Most of us have been jumping rope since before we can remember. It was a fun schoolyard activity, and now it’s a great exercise for adults. However, it can be brutal on your joints, shins, and feet. If you choose to jump rope for exercise, take some time to consider the shoes you are wearing.
We did the leg-work for you by researching and reviewing some of the most popular shoes for jumping rope. We hope to guide you in the right direction. Companies tend to not make shoes specifically for jumping rope, we sought out advice from athletes in other high-impact activities, like basketball and CrossFit.
Based on our discussions with experts, personal testing, and extensive online reviews, we chose the New Balance Men’s MX1267, for the best rope-jumping shoe in 2023. This shoe is a classic and with good reason. It is comfortable, supportive, and affordable. You can wear it for most other athletic activities while keeping your feet comfortable, safe and happy.
Continue reading to learn more about the New Balance MX1267. We also have some great information on our other top picks for jumping rope.
Top Best Three And Favorites| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
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TOP PICK  |
TOP PICK
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New Balance Men’s MX1267
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CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
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MOST AFFORDABLE  |
MOST AFFORDABLE
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Adidas Men’s Freak X Carbon Mid Cross Trainer
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CHECK MEN’S PRICE |
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MOST COMFORTABLE  |
MOST COMFORTABLE
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Nike Men’s Free RN Flyknit
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CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
Best Shoes for Jumping Rope of 2023
How you jump, and the style of your landing can guide you in choosing the right shoe for you. If you are also an avid basketball player, you might want the Nike Men’s KD VII; but if you want to be able to jog in your shoes you may be more interested in the Inov-8 All Train. Below, we have compiled our Top 10 choices for jump rope shoes, which will fit any of your specific needs.
1. New Balance Men’s MX1267 – Top Pick
The New Balance MX1267 is a fantastic choice for jumping rope because of its focus on comfort and stability. New Balance shoes tend to be wider than other shoes, which gives your feet a little wiggle room while jumping. The flat soles make them great for cross-training and help you to avoid getting stuck on the rope.
Features: Lightweight materials, 8mm drop from heel-to-toe, rubber outsole, no-sew mesh upper, REVlite midsole.
Pros
- Quality brand
- Designed for comfort
- Firm and stable for high impact-activities
Cons
- Not the most stylish shoes, but New Balance is making progress on their pizzazz
2. Adidas Men’s Freak X Carbon Mid Cross Trainer – Most Budget-Friendly
Basketball shoes like the Adidas Freak X Carbons are widely-loved for jumping rope because of the supportive and cushioning sole. These shoes are a great option for high-impact activities that puts pressure and strain on your heels.
Features: EVA midsole and OrthoLite sock liner, fold-over tongue, rubber outsole, variety of colors
Pros
- Great design options
- Comfortable fit
- Affordable
- Durable
Cons
- These run small, so you will need to size up when ordering.
3. Nike Men’s Free RN Flyknit – Most Comfortable
The Nike Flyknit shoes are a customer favorite for a variety of activities. These are the go-to pair for jumpers who don’t like the heaviness of traditional cross-trainers.
Features: Rubber sole, 3″ shaft from arch, medium width, breathable mesh, solid traction.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning
- Rubber inserts in sole add traction
- Well-designed style
- Lightweight
Cons
- These shoes are lightweight and may not durable for heavy, everyday use with high-impact sports. But for jumping rope, these are more than strong enough.
4. Inov-8 Men’s All Train 215 – Most Versatile
The All Train 215 is a versatile shoe for multimodal exercising. It provides the strength, comfort, and support needed for running, jumping rope, and other high-impact activities.
Features: High-grip rubber outsole, Heel-lock platform, ADAPTERFIT Met-cradle, elastic mesh liner, Fusion midsole.
Pros
- Versatile
- Great style
- Affordable options
Cons
- These can run a bit small, so be sure to size up or order multiple size options.
5. Nike Men’s KD VII – Biggest Splurge
The Nike Men’s KD VII is primarily a basketball sneaker but is a great option for also jumping rope. It’s sole has a strong grip to provide you with cushioning and support needed for high-impact activities. These shoes also make great treadmill shoes.
Features: Mesh forefoot and midfoot, Hyperposite heel, 180-degree Zoom bag, Flywire cables.
Pros
- High style
- Great for basketball as well
- Excellent grip
Cons
- This shoe can feel stiff at first, but it will mold to your foot after a break-in period.
- It’s a tad expensive, because of the Kevin Durant name. But they look great!
6. Adidas Tubular – Best Design
The light-weight Adidas Tubular is a comfortable, form-fitting knit sneaker with a sturdy sole that’s ready for impact.
Features: Two-tone knit fabric design, synthetic nubuck overlay, synthetic suede quarter panel, mesh-lining, compression-molded EVA midsole, Ortholite sock liner, rubber outsole.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Casual
Cons
- The knit upper will stretch to fit your foot, so you may want to size down slightly to avoid any gaps later on.
7. Nike Metcon 2 – Most Supportive
The Nike Metcon has been a CrossFit favorite for years. It is a great option for jumping rope because of its sturdy platform and solid support structure.
