Plyometric exercises are the best way to build explosive power. They include movements such as jumping, bounding and hopping on one leg. The goal of plyometrics is to train your muscles to quickly produce maximum force.

Plyometric training improves the speed at which your muscles can contract. This increases your overall ability to jump higher, sprint faster and perform other explosive movements.

If you’re looking for shoes that will help you improve your performance in plyometric workouts, check out this list below:

New Balance MR10 – Best Shoes For Plyometric Training

The New Balance MR10 is a great shoe for beginners and intermediate level athletes who want a shoe that provides excellent support and stability during plyometrics workouts. These shoes have a high-abrasion rubber outsole with multi-directional grip for quick turns during agility drills and sprints. They also have a mesh upper that provides breathability while keeping the foot cool during intense workouts

Best Shoes For Plyometric Workouts

If you’re looking to up your intensity and get better results from your workouts, then you should consider adding plyometric training to your exercise routine. Plyometrics are intense exercises that develop power in the muscles by using quick, repeated contractions to build speed and strength. However, plyometrics can be especially difficult if you aren’t wearing the right shoes for this type of training. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the five best shoes for plyometric workouts.

Why The Right Plyometrics Workouts Shoes Are Important?

Incorrect footwear can damage your joints and lead to injuries. The right shoes will give you better support and enhance your performance during plyometrics workouts. Don’t be penny-wise, pound-foolish; invest in a good pair of shoes that are designed for plyometrics workouts. A lot of people don’t take proper care of their shoes so they wear out sooner than expected. The last thing you want is to do damage to your body because of bad footwear! That being said, here’s a look at the 5 best shoe options for Plyometrics workouts.

1. Inov-8 F-Lite 235 Plyometrics Workout Training Shoes

Inov-8 F-Lite 235 shoes are built with comfort in mind, so you can rest assured knowing your feet won’t cramp up during your workout. They are also designed for a wide variety of fitness movements, making them ideal for athletes who participate in plyometrics workouts. 

Constructed with lightweight and breathable materials, these shoes offer superior support and protection from various elements. These products offer an innovative design that will never go out of style—so if aesthetics is what you’re looking for, it doesn’t get much better than Inov-8 products.

 These shoes are highly versatile, as they can be used for indoor and outdoor activities, including cross-training and running. If you’re an athlete that participates in sports that require a lot of jumping and movement, such as basketball or football, these shoes will work perfectly with your workout routine.

 If you’re a beginner, these shoes are an excellent choice for any plyometrics training workout because they offer great support and traction. They also don’t require breaking in, so you can just buy them and start working out right away.

 As part of their technology, Inov-8 includes a patented Rope Guard design on their shoes. This helps prevent damage to your shoes from ropes or cords you might use during a workout. It also offers additional traction and protection that can’t be found in other products.

For Men

Inov-8 F-Lite 235 Plyometrics Workout Training Shoes

For Women

Inov-8 F-Lite 235 Plyometrics Workout Training Shoes

Pros

  • lightweight
  • durable, long-lasting materials 
  • a wide design ideal for people with wider feet 
  • Great arch support 
  • Comfortable insole to help absorb impact 

Cons

  • Might be too tight for some people.

2. ASICS Men’s Conviction Cross Training Shoes

From a trusted brand, ASICS Men’s Conviction Cross Training Shoes delivers outstanding fit and comfort with a new upper design and improved fit. Featuring an integrated Lace Garage to keep laces tucked away and out of sight, perforated sock liner, seamless upper construction, which provides great ventilation while walking or running.

Other features include: New upper design helps provide great fit through toe box area, increased breathability & improved fit; Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System absorbs shock during impact phase and allows for a smooth transition to midstance; Blown rubber forefoot & Heel Clutching SystemTM works together to provide excellent cushioning & stability.

These shoes are all about functionality, especially when it comes to running and jumping, making them a great choice for plyometrics. The ASICS Men’s Conviction Cross Training Shoes deliver all-day comfort with a lightweight upper that provides a natural fit with your foot.

Rubber forefoot and heel Clutching SystemTM provide cushioning and support while you’re on your feet. Also available in the Women’s version.

For Men

For Women

Pros

  • Lace Garage tech ensures no slippage during intense training
  • Seamless upper construction won’t rub or chafe against your skin
  • New upper design provides better fit
  • Has breathable mesh all throughout

Cons

  • A slightly bulky construction compared to others

3. New Balance 20v7 Minimus Plyometric Workouts Training Shoes

The Best Shoes for Plyometric Workouts – New Balance is one of those brands that has set a high standard for athletic wear and performance shoes. The 20v7 Minimus is one shoe that people who do a lot of jumping or sprinting absolutely love.

It’s very lightweight, flexible, and stable; it offers enough cushioning but doesn’t cause any additional weight on your body.

If you’re an athlete or someone who wants to get more into their fitness routine, these are great for jogging, running, or plyometric workouts.

The heel of your foot is one of the most important parts to focus on because it helps you when making turns and changing directions. Not only that, but when jogging or running long distances, it also helps absorb shock so that you won’t feel as much pain in your legs afterward.

For Men

For Women

The Asym collar with molded foam is comfortable and allows for a more natural heel fit by molding to your ankle and calf muscles. 

The REVlite midsole delivers incredibly lightweight cushioning, so you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for performance.

New Balance made sure there wasn’t any overlapping when they designed these shoes so that you have additional space so that there isn’t any rubbing while running or exercising vigorously.

