Jump rope exercises are fantastic for burning calories, improving your coordination and cardiovascular health. However, this form of training puts more pressure on your lower legs and feet. Finding the best shoes for jumping rope is crucial for preventing injuries.
Here our top 5 picks of the best shoes for jumping rope
1. Reebok Women’s Nano 9 Cross Trainer
The Reebok women’s Nano 9 cross trainer features a Flexweave upper, delivering durability, support and breathability. The outsole comes with a minimal drop, which ensures secure footing, along with the traction-friendly rubber.
- DURABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT MATERIAL: These flex weave woven sneakers provide resilient stretch and support; Flexweave Technology weaves fibers into a figure-8 to create a strong and flexible upper
- EFFICIENT FOOT SUPPORT: These stylish trainers with new soft rubber midsole protection wrap and bootie construction with added cushioning in forefoot provides ultimate performance comfort
- COMFORTABLE AND STURDY DESIGN: This footwear with forefoot flex grooves for flexibility; Low-cut design for an increased ankles mobility so you keep moving all day long
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE SPORT SHOES: Ideal for high intensity workouts, cardio, lifting sessions and running
2. PUMA Men’s Tazon 6 Fracture FM Cross-Trainer Shoe
With a midfoot saddle and thick cushioning, the PUMA Tazon 6 Fracture cross-training shoe is worth a look. The saddle construction offers support around your foot, minimizing risks of twisting. It’s cushioning system absorbs the impact from your jump.
- CONTEMPORARY DESIGN: Seasonal fracture graphic on this Tazon Cross-Trainer for a modern look.
- RELIABLE PADDING: Stable cushioning for running and training needs.
- SMOOTH AND SNUG: Sleek, streamlined silhouette with synthetic leather upper and midfoot saddle for maximum fit and comfort.
- SHOCK ABSORPTION: EVA in the heel absorbs impact for added support and comfort.
3. Venum Elite Boxing Shoes
The Elite boxing shoe from Venum offers a tall, supportive shaft that’s still flexible enough to move with your feet. It includes thin outsoles, which help to improve your footwork, balance, coordination and control.
- Tri-material: Glossy PU Patent, PU Flex, Mesh Honeycomb.
- Rubber outsole: increased grip, durability and stability.
- Optimized comfort with anatomical designed insole.
- Bonded insole to prevent slipping.
- IMPORTANT: fit will be a half size larger than standard US sizing. If you are normally a US size 10, you should order a size 9. 5
4. Inov-8 Women’s Bare-XF 210 V2 Sneaker
If you’re an avid workout enthusiast, the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V2 sneaker for women could appeal. It features the Bare-XF outsole, which is a minimalistic component offering only the bare-minimum support. This is ideal for martial arts training and general body exercises.
- For speed training.
- Lightweight natural fit: Updated materials, now lighter with better breathability and more room for toe splay and a pure feel.
- Flexibility: Meta-flex technology allows natural flexing in the forefoot and the new Adapter web cradle lacing system holds your foot secure in the shoe- both ensuring the shoe moves naturally with the foot.
- Grip: The 3mm outsole composed of inov-8’s patented sticky rubber compound and designed with maximum surface area coverage provides minimal disjunction between foot and surface.
- Durability and Protection: Updated 360 degree Rope-tec delivers traction and durability on rope climbs while the Italian blown rubber toe bumper provides protection.
5. ASICS Men’s Gel-Quantum 180 TR Cross-Trainer Shoe
For high-impact workouts, the Asics men’s Gel-Quantum 180 TR training shoe is worth considering. Although it’s relatively lightweight, it includes both an EVA and a SpEVA midsole. This provides enhanced cushioning as well as durability.
- AHAR Plus Outsole - Strategically positioned in critical areas of the outsole, this exceptionally durable compound is 50% more durable than standard ASICS High Abrasion Rubber.
- Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Technology Cushioning System - Attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and allows movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle.
- Trusstic System technology - Reduces the weight of the sole unit while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe.
- Solyte Midsole Material - A lighter weight midsole compound than ASICS standard EVA and SpEVA midsoles. Also features enhanced cushioning and durability.
