Parkour is unique.
Unlike most sports, no special equipment or accessories are needed.
That said, there is one piece of gear every parkour athlete should take seriously.
Footwear.
Shoes can make or break a training session.
Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the right parkour shoe.
Grip:
The most important feature of a parkour shoe is it’s grip. Good parkour shoes provide traction on a variety of surfaces- allowing athletes to stick to walls and minimize slips on landings. Look for shoes with a flat single piece rubber bottom.
Avoid plastic pieces, uneven treads and foam bottoms at all costs!
Flexibility:
Parkour requires a lot of mobility in the ankle and forefoot. Shoes should allow athletes to utilize their entire range of motion. Boots and basketball shoes are not ideal because they limit ankle mobility.
Durability:
Parkour shoes will undergo repeated impacts, abrasion and exposure to the elements
Closed toed sneakers made with high quality materials are a must.
A well used pair of quality parkour shoes can last anywhere from 6 months to over year.
(not including growth spurts!)
Cushion:
This one is a matter of personal preference. Some really like minimalist shoes as they help to feel the ground and give nuanced technical feedback. Others prefer more padded shoes to decrease the shock of heavy impacts.
I hope this article helps to clear up some of the confusion surrounding footwear in parkour. If you need further guidance with picking the right shoe, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Happy training!
