Best Parkour Shoes: The Ultimate Traceur Guide

Every top traceurs knows that finding the perfect shoes for your parkour training can be hard especially if you have no idea where to begin your search. You know it is important to put on a proper gear (I hope you do!) but yet you are uncertain and just need a little guidance.

Well, that is why I’ve decided to do some research and create this ultimate LONG guide so that you don’t have to. But before we begin, let’s understand more about parkour shoes.

What are Parkour Shoes?

Parkour shoes are designed in a very specific, detailed way to provide the utmost comfort whilst still maintaining maximum movement. They are also created to protect the ankle and foot from potential injuries that could occur from fast-paced physical activities.

Why should you wear parkour shoes?

It is crucial that you wear parkour shoes as opposed to your everyday shoes when taking part in parkour like activities. The distinct design of parkour shoes focuses on your needs when participating in these kinds of events. The features are able to enhance your balance, height, and speed. Everyday shoes are typically fabricated to look good or to provide comfort whilst standing for a long time and walking throughout the day, but for fast-paced physical activities, they are more than likely useless. By wearing the wrong type of shoes you stand a very high chance of making a fool of yourself (top parkour fails) or worst – suffering injuries, for example, if your shoes are too thick you could lose balance and fall or if your shoes are made from the wrong materials you could easily slip.

There are a number of things that could happen if you were to wear the wrong kind of shoes but by doing a little research and getting your feet properly measured this can easily be avoided. Parkour shoes are widely available at many different prices however it’s not always easy to pick the right pair for you. Here I have written about the features and what to look for in parkour shoes. I’ve also listed the top rated Parkour shoes for men, women, and children.

Factors To Consider When Buying Parkour Shoes 

Parkour shoes come in many shapes and sizes all with specialized features to best suit different aspects of physical training. It is very important to be able to identify what beneficial gain you want the most out of your shoes, as some features could counteract the results you desire.

The Sole

Parkour shoes are available with both full soles and split soles. Whilst split soles can provide more flexibility to the foot they don’t tend to last as long as full soled shoes. The thickness of the sole will have an effect on your balance, the thinner soles will make balancing much easier though they will get worn down a lot quicker than the thicker soled shoes. Thickness in the sole will also absorb shock a lot more than the thinner ones although, that isn’t always a good thing. Being able to feel the ground beneath your feet will make you more alert and controlled. The rubber should be neither thick nor thin, to get your monies worth it should be a happy medium. If it’s too hard they will last longer but won’t provide as much grip as the softer rubber soles.

Unless the shoes are extremely flexible you will probably find that they have arches, this will give you more control in your landings. If the shoe is very flexible it won’t have arches as you will be able to rely on the foot’s natural arches. It is advisable to choose shoes that do not have plastic arches as this can be very slick and won’t provide any grip.

The Weight

When choosing your parkour shoes, you will want to take into consideration the weight of them, although it might not seem like a big deal heavy shoes can obstruct your performance. You won’t be able to gain as much height with heavier shoes as they will work with gravity to bring you back down quickly. Lighter shoes means lighter on your feet, giving you control, grip, and balance that will work in your favor.

The Fit

Ultimately whichever design you decide to go with you must make sure the shoes fit you properly in order to fully benefit from them. They should feel comfortable and snug but not tight. When you put weight on your foot it spreads out slightly, you should still be able to do this in your shoes if you can’t then they are too small. Another sign that they fit properly is whether the heel stays in place when moving, if it slips they are more than likely too big. It’s highly recommended that you get your feet properly measured if you haven’t already.

Differences Between Men, Women And Kids Parkour Shoes

The predominant difference between men’s feet and women’s is the width. Women’s feet are usually a lot narrower than men’s feet which are why the width of the shoes between female and male sizes significantly differ. It is quite common for some women to wear men’s sized shoes, in everyday life, this probably wouldn’t make much of a difference, but when it comes to running and exercising in them the men’s sized shoes probably wouldn’t be able to support the foot as well as the women’s ones.