Features: 100% mesh, Flywire cables, foam cushioning, flat heel, mesh upper, offers breathable support, solid rubber sole.
Pros
- Strong lateral support.
- Very comfortable
- Flat heel avoids rope snags
Cons
- Some users have reported that the sole begins to squeak after time. We did not find that during our tests, and I believe it is being addressed in later models.
8. Converse All Stars – Most Casual
Converse All Stars aren’t usually found on lists for athletic shoes. But they have been a well-kept secret and a favorite for jumping rope. Kids usually like to wear them along with their fitness trackers. But Converse have surprisingly good grip in the sole, are low to the ground, and are incredibly affordable. They are highly breathable and airy for sweaty feet, due to their canvas material. If jumping rope is your primary need, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Chucks! Even the Ramones wore them as they jumped all over the stage!
Features: 100% Canvas, rubber sole, traditional lace-up front, rubber to box.
Pros
- Affordable and easy to find
- Cool retro style
- Solid grip
Cons
- Not versatile for all athletic activities. If you also want a sneaker that you can run or lift in, this might not be it.
9. PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 – Best for Women
For women interested in jumping rope, the Puma Tazon 6 is a stylish and comfortable choice. It contains all the best components for absorbing impact and maintaining your control in action.
Features: 100% Synthetic Leather, rubber sole, EcoOrthoLite sock liner, TPU shank.
Pros
- Great style
- Designed for women’s feet
- Heavily-cushioned heel
Cons
- This shoe may not be as breathable as other options. This may come down to personal preference. The thicker material might also contribute to its durability.
10. Vibram Men’s KSO EVO – Tightest Fit
This is an incredibly versatile shoe if we can even call it a shoe! The Vibram KSO EVO gives you an incredible grip and connection to the ground while keeping your feet protected and secure.
Features: Polyester upper, rubber sole, quick lacing system, machine washable, XS Trek Outsole.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Vegan materials
- Machine Washable
- Snug fit
Cons
- Vibram’s five-finger shoe options aren’t for everyone. It can be a tough feeling to get used to, and it may not appeal to you personally. If you are an avid runner or hiker though, it could be a great versatile investment.
Jump Rope Shoes Buying Guide
Many factors for finding the perfect shoe for jumping rope, will depend on your personal preferences. You will need to decide if you will wear the shoes for other activities, or exclusively for jumping rope.
To help you get started, we have outlined some of the most important considerations for choosing the best shoe for jumping rope. You should keep these qualities in mind even if you need a versatile, multi-activity shoe. You also might like our recommendations on the best manual treadmill to purchase.
1. Support
Support is a vital element in good jump rope shoes. The high-impact nature of jumping rope is demanding on your feet. Give them some help by wearing shoes with good ankle and arch support. Look also for a midsole with sufficient cushioning. This is sometimes described as “shock-absorption.” It means that when your feet land on a hard surface, the shoe takes the brunt of the impact instead of your feet. It is similar to going over speed-bumps in your car – you want to have good shocks. In case you have plantar fasciitis or bad knees you may want to check out the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis, or the top-rated running shoes for bad knees in order to prevent further damage to your ligaments.
2. Stability
One reason basketball shoes are a popular choice for jumping rope is because of their traction and stability. Basketball shoes are designed to grip a slick court and keep athletes upright during quick turns and jumps. This will serve you well when jumping rope. You may be executing quick movements or jumping on uneven surfaces. A sneaker with a great grip in the sole will help you focus on your exercise instead of your feet. You may also like our post on the best men’s running shorts review.
3. Rope Protection
If you tend to get whipped by the rope while jumping, you probably want a shoe that’s durable, with sufficient coverage. You need to protect your feet not only from the impact but from the rope itself.
Similarly, shoes with several deep grooves or high arches are more likely to get caught on the rope, which can lead to serious injuries. A sturdy jump rope shoe should have flat soles. (check out the Nike Metcon).
4. Weight
Consider using a light-weight sneaker when jumping rope, as a bulkier or heavier shoe can be cumbersome and not allow you to jump as high or quickly as you may like. Unless you are interested in adding extra weight for a harder workout, you’ll want to keep the shoes light and flexible. You may also like our guide on the best workout shoes on the Stay on Trails blog.
5. Wiggle Room
Your feet will shift when jumping. You want to make sure that you aren’t crushing your toes each time you land. Find a sneaker with some extra room in the toe box to avoid sore joints or ingrown nails.
Last Thoughts on Jump Rope Shoes in 2023
When jumping rope, finding the right shoe is just as important as finding the right rope. Your feet are critical to your form and performance, so find a shoe that makes you feel great. You should never have to focus on your shoes while jumping rope, so find a shoe that will do its job without causing you any havoc.
If you’re still having trouble making a selection, we recommend our top choice of New Balance Men’s MX1267. This is an all-around fantastic sneaker that can take you from the track to the jump rope with ease. It is comfortable, affordable, and well-made. The support and stability meet the excellent standards of New Balance. With this sneaker, you can jump rope with confidence and ease.
Austin Mills