Selecting the right martial art shoe is crucial for protecting and reinforcing your feet and ankles when practicing martial arts. Although some arts such as karate, aikido and judo don't allow students to wear shoes during indoor class, tai chi and bujinkan budo taijutsu often require their students to have the proper footgear for training. Quality, durability, arch support, comfort and warranty are all things to keep in mind when selecting the right footwear for your training needs.
Sparring Shoes
Perhaps the most common type of martial art footgear, sparring shoes are padded to reduce the chance of injury to you and your opponent during fight simulations. Generally accompanied by gloves and headgear, sparring shoes are a requisite for martial arts such as tae kwon do, mixed martial arts, jeet kune do and some types of kung fu. According to the Karate Supply online resource, the two top sparring shoes are the Macho Warrior Kick sporting double overlay foam construction, and the P2 Sparring Boots that allow extra security to the feet due to reinforced bottom straps.
Tabi
Often called the "ninja shoe," tabi is a type of martial art shoe worn by students of bujinkan budo taijutsu. According to the Bujinkan Manchester website, the Marugo Air Jog 12 tabi is rated for its supported arch and air-cushioned soles, making it an ideal martial art shoe for outdoor practice. Unlike other martial art shoes, tabi are rated as indoor or outdoor depending on the durability and construction of the sole. While many practitioners opt for outdoor tabi for multipurpose training, some dojos use a delicate type of tatami mat that can be damaged by the soles of certain outdoor tabi shoes.
Kung Fu and Tai Chi shoes
The three Chinese martial arts of kung fu, wushu and tai chi are frequently practiced in groups outdoors and require a thin, protective type of footwear. According to the Gung Fu Martial Arts website, inexpensive varieties of tai chi and kung fu shoes can run less than $10 as of 2011, while the high-end Feiyue brand ranges between $32 and $35. Sporting padded soles and a grip-style tread, the Feiyue High-Top is considered a durable, reliable shoe for outdoor martial arts practices.
The Best Shoe
While different brands and shoe designs can offer advantages to your training, personal preference is the ultimate deciding factor when choosing the best martial arts shoe for your practice. Ask your sifu or sensei which type of shoe they prefer and try on the different varieties available for your size. Make sure the shoe fits comfortably around your ankle, heel and toes, while still allowing the freedom of movement as you engage in stances and maneuvers.
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