Combat training is possible barefoot, but wearing socks and especially shoes in some incidences becomes necessary.
While some people report comfort in practising martial arts without shoes, real-life situations will probably appear when wearing shoes. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the shoes coming in the way of your practice because several martial arts have the ideal shoe type to make training easier.
Shoes are a better option when practising on training mats as they provide a better grip for feet during martial arts. But, which martial arts require you to wear shoes? Please find the details of wearing shoes and the right mat for your practice in our guide!
In Which Martial Arts Do You Wear Shoes?
Quite a few martial arts require you to wear shoes, some of which are-
- Boxing
- Wrestling
- Krav Maga
- Sambo
- Kung Fu
- Tai Chi
Combative sports like karate, taekwondo, and MMA do not require you to wear shoes per se, but you may wear them in some cases.
However, shoes are usually worn when fencing because you must keep your toes and feet safe during combat. Some dojos may require children to wear shoes while practising with adult teachers. Knowing whether a pair of shoes is necessary for you is important no matter the combat type you perform.
Two aspects about shoes and martial arts to know are - whether shoes are required, and if yes, which kind of shoe to wear is crucial to understand. Wearing the wrong type of shoe can lead to various issues you must avoid to maintain your practice sessions without interruption.
Since martial arts are a matter of discipline and repeated movements, you will be training on your feet for long hours to perfect the art. However, if the shoe is unsupportive, you might be at risk of injury during training. And if the shoes are too heavy for your martial art discipline, your motions will slow down.
Which Shoes To Wear For Martial Arts?
Martial arts uniforms are unique to each art form, like codes. Shoes will be a part of the uniform, so you may not have a choice in the kind of footwear to select according to personal preference.
Regular shoes are out of the question because they are designed for other sports and are heavy for the quick foot movements that martial arts demand. Not only will the wrong shoe affect your technique, but it will also tire the leg muscles quicker, and there is a risk of developing cramps.
Specifically for those martial arts in which your feet need to move in a flash, a light shoe is essential. You should feel like you’re not wearing a shoe (depending on the martial art).
Besides, regular sports shoes have cushions that support the ankle in high-impact activities like running. However, this feature is not desirable for training in martial arts since the ankle cannot rotate and move freely in those shoes.
Shoes For Different Martial Arts
Karate does not require shoes, but some schools may require light footwear for sparring. The shoes for karate tend to be without laces to avoid hurting the opponent with a whiplash of a shoelace.
On the other hand, boxing always requires shoes and is available in two standard styles - low-top and high-top. The low-rise option allows for flexible movements, while the high-top shoes give adequate ankle support.
Grappling socks and ankle wraps are used instead of shoes in martial arts like Muay Thai for a few reasons. As mentioned earlier, martial arts do not require shoes traditionally, but one may use them to protect the feet after an injury.
Alternatively, some combat sports prefer to keep realistic situations in mind and thus require students to wear shoes during training. One example of such a sport is Krav Maga which trains an individual in self-defence when faced with actual challenges in the real world.
Thus, practising with regular shoes helps the feet to adapt to fighting with additional weight.
Types Of Mats For Practising Martial Arts With Shoes
Training for martial arts and gaining expertise in the discipline comes down to the details. Whether it’s the precise practice of moves or the accessories like clothes, props, shoes, or mats, getting these aspects right will improve your performance immensely.
Here are a few training mats that do well with martial art shoes:
1. Folding Gym Mats (For Martial Arts Shoes)
Usually, 2 inches thick, these mats are ideal for practising intense combat sports like judo, stunts, and grappling with shoes.
2. Roll Out Mats
These slightly thinner mats are versatile for combats with lesser intensity. Beginners can use this mat with shoes effectively.
3. Puzzle Mats
These mats are scuff-resistant and tough, often used with shoes for police and military training. The puzzle mat type reduces pressure on the feet and body whether you wear shoes.
Do You Need Shoes For Martial Arts?
Ask your trainer if you need to purchase a new pair of shoes before purchasing a pair. If the answer is yes, they will guide you on the ideal shoe for your particular martial art.
Also, while buying shoes for martial art practice, try getting a few jumps and kicks in the shoe to ensure you get the best fit.
When you are ready to purchase your new martial arts shoes, check out MMA Factory’s online store. We have an extensive range of martial arts shoes, including boxing, wrestling and weightlifting. You can also contact us anytime for assistance!