- Synthetic Leather and Mesh Upper - Lightweight, comfortable and breathable, enhancing performance and fit.
Reviews of the Best Shoes for Jumping Rope
1. Reebok Women’s Nano 9 Cross Trainer
One of the best women’s jump rope shoes is the Nano 9 from Reebok. It’s a CrossFit shoe, designed with the help of the CrossFit community. The result—a lightweight sneaker, featuring more flexibility, capable of handling dynamic moves.
The Nano 9 is a bootie construction, comforting your feet while allowing for lateral movements. Inside, there’s a springy midsole, providing additional cushioning and support for sprinting and jumps.
What makes this shoe attractive for jumping rope is the Flexweave material. As the name suggests, it’s flexible, but also breathable. This textile provides support while allowing your feet to stretch during a jump.
Although it’s a low-top design, you’ve still got plenty of support for your lower ankles. The material is also durable. Flexweave Technology binds the fibers together into a figure-eight, resulting in a much sturdier upper.
Underneath, you have a decoupled outsole, which is a redesign, consisting of two outsole pieces, providing improved heel-to-toe movement. The rubber offers ample traction on gym floors, making it one of the best shoes for jumping rope exercises.
There is a choice of colors ranging from neutral greys to popping pinks and sizes start from a women’s 5 to 11. The Reebok Nano 9 is also available for men.
| The Reebok Nano 9 is a CrossFit shoe offering both cushioning and flexibility. It includes an upgraded version of Flexweave Technology, making it more durable and supportive during different movements. |
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable.
- Durable upper Flexweave fabric.
- Flexible material.
- Cushioning midsole.
Cons
- Wide sizes.
For more information on the Reebok Nano 9, please watch this video.
2. PUMA Men’s Tazon 6 Fracture FM Cross-Trainer Shoe
For men who feel aesthetics are important when being active, they may want to consider the Tazon 6 from PUMA. It’s a blend of style and supportive features, with T-toe front overlays and colored panels for that sleek appearance. You can choose between eight fresh colors.
The shoe consists of a synthetic leather upper, finished with perforations to allow it to breathe. The lace-up closure enables you to customize your fit—both the collar and tongue are padded for optimal comfort.
On the inside, the shoe is lined with the EcoOrthoLite sock liner, which consists of breathable mesh and additional padding. It also includes a cushioning, removable footbed.
For added cushioning, the option includes a durable EVA midsole, enforced with a TPU shank for stability. At the bottom, you’ll find a sturdy rubber outsole, offering traction on multiple surfaces.
| If you want a stylish yet supportive shoe, the PUMA Tazon 6 is well worth a second look. The upper features synthetic leather overlays, providing midfoot support and perforations for breathability. You also have a variety of colors to choose from and sizes. |
Pros
- Stylish shoe with several color variations.
- EVA midsole and a TPU shank for cushioning and stability.
- Traction control rubber outsole.
- Padded collar and tongue for maximum comfort.
Cons
- Lacks arch support.
3. Venum Elite Boxing Shoes
If you’re searching for boxing shoes for jumping rope exercises, we suggest the Elite boxing shoe from Venum. The option includes several features, working to improve your boxing stance.
For starters, it has an incurved design toward the front of the outsole, helping you to throw yourself forward during a punch. This subtle curve adds stability, enabling you to adopt an offensive, dynamic boxing style.
The materials used offer considerable flexibility, which, in turn, increases your range of motion. You can bend and flex without feeling restrained.
For traction, you have the Venum PerformanceTM rubber outsole. This component offers a balance between pivot and grip, allowing you to move around the ring more smoothly. The grip isn’t excessive, which is ideal for ring work.
However, it doesn’t offer a thick cushioning sole—instead, it’s thin, bringing you closer to the floor. Still, the lateral areas and reinforced heel, work to absorb shocks as you warm up with the rope.
| The Venum Elite boxing shoe is a practical pick if you’re looking for an option to wear in and outside of the ring. It consists of flexible yet supportive materials with thin outsole and shock-absorbing abilities. |
Pros
- Flexible materials, allowing you to move smoothly.
- PerformanceTM rubber outsole providing ideal traction.
- Shock-absorbing heel and lateral areas.
