Black Friday - best deals from 52 stores 7 Best Shoes For Jumping Rope in 2024
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There are loads of training shoes for jumping rope to choose from. And there are also loads of features to consider to get the right pair.
It can be tedious, which is exactly the reason why we came up with this list.
We’ve meticulously tested and selected the best shoes for rope jumping from different brands and categories to make your selection process easy.
How we test shoes for jumping rope
All the shoes on this list go through a series of tests, both in the gym and in our lab, before earning their spot. We also purchase them with our own money to avoid brand loyalty and bias.
Each training shoe for jumping rope gets at least 7 gym hours before we give our feedback. We combine jumping rope with other workouts. To give you a data-driven, objective review, we also test each shoe in our independent shoe lab. Our lab process looks like this:
- We cut each model open and examine what’s inside.
- We use both the shoe we cut in half and the one that's still intact to measure the midsole softness, outsole hardness, flexibility, stack heights, and so on.
- We compare the collected data to the average values which allows us to interpret each result better.
Best overall shoes for rope jumping
What makes it the best?
The Reebok Nano X4 had a balanced feel in the midsole, a breathable upper, and a generally supportive structure. Jumping was a lot easier and enjoyable while we were wearing it. Hence, we placed it on top of all others as the best jumping rope trainer in our inventory.
Our HA durometer measurements in the lab revealed that the midsole had a softness rating of 30.0, which did not deviate so much from the 27.3 average. The averageness was not a bad thing. It allowed us to get the best of both worlds, and we felt both ground feel and impact protection in a more balanced fashion.
Breathability was not an issue with the Reebok Nano X4. The smoke that we pumped into it escaped quite easily through the upper. We gave this trainer a 4 out of 5 for ventilation.
We felt the lockdown provided by the heel counter. The heel counter was so effective because it was quite rigid. In fact, we scored it a 4 out of 5 for stiffness when it easily resisted our manual pushes and squeezes in the lab.
This shoe would have been even better if it were a little lighter. The Nano X4 was almost an ounce or 25g heavier than average.
Pros
- Fantastic wear resistance
- Great balance of cushioning and stability
- Feels grounded and supportive
- Secure foot lockdown
- A fully-gusseted tongue (finally)
- Nice breathability
- Lighter than the X3
- Great grip on gym floors
Cons
- Not for heavy lifting
- Not for wide feet
Shoes for rope jumping with the best energy return
What makes it the best?
Each jump with Nike’s Air Zoom TR 1 feels effortless, launching us back with explosive power with every toe-off. Among jumping rope shoes in the lab, we found it to have the best energy return as it sustained our momentum even for extended periods. As the cherry on top, a soft cushion supports us underneath for impact dampening.
While the midsole feels soft and bouncy, we were curious to see what causes its incredible responsiveness. As we sliced the shoe in half, an Air Zoom unit appeared, which explains the shoe’s limitless energy return. Saving our legs and joints from landing impact is a soft cushion, which our durometer confirms is 24.6% more velvet than average.
We found it easy to bend our feet while jumping since the midsole feels fluid. Our bend test confirms it’s 8.8% more flexible than average, explaining why it easily adapts to our movements.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t last long because the shoe felt hot and our feet almost instantly drenched in sweat. It scored a dismal 1/5 on our breathability test, which is bad news for athletes in tropical countries.
Pros
- Dependable bite on gym floors
- Pretty durable toebox
- Good impact protection
- Nice lateral stability
- Secure heel hold
- Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
- OK for occasional outdoor use
Cons
- Not breathable at all
- Not for wide-footers
- Not for heavy lifting
Shoes for rope jumping with the best cushioning
What makes it the best?
With its fantastic impact protection, amazing durability, and tremendous grip, the NOBULL Impact is our clear top cushioned jump rope shoe.
