If you’re into fitness, then you know how important it is to wear the perfect pair of shoes. And that is what we’re helping you find out today if you’re into plyometrics: the best shoes for plyometrics!
That’s what you probably invest the most money in because, well, your feet are what get you up that hill or jumping over that rope! But how do you know what shoes are the best? Well, you read our article to find out!
Are you sure your running shoes should be worn while lifting weights? Or are your sneakers good enough to get you through your CrossFit training?
With so many different types of workout shoes on the market, it can be hard to know which one is best for you.
And this is when I come in, ready to share my findings after doing tons of research. You will surely be able to find your favorite pair – and do so fast!
Let’s start by checking them out in the table below (but with more details for each recommendation afterwards.)
Note: We get commissions for purchases made through links in this article
| Brand | Features |
|---|---|
Nike Women’s Metcon | Best plyometrics shoes for Women Flyware tech, drop-in midsole. Ultra light. |
Reebok Crossfit Nano X1 | Best overall plyometrics shoes Built for speed Rubber sole, breathable & durable |
New Balance Men’s Minimus | Vibram outsole Asymmetrical collar |
Reebok Crossfit Speed | Extremely comfortable Ultra soft compression-molded midsole |
Inov-8 Men’s F-Lite 235 | Zero drop and increased flexibility Sicky rubber outsole |
Best Shoes for Plyometrics: 2023 Reviews
So let’s not waste any time and instead let’s check out our recommendations below!
1. Nike Women’s Metcon
Specific Features: Flywire mid-foot technology, Flywire mid-foot, dual density midsole, zero-drag heel.
Best Use: plyometric activity
Description: Nike is known for their exceptional athletic wear and gear, which obviously means their Metcon shoe is no different. The Ankle-high sneaker provides your feet with extra ankle support, preventing any injuries that can be obtained from a high-impact activity.
It’s made of mesh and a rubber sole, so it’s extremely lightweight. This Nike Women’s Metcon is specifically designed for Crossfit, including weight lifting, sprints and climbs. The Flywire mid-foot technology helps lock your foot in place, giving you better coordination.
The dual-density foam in the midsole gives your feet extra cushion and long-lasting support which is what you want in a high-impact resistant shoe.
The zero-drag heel is also designed for handstand pushups and an explosive lift. It also comes in a variety of fun and vibrant colours, so your shoes will be unique amongst the crowd.
Related: Since these are women’s sneakers, if you’re a man and interested in something similar, Nike has the men’s Metcon cross training shoes as well.
They provide the same features, however, designed for the male anatomy. Both are comfortable and a favorite amongst the Crossfit community.
2. Reebok Crossfit Nano X1 – Editor’s Choice
Specific Features: Flexweave knit, shock-absorbing EVA foam midsole, ultra light.
Best Use: plyometric activity
Description: Another exceptional shoe from Reebok, the Crossfit Nano X1 is all about power and motion. A perfect blend for training and running, they are durable and at the same time ultra light and extremely comfortable.
These shoes are made with a rubber sole and are anatomically shaped to fit your foot perfectly. The shoe’s been re-engineered to provide you more locked-in stability and precision.
The Flexweave knit and upper mesh design allow your foot to breath freely while working out and gives you durability, as well as support for performance and stability.
The shock-absorbing EVA foam in the midsole gives you just the right amount of comfort and support that you need during your high-impact activities. At the same time, you get enough traction and grip without prohibiting your range of motion. In other words, a perfect pair of shoes!
Reebok is always one to make an exceptional pair of workout shoes, and the Crossfit Nano X1 is no different.
Click here to check price on Amazon.
Related: The model recommended above is for men shoes, but Reebok has a women’s version as well which you can check out here.
3. New Balance Men’s Minimus
Specific Features: Vibram outsole, revlite midsole, asymmetric collar.
Best Use: plyometric activity
Description: New Balance is a world known brand that specializes in producing running and outdoor shoes and equipment. Unlike brands such as Nike and Adidas, New Balance doesn’t branch out into other sports, but focuses on working out, running, and hiking shoes.
What’s great about their brand is that they invest a lot of money in research and development, which is evident in their recently developed Minimus shoe. This is a great option if you’re looking for something lightweight and minimalistic.
