In many combat sports, especially professionally, fighters are generally barefooted. It allows them to move around quickly, be agile, and deliver powerful kicks. And Funny enough, in most martial arts dojos, any form of footwear walking onto the mats is forbidden.

The sensei may punish students with extra press-ups if they see shoe prints on the mats. However, boxing is different, as kicking is not allowed, boxers wear boxing boots.

Boxing boots are considered the second most crucial part of equipment after boxing gloves, and the right pair will only improve a fighter.

What are Boxing Boots, and Why Do They Wear Them?

Boxing boots are, pretty much, as they say, boots for boxing.

The best way to describe them is a cross between a traditional boot and trainers-the shape of a normal boot, yet lightweight and with a design of a modern trainer.

Originally boxing boots were made from conventional leather; now, they use more modern materials to make them light and comfortable.

Boxing dates back centuries, and it was seen to be more brutal than today, as fighters would fight bare-knuckle and could choose to fight barefooted. Until 1867, Queensbury rules introduced new boxing rules and made boxing boots a critical piece of equipment for amateur and professional bouts.

As footwork is one of the most crucial aspects of a fighter’s skill set, it’s essential to wear the right boxing shoes.

Boxing shoes can help improve a fighter’s movement and stability when a boxer cuts an angle to deter their opponent or when a boxer aggressively moves forward.

How Do I Ensure that My Boxing Boots Fit Properly?

In order to ensure that your boxing boots fit the best is by ensuring that they ‘be snug and fit like socks. The soles should be rubber to prevent you from slipping on a mat or your floor. And in order to best support your ankles while you “dance” around the ring, they should lace up past your ankles. Some boxing shoes even feature a strap, securing your ankle and giving more support.’

Source: https://blog.joinfightcamp.com/boxing-equipment/what-are-the-best-boxing-shoes/

Do All Boxers Need Boxing Shoes?

Yes and no.

It all depends on how serious you are going to take your training. If you are planning on boxing training, hitting a bag, or even sparring at the gym, you can get away not wearing any boxing shoes, not unless your coach says otherwise.

However, we would always strongly advise getting a decent pair of boxing boots, as even in training, you will feel more like a boxer.
Way of Boxing suggests that:

‘Amateur and professional boxers alike are obliged to wear specialised boxing shoes and cannot fight barefoot. Initially, boxers, like most combat sportspeople, fought with bare feet, but with the development and modernisation of the sport, the fighting became more organised and more civilised.’

Source: https://wayofmartialarts.com/are-boxing-shoes-necessary-a-complete-analysis/

What are the Best Boxing Boots in 2022?

With so many boxing brands on the market, it can be daunting to know which ones to buy. It also depends on your budget to buy the best boxing boots for your affordability.

We currently don’t produce boxing boots at Sidekick as we have generally only catered for gloves and head protection. However, with our growth and popularity in the boxing scene, we are looking into it.

For now, here is a list of a few of the top sellers currently on the market.

Nike Boxing Boots

Nike has been leading the way in modern footwear for generations, so you can be sure they will produce quality boxing boots.

A trendy boxing boot from Nike is the Nike Hyper Ko boxing boots. Crafted in Nike Flyknit featuring high strength fibres that create lightweight uppers, Nike Flyknit technology gives support & breathability for each cut, stride or strike.

The Nike skin offers exoskeleton like support through the ankle & midfoot, whilst the split sole provides flexibility & stability through the rounds.

To give you protection & cushioning, they also have a PU drop in cushioning, so what’s more, say, you won’t go wrong with these boots.

They have been used by famous professional boxers, like Manny Pacquiao and Andrzej Fonfara.

The Hyper Ko boxing boots retail at £189.99.

Adidas Boxing Boots

Adidas are also specialists in manufacturing shoes, yet their boxing boots come cheaper than the Nike option.

So if you’re looking for a popular brand while on a better budget, we recommend the popular Adidas Speedex 18 Contrast boxing boots.

The Speedex 18 boots are ultra-light and supportive but will also support the foot, so you can easily move around the ring quickly and untouched.

The high boot design has stability straps that wrap around the ankle and support without sacrificing speed. To make sure you connect securely to the canvas or mat, they feature a single-piece adiwear out sole.

Cleto Reyes Boxing Boots

If you love the authentic traditional boxing style, you can’t beat Cleto Reyes. Cleto Reyes is one of the original manufacturers of boxing equipment based in Mexico.

Their products can be hard to source, but we recommend the Cleto Reyes Leather High Top boxing boots if you find an excellent stockist in the U.K.

They are modelled on the original leather high top boxing boots, giving them an authentic look and feel and manufactured with full leather with that authentic old fashioned boxing style.

The retail price is approximately £150.

Final Thoughts

It is important to purchase the right pair of boxing boots for you, as they will help improve your footwork, give that real boxing feel, and last a very long time. If you would like to see our full range of boxing equipment please visit our online store here.

For more information about boxing shoes, check out the video below:

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