If you’re just starting boxing and want to prepare for your first training session, shoes are a significant component of your performance. Can you wear basketball shoes for boxing?
No, you can’t wear basketball shoes for boxing. Basketball and boxing shoes might look alike, but there are significant differences in both. A wrong choice of shoes will negatively impact your performance.
Keep reading to find out why!
Basketball Shoes Have Grip Strength
Basketball shoes have a lot of grip on the surface of the ball court, which can hinder a boxer’s movement. They restrict your movement and make it hard for you to move around smoothly. These shoes have thicker and heavier soles that reduce the flexibility of the boxer.
Basketball Shoes Have A Lack Of Support
Basketball shoes do not offer foot and ankle support. If you move too fast, you are likely to sprain your ankle or bruise your toe joints. You’ll have to invest in a good pair of boxing shoes and leave the basketball shoes for the basketball court.
The Benefits of Wearing Boxing Shoes
Boxing shoes are specifically designed to enable the athlete to efficiently move in positions that are ideal for boxing. As opposed to any other type of sporting shoe, these shoes allow for freedom of movement, foot support, and fast footwork.
A pair of actual boxing shoes will help you in the following ways:
Better Foot Grip
The soles of boxing shoes are designed to enhance the grip of the feet naturally. This material is specifically designed so that it provides just the right amount of grip, whether on the mat or inside the ring.
The light weight of boxing shoes allows for quick and agile movements. There is added ankle support with boxing shoes because they extend higher on the foot and cover part of the ankle.
It Prevents Sweat Build-up
Boxing shoes allow sweat to evaporate quickly inside the shoe. They are designed with breathable materials that prevent microbial growth. Even after intense practice sessions, you won’t experience the stench of sweat from your shoes.
The aforementioned benefits of boxing shoes make them ideal for boxing and will improve your agility, thus positively impacting your performance.
Do Boxers Have To Wear Boxing Shoes?
Boxing requires agility and flexibility. Good shoes enhance your ability to stay grounded but move around with ease. However, is wearing boxing shoes really necessary?
For fitness and conditioning purposes, it is not necessary to wear boxing shoes during boxing sessions. However, boxing shoes will assist you in improving your boxing footwork skills if you are looking to take it to the next level with your footwork, partner work, and sparring.
What Shoes Can I Use For Boxing?
It would be best for you to choose shoes with a smooth bottom, a low heel, and good ankle support. These qualities are ideal for boxing. Cross trainers are a great alternative to boxing shoes because they have similar features. Running sneakers are less than ideal because they have a thick sole that can make pivoting and turning difficult.
Conclusion
Since boxing shoes can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, you might want to first decide whether boxing is right for you. However, it is important to remember that basketball shoes will not be a substitute for boxing shoes; they can sprain your ankle and cause unnecessary damage to your toe joints.