What To Look For
When shopping for kung fu shoes, you need to look for some of the same things you would when buying other shoes, while also taking into consideration the special requirements of kung fu. Kung fu stances, moves and movements require a shoe that has traction as well as being flexible and thin. The best kung fu shoes allow ankle and foot flexibility and feeling, as well as adequate padding in the heel and foot.
Common Pitfalls
Beware of shoes marketed as traditional kung fu slippers that have a flat, factory-made insole and plastic sole. These shoes are uncomfortable and will hurt your feet after prolonged use due to the flat and hard insole. The plastic bottom is also inadequate and will not give you the grip that you need.
Where To Buy
Kung u and martial arts supply stores usually carry a range of kung fu shoes. You can also contact the major suppliers of kung fu shoes directly, such as Feiyue, Warrior and Discipline, to order shoes or to inquire whether any stores near your home carry kung fu shoes.
Cost
A good pair of kung fu shoes can be purchased for as little as $10 or as much as $65. It depends on the material of the shoes and where they were made. Traditional kung fu cotton slippers from China could be purchased for as little as $10 as of 2010. As of 2010, Chinese-made Feiyue shoes sold for as little as $15 and Warrior shoes for as little as $25. Discipline kung fu low-top shoes sold for $65 as of 2010.
Comparison Shopping
Traditional kung fu shoes, or Bu Xie (literally "cloth shoes") as they are known in Mandarin, are black cotton pull-on slippers with white cotton soles. These shoes are made by small shops in China as well as large suppliers. You can find them online on sites like Taobao or in China. Avoid factory-made flat plastic soles and look for Bu Xie with padded insoles and rubber tips on the soles.
Feiyue is the most famous supplier of kung fu shoes in China and has supplied martial artists for decades. Their shoes are minimalist and made of lightweight canvas with a good rubber sole for grip. Feiyue and Warrior are the best value for your money. They are simple, but dependable kung fu shoes.
Warrior shoes are similar in quality, construction and price to Feiyue, and are also made in China.
The Discipline shoe company is a younger company specializing in a more modern design. Their shoes offer more support and cushioning for your feet than Warrior or Feiyue, and are also more expensive. If you feel that Feiyue or Warrior shoes are too thin, then Discipline shoes will be better suited to you.
Insider Tips
It is better if you can try on the different brands and sizes of kung fu shoes in a store.
Buy as close to your size as possible, as kung fu shoes should fit like slippers, without leaving any room between your feet and the shoes.
If you are buying cotton slip-on kung fu shoes, it is better to buy a size that is a little too tight rather than too lose. These cotton shoes will stretch to fit your feet.
Member Comments