The cushioning on the NOBULL Impact is simply tremendous. Its heel and forefoot stack - 23.6 and 18.8 mm, respectively - are both around the average height for training shoes, but they provide excellent shock absorption on jump ropes. The midsole foam, which is 14.8% firmer than average, is so protective that our feet still feel fresh even after extended jump-rope sessions.
Meanwhile, the NOBULL Impact's durability is second to none. Its SuperFabric upper is as tough as they come, and the outsole is also built to last. The 4 mm thick outsole rubber is right in line with the average for training shoes, and it is also 1.3% harder than average.
The shoe provides excellent traction thanks to its herringbone pattern and aggressive lugs. Not once did we feel the grip to be lacking whether we were jumping on wooden or rubber flooring.
But the NOBULL Impact's poor breathability is a big downside, as we felt our feet get significantly sweaty after lengthy jump-rope workouts. After pumping smoke into the shoe in the lab, hardly any could pass through the upper, which is why we gave it the lowest score of 1 out of 5.
Pros
- Great impact protection for jumps
- Good stability for moderate lifting
- Impeccable grip on floor and rope
- Top-notch durability
- Comfortable for daily wear
- Can handle outdoor training
- Well-fitting
- Flat-foot friendly
Cons
- Pricier than similar shoes
- Not for serious lifting
- A bit heavy
- Lacks breathability
Shoes for rope jumping with the best flexibility
What makes it the best?
The Nike Free Metcon 6 offers freedom of movement and agility with its light and malleable build. During our jump rope sessions, it stood out with the best flexibility and added a key advantage for this type of workout: ground feel.
Needing only 4.3N to bend to 90 degrees vs. the 18.6N average, FM6 virtually offers no resistance to our movements! This boosts our agility and makes jumping more comfortable and sustainable. Its light build of 9.7 oz (274g) greatly helps since we carry less weight on foot than the average 10.8 oz (306g) trainer.
In addition, we measured the shoe’s stack to be below average at 22.0/14.8 mm. We appreciated the forefoot’s high sensitivity to the ground and the cushion’s soft nature for impact protection. Our durometer validates this with a reading 17.9% below average. Thankfully, the midsole has a wide coverage (113.9/94.4 mm) to stabilize our landings.
However, we cannot recommend this trainer for narrow feet as the toe box runs wider than average. Those who belong to this category should check for a more streamlined trainer for a secure fit.
Pros
- Fantastic breathability
- Very light on foot (lighter than average too)
- Better cushioned for HIIT
- Most flexible cross-trainer ever
- Excellent stability for moderate weightlifting
- Sock-like fit in a bootie upper
- Very spacious toebox
- True to size
Cons
- NOT for rope climbs (lacks protection)
- Can be hard to put on (narrow opening)
Best lightweight shoes for rope jumping
What makes it the best?
The Nike Flex Control 4 is our top lightweight training shoe for jumping rope because of its fantastic combination of lightness, brilliant breathability, and reliable grip.
The Flex Control 4 is one of the lightest training shoes in our lab database at 9.77 oz (277g), which is 1.7 oz (49g) lighter than the average training shoe weight of 326g. And the shoe felt like a feather on our feet, almost as if we were jumping rope while barefoot.
The shoe's barely-there feeling is also due to its strong breathability as it keeps our feet feeling fresh and cool for long stretches. We pumped the shoe full of smoke in the lab, and it quickly escaped through the mesh upper, earning the shoe a solid score of 3 out of 5 for breathability.
The Flex Control 4 also features terrific traction through the triangular treads on the outsole. These shoes did a sensational job of sticking to whatever surface we jumped rope on, whether it was indoor or outdoor.
However, the Flex Control 4's midsole cushioning is on the firm side. Our durometer measured it to be 18.5% firmer than the average training shoe, so those who want some softer cushioning while jumping rope should consider other options.
Pros
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- Lighter than average
- Very flexible
- Foot feels planted
- Budget-friendly
- Good grip
- Simple aesthetics
- True to size
Cons
- Durability issues
- Not for serious workouts
Shoes for rope jumping with the best breathability
What makes it the best?
