Jumping rope is a special kind of exercise reserved for people looking to kick things up a notch. The activity is usually good advice for someone trying to strengthen cardiovascular health, but it’s not a bad thing to add to any workout routine, especially if the treadmill is just “not your thing.” Whatever your reason for picking up the rope, a proper pair of sneakers is crucial to protecting your feet and optimizing your workout. Like most footwear for exercising, the right kicks for jumping rope need to be light, breathable, flexible, and, most importantly, stylish. So we poured through countless Amazon reviews, workout junkie websites, and I even searched for a Jumping Rope Monthly magazine but was unable to find such a thing.
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The 8 Best Shoes for Jumping Rope
1. Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V2
Despite having too many hyphens and numbers, as a brand, Inov-8 is a real “if you know, you know” in the world of training footwear. The F-Lite 235 V2 boasts to be the best training sneaker with unmatchable durability, versatility, and flexibility. The V2 features new iterations to the workout silhouette like a more snug and secure fit and 360-degree Rope-Tec for burn protection. A multi-directional flexible sole made with durability in mind.
2. Adidas Court Team Bounce
The Adidas Court Team Bounce isn’t exactly outfitted for jumping rope, but not many sneakers are. The court team bounce is outfitted for any indoor workout, whether it be basketball, volleyball, or jumping rope indoors. Nevertheless, the silhouettes come filled with Adidas’ Boost technology throughout the entirety of the midsole. Curated for fast-moving sports, the sneaker is outfitted with a lightweight mesh upper for comfort and stability for your workout.
3. Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 2
Nike’s contributions to the training footwear world could mostly be summed up with their various iterations of the Metcon but what shouldn’t be ignored is their Air Zoom SuperRep 2. The sneaker’s shape is optimal for high-intensity workouts like jumping rope and its unique shape might just be perfect for jumping, the separation between heel and forefoot makes that consistent vertical motion simpler and easier to maintain. The sneaker also provides a snug, locked-in feel but gets roomy near the toes, giving the wearer multiple dimensions of comfort.
4. Reebok Nanoflex TR
Reebok, like most brands, has plenty of training sneakers. One of their more eye-catching silhouettes is the Nanoflex TR, a perfect balance of light and flexible, perfect for jumping rope and various other activities. The mesh upper helps lighten the sneaker while making it breathable, while deep, flexible rubber grooves help give the outsole the necessary grip it needs to aid your workout. The sneaker is simple, stylish, and brings balance and durability to any type of exercise, specifically jumping rope.
5. Asics Gel-Quantum 180 5
Asics Gel is good for just about any activity, whether it be running, lifting weights, or jumping rope. The sneaker is packed with Asics’ gel technology, which is exactly what you’re going to want the midsole to be packed with if you’re trying to break your jump rope record. The sneaker also includes the brand’s Trusstic System™, which optimizes the sneaker for stability while still allowing for explosive motion.
6. Puma LQDCELL Hydra
Ok, so maybe Puma isn’t your first thought for a pair of workout sneakers, but consider, for the moment, the LQDCELL Hydra. The sneaker is one of the brand’s several training/workout options and brings a lot to the table in terms of performance and durability for working out. The Hydra’s LQDCELL technology runs the sneaker's length, the first from Puma to do so. Motion-wise, the silhouette’s rubber outsole helps to provide comfort and control explosive movements. Lateral wraps grace the outside of the sneaker for that little extra stability you need to keep going.
7. Hoka One One Akasa
Hoka One One is known for their uniquely designed and high-end performance running product line. The brand offers a plethora of lightweight and highly cushioned technology. The Akasa comes decked out with the same perks but with cross-training in mind. A nice selection for jumping rope, the sneaker’s energy return as well as its light, breathable, and extremely comfortable components are set to bounce you all the way through the relentlessness of jumping rope.
8. New Balance TRNR
As the name indicates, the New Balance TRNR is geared towards various fast-paced workouts where grip and comfort are kings. The TRNR comes loaded with DynaSoft, which claims to deliver “an ultra-responsive ride coupled with plush comfort for an amplified performance experience.” The silhouette is also outfitted with a lightweight mesh upper and forefoot fins to help bring balance, a much-needed aspect for jumping rope or any workout activity.