Why Children Should Wear Suitable Parkour Shoes

It is just as important if not slightly more so that children’s parkour shoes fit them properly. Although children grow very quickly and it can be tempting to purchase shoes that are slightly bigger for them so that they last longer, it can end up damaging their feet long-term if they don’t fit correctly. Children’s ligaments are much more flexible than adult’s ligaments meaning they would be able to squeeze into shoes that are too small for them. At first, they wouldn’t think anything of it but over time as they grow, they could encounter a number of issues.

Since children’s feet are more delicate than adults it is vital that their parkour shoes include some cushion, without this it increases the chances of bone bruises from hard impacts on landing. As they grow their balance shifts making it hard for them to find or hold, thinner soles will help with this problem as they will be able to feel enough of the ground to maintain balance.

Best Parkour Shoes for Men

Nike Men’s Free Run Running Shoes

Nike is an extremely popular brand so it’s not surprising that they’ve hit the top spot. They have repeatedly been the best-selling sports footwear all over the world although many people are attracted to these shoes as a fashion statement as well. With probably the widest choice of colors and patterns available it’s not hard to find a pair that looks the part.

Nike Free Run Soles

These Nike shoes are renowned for being extremely light-weight and even though the soles are not the thinnest, they are remarkably flexible. Siping grooves are a unique feature to the sole of this range, this is what enables the soles to be flexible. It is also what provides a great amount of grip that is effective on most surfaces, especially concrete. A positive outcome from the thicker soles is that they will last a lot longer than any thin soled shoes.

This particular build of sneakers will be able to withstand a lot more wear and tear, but you may not be able to feel as much of the ground as you might like to. They provide a great cushion and have a very high reputation for being incredibly comfortable. Many Nike running shoes have fairly chunky soles but this particular version probably has one of the thinnest soles out of this range.

Minimal Use Of Plastic

A large number of shoes on the market are constructed using plastic inserts built into the heels to provide a strong frame for the shoe. This can cause a problem with parkour shoes as it can aggravate the heel or the Achilles tendon. Nike has managed to eliminate this feature in the free run shoes whilst still providing a great structure.

Secure Fit

The laces on this shoe are set slightly off the center and are fastened by weaving through flywire bands. This secures the middle of the foot as well as offering you the option to adjust the tightness. Due to the feet slightly expanding during exercise because of the increased heart rate, adjusting the tightness of the shoe can be very beneficial.

Great Breathability

Breathable material is used for the majority of the upper shoe allowing your feet to have good access to air as your body temperature rises. Reducing the amount of sweat and heat to your feet can prevent athletes foot as well as discomfort. Since athletes foot is very common for people who exercise regularly for long periods of time, it’s important to take as many steps to prevent it as possible. Mesh or materials similar to it are ideal for air to access your feet and cool them down.

Pros And Cons Of Nike Free Run

With a popular brand comes pretty high prices these shoes are available from anything between $68 to $270. Extreme Parkour activities can wear down shoes rapidly and even though these shoes are made with strong materials they won’t last forever. Although these parkour shoes may not be everybody’s cup of tea because of the thicker soles, they are rated in the top 3 on amazon. With many athletes purchasing these shoes and repeatedly applauding them, the reviews show very little negativity. Praised on their extreme comfort and their breathability the Nike free run shoes seem to have undoubtedly earned their top place.

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Take Flight 1.0 Parkour And Training Shoe

Made in china and after 2 years of work and development take flight 1.0 parkour shoes were launched. Having many recommendations from professionals, these shoes are proven to exceed expectations.

Protection

One thing that most parkour shoes have in common is the fact that they have little to none external protection. The reason being is that they want to keep the shoe as light as possible. Take flight 1.0 are designed with the exterior made from mesh to add to the comfort and reduce the weight but they also include a rubber shielding over part of the shoe which adds protection from possible invasion of foreign objects. They have managed to add protection and still ensure that the feet stay as cool as they can. As the features and design of these shoes were overlooked by professional free runners it’s clear that a minor weight gain is worth the added protection.

