Parkour does not require any special clothing or equipment, and even when it comes to shoes, any pair of trainers will do for your first few sessions. However, if you plan on practising parkour more regularly, investing in the right pair of trainers can make a difference to your parkour experience and progression.
Know that there is no such thing as ‘the perfect parkour shoe’. What shoes are right for you will depend on various factors, like the shape of your foot, biomechanics, training style and personal preference. However, there are some things to look out for when choosing your parkour shoes. This blog covers the essentials to help you find the right pair.
Grip is arguably the most important factor to consider when choosing your parkour shoes. However, beware: a grippy parkour shoe looks different from a grippy trail running shoe. In parkour, grip comes from friction between the sole of your shoe and the surface of the obstacle you are jumping on. The more surface friction, the better. The first thing to do when choosing a shoe for parkour is to flip it upside down and look at the sole.
Shoes with flat, solid, one-piece rubber soles are best for grip. While foam soles seem like a good idea, foam tears off too easily, especially when training outdoors.
If you struggle to find shoes with a one-piece rubber sole, look at the ones featuring rubber sections. Make sure there is rubber under the ball of your foot, and go for vertically sectioned soles. Horizontally sectioned rubber is much more likely to tear away individually. 
How much cushioning you choose depends on your preference and training style. While high-impact training might require more cushioning, touch and technique are best practised in minimal shoes.
Zero-drop shoes feature no cushioning at all. They are less forgiving of bad landings and are great for practising your technique, control and touch. If you are new to parkour and not used to taking impact, you might be better off opting for a shoe with more arch support and cushioning. When it comes to the thickness of the cushioning, go for a shoe that, although cushioned, still allows you to feel the ground under your feet. While you want some compression, it’s important that the sole isn’t too soft, as you still want to protect your foot from impact. Choose shoes with cushioning in the heel but less padding under the ball of your foot, and stay away from rigid soles that heavily curve upward toward the heel or the toes. Remember, you still want to maximise the surface friction for grip.
How much cushioning you choose depends on personal preference. Finding the right pair might take some trial and error.
Finally, you want a shoe that will last. Durability often comes at the expense of weight. While suede trainers tend to stand the test of time better than mesh ones, they will feel considerably heavier on your feet. Mesh is great in terms of weight and breathability but tends to tear easily. Additionally, if the shoe is made from a very flexible mesh, it might not hold your foot securely and lack support. Finding the right balance between mesh and suede is key. Go for a shoe with a reinforced suede toe box that will survive toe drags, and look for trainers with a mix of suede and mesh that will keep your foot in place but won’t feel too heavy when you jump.
Parkour shoes don’t have to be expensive. Some of the community's favourite shoes are very affordable. While top-level athletes may go through a pair in just a few weeks, beginners often find their trainers last much longer. This is especially true when training indoors. Many of the most popular parkour shoes have been around for a while, making them less costly than the newer models.
While it's easy to find shoes suitable for parkour in most mainstream stores, you can also buy them from grassroots parkour brands. Although these options might be on the pricier side, your money will be well spent. Supporting these brands means contributing to parkour culture and helping the sport grow from within.
Finally, we have compiled the community’s favourite picks to help you make the right choice. If possible, try them on before buying to be sure they feel right for you.
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