Hey everyone, so I’ve been getting into boxing lately, right? And of course, you need the right gear. Shoes are a big deal in boxing, you gotta have that grip and ankle support. Now, I had these old wrestling shoes lying around from my high school days and I thought, “Hey, can I just use these for boxing?” Saves me some money, you know?
So, I started digging around to see if anyone else had the same idea. Turns out, it’s a common question. Some folks online were saying it’s totally fine, others were warning against it. Most of the information is pretty vague, just general stuff about both types of shoes being used in combat sports and designed for grip and movement, but nothing too specific.
I decided to try them out for myself at my local gym. First thing I noticed is that wrestling shoes are definitely lighter than my buddy’s boxing shoes. They’re made for quick movements on the mat, so they’re super flexible. I slipped them on, they fit pretty snug, and the bottom had these little spikes, which I guess are for pinning your opponent in wrestling.
- First workout: I started with some basic footwork drills. The wrestling shoes felt okay, not too bad. I could move around pretty easily, and the grip on the canvas was decent.
- Next up, sparring: This is where things got a bit tricky. While the shoes were fine for moving, I felt like I was missing some ankle support, especially when I was pivoting and changing directions quickly. Boxing shoes usually have that higher top to brace your ankles, you know?
- Bag work: Hitting the heavy bag was a mixed bag (pun intended!). The shoes didn’t slip, which was good, but I could feel the impact more in my feet compared to when I borrowed my friend’s actual boxing shoes. They’re designed to protect your feet and toes from all that impact.
My conclusion?
Well, after a few sessions, I decided to invest in some proper boxing shoes. The wrestling shoes were okay for starting out, especially if you’re on a budget. They do provide some grip and they’re light, but they’re just not built for the kind of movements and support you need in boxing. Boxing shoes are designed to protect your feet and toes and reduce ankle injuries.
If you’re serious about boxing, even just as a hobby, do yourself a favor and get the right shoes. Your ankles will thank you! Plus, you don’t want to risk injuring yourself. It’s just not worth it.
Hope this little experiment of mine helps some of you out there! Stay safe and keep training!