Strong Grip

Lug patterns that are found on the rubber soles of these shoes supply an outstanding amount of grip, reviews have mentioned on several occasions that they have the best grip out of any other parkour shoes. The secondary insole inside the shoe can be removed to reduce the cushioning and allow a better feel of the ground, this is a unique feature as you don’t often get the choice with many other parkour shoes. Andrey Inf a professional traceur has said that they have created a unique merge between the comfort and the feel of the shoe. He said that they provide a great amount of comfort and support whilst still enabling you to feel the ground beneath you relatively well. The take flight 1.0 are made based on EU sizing so be sure to check the sizing chart before you buy these.

Recommended By Professionals

Overall these shoes have exceeded many people’s expectations, like the above Nike shoes there are little to none negative reviews on these shoes. I did notice that the reviews left for these shoes have been left by people who are more involved in parkour than anything else, whereas the majority of the Nike reviews have been left by runners and people just generally wearing them day to day. A lot of people who have purchased the take flight 1.0 have continued to purchase them time after time as they have provided brilliant traction and been proven effective in all aspects. Being highly recommended by many professionals and available from around $85 people have said that they have an average durability, outstanding grip and are worth every cent.

Pros and Cons

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Nike Free Trainer 1.0 Training Shoes

Another fantastic Nike model, the free trainer 1.0 is designed more towards parkour like activities than the Nike free run shoes mentioned above. Released around a year ago the free trainer 1.0 training shoes have become very popular.

Reduced Sole Size

Extremely light-weight and designed in a very unique way, Nike have managed to significantly reduce the size of the soles giving you a very close barefoot feel whilst still providing comfort and support. Its prominent characteristic is the way the one-piece rubber sole wraps its way up the sides, heel, and toes of the shoe. This provides a substantial amount of support to all areas of the foot as well as adding grip to other areas such as the sides and toes. These shoes are great for climbing or scaling walls as you are able you use the added grips on the sides and toes to reach your target quickly and efficiently.

As it curls over the toes and protrudes up the sides and heel of the foot, the slightly thicker rubber adds a great deal of support that many other parkour shoes don’t. It is able to prevent the foot from injuries such as twisting the ankle, bone breaking and the piercing of sharp objects. The ultra-thin soles allow you to feel your every step and boosts your balance whilst still providing the right amount of padding to prevent injury.

Balance And Grip

The hexagonal traction patterns on the sole continues with the sole as it travels up the shoe, presenting an impeccable amount grip all around the foot. These patterns also assist in prolonging the durability of the shoes. Similar to the Nike free runs, these shoes include flywire hoops to tie the laces granting you the ability to adjust when needed and firmly secure the foot. As the soles are so thin and the laces are able to lock down the foot, you will be able to make use of your natural arches, improving your balance and allowing you the capability for precision landings.

Breathable And In Control

Underlying mesh ensures your feet get enough air to keep them cool as well as contributing to the flexibility factor. A fine cushioned sock liner has been added for extra comfort and stability, at the same time not putting your control in jeopardy in any way. These shoes have been designed to safely strengthen your feet as much as possible during exercise providing a full range of movement.

Pros And Cons

Any parkour enthusiast will appreciate the attributes that are worked into these shoes however they can be quite pricey. Starting from around $80 and hitting well into the hundreds these shoes will have an impact on your bank balance if you wear them out continuously. That being said the durability of these shoes are reportedly very good considering the soles are thin. Reviewers are amazed at how comfortable these shoes are and how well the fit. Receiving very few reviews on amazon, the ones they did get have raised them into the top three for the best parkour shoes for men.

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Best Parkour Shoes for Women

Vibram Women’s KMD LS

The rather peculiar yet effective design of these shoes are not to everybody’s taste, but they have exceeded enough to land the top spot for women’s parkour shoes. Wearing these are probably as close to the barefoot feel as you can get, they are quite literally a part rubber, part polyester and nylon, mesh glove for your feet.

