SolidGuides.com may get an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our website. Read More.

Today, we’re going to help you in your quest to find the best shoes for jumping rope. This invaluable guide will show you what to look for in the right pair of shoes. This is highly important, as you’re putting yourself at risk for serious injury by wearing the wrong type of shoe.

Jumping rope requires a lot of skill and precision. And until you’re qualified enough to go it barefooted, it is vital that you choose a really good pair of shoes. We want you to walk away with the knowledge necessary to select the right pair for you.

After reading through the reviews, be sure to stick around for the buyer’s guide that immediately follows. It will help you know what to look for and what to avoid. Before we move on, check out a couple of our favorite picks.

Don’t Have Time to Read the Whole Article?

Among the many shoes reviewed, Nike Men’s Air Monarch IV Cross Trainers are the best overall for men. You’ll appreciate the superb cushioning and support these shoes provide. You can snatch these up at a great price, too.

Ladies, you will absolutely love the PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 WN’s FM. These cross trainers are the best overall for women. They breathe well and have amazing arch support. Made with quality materials, you’re getting a shoe that’s built to last.

Top 10 Best Shoes for Jumping Rope

We’re looking forward to showing you the rest. These are the best of the best, ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable experience jumping rope. And don’t forget to read our guide. It’s full of useful information that will help you find the right shoe to fit both your needs and your feet.


1. Nike Men’s Air Monarch IV Cross Trainer Review - Best Overall for Men

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Nike-Men’s-Air-Monarch-IV-Cross-Trainer-262x133.png
  • Lots of padding
  • Superb support
  • Wide toe area
  • High-quality
  • Affordable
  • A bit bulky
check price

Jumping rope necessitates that you have a comfortable and well-padded shoe. If not, you could be in for a world of hurt. This is where you’ll really appreciate Nike’s Monarch IV. They are crafted with fantastic cushioning that provides both comfort and support. Quite possibly two of the most important aspects in a shoe that a jumper could want.

The materials used come together to deliver one of the best shoes for jumping rope. Nike went with a synthetic sole, and it feels great. Add in the Phylon midsole along with the thick rubber outsole, and you’re looking at a choice jumping shoe.

We really liked the lining in the Monarch. It’s soft yet supportive; there’s no digging into your ankles. The upper is strictly leather here, meaning you’re getting a durable and long-lasting shoe.

No jump rope shoe would be complete without great traction. The Monarch has it right where you need it the most – around the toe box. It sports a tight, wavy pattern for superb grip. You will also find nice texture around the heel. More of a vented pattern, this works to assist with balance.

They’re so lightweight and won’t weigh you down, giving you more freedom and flexibility. These make a perfect go-to for both beginners and pros alike.

Features

  • Synthetic and leather
  • Rubber outsole
  • Mesh tongue
  • 15 ounces

Ease of Use

With all the extra padding, your feet feel nicely housed at all times. You’ll find it’s easier to hone your skills and practice tricks thanks to the Monarch’s well-crafted design.


2. PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 WN’s FM Review - Best Overall for Women

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/PUMA-Women’s-Tazon-6-WN’s-FM-262x165.png
  • Great breathability
  • Attractive design
  • Comfortable
  • Well-priced
  • Sizes run a bit big
check price

We really enjoyed the versatility of PUMA’s Tazons. If you’re in need of comfort, PUMA provides it in spades. They have plenty of padding and the lining feels wonderful around your feet and ankles.

But the cushioning doesn’t end there. The Tazons are made with an EVA midsole, giving you extra support with every jump. We like the outsole and the stability that it provides. Its extra firm design lends to just the right balance, allowing you to perform jumps with confidence.

The textured outsole works really well here. It is designed to give both your toes and heel excellent grip. We like how much area it covers along the toe box. It ends right at the arch and picks up where the heel starts.

The Tazons also have wonderful breathability. This keeps your feet dry, even during the most intense performances. You’ll be very pleased with what these shoes have to offer. The great thing, too, is that you can pick them up at an affordable price.

Not only that, these are some really attractive shoes. The color combinations that PUMA used are quite eye-catching. Couple that with high-grade material and you’ve got yourself one stylish shoe.

Features

  • Synthetic and leather
  • EVA midsole
  • Rubber sole
  • 11 ounces

Ease of Use

The soft yet breathable materials work to make your training comfortable. You’ll love the way your feet feel both during and after your workout.


3. Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Review - Best Overall

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Reebok-Men’s-Crossfit-Nano-8.0-Flexweave-262x164.png
  • Strong and durable
  • Lightweight
  • Plenty of cushioning
  • Stylish
  • Sizes run small
  • Not the best for wide feet
check price

This unique-looking shoe from Reebok is designed in a way that promotes excellent breathability and nice comfort. The Flexweave material works wonders to give your feet plenty of ventilation while jumping.

