Boxing Shoes
Boxing shoes are an essential part of a boxer’s wardrobe. Aside from boxing gloves, handwraps, and protective gear, a pair of good quality boxing shoes complete the outfit.
Normally constructed out of a combination of soft leather, suede, rubber and synthetic manmade materials, boxing shoes provide support to the ankles when moving around the ring. They can also be constructed purely out of leather and rubber.
Areas of mesh enable your feet to breath. They should also be light on the feet, without weighing you down and inhibiting movement. The soles are made out of rubber for traction, and should flex with the natural movement of your feet.
Pro-style Boxing shoes come in varying heights, from low (near the ankle), mid, and high top (hi-top). High tops reach up to the area of your calf at 12″ in height. Needless to say, ankle support increases with the height, provided by the structure of the shoe and the laces that are tied to keep it in place.
In the Store
It is essential that you try on the pair of boxing shoes you’re thinking of buying. It may look strange, but while you have them on in the store, move around as if you were in the ring, to make sure they feel right on your feet. This way, you can ensure that the purchase you’ll make is ideal for you. Most manufacturers also make wider sizes.
Ideally, they should feel good in the store. However, since they are made generally out of leather and suede, they may stretch a little once you break them in.