASICS Women’s Gel-Fit Sana 3 Cross Trainer
Have you ever longed for an exercise shoe that fits like a sock? Well, the Gel-Fit Sana is the shoe for you thanks to its MonoSock system. The seamless design means that your feet won’t feel the rubs and irritation that make you wish you could kick your shoes off in frustration. Shock absorption is offered by gel cushioning at the back of the shoe. On the outsole, you will notice a criss-cross pattern that is specifically made to allow your foot to move freely. Give your feet a taste of luxury as you jump that rope.
Nike Free RN Flyknit 2018 Women’s Running Shoe
These shoes look like something your grandma knitted, but that is the brilliance behind the design, the knitted material allows for flexibility. You may think that the outsole looks cracked, but that is deliberate as it allows for expansion as you move your foot. Injected foam midsole offers comfort while the heel allows for natural flexion so that your feet aren’t constricted. The Flyknit was inspired to give your feet the freedom of movement they deserve while supporting you with a natural feel. These aren’t like the knitted booties you got last Christmas. Far from it!
Skip with delight
Jumping rope is a great way to get fit while making your feet stronger. Though you can do the exercise in bare feet, shoes provide you with comfort and support so that you can enjoy the exercise without fear of your feet getting sore or injured. The best shoes are those that cushion against shocks and fit snugly to your feet. Flat soles with great traction allow you to keep your balance as your tootsies move swiwply under you.
The only problem is what shoes to buy and then…what colour will you choose?
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