When looking at the shoe, you may be led to think that it’s flimsy and unsupportive. But that’s surprisingly not the case at all. The synthetic construction is quite sturdy and comes with a high level of durability.

This comes in handy for those who jump rope often. You’re guaranteed to get plenty of mileage out of these Reeboks. They are made to last thanks to the tough rubber sole and Flexweave upper.

We like the new bootie heel and the comfort it provides. Jumping feels great and the balance is most excellent. Padding and cushioning is all in the right places, giving you the support you need to perform at your highest level.

The outsole is a work of art. The textured design makes landing safe and grippy. It is evenly dispersed along the bottom of the shoe, giving you confidence in your landing and rebound.

This style of Flexweave shoes are available in both men’s and women’s. The women’s version weighs slightly less than the men’s. But aside from that, they are virtually identical.

Features

  • Synthetic
  • Rubber sole
  • Flexweave upper
  • 10/8 ounces

Ease of Use

The cushioning and textured outsole make all the difference here. Your jumps are comfortable and precise thanks to the high level of craftsmanship. And the durable synthetic materials used ensure you’re getting a shoe that will withstand your most rigorous training.


4. Inov-8 Men’s All Train 215 Cross-Trainer Review - Best Flexibility

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Inov-8-Men’s-All-Train-215-Cross-Trainer-262x157.png
  • Flexible design
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Versatile
  • Sole might be too thin for some
check price

If you need a tough shoe that will provide you with plenty of usage, look no further than to the Inov-8 215. These versatile cross-trainers are suitable for all kinds of activity, from lifting weights to jumping rope.

The 215s are made of synthetic materials that are both flexible and durable. This is the kind of shoe we like to see in sports training. They are built for the most physical of activity, giving you assurance that they will hold up.

The tough rubber outsole impressed us with its well-balanced design. This proved to be beneficial during jumps, letting us land squarely and accurately. The outsole is also quite gummy, giving you amazing grip.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the fit of the 215s. They wrap around your feet tightly, but they never feel uncomfortable. We felt this gave us excellent support that never once faltered. The stretchy synthetics also expand as you move, providing freedom and flexibility not found on most shoes.

The thick padding is fantastic in giving you the comfort you need to perform. At no time did our feet hurt during testing; a sure sign of a high-quality shoe. Combined with its feathery weight, you’re sure to love what Inov-8 brings to the table.

Features

  • ADAPTERFIT technology
  • Rubber sole
  • 7.6 ounces
  • Synthetic

Ease of Use

The ADAPTERFIT feature leaves quite the impression. Your feet will feel more freedom than ever thanks to this unique technology. It expands and contracts with your movement, leaving you with one comfortable cross-trainer.


5. New Balance Men’s Mx608v4 Review - Best for Seniors

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/New-Balance-Men’s-Mx608v4-259x175.png
  • Plenty of padding
  • Great for seniors
  • Supportive
  • Nice grip
  • Bulky
  • A bit pricey
check price

New Balance makes the list with a worthy entry that is sure to complement your training. While they may look to be a bit bulky on the outset, they are surprisingly lightweight. This plays a big part in helping you perform at your very best.

We really appreciated the flexibility found in these New Balance shoes. They work to move with your feet, giving you plenty of range to jump.

Made from 100% leather, you’re getting a shoe that is built for longevity. There’s plenty of padding in all the right areas, too. Jumping feels really good thanks to the use of EVA cushioning.

The outsole is made of rubber here, providing lots of durability to what is already a well-crafted shoe. The overall design of the Mx608v4 is quite plain, but its quality more than makes up for the blandness.

It’s worth noting that this shoe is approved by Medicare. This means that those who are on Medicare can possibly get the Mx608v4 at little to no cost. As it stands, New Balance’s shoe is a bit on the pricey side. But for those who are in need of a comfortable leather jumping shoe, pricing is secondary.

Features

  • Medicare-approved
  • 14.2 ounces
  • Rubber sole
  • Leather

Ease of Use

Thanks to a nicely-designed and well-cushioned toe box, these New Balances feel better than ever. This works to provide you with solid landing and rebounding. The Mx608v4s will go the distance, too. You can safely use these all day for any and every activity.


6. New Balance Women’s Wx608v4 Review - Best Padding

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/New-Balance-Women’s-Wx608v4-252x175.png
  • Great build-quality
  • Great for big feet
  • Lots of padding
  • Lightweight
  • They’re costly
check price

Now it’s the women’s turn. This is the exact same shoe as the Mx608v4 above. You’re getting all the same high-quality attributes as before, only in a smaller package.