Individual Toe Separations

With the individual toe separations, this shoe gives you the utmost control of your feet whilst still providing some protection. Some people find having things between their toes rather irritating, but the ones who like this style say it feels liberating for them to be separated especially when exercising. Built with a lot more upper structure than other 5-toe Vibram models, they have still managed to keep these shoes extremely light-weight. You still have the freedom and will be able to reach your maximum heights just with added stability.

Thin Soles And Suitable Cushion

Another difference in this particular design is the slightly thicker collar cushion around the heel, improving this quality reduces friction on the back of the heel. The remarkably slim yet incredibly sturdy rubber soles consists of very detailed groove patterns to maximize grip on all surfaces. Thin soles are vastly important to many traceur enthusiasts, as it is very beneficial to their performance to be able to feel the ground as much as possible. The thin soles on these shoes not only have a great durability rate but they also provide very good protection as well as giving you that barefoot experience. Your balance will significantly improve due to the toe separations and surprisingly it will also add to the grip of the shoe.

Little Protection But Great Breathability

Since the only rubber part on these shoes are on the sole, the upper exterior has little protection but is arguably the best for allowing your feet to breathe. Mostly made from mesh, they will be able to keep your feet cool and allow them to feel free. One thing to take into consideration is that if you like wearing socks with your shoes you will have to purchase some separated toe socks as your usual socks will not fit. The Vibram KMDs have been designed in a way so that it can amplify your movement and assist you in reaching your maximum potential.

Pros And Cons

Athletes involved in all types of sport have raved about these shoes, mentioning how impressive the feel is and how much control they gained when wearing them. Being rated at 4.6 out of 5 these shoes have worked wonders for many people including those who have had previous injuries and posture issues. Having countless amounts of positive reviews and very few negative ones, mainly due to sizing, the Vibram KMDs are currently considered the best women’s parkour shoes available.

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Puma Women’s Fierce Shoe

Leading the women’s stylish parkour shoe collection is the Puma fierce training shoe. Puma have designed these shoes with a very unusual yet attractive look, resembling that of a boot rather than a sneaker.

Still Secure Without Any Laces

Laces are a thing of the past for this shoe as inserted in their place is an elasticated strap. At first, many people were skeptical that without any laces the shoe wouldn’t be as secure, and it would be a lot harder to get a positive fit. Now women all over have said they are staggered at how well they cling to the foot and how snug they feel, they have said that the shoe doesn’t feel loose at any point and that they feel more than comfortable exercising in them. It has been stated that puma have managed to match the sizing perfectly making the elastic strip effective.

Strong Support

The boot style structure provides an extreme amount of support and protection to the whole of the foot and ankle. Even though these shoes do not have any laces they have still been manufactured with a tongue. This is an added protection measure as the tongue is padded and long, giving extra stability to the front of the ankle. The tongue also has breathe holes in the padding to prevent the foot from getting overheated. Along with the protection to the front of the ankle, a padded collar has been positioned to shield the Achilles tendon, a very sensitive part of the body.

Breathable Boot Style

The exterior is primarily made with a mesh overlay to keep the foot as cool as possible, which is especially important in this style of shoe as they are thicker than most other parkour shoes. Having said that, Puma has managed to keep this shoe fairly light so that there are no obstructions to your abilities.

Puma Soles

The soles are in one piece, reasonably thin and made from rubber, it rises slightly up the shoe around the back and sides of the heel providing solid support to the whole heel. You are still able to feel what is beneath your feet and they have a good cushioning for comfort. The grooves on the soles gives you intense grip that is perfect for parkour events.

Pros And Cons

Over a hundred reviews and a rating of 4.5 out of 5 the Puma fierce, clearly deserves to be in the top three. Women like to look good whenever they can and when you look through the reviews on these shoes you will find that the Puma fierce parkour shoes have definitely met the standard. Repeated comments say that women purchase these shoes several times in different colors because they look that good. The comfort, added protection and grip are just an added bonus.