Jumping rope with cool and comfortable feet is an absolute breeze with the Nike Zoom Metcon Turbo 2, whose upper provides unbelievable air ventilation. And with its amazing bounce and fantastic flexibility, it is by far our best jump rope shoe in terms of breathability.
We simply didn’t feel the heat while doing jump rope workouts with the Metcon Turbo 2, as its immensely breathable upper kept our feet fresh and cool even after long sessions. Upon closer inspection in the lab, we gave the shoe a perfect 5 out of 5 for breathability as the smoke we pumped into the shoe passed through the porous mesh upper with ease.
Meanwhile, the embedded Zoom Air unit in the forefoot helps make our whole jump rope experience easier and much more enjoyable as it adds a bit more bounce in each jump. And the shoe's impressive flexibility gives a much more natural feeling to our jumps. After putting the shoe through our 90 degree bend test, we found it to be a whopping 32% more flexible than the average training shoe.
However, the Metcon Turbo 2 does fall a bit short in terms of forefoot cushioning. We measured its forefoot stack to be 3.4 mm lower than average.
Pros
- Bouncy Zoom Air in the forefoot
- Good for short runs
- Perfect for jumps and aerobics
- Stable for moderate lifting
- Excellent flexibility
- Amazingly breathable
- Durable outsole
Cons
- Upper is not durable rope climbing
- Heavy for a "speed-oriented" trainer
Best shoes for rope jumping outdoors
What makes it the best?
Jumping rope outdoors was a lot easier because of the plushness that we felt in the midsole of the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure. Its softness helped cushion our jumps, allowing us to persist longer with the workout. We also appreciated the durability of the upper and the just-enough support that we got from the heel counter. Is this Reebok trainer the best for outdoor jumping rope? Definitely!
Our HA durometer measured the softness of the midsole to be 21.9, which is far lower (therefore softer) than the 27.2 average. Aside from providing comfort during our jumping rope sessions, we also loved how it made our walks and runs more bearable.
The upper is worthy armor for outdoor exercises. It was as durable as hell, and our twelve-second Dremel drilling was just a pretty laughable joke to it. We are sure that this shoe would last for a long time. We gave it a perfect 5 for durability.
The heel counter of the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure gave a perfectly balanced support to the back of our feet. It held the rearfoot securely in place but not to the point that it felt restrictive. Because of this experience, we gave the heel counter a 3 out of 5 for stiffness.
The durable upper seemed to have put ventilation at the backseat. We certainly felt warm while wearing this shoe, and we could only give it a 1 out of 5 for breathability.
Pros
- Perfect gym-to-trail shoe
- Dependable traction
- Provides good impact protection
- Offers enough court feel
- Super durable upper
- Just enough stability for exercises
- Feels light
- Fairly flexible structure
Cons
- Poor breathability
- Pricey if not used outdoors
Hoping to improve your jump rope technique? Having the right pair of shoes can make a world of difference, whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newbie just starting.
Factors to consider when choosing jump rope shoes
Cushioning
Jumping rope is a vigorous activity that is hard on the joints, especially the ankles, and knees. Over time can result in injuries like sprains or tendonitis. The force on the joints can be lessened and injuries can be avoided by wearing shoes that offer suitable shock absorption.
When selecting jump rope footwear, look for shoes with good cushioning in the sole, particularly in the heel and ball of the foot. This lessens the strain on the joints and assists in absorbing the force of each jump.
Additional technologies found in some shoes (like Nike Zoom Air), increase shock absorption
Lastly, think about the kind of surface you'll be jumping on. You'll need shoes with additional cushioning if you're jumping on a hard surface, like concrete, to cushion the impact. On the other hand, you might be able to get away with wearing less cushioned shoes if you're jumping on a softer surface, like a gym mat.