There are a lot more styles and color schemes available for the women’s version. This gives the shoe a lot more character than the boring old ones the men got. These shoes fit really well and come pretty true to your actual foot size.

The inside is lined with lots of cushy padding throughout. If you’ve been wanting a new pair of shoes that will give you lots of comfort and support, you’ll be happy with what New Balance has to offer.

The arch support is a big home run here. Whether you have a natural arch or you’re flat-footed, you’ll find this shoe to be plenty accommodating.

The outsole is exceptionally grippy, giving you lots of stability. The leather upper should provide you with plenty of usage thanks to its durable construction.

Features

  • EVA midsole
  • Rubber sole
  • 12 ounces
  • Leather

Ease of Use

The grabby outsole lends to better jumping thanks to the accuracy it provides. Combine this with excellent cushioning, and you’ll find this to be a fine shoe for jumping rope.


7. Vibram Men’s KSO EVO Review - Best for Barefoot Training

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Vibram-Men’s-KSO-EVO-262x148.png
  • Great training shoe
  • Very lightweight
  • Unique concept
  • Grippy outsole
  • Takes some getting used to
check price

If you’re unfamiliar with these odd-looking shoes, let us enlighten you. Think of Vibram EVOs as gloves for your feet; only stronger and more durable. They’re made with the same materials that you find in most other shoes.

But the big difference here is that they wrap around each individual toe, resembling a glove. Jumpers like them for practicing to jump rope barefoot. They work well as a great way to transition to the real thing.

Jumping rope barefoot is not for beginners. Only the most advanced jumpers excel at this. You’re more likely to get injured if you don’t have ample training. EVOs can help you with this. They can take some getting used to depending on the wearer. But they are well-crafted and come in a variety of colors.

A nice feature of these shoes is that you can safely toss them in the washing machine for easy cleaning. They are kind of pricey, but if you need to get in practice for barefoot jumping, there’s no shoe better-suited for the job.

Features

  • 3.5 to 4.9 ounces
  • Padded tongue
  • Textile/Fabric
  • Rubber sole

Ease of Use

The EVO’s clever design makes these the ultimate training shoe for jumping rope. Sure, they might take you some time to adjust to their unique fit. But they are one of the best shoes for transitioning to barefoot jumping.


8. Nike Women’s Free RN Flyknit 2018 Review - Best Fit

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Nike-Women’s-Free-RN-Flyknit-2018-262x163.png
  • Great cushioning
  • Very breathable
  • Attractive
  • Nice grip
  • Expensive
check price

If you have trouble finding a good jumping shoe that fits well, you should check out Nike’s Flyknits. The overall design and feel are simply amazing. From the perfect fit to the comfort they provide, these shoes are bound to help your training.

What makes such a difference here is the unique upper. Its soft material hugs your foot just like a sock, leaving your feet feeling comfy and relaxed. With tons of different sizes available, you should have no trouble getting the fit you need.

The outsole is adorned with grippy textures that serve to make jumping and rebounding easier. We really can’t express how comfortable these shoes feel on your feet. With great shock absorption and nice cushioning, you’ll love what these will do for your game.

Features

  • Flywire lacing
  • 5.6 ounces
  • Foam sole
  • Synthetic

Ease of Use

The Flywire lacing helps in providing a great fit. And with its durable foam sole, your training will be more comfortable than ever. The lightweight body helps you perform at your highest level without feeling fatigued.


9. PUMA Men’s Tazon 6 Fracture FM Review - Best for Wide Feet

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/PUMA-Men’s-Tazon-6-Fracture-FM-262x143.png
  • Great for wide feet
  • Long-lasting
  • Well-made
  • Durable
  • No ventilation
  • No arch support
check price

If you have flat or wide feet, you know all too well how difficult it can be finding shoes that fit. PUMA has the perfect solution with their men’s Tazons. They give your feet plenty of room inside, making landing and rebounding much more comfortable.

The toe box is equally spacious, accommodating flat feet better than most others. You won’t find much in the way of arch support with the Tazons, but they are comfortable everywhere else. Our advice is to buy some aftermarket inserts to correct this issue.

We have to note that these shoes are some of the least ventilated we tried. With little breathability, our feet were pretty sweaty by the time we were through with our testing. Aside from that, the durable rubber sole makes jumping an enjoyable exercise.

Features

  • Synthetic and textile
  • Rubber outsole
  • 11 ounces
  • Wide fit

Ease of Use

If the lack of an arch and breathability don’t bother you, the Tazons should provide you with plenty of comfort and support. If you have wide feet, you’ll find these to fit you well.


10. Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 5 Review - Most Innovative

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Reebok-Men’s-Crossfit-Nano-5-262x162.png
  • Stylish design
  • Great stability
  • Huge variety
  • High-quality
  • Stiff body
  • Pretty expensive
check price

Now these are some tough shoes! Nike used Kevlar in the construction of the Crossfit Nano 5s, giving you a shoe that’s built for longevity. They are surprisingly lightweight considering the materials used.

We found these shoes to be incredibly comfortable when we were just walking around. The problem arose when we started testing their jumping ability. They’re a lot stiffer than the rest of the shoes we reviewed. While they performed admirably, they lost some of their comfort when doing anything really physical.

The sole provides excellent grip and traction. We really enjoyed the way these shoes felt aside from their stiffness. They are crafted using some of the most advanced materials available in footwear. If you’re more interested in longevity, you will certainly appreciate the Nano 5.

Features

  • Synthetic and Kevlar
  • Rubber sole
  • Mesh upper
  • 10 ounces

Ease of Use

The high-grade materials give you a shoe with longevity. It’s just a shame that they are rather stiff. While we didn’t have time to break them in, our guess is that they’ll become much more flexible over time.


Buyer’s Guide to the Best Shoes for Jumping Rope

When it comes to jumping rope, not just any shoe will do. There are important aspects you must consider before deciding on any one pair. We want to discuss each one so that you know which shoes will work the best.

Regardless of what kind of physical activity you’re doing, it is crucial that you take the proper precautions to prevent injury. You always want your feet to be as best-protected as possible. Shoes with good shock absorption are an absolute must if you want your body to last.

Try to find shoes that have a high level of comfort. This is a good sign that they will provide the type of support your feet need for a safe experience. Anything less could put you at risk of hurting your feet, legs, or back.

So, now we know what helps prevent injuries from occurring. Let’s talk about what makes a shoe the right one for jumping rope. If you ensure your potential purchase has these characteristics, you’ll likely have a shoe that performs well.

Stability

Investing in a shoe that provides stability will ensure you have good balance. Shoes that are unstable can lead to accidents in no time flat. You might find this on shoes that don’t use high-quality materials. If the outsoles aren’t firm enough to support your weight, you can land wrong and cause serious injury to your body.

Support

This is another vital aspect that goes a long way in ensuring your safety. If you don’t have proper support around your ankles, they become prone to injury. This is of huge concern, especially when jumping and landing.

The best shoes are going to have plenty of padding, yet are also quite firm. This keeps your ankle in place and less apt to improper compression upon impact. Not only that, your ankles will be comfortable during movement.

Lesser quality shoes can result in stiff material digging into your ankles, leading to blisters and soreness. Always make doubly sure that the shoes you’re thinking about buying are well-cushioned throughout.

You also want to ensure that they give your feet plenty of arch support. Regardless of whether your feet are flat or arched, your shoes need to have ample arch support. This impacts everything from jumping to walking and running.

If there is no support, not only will your feet suffer, but you put the rest of your body in jeopardy, as well. This can lead to back pain, joint troubles, and more. And it all starts with your feet.

Material

When choosing a pair of shoes, you want them to be made of materials that are not only durable, but you want them to be lightweight and breathable. This works to keep your feet cool and dry, increasing your longevity and improving your performance.

Shoes that are thick and heavy will only serve to weigh you down and hinder your training. Remember, you want to have as much freedom to perform as possible. Always consider whether the shoe will complement or detract from your ability.

Also pertaining to this is the shoe’s toe box. Since your toes need to have room to adequately stick your landing, the more room the better. If your shoes have a toe box that is too tight, you risk impeding a solid landing.

FAQs

Is It Safe to Jump Rope Barefoot?

Only if you’re advanced enough to do so. If you’re just starting out, jumping rope barefoot can be dangerous. If you think you’re good enough to begin practicing barefoot, start slowly. Avoid any tricks and just stick with the basics.

In training, it’s also important that you avoid letting the rope come in contact with your bare feet. The sting is rather painful. Don’t overdo it, and just try to get to where you’re confident landing properly before you take it to the next level.

What Kind of Surface Is Best for Jumping Rope?

As long as you’re wearing shoes, concrete is always going to be your best bet. It allows you to get the best rebound from jumping. However, if you’re practicing to jump barefoot, you really should use gym mats to start.

This will help to protect your feet until you’re good enough to move onto a hard surface. Generally speaking, only the most advanced jumpers go barefoot on concrete. It’s important that you don’t push your limits. Lock down your skill first, then you can try more complex techniques on concrete.