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Merrell Women’s Pace Glove Shoes

Merrell have joined with Vibram to create one of the best parkour shoes for women. With Merrells upper design and Vibrams famous sole this shoe is possibly the greatest sneaker style parkour shoe on the market for women. The women’s pace glove 3 acts like your average sneaker but still provides all the features you could want for achieving your best performance in parkour activities.

Vibram Soles On Merrell Shoes

Rubber soles are commonly used for the majority of parkour sneakers as it is able to aid the flexibility of the shoe, as well as providing grip and being hardwearing. Merrell pace glove for women differ in this aspect as the soles of these shoes are not made from rubber instead, they are made from a gripping synthetic material that offers a more generous flexibility than rubber. A downside to this type of sole is that it it’s not as hard-wearing as rubber, however the control that this shoe enables you to have is quite unlike any other. Lug patterns that provide grip cover the sole with the exception of underneath the arch, this is to allow you to use your natural arch and easily flex your foot without any restrictions.

M-select Fresh

Shoes that are used for exercise can become particularly smelly but the innersoles of the Merrell pace glove include, long-lasting M-select fresh which is specifically designed to prevent odor and reduce the amount of sweat your feet produce.  Antimicrobial agents are able to pierce and obstruct the duplication of odor particles leaving you with consistently fresh shoes and feet. The exterior material used for this shoe is primarily mesh for even more breathability and to keep the shoe as light as possible. To ensure a secure and comfortable fit the laces are made using the Merrell Omni-fit method which is how they say the shoe fits like a glove.

Vegan Friendly

These shoes are made from absolutely no animal materials whatsoever making them 100% suitable for vegans. Many people assume that if the shoe doesn’t have any leather then it is vegan-friendly but that is not necessarily the case. Some brands use certain glues that is extracted from animal bones, some companies have tested their materials on animals to check for toxicity and some non-synthetic materials have a chance of being mixed with different forms of leather. Every aspect of the construction and materials used in this shoe is completely animal free.

Pros And Cons

All three of the women’s parkour shoes listed here are extremely close to the top spot, sometimes the only difference is by 0.1. This shoe comes in at 4.3 out of 5 and consists of many happy reviews although some people have mentioned that they prefer the originals, but that’s not to say that this isn’t a great shoe. With fairly thin Vibram soles, great flexibility and a secure fit the Merrell pace glove 3 is definitely parkour worthy.

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Best Parkour Shoes for Kids

Adidas Performance LK Sport 2 K Shoe

The Adidas performance LK sport shoes are available for both girls and boys with a wide choice of colors that’s likely to appeal to all. Adidas, being a very popular brand have a wide range of different shoes on the market for men, women, and children. Although not all of their models will be suitable for parkour you will find a decent amount that are. Throughout the many options available I have found that Adidas performance LK sport shoes are rated exceptionally high, and provide the comfort and protection any child would need whilst participating in parkour.

Exterior

The exterior of this shoe consists of mesh and synthetic overlays. Although the mesh is only over the toes and the tongue of the shoe, the synthetic overlays also include small holes to increase the breathability whilst providing a strong form of protection and support. Classic laces ensure a secure fit to allow your child control and help them gain speed.

One-piece Soles

The one-piece rubber soles include rectangular grooves that supply a strong grip on most surfaces, helping them to climb and stay on their feet when they are quickly moving in different directions. The soles are also non-marking, meaning they are specially designed not to mark inside flooring that is commonly found in gyms and school sports halls. Usually, it can take some time for children to become aware of the heights in which they are jumping from, it can also take quite a while for them to learn how to land softly by going through the foot rather than landing flat. For this reason, they need relevant cushioning to reduce the chances of bone bruises.

