Smart Shopping for Kung Fu Shoes

Overview
Kung fu shoes or boots are essential to practitioners of kung fu or similar martial arts. The footwear should be light and slipper-like so it does not damage the mats you work on, and should allow you to stride easily along the ground or floor. Specialty martial arts boots with flat rubber bottoms and good ankle support may be used when you are considering more aggressive work. Good fitting shoes allow you to move with grace and employ maneuvers not possible with other kinds of footwear. These specialized shoes are smooth enough to enhance movement--even better than bare feet--and provides striding and slipping action necessary when making moves during practice or in competition.

What to Look For
Slip-on style shoes are great for street or studio work. They should have rubber soles, canvas upper material and cotton lining. Good kung fu shoes can last for years, depending on the material they are made with, but even inexpensive varieties can be long lasting as long as you know what to look at. Some cheap versions are worthless because they hurt during workouts, but you can use a bad pair for a costume or just as comfortable slippers around the house.

Common Pitfalls
Getting the right size is important. Having shoes that are too big or too small can ruin the kung fu experience. If you purchase inexpensive shoes online, make sure they are from a reputable company that offers refunds, and keep your receipts. Most good companies will gladly exchange the shoes for a pair that fits nicely. Kung fu shoes that don’t fit should never be used for actual martial arts activities, especially competitive events. Loose fitting shoes can slide on slick surfaces badly, hindering your performance or, at worst, causing injury. Tight fitting shoes can ruin your performance and also put you at risk for injury during the short stops you may be forced to make during competitive workouts.