Parkour Shoes
One of the best things about parkour is how little you need to get started—just your body and a place to move. That said, the right shoes can make a big difference in comfort, confidence, and overall performance while training.
We’re often asked which shoes we recommend, so we’ve put together this guide to help you choose. If you decide to shop using the links below, your purchase helps support us through referral partnerships.
Shoe Guide
We’re often asked, “What are the best shoes for parkour?” The honest answer is: it depends. The good news is that most standard street or road running shoes work just fine. One important tip right away—avoid trail running shoes, as their aggressive tread and stiff soles don’t translate well to parkour.
Grip/Tread:
Look for shoes with plenty of rubber making contact with the ground. More surface area usually means better grip. Stick with rubber bottoms and avoid foam bottoms, which wear out quickly and offer poor traction and grip (especially on indoor equipment).
Flexibility/Minimalist:
Choose shoes that can bend and move with your foot, allowing you to really feel the ground. Shoes that are too stiff can limit control—unless they soften up well after being worn in.
Cushion:
Too much cushioning can make it harder to learn proper technique and reduce ground awareness. A lower-profile sole helps you stay connected to your movements and land more precisely.
Comfort:
Above all, your shoes should feel good on your feet. If you’re distracted by discomfort, it’s going to affect your training.
Note: Most shoes need a short break-in period (about 1–2 weeks) before grip and flexibility really reach their full potential.
Staff Recommended Shoes
Below is a list of shoes recommended by practitioners from both our local gym and the wider parkour community. These picks reflect a range of styles, from minimalist to more traditional, so you can find what works best for your feet and training goals.
WHITIN Barefoot Shoes
Recommended by Coach Jevin.
A minimalist shoe with a wide toe box, so your toes can spread naturally—no squishing. These shoes encourage healthy foot use and help build foot strength. They do require a short break-in period before the grip really shines and offer minimal padding by design.
Under Armour Charged Assert 8
A former coach favorite.
Many coaches and students have trained in this model over the years. It offers solid durability and grip and works especially well for flat and/or wide feet. A dependable option at a reasonable price.
Note: The “Assert 8” has since been replaced by the “Assert 10,” which we have not yet tested.
OSdream Canvas Kung Fu
Recommended by Coach Alex.
Originally designed for martial arts, this shoe has become a popular choice in the parkour community. It’s minimalist, lightweight, and budget-friendly—great for practitioners who want simplicity and ground feel.
Ollo PK Shoes
Coach Josh’s current go-to.
Ollo is a parkour-specific brand focused on what athletes actually need: lightweight construction, flexibility, and durability. These shoes perform extremely well, though they are a bit pricier than most mainstream options.