Adidas performance LK sport shoe have slightly increased the thickness of the sole around the center and the heel of the foot, so that the shoe can absorb the shock from hard impact landings. Thin soles are usually advised for parkour shoes however beginners and especially children should consider slightly thicker soles whilst they learn the basics, strengthen their feet and improve their balance.

Ideal For Beginners

Adidas performance LK sport shoes are an ideal candidate for a first pair of parkour shoes for children offering great support and appropriate cushioning, as well as being reasonably light-weight and providing some flexibility. Almost all of the reviews these shoes have received, have mentioned how happy children are with them, saying they love the design and how comfortable they feel on their feet. Parents have reported that the shoes have been very durable which is particularly important when you have active kids as the last thing you want is to be buying a new pair of shoes every week.

Pros And Cons

Being fairly new to amazon their popularity has increased rapidly as they now hold a rating of 4.7 out of 5 and have reached the top spot in the last 8 months. Ranging from $24 to $45 these affordable and stylish Adidas shoes make for the perfect wear in parkour.

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Feiyue Classic Canvas Shoe

Another perfect candidate for a childs parkour shoe, this unisex shoe that originates from china is primarily used for parkour and martial arts. Aspects that are needed in the footwear for martial arts are practically the same as that of parkour, which is one of the things that has made this shoe so popular. Quite a basic looking canvas shoe that provides all the features desirable for starting out. A major perk for this shoe is its low price that rarely exceeds $28. The Feiyue classic shoes are also available for adults as well as kids.

Thin And Flexible Soles

Soles are the selling point for this shoe as they are thin enough to feel the ground beneath you but still provide enough padding for comfort. For a child, this will allow them to grasp the concept of parkour and will help them improve on their balance. The heel and the toe of the one-piece rubber soles are ribbed which points backward, this maximizes traction and allows you to easily glide forward but restricts you from sliding backward. Of course, children will love this part but rest assured the soles still provide enough grip to stop them from falling. The middle of the sole is not ribbed, this is so that you can easily flex your foot without any limitations. Being able to fully use your natural arch which will not only grant you more control it will also strengthen your feet more.

Canvas Exterior

The upper exterior of the shoe has traditional laces that are used to hold the foot in place and is made from canvas. Although there is little structure and hardly any padding on the upper part of the shoe, they have been reported as being very durable. As these canvas shoes has thin rubber soles it makes them extremely light, also an ideal factor for children as wearing heavy shoes will drag them down and they will struggle with their tasks. Regular practice of parkour can wear out shoes very rapidly, and since children grow quickly the last thing you want is to constantly be spending a lot of money on shoes. You can buy the Feiyue classics at an affordable price and the durability of them makes them hugely cost effective. Since they are made from canvas the feet will have brilliant breathability.

Suitable For All Levels

Parents and children all over the world have used and enjoyed these shoes, they come highly recommended by professionals, amateurs, and beginners. Most of the reviews mention that they have great grip, are very comfortable and that they fit nicely, although some have said that it might take a little time to get used to landing in them. Holding a rating of 4.3 and receiving over 600 reviews, there’s no doubt that these shoes will assist your child in their learning and promote their skills in parkour.

Pros and Cons

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Reebok CrossFit Nano 4.0

Reebok is a very favored and well-known company specializing in sportswear, Reebok have been around for many years and have gained the trust and admiration of customers all over the world. This particular shoe has been designed to thoroughly protect your child whilst they learn and grasp their new activity.

Perfect For Indoor And Outdoor

The shoe has been designed to provide stable structure and to allow maximum breathability. One-piece rubber soles have precise grooved patterns to provide superior grip on all surfaces and still provides traction, which is ideal for both indoor and outdoor activities.

Breathable Protected Exterior

The exterior is very well designed as it is able to protect and support as well as enabling a high breathability rate. Underlying mesh covers the outer shoe including the tongue, which allows air to seep through to the foot, but what usually intercepts it is the added synthetic or rubber shielding. The overlaying synthetic protection on the Nano 4.0 is shaped in a grid-like pattern to allow the air to travel through the mesh easily, providing extreme breathability and support. The heel of the exterior is fully covered in synthetic material to support your ankle when bending to prepare for high jumps.

