No matter which martial art you practice, you'll need a great pair of martial arts shoes at some point, whether it's for practice or competition. AWMA® and ProForce® have got you covered with their excellent quality, lightweight, and flexible martial arts shoes. To ensure both comfort and safety, it's important to know what to look for and how to choose the right shoe.
Why Regular Shoes Won't Work
There are several reasons why regular shoes won't suffice for martial arts. Most martial arts have specific uniforms or "gis" that require footwear in line with the uniform. Additionally, normal street shoes or trainers tend to be too heavy. Wearing heavy shoes during practice can quickly tire your leg muscles, negatively impacting your technique. Moreover, when you train with a specific weight on your feet and legs, it becomes difficult to replicate the movements perfectly once you remove the heavy footwear. That's why it's crucial to use lightweight martial arts shoes like those from ProForce®, which make you feel like you're not wearing any shoes at all.
In addition, regular outdoor shoes typically offer ankle support, which is great for everyday activities. However, during martial arts training, you need your ankles to be flexible and have complete freedom of motion. Martial arts shoes cater to this need, allowing you to perform movements without any obstruction.
Different Martial Arts, Different Shoes
Martial arts shoes come in various styles depending on the type of martial art you practice. For example, boxing shoes come in high-top and low-top styles, with the former providing ankle support and the latter offering maneuverability. While karate is usually practiced barefoot, some schools use shoes for sparring and practice purposes. These shoes are often laceless to avoid accidentally injuring your sparring partner with a shoelace whip. Mixed martial artists sometimes rely on grappling socks, while Muay Thai practitioners frequently opt for ankle wraps. The point is, even though many martial arts are practiced with little or no footwear, there are situations, such as sparring or foot protection after an injury, where having a dedicated pair of martial arts shoes is essential.
Adding Realism to the Practice
Certain martial arts, like krav maga, aim to incorporate real-life scenarios into their training. In these cases, you may find yourself needing to use your skills while wearing outdoor shoes. Training with shoes helps your feet, legs, and hips adapt to the extra weight and padding on your feet and ankles, ensuring you're prepared for any situation.
Choosing the Right Shoe
Before purchasing any martial arts shoe, it is best to determine the type of shoe that suits your needs. Of course, select a shoe that aligns with the martial art you practice. Consider your specific concerns and requirements, such as the need for arch or ankle support, and search for shoes with those features. Taekwondo shoes are an excellent choice for all-around martial arts footwear. They are lightweight, easy to slip on, and perfect for martial arts that are traditionally practiced barefoot. Both men's and women's taekwondo shoes are similar in appearance, and their soles often have traction circles that aid in smooth pivoting during kicks.
Ensuring a Good Fit
Remember that most people have one foot that is slightly larger than the other. It's important to choose shoes that comfortably fit your larger foot. Test your ProForce® shoes from AWMA® while sitting and standing, as your feet slightly expand when you bear weight on them. Ensure the shoe fits the widest part of your foot, and don't assume they will stretch out in the future. Take the time to walk around, perform jumps, and practice a few kicks in the shoes. That way, you can train in comfortable, well-fitting martial arts shoes that you carefully selected.
At AWMA®, we're passionate about providing top-quality martial arts equipment. You've come to the right place for all your martial arts needs. Start your martial arts journey on the right foot with our lightweight and flexible ProForce martial arts shoes. Train with confidence, knowing that you're equipped with the best gear for comfort, safety, and optimal performance.