- Incurved outsole.
Cons
- Footwear might be difficult to lace for some.
- Wearers may find the sole too flat.
4. Inov-8 Women’s Bare-XF 210 V2 Sneaker
If you’re looking for something minimalistic, we suggest the women’s Inov-8 Bare-XF shoe. It’s probably one of the best shoes for jumping exercises.
As you can see, it doesn’t have a thick outsole, making it flexible and ideal for lateral and jumping moves. The outsole includes Inov-8’s flex groove technology that allows for natural flexing in the forefoot—fantastic for jump rope.
The light, flexible design also improves the fit. It hugs your feet like a glove, making it a versatile shoe, suitable for various workouts. A great feature is the wide toe box as it enables your toes to spread out naturally when you jump, lift and move. In turn, this creates a stable platform, maximizing your performance.
Having less cushioning isn’t a bad feature in a gym shoe as it, instead, places you closer to the ground. It gives you a barefoot feeling, reducing foot fatigue from wearing heavy footwear. You could also use it for light jogging but avoid a long-distance run.
At the bottom, you’ll see a patented sticky rubber outsole, designed to maximize surface coverage, preventing slippage.
You have a few colors to choose from and sizes run from a woman’s 5.5 to 11 wide.
| For a barefoot feel, we recommend the Inov-8 Bare-XF shoe. It’s a minimalistic design with a thin outsole and maximum flex. The sole and wide toe box allows your feet to spread naturally—enhancing your jump rope performance. |
Pros
- Flexible sole.
- Wide toe box.
- Great outsole grip.
- Lightweight and overall good fit.
Cons
- Lace eyelets might break prematurely.
- Sizing seems to be based on men’s, so it’s recommended to order one size down.
To see the Inov-8 Bare-XF shoe in action, watch this video.
5. ASICS Men’s Gel-Quantum 180 TR Cross-Trainer Shoe
The men’s Gel-Quantum from Asics is a cross-training shoe suitable for gym days and jumping exercises. It offers several components making it an attractive choice for a variety of workout enthusiasts.
One of the star features is the comprehensive cushioning system. It offers both Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Technology. This is efficient at reducing impact by distributing shocks across the GEL pad. Meanwhile, it also enables multi-directional movements of the feet throughout your natural gait cycle.
Another great feature is the Trusstic System technology, which reduces the weight of the shoe while still retaining its structural integrity. To further this, the EVA and SpEVA midsole enhances cushioning, also without adding weight.
For the outsole, you have the AHAR Plus Outsole—a highly durable compound, estimated to be 50 percent sturdier than Asics High Abrasion Rubber. This is strategically placed in critical areas on the outsole for maximum performance.
Another component that also deserves praise is the exterior. It consists of a synthetic leather and mesh upper that’s lightweight, breathable and makes for an enhanced fit and performance.
| With advanced cushioning and lightweight structure, the Asics men’s Gel-Quantum 18 is a practical choice for jumping rope exercises. It sits well on the feet and has enough flex to allow for free movements. |
Pros
- Comprehensive cushioning system.
- Optimized to be as light as possible.
- Highly durable outsole.
- Comfortable synthetic leather and mesh upper.
Cons
- Sizes run narrow, particularly in the toe box.
- Some wearers may find a lack of support from the footbed.
Benefits of Jumping Rope Exercise
Jumping rope isn’t merely for boxers and little girls—once you get the hang of it, anyone can benefit. Here are a few reasons why you should give it a go:
- It can improve your coordination significantly—this is one of the reasons why it’s a must-have for boxers. When you jump rope, your brain is automatically more focused on your feet. In turn, this makes you “lighter” on your toes, improving your coordination.
- When compared to a 30-minute jog, jumping rope burns more calories, if done correctly, of course. It’s an aerobic exercise that can achieve a massive burn rate of 1300 calories per hour. Ten minutes of active jumping rope can roughly be the equivalent of an eight-minute mile run.
- Skipping rope is also great for aerobic conditioning, which improves your cardiovascular health. For the best results, perform rope exercises three to five times per week for approximately 12 to 20 minutes.