Pros

  • Experience a more natural heel fit due to the asym collar
  • REVlite midsole delivers lighter weight cushioning
  • Unisex sizing
  • Provides support where needed
  • Enough cushioning

Cons

  • It may feel small and narrow

4. Mizuno Men’s Tc-11 Cross Trainer

If you’re looking for maximum comfort, look no further than Mizuno. The comfortable Tc-11 men’s cross trainer features C.O.B. technology in each shoe to reduce shock and stress on your knees while providing a customizable fit that supports natural movements during exercise.

Additionally, it features a breathable mesh upper and tonal laces for optimal ventilation and flexibility on the go.

 The men’s Tc-11 cross trainer features a knitted upper that conforms to your foot for an extremely personalized, customized fit. The breathable mesh is ideal for when you need to move fast or focus on weight training and plyometrics in addition to speed workouts. C.O.B.

For Men

For Women

The TC-11 features a booty construction, with a foam insole that molds to your foot for support, while an air mesh lining wicks away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable.

A variety of tread patterns provide a strong grip, whether you’re sprinting on tarmac or dirt, which is ideal for when you need to focus on lateral movements during speed workouts.

A soft PU midsole provides cushioning and shock absorption, while a flexible rubber outsole provides exceptional traction and grip. The TC-11 cross trainer is available in an array of color options, ranging from white to black and many shades in between.

With multiple sizes available as well, you can rest assured that you’ll find one that fits your unique foot shape perfectly. This athletic shoe is ideal for plyometrics workouts and a range of different sports, including basketball, football, and rugby.

Pros

  • Breathable mesh material provides ventilation
  • keeping your feet cool during speed workouts.
  • These shoes are ideal for use in cooler temperatures.

Cons

  • The flexible rubber outsole is not ideal for hot or wet weather

5. Reebok Men’s Nano X1 Cross Trainer

If you’re working out with high intensity, these Reebok cross trainers are an excellent choice. They’re extremely versatile shoes, offering stability and grip during intense workouts.

The soles provide enough flexibility to easily transition from box jumps to squatting, running, and jumping—which is just what you need in a shoe if you’re working out with plyometrics.

 You’ll also appreciate how soft and durable these shoes are. The Reebok Nano X1 Cross Trainer comes with a synthetic upper, which makes it perfect for working out indoors on rubberized floors.

Plus, these shoes feature Flexweave technology, which is an innovative system that fuses a thin layer of synthetic material to enhance flexibility and durability.

For Men

Reebok Men's Nano X1 Cross Trainer

For Women

The unique design of these cross trainers provides excellent stability and support. You’ll appreciate that they include a lightweight, yet strong shank plate in each shoe to help stabilize your foot and provide a smooth gait.

The heel portion is also highly flexible to further ensure proper running and jumping form.

The Reebok Nano X1 Cross Trainer is also built for speed. These shoes are incredibly lightweight and feature an extended forefoot and a flexible midsole, which allows you to transition smoothly from one move to another while providing outstanding energy returns.

Plus, you’ll appreciate how quickly these shoes dry if they get wet during your workout.

Pros

  • High-quality shoes that are perfect for intense workouts
  • Excellent stability and support.
  • Durable and flexible.

Cons

  • Run a bit small, so you might want to order a half size larger than normal.

Plyometrics Workouts Training Shoes – FAQs

Can I Use Running Shoes For Plyometrics?

A common myth is that running shoes are sufficient for all your plyometric workouts. While they do provide cushioning and protection, they aren’t best suited for these kinds of activities. 

Instead, look for a shoe specifically designed for explosive movements to protect against ankle injuries and help you build strength faster. And keep in mind that just because a pair looks cool doesn’t mean it’s good for you—make sure it has high-quality rubber on the sole so that it won’t wear out quickly.

Should You Do Plyometrics With Shoes?

While there’s a lot of debate on whether or not you should do plyometrics barefoot, it doesn’t have to be one or the other.

One thing everyone can agree on is that running barefoot is always better for your knees than running in shoes, so once you have an aerobic base and are doing high-intensity workouts like plyometrics, going shoeless might be a good idea if it works with your workout regimen.

 The first thing to understand about your shoes for plyometrics is what type of workout you’re going to be doing. If you’re just doing power jumps, you can use any shoe as long as it has a flat bottom with good traction.

But if you want to do more advanced exercises like high box jumps or plyometrics push-ups, those will require a higher level of support.

Can You Do Bodyweight Exercises Without Shoes? 

As a rule of thumb, you can do any exercise without shoes. But in some cases, you might want to avoid it. Here’s what to consider when deciding whether or not you should wear shoes when exercising.

If your workout involves training for speed or explosiveness—which is true for plyometrics and other sports-specific training programs—it’s best to wear shoes with a firm sole that have ample traction on different surfaces.

 The risk is that you’ll slip and fall during your exercises, which can injure your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This isn’t an issue with bodyweight exercises, because most moves don’t require any equipment and therefore won’t expose you to uneven surfaces.

So unless you plan on doing some sprints or playing sports at full intensity, it shouldn’t matter whether or not you wear shoes when working out.

Do Plyometric Training Shoes Work?

There’s no question that plyometrics are an effective way to build explosive power in your legs, but what you wear on your feet is going to make a difference, too.

It’s best to avoid regular running shoes when it comes to plyometrics; they just don’t offer enough support for all those jumps and bounds. Try the above 5 styles instead.

Conclusion

While there are many shoes on our list of best shoes for plyometric workouts. We have reviewed some of the above and you should be able to find your perfect pair. It is now up to you to select a pair that meets your needs and price range.

There is no point in buying expensive shoes if they do not meet your needs, so read reviews carefully before making any purchase or you might end up regretting later.

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