The Vibram shoe is a little more supportive than a barefoot ‘toe shoe’, and is made with a Vibram outsole and a revlite midsole. It has a lace-up cross trainer feature burrito tongue and an asymmetrical collar with molded foam.
These features help give a one-of-a-kind fit to your foot and allows the shoe to be molded to you when working out. It’s a great shoe that provides users with stability, fit and of course, superior breathability: all elements you want in a plyometric shoe.
Related: If you’re a woman and you love New Balance, they also have a female version of the shoe called the 20v5 Minimus Training Shoe.
It has a 4mm drop heel to toe drop, Vibram rubber outsole, revlite midsole, breathable mesh with a burrito tongue. It’s a great shoe for all women who are into plyometrics.
4. Reebok Crossfit Speed
Specific Features: low-cut design, ultra soft compression-molded midsole, forefoot cradle, compression sleeve
Best Use: plyometric activity
Description: Everyone knows Reebok, they’ve been around for quite some time. Of course, you know Reebok has been in the business of making athletic shoes and gear, so, of course, they have a shoe for plyometrics.
The Reebok Crossfit Speed is specifically designed for the Crossfit community. It’s built for muscle support and coordination. It has a compression sleeve for extra stability and meta-foot flex grooves for toe splay.
The underfoot cushioning also assists in giving your feet extra comfort. The Crossfit speed has a rubber sole for stability, with ultra soft compression-molded midsole which you’ll appreciate after doing a hard set of jump squats.
It also comes in three pastel colors, which is a different design that what we’re used to seeing in Crossfit shoes. Definitely a shoe that was designed to take a beating, so you won’t be disappointed.
Click here to check price on Amazon.
5. Inov-8 Men’s F-Lite 235
Specific Features: 40% denser heel unit, microfiber toe box, friction-free.
Best Use: plyometric activity
Description: The Inov-8 Men’s F-lite 235 is the next generation in the F-lite series. This shoe is made with a zero drop and increased flexibility, which gives you more control in movement.
The sticky rubber outsole helps in stabilizing your movements, while the multi-directional Meta-Flex provides you with a better range of motion and increased comfort. The wider toe area allows your feet to be naturally placed in the Microfiber toe box.
The mesh material also allows your feet to relieve pressure and sweat: two things that can really affect training. The shoe is friction-free and made with a 40% denser heel unit Fascia band so that you’ll have increased thrust power.
The shoe itself is made of TPU lining, mesh and compressed EVA. The insoles are removable and washable, so these shoes are made to last.
What Is Plyometrics?
Plyometrics is relatively new in the fitness world. If you’ve heard of CrossFit, then you know what plyometrics are. Plyometrics are exercises that push your muscles to their maximum force in short intervals of time.
The goal is to increase power and strength. For example, a plyometric routine could be doing a circuit of five exercises in under ten minutes. This forces the individual to push themselves to their limits, using as much energy and strength as possible.
As you can imagine, having the right equipment – especially the right pair of shoes – matters a lot when it comes to plyometrics if you want to avoid injury and ensure that you are indeed able to give 110%.
What Is Plyometrics Good for?
You may be wondering why you need to do plyometrics. It’s a good question, and if you’re used to running on a treadmill, you may be wondering why you should change up your workout style and/or regime.
Of course, you don’t have to incorporate this method into your fitness routine if you’re satisfied with how things are going, but there are some reasons why you should consider it:
- Burns more fat: Many people probably want to know about the fat burning part. Well, lucky for you, plyometrics burns more fat because of its high-intensity design. It also boosts your metabolism faster, which is the main factor in proper weight loss.
- Coordination: People don’t think about coordination when working out. However, it’s very important when doing high-impact sports. Many of us are accident prone, but by doing plyometrics, we have to focus on jumping and moving around quickly. Thus, we will be able to increase your coordination and focus.
- Increases athletic performance: Plyometrics is great for boosting our athletic performance. It’s all about doing the most in the least amount of time. It’s also ideal for creating explosive power. That being said, if you do other sports, plyometrics is a great workout to support athletes.
- Do more in less time: So many people complain about not having enough time to workout, and so choose not to. However, if you want to workout without having to waste a couple hours sweating at the gym, you now have the magic of plyometrics.