Advantages of Shoes for Jumping Rope
If you’re serious about jumping exercises and plan on doing it regularly, it’s essential to find proper footwear. Shoes can impact your jumping experience significantly both for the better and worse. The wrong footwear can make it challenging to find and maintain an optimal jumping rhythm, setting you up for potential injuries.
Proper athletic footwear will do the following:
- Absorb shocks from impact as you jump.
- Protect your feet from injuries while training.
- Keep you comfortable.
- Enhance your natural biomechanics during exercise.
Pro-Tip
Wearing proper shoes will only benefit you as long as you get the correct size. Avoid wearing footwear that’s too small or big, but ensure that you have some additional wiggle room in the toe box. For more information on ill-fitting shoes, please read our guide on the effects of wearing shoes that are too big.
How to Find the Best Shoes for Jumping Rope
1. Shock Absorption
Even if you’re doing everything right, you can still injure yourself when jumping. A shock-absorbing shoe can reduce the overall impact on your legs, reducing your chance of injury, such as shin splints.
Shock absorption comes from the midsole of the shoe, where the manufacturer places an impact-reducing material, like EVA or gel pads. Some include a combination of different cushions, improving the shoe’s shock-absorbing abilities.
However, this might not be necessary—it depends on the surface you’re working out on. On harder grounds, like concrete, lots of padding is essential, but for indoors, less is usually better.
2. Support
Like shock absorption, support is essential for minimizing the risk of injuring yourself. A supportive shoe may prevent you from losing your balance or standing in a way that the shoe isn’t meant to allow.
With supportive footwear, you should notice less pain following your workout. It could potentially speed up your recovery time, too.
3. Flexibility
When you jump, your feet need to flex to get off the ground effectively. Wearing footwear with a stiff sole makes this a lot more challenging, and could make your jumps inefficient. In contrast, a flexible sole allows your feet to bend as they need, enhancing your jump without straining your muscles.
4. Weight
For exercises in general, a lightweight shoe is imperative. When you’re tired, every ounce counts, even those on your feet, and it could lead to foot fatigue. During jumping rope, you want to be as light as possible on your feet, so watch the weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Running Shoes for Jumping Rope?
Running shoes are designed for heel-to-toe movements and to absorb shocks during impact while you run. Because of this, they include thick cushioning and are generally less flexible, which isn’t ideal for jumping rope.
However, if you’re only skipping rope occasionally, and not for long intervals, you could wear your running shoes. But, be careful not to wear out the cushioning.
How Do You Jump Rope Without Hurting Your Feet?
Jumping rope can hurt your feet significantly. This is usually due to weak supportive muscles, bad insoles and wrong footwear or a condition such as plantar fasciitis. To prevent pain, there are a few things you can try:
- Stretch before, after and between jumping rope sessions. Doing this can help build up the needed supportive muscles in your legs.
- Check your shoes to ensure you’re receiving sufficient support. You may require additional arch support, or perhaps it’s better for you not to wear shoes at all.
- Use a proper, weight distributing form when jumping. Pain is generally a result of ill-distributed pressure, repeatedly hammering the same muscles and tendons.
- Get enough rest, especially when you first start out. Giving your feet time to recover will minimize injuries and optimize your workout.
For some tips on how to fix foot pain from jump rope, watch this helpful video.
Can I Jump Rope Without Shoes?
Yes, definitely. As we briefly said above, wearing shoes during jumping rope exercises isn’t for everyone. If you feel excessive pain from wearing footwear, take your shoes off.
However, you need to be careful not to injure your feet further. Be mindful of the surface—jump on a mat or carpet. You should also keep it simple—avoid overworking your feet in the beginning and remember to rest.
In Conclusion
Skipping rope is a great way to improve your cardiovascular health and coordination. However, it’s important to find the best shoes for jumping rope to prevent injuries. Such footwear should include a shock-absorbing midsole, proper support, flexibility and be lightweight.
When you engage in jumping rope exercises, ensure that you stretch and rest appropriately to minimize injuries and fatigue. If you experience pain when wearing shoes, you can jump barefoot on soft surfaces.
We hope you found our review and guide helpful. If so, please leave us a comment below and share it with friends and other jumping rope enthusiasts.
