Choosing the right footwear is crucial for both training and bouting. It can make all the difference in your performance. Believe us, it’s easy to underestimate the power of properly fitting boxing boots. When you're comfortable, your attention and focus will support your fight, allowing you to focus entirely on the game, not hinder it.
It’s important you find a good fit, but a comfortable one too. In this article, we’ll give you the low down on finding the right boot fit, how to care for your boxing boots and help you find the best shoes for boxing too.
Why Comfort and Fit Matter
Now we’re not saying: find the right boxing shoes and you’ll be boxing like Tyson Fury in an instant, greatness takes practice. But, finding a good, comfortable fit will truly support each and every move and counter move too, getting you closer to Fury status.
Comfortable and well-fitted boxing boots and equipment will always impact your performance.
Choosing a Comfortable Fit Means:
- Safety is prioritised - reducing the risk of injury thanks to proper protection from boxing equipment. Equipment that fits well means blow and hit impact is properly absorbed and distributed
- Improved technique and accuracy - with each and every hit, jump, dive and punch you know your delivery is right on point. A bad fit can be detrimental in the delivery of a blow, which might mean a catastrophic compromise on footwork or blow delivery
- Greater freedom and flexibility in movement - a full range of motion is only possible with well-fitting equipment - too tight or too loose and you risk hindering your performance
- Greater confidence and focus - the last thing you want is your kit letting you down or having to make sacrifices in your fight. When you feel comfortable and secure your mental focus and confidence improve too
- No distractions - don’t let your gear distract you from what really matters. Any annoyance caused by a bad fit can pull you out of fight mode risking your technique
Enhanced Performance & Safety
Well-fitted headgear means you won't find your vision obstructed - say it slips down in the middle of a fight because it's too big for example. Just like well-fitting boxing gloves ensure your hands stay properly protected with each and every blow, absorbing impact so your hands don’t! It’s the same principle for your footwear. Proper, comfortable boxing footwear is no exception, they’ll maintain your natural power, speed and agility but also support your ankles, absorb impact and improve balance.
Choosing The Right Boxing Shoes
Choosing the best boxing boots for you can improve your boxing performance while also helping to prevent injuries, a win-win situation.
Choosing the best boxing shoes for comfort and performance
First and foremost, it’s important to buy boxing shoes from a reputable brand or seller to ensure you’re getting high-quality equipment. Ultimately you’re looking for a pair of boxing boots that allow you to feel totally light on your feet, they should fit snuggly, securely and of course comfortably.
Fit
Experiment with different styles and sizes to ensure you find the right fit and feel for your feet. Finding a good fit is essential. Boxing footwear should fit snugly but not tight as this could reduce freedom, resulting in restrictive movement. You should be able to move your toes freely and comfortably and feel secure in the heel to minimise foot movement in the shoe.
Foot Type
If you have a high foot arch, make sure to choose boxing boots that have good arch support. Or for those with flatter feet, opt for styles with additional cushioning and support.
Ankle Support
Consider what kind of ankle support you’re looking for. The higher the high top the stronger the support, but consider the fact that you might not have as much freedom and flexibility when it comes to movement.
Test & Trial
Take a walk in various styles and try some light shadow boxing when trying out styles. Make sure to pay attention to the way they feel and fit on your feet, comfort is key.
Style & Colourways
Find the perfect fit and style too online with Geezers Boxing, we’ve over 50 styles of boxing shoes to choose from in an array of colours and designs. Whether you’re looking for a smart, sleek style or something a little more colourful and fun you’ll find plenty of options with Geezers Boxing. Find big-name brands and popular boxing shoe styles with strong high tops, additional velcro ankle fastening and junior sizes, all constructed of lightweight materials and flexible soles.
How Should Boxing Shoes Fit?
They should feel snug and secure without excessive space. You don’t want your foot slipping and sliding at all. Unnecessary space in the toe box can cause blistering and poor stability. Make sure you can wiggle your toes without them sliding around the toe box.
Keep in mind that boxing shoes and boots are designed to be narrower and fit tighter than your usual everyday kicks.
Again, comfort is key, you should be able to move freely and without restriction, your boxing boots should almost feel like a second skin. Think of them as a thick sock, they should sit securely and snug. Think of them as an extension of your actual feet, moulding to your ankle, leg and foot.
Remember you’ll need to wear socks too as this will protect your feet, increase comfort and improve stability. Make sure to find the right size based on experienced fit or manufacturer/brand recommendations. Don’t just choose your usual size, you might need to size up or down as the shoe shape differs greatly from standard shoes.
It’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics of boxing footwear but believe us when we say it’s best to prioritise comfort and fit over style.
What Are The Best Shoes For Boxing?
We all start at the beginning and if you’re not ready to invest in a pair of boxing shoes just yet, we would recommend choosing a pair of flexible, supportive, flat shoes. The idea is to allow the foot to flex, so anything with a thin sole is a good starting point.
However, that being said, investing in the right boxing equipment is always a good idea. Boxing shoes are designed for enhanced grip and stability down to their specially designed sole treads. The flat, thin sole allows for greater foot movement so you’re free to dash, dive and bounce around without restriction. They’re designed to be lightweight too for maximum agility and speed.
We might say that first and foremost, gloves and mitts are an absolute necessity, following that, get yourself a proper pair of boxing shoes. You might hit with your fist but the power behind the blow comes from your lower body, legs, feet and glutes. As they are designed for boxers, boxing shoes and boots are really the very best option for beginner, intermediate and pro boxers.
Keeping Your Boxing Boots Clean & Comfortable
If your boxing shoes are a little worn or veering on uncomfortable it might be time for an upgrade. A poor fit can be the difference between a complete win or lose when it comes to fighting. If you’re experiencing blisters, rubbing or any pain with wear your boots might need the boot.
All your boxing equipment must be checked regularly for wear and tear. Of course, the more frequently they’re used, deterioration will be a lot faster meaning more frequent replacements.
If the outer sole appears to be thinning or cracking, grip or stability are no longer working in your favour it’s best to consider replacing your shoes. Check for rips or tears in the upper materials too, although made from durable materials, wear can still occur with overuse. You don’t want a thread unravelling mid-fight causing you to miss a move, get caught out by your opponent or worse, cause yourself an injury as you slip or fall.
Ankle support needs to stay in tip-top condition too, it might weaken over time and you’ll notice a change in the way they feel.
Boxing Shoe Washing & Cleaning
Unfortunately, it’s a no on the washing machine front. To clean them, you’ll usually need to hand wash them.
Use mild detergent mixed with water, wiping away dirt and marks. Using a brush, clean the soles gently to remove any bits of dirt if necessary. When drying, make sure you don’t place them near a direct heat source, instead, allow them to air dry naturally. Stuff them with newspaper, this will help them retain their shape while they dry.
If you happen to notice any pungent smells or want to refresh your boxing shoes in between wears, sprinkle some baking soda on the inner soles, leave for a couple of hours or overnight, brushing away the crystals before wearing.
Time For An Upgrade?
You bring the fight, we’ll supply the tools (shoes, gloves, mouth guards, you’ll find it all). Shop a great range of boxing shoes, boots and equipment online with Geezers Boxing and benefit from free delivery on orders over £70.