Shock Absorbing

Textile lining is included in the innersole for a cozy fit, and it also has cushioned pods in the heel and the toe to fully absorb shock from hard landings. This is especially beneficial for children as they are prone to bone bruises in those areas. Innersole lining is also anti-friction so that the foot can stay securely in place and the material won’t rub and cause uncomfortable blisters.

Very Durable

As far as parkour shoes go this one is definitely one of the best for children although it is not the lightest, it still has some flexibility to it and is probably the best shoe for supporting the feet. Kevlar amid fibers are worked into the build as it prolongs the lifespan of the shoe making it extremely durable. The soles are not the thinnest available but the grip and the added cushion pods makes it ideal for children especially if they are just starting out.

Pros And Cons

Overall the CrossFit Nano 4.0 is a stylish shoe that children are bound to love with safety being its main aspect. Positive feedback is found all over the internet on this shoe. noting how comfortable and sturdy they are for children. Parents love how durable these shoes are as it doesn’t take much for children to wear out their shoes and it can become expensive having to replace them all the time. There are a few different models in the Reebok CrossFit Nano range but these have proven to be worthy as they have found their way into the top 3.

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Parkour Shoes Are Suitable For Many Sports

Parkour appeals to a lot of children, it includes all the things that children love, climbing, running, jumping, crawling and more. Getting them suitable parkour shoes is essential for the growth of their skills and abilities. There are much cheaper shoes available than the ones listed above but those shoes have been rated the best and have the required features. Parkour is a fantastic sport that can be enjoyed individually or as a family and a team.

The great thing about parkour shoes is that they don’t just have to be used for parkour activities. If the shoes are suitable for parkour they will likely be suitable for many other sports and for everyday use so if you’re just starting out and later decide it’s not for you, your shoes won’t go to waste.

Parkour Shoes for Beginners

It’s recommended for beginners to choose parkour shoes with a bit more structure and cushioning so that the feet are protected whilst they gain strength. As you improve in parkour and your routines become more complicated, you will probably feel a bigger benefit in switching to thinner soled shoes. It’s almost impossible to create a shoe that’s thin enough to have the barefoot feel whilst still providing enough cushioning and structure for protection and long endurance bursts.

What Can You Benefit From The Most?

All the parkour shoes on the market will lean slightly more one way, they will either have thinner and flexible soles with less protection or they will have slightly thicker soles with more cushion and protection. The best thing you can do when choosing your parkour shoes is decide what aspects you can benefit from the most. A lot of people try a different brand each time they purchase parkour shoes and gradually they narrow down their list until they have a select few that are perfect for them.

Parkour Increases Your Creativity And Fitness Levels

All the shoes listed above are great for parkour they will all benefit you and help you exceed your limits. Parkour most definitely works your body hard, it is great for your fitness levels and strengthens many muscles in the body. Regular practice will increase your flexibility, balance, and strength. It stimulates the mind and enhances your creativity as when you pick up speed you will have to make split second decisions to decide how to overcome an obstacle.

Average Durability Of Parkour Shoes

Parkour shoes generally last on average 3-4 months with regular use so you will want to keep that in mind when budgeting for your shoes. Some people have recommended purchasing two pairs of shoes and wearing them alternatively, this sometimes prolongs the life of the shoes as the cushioning inside them can recover which will put less pressure on the soles.

What To Expect When You First Purchase Parkour Shoes?

When you first purchase a new pair of parkour shoes it can take a while before you break them in and they mold to your feet, but before you have reached this point you might find that they are a little stiff or tight, this is completely normal. Over time they will loosen and you will feel the full effect of the shoes and become more comfortable in them. Hopefully, this article has given you a bit of clarification and helped you understand the attributes to look for in an ideal pair of parkour shoes should you decide to shop around for them.