Always consider your rope type when choosing the amount of cushioning:
If you're using a speed rope, which is a thin, light rope that spins quickly, you'll need shoes that allow you to swiftly pivot and change direction. A flatter sole with less padding will provide a more firm foundation for fast movement.
On the other hand, if you're using a heavier jump rope, such as weighted or beaded rope, you’ll be better off with shoes with extra support and cushioning. These ropes need more power and impact when jumping. The risk of injury can be decreased by wearing shoes with good shock absorption and stability.
| Examples of cushioning thickness in different rope jumping shoes | |||
| Nike Flex Control 4 | NOBULL Impact | Nike SuperRep 3 | |
| Heel cushioning | 19.0 mm | 23.6 mm | 27.5 mm |
| Forefoot cushioning | 15.6 mm | 18.8 mm | 31.7 mm |
| Best for | speed rope | all rope types | heavier jump rope |
NOBULL Impact in action
Traction
Jumping rope needs a lot of quick, explosive motions. Having shoes with strong traction will help you maintain your balance and prevent slipping or sliding during your workout.
Look for shoes with a non-slip sole and high traction. Whether you're jumping on a gym mat, concrete, or asphalt, the sole should have good traction. Rubber-soled shoes or shoes with patterned soles are good choices since they offer good traction and grip.
Durability
Choosing shoes that are made to last is vital because jumping rope is a high-impact sport that can cause significant wear and tear on your footwear.
Look for shoes with high-quality construction and materials. Shoes with a reinforced toe cap or a robust outsole are smart choices since they offer additional protection and durability in places that are vulnerable to wear and strain.
Comfort and fit
Make sure your footwear is comfy and well-fitting before you choose to jump rope in them. While shoes that fit well can help offer support and stability during your workout, shoes that are too tight or too loose can increase your risk of injury. Whether you have wide or narrow feet, look for shoes that fit snugly but not too tightly, and select the style that is best for your foot type.
To increase your chance of getting the right size and fit, we recommend measuring your foot and checking with the corresponding size chart.
Jumping rope can be a high-intensity exercise, which can cause your feet to perspire. So, it’s important to wear shoes that are breathable and have sufficient airflow. Look for shoes that include mesh or other breathable fabrics in order to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Always go for shoes with large ventilation pores if you jump rope in a hot gym.
Weight
You can exercise more quickly and effectively if you wear lightweight shoes. When selecting shoes for jumping rope, go for ones that are light and won't make you feel heavy. The heavier the shoe, the more challenging your workout will become and the more quickly you’ll become fatigued.
| For example, Nike Flex Control 4 is 30% lighter than the Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 3 but it doesn't have nearly as much cushioning and support as the latter. |
It is crucial to strike a balance between weight and other elements like support and cushioning. Too-lightweight footwear might not offer enough support and cushioning for high-impact exercises like jumping rope. Look for shoes with the right amount of padding to take the impact of each jump without adding too much weight to your feet.
Frequently asked questions about jump rope shoes
What distinguishes jump rope shoes from other types of exercise footwear?
Jump rope shoes are made especially for high-impact exercises like jumping rope. They tend to be lighter, more flexible, and more cushioned than the average training shoe.
Can I jump rope in my running shoes?
Running shoes might offer some support and cushioning, but they are not made specifically for the demands of jumping rope. It might be challenging to maintain stability and balance during high-impact exercises since running shoes frequently have thick soles and lots of padding. Furthermore, the non-slip sole necessary for jumping rope may not be present in running shoes. To get the most out of your workout and avoid damage, it is advisable to use shoes made expressly for jumping rope.
How should shoes for jumping rope fit?
Jump rope shoes should be snug-fitting but not excessively tight or loose. This will ensure that the shoes offer the correct support and stability during your training. Whether you have narrow or wide feet, look for shoes that are made for your specific foot type. Additionally, check that the toe box can be moved freely so that blisters and other foot injuries can be avoided.
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