You don’t have to spend an hour or two running on the treadmill. In fact, it’ll take longer for you to lose weight and tone that way. This method is all about getting the most out of your exercises without wasting your time! Best part? It works! - Increase strength: The goal of plyometrics is to build strength. By pushing your body to its limits and doing strength-building exercises, you’re bound to get some muscle on you. By doing plyometrics, you’re increasing your strength through high intensity activity.
- Gets your heart rate up: Because you’re doing a series of exercises in such a short time period, your heart rate can’t do anything but go up, right? Your heart rate will be pumping to its maximum while working out. Boosting your heart rate is great for making sure your heart is in perfect health. Of course, you should still remain within your limits, based on age.
- Build joint and bone health: As you age, you want to focus on activities that will strengthen joint and bone health. Resistance training, such as plyometrics, are ideal for building and maintaining both joint and bone health.
Can’t You Wear Any Shoes for Plyometrics?
If you think wearing your hiking shoes will be okay for your plyometrics workout, you may want to think again.
Workout shoes come in a couple of varieties, making them designed specifically for each purpose.
The idea with plyometrics is that your body is being put through many strenuous activities which require you to jump, pivot and weight lift.
That being said, you need the proper shoes to support your joints and feet while working out. You also need the shoes to be lightweight and optimized for both speed and running, but also working out.
We’ll show you the features you need to look out for when choosing a perfect pair of shoes for plyometrics.
Most important features for great plyometrics shoes
If you want to do more research on your own and not choose one of our top recommendations above, here is what you need to look at when going through the various types of shoes available:
- Shock Absorption: If you’re jumping on boxes and running upstairs, you can’t be doing that barefoot. You need something that’ll help absorb the shock when you hit the floor.
You want to look for an athletic shoe that has a thick sole with enough cushion, making your landing softer. Thin-soled shoes are not for high-impact sports, and they’ll actually cause you future joint and foot pain. - Ankle and Arch Support: You want to make sure that your ankles and arches are fully supported while working out. Without this support, you’re putting your feet and arches at risk for injury. When trying on shoes, make sure that your arch isn’t over supported – you’ll notice by having a highly discomforting feeling. If you need extra ankle support then look for shoes with a high-top or at least ones that cover the ankle.
- Proper fit: You want to make sure that your shoes fully cover your feet. Remember, your feet are made up of tiny muscles, ligaments and bones that can be damaged when you’re performing high-impact exercises. So make sure that your shoes fully cover your feet and they’re neither too tight or too loose. If they slip when you walk, then they’re not the right fit!
Now you know everything about choosing the right pair of shoes for plyometrics for you, but we still recommend going with one of our top picks above: they really are amazing and you’ll love either of them.
Conclusion
If you want to make sure that you get the most from your plyometrics regime, you need a proper pair of shoes that will support you and your joints. It’s not the shoes that make it, but they are the ones that could break it.
Fortunately, you have five different models to choose from, so pick the one that you like better and get going! You’ll see that your exercise routine will go a lot smoother if you wear the right pair of shoes.
Don’t forget, we want to know what you think! So, let us know which pair of shoes from our recommendations above you like the best in the comments below!
Mark Foster loves to push his limits when it comes to survival in the wilderness. He might go for a 30-days adventure without any food or equipment except for a survival kit and a knife. We should mention that his survival kit has 122 items in it, so he know what he is doing. Mark is working on his book to share with the world all his experience gained during those brave adventures.
Im glad to see you listed the Nanos! I think they’re virtually indestructible. I don’t know maybe that’s just mine opinion but I have done my research and see that many people concur. Maybe I’ll check out the other ones or maybe I’ll just stay a die hard fan.
Plyometrics can just kill your shoes. It’s a very tough exercise to get into. I remember it being rough and I’m still having a tough time finding a good brand to help support the high jumps and hard falls. I usually just grab a pair of Nikes but I think I’m going to have to find a new brand. I’ve heard some pretty decent things about Reeboks.
Hi Mark! I understand what you mean because I’m also a fan of Reebok shoes. They are an exceptional brand that has a massive following. So, I don’t blame you for thinking that way. I’m also pleased that you find those Nanos to your liking. There’s really something for everyone, and that’s what I like about higher quality brands. And they are so durable, too!
Hi there Samantha! I say, both are top of the line brands that deliver the kind of results we’re looking for. Try to examine your particular needs and build from there. These brands have styles that cater to a particular demand, so choose well! I know these reviews are going to help in this department, so good luck!