Good Parkour Shoes – Are You Wearing Them?
If you are interested in Parkour or Freerunning, and you have been doing it for a while, then you probably know how important it is to have a good pair of shoes. If you are just starting your Parkour or Freerunning career, then make sure you know the benefits of shoes specifically designed for these extreme, physically demanding activities.
There are a few different attributes that one should look for when determining what shoe should be used to practice Parkour. Grip may be the first thing that comes to mind. Grip is definitely one of the most important attributes of shoes that will be used for Parkour. You are basically always on the move, climbing walls, jumping, and sticking landings. The more rubber on the shoe, the better. Not just on the bottom, but wrapped up the back and front of the shoe. This allows for more contact with the ground and especially walls. Thus you’ll be able to have increased mobility.
Another characteristic of good Parkour shoes is a balanced distribution of weight. It’s best not to have thick insoles. You do not want top-heavy or narrow shoes that make you more prone to tip over. Also, it’s best to get shoes that are somewhere in the middle of being light and heavy. There’s a reason why marathon runners have shaved the soles of their shoes in the past. Added weight will slow you down over a period of time, even if it’s only a few ounces. Shoes that aren’t heavy will allow higher and farther jumps. However, that shouldn’t make you just want to get lighter shoes. You want something a bit heavier that will be durable and will support your foot, since your shoes will definitely take a beating throughout your training. So remember that it is important to get shoes that are neither on the light side, nor on the heavy side.
So far, we have mentioned important aspects of a good Parkour shoe. However, don’t forget that they should be comfortable. Make sure the shoes fit your feet. They should not be loose. This would cause you to lose balance much more easily when landing or even running compared to when using a more snugly fit shoe.
Finally, when shopping for an adequate pair of shoes, remember that the material that the shoes are made of matters. Your shoes will go through much wear and tear. Parkour is very demanding. Make sure to get strong, thick material like canvas, so that your shoe will hold up and not become too torn or flimsy over time.
So remember these points when looking for Parkour shoes. A good pair of shoes will help you get the most out of your Parkour training, and will make it all the more fun.
