Top 5 – Best Shoes for Ninja Warrior

Best American Ninja Warrior Shoes

Friction Shoes

If you are trying to compete for American Ninja Warrior you need to make sure you have the right shoes. If you pick the wrong pair could end up falling in the water on the first couple obstacles.

There are a few attributes that you need to look into when picking the perfect shoe for you.

  • Friction
  • Fit
  • Flexibility

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Ninja Warrior Shoes - Friction

Friction is the biggest component when it comes to picking the perfect American Ninja Warrior Shoes. Without it, you will be slipping all over the place.

Ninja Warrior Shoes

The problem with Ninja obstacles is they are made out of many different materials. This include:

  • Plywood
  • Plexiglass
  • Metals
  • Painted Surfaces
  • PVC
  • Rock Climbing Holds
  • and much more

All these different surfaces make it difficult to pick the ultimate rubber but Vibram has been a long time favorite in the ninja community. It has good all around performance and superior durability.

Other rubbers like climbing shoe rubber or running shoe rubber have its strengths but also some shortcomings.

Climbing shoe rubber it very good on rougher surfaces but lacks the ability to stick on smoother surfaces like PVC. On the other hand, running shoe rubber is better at sticking to smoother surfaces and lacks performance on harder surfaces.

Ninja Warrior Shoes - Fit

When it comes to shoes, fit should not be overlooked. You don't want to be the guy or gal who's shoes come off while running the warped wall.

American Ninja Warrior Shoes

Having poorly fitting shoes is not only extremely embarrassing, it could also cause you to fail the American Ninja Warrior Course course.

Ninja Warrior shoes need to be tighter than your average, everyday shoes. In most cases, they need to be a whole size smaller than your street shoes. For example, if you wear a 10 normally you should probably order a 9 or 9.5 for ninja.

The smaller size will help your shoes feel more secure when doing balance obstacles.

Shoes will generally stretch out (or 'break-in') about a half size during the first few workouts. So don't be concerned if they feel a bit too tight at first, this is what you want.

Most online retailer (like Amazon) offer free return shipping for wrong sizes so don't be afraid to try a few options.

Ninja Warrior Shoes - Flexibility

Ninja ShoesNinja Warrior shoes must have a certain degree of flexibility. When your shoe molds over the obstacle, it not only increases your grip, it also improves your balance.

Being able to feel the obstacle under your shoe is the best way to improve your balance on American Ninja Warrior Obstacles. This essentially means that the sole of your shoes needs to be thin and pliable.

Although barefoot shoes are often considered to be good for Ninja Warrior, they are generally not used by the pros. The problem is that your foot does not have enough support to withstand the impacts from training.

Shoes with perforated soles also can break down fast and have little to no structure. 

5 Best American Ninja Warrior Shoes

[Honorable Mention] Nike Men's Roshe One Running Shoes

Friction: ⭐⭐

Fit:⭐⭐⭐⭐

Flexibility:⭐⭐

Nike has always been at the forefront of footwear. The Roshe running shoe is an excellent choice for someone on a budget or looking for an all around shoe. This shoe offers great support for beginners and traditional foot shape for superb fit. Durability and breathability are this Nike's strong suit. Friction will lack on this model due to the foam like sole.

 

#5 Scarpa Men's Crux Approach Hiking Shoe

Friction: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fit:⭐⭐⭐

Flexibility:⭐⭐

Climbing approach shoes are some of the best options for American Ninja Warrior. The Scarpa Crux shoes have Vibram soles with ideal geometry for edging. These shoes will be a bit thicker and tougher than some of the other options. This model is built with Kevlar webbing to prevent premature breakdown. Since the shoe is meant for hiking it will be rigid and balancing on small surfaces may be difficult.

 

#4 Inov-8 Men's All Train 215 Cross-Trainer Shoe

Friction: ⭐⭐⭐

Fit:⭐⭐⭐⭐

Flexibility:⭐⭐⭐

Inov-8 is a company you probably have never heard about. They make high-quality footwear with a focus on top performing athletic wear. The All Train 215 is one of the best American Ninja Warrior Shoes. Designed for a lightweight workout at the gym, these shoes can be guaranteed to boost your performance on the course. 

 

#3 Adidas Men's Terrex Solo Cross Trainer Shoes

Friction: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fit:⭐⭐⭐⭐

Flexibility:⭐⭐⭐⭐

Adidas is a brand you can count on. The Terrex Solo Cross Trainers are leading the market in approach shoes. They utilize Stealth rubber technology for extreme friction. With a sole that is designed for scrambling on rocks, you will be ready for anything the course throws at you. These shoes are by far the best for Ninja Warrior if you don't want a minimalist shoe.

 

#2 New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v3 Running Shoe

Friction: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fit:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Flexibility:⭐⭐⭐

Runner Up GearNew Balance is one of the most trusted American Ninja Warrior shoe brands on the market today. The Zante v3 Running shoes are some of the highest quality shoes that New Balance makes. These shoes feature the superior fit and finish so you know you your shoes will feel great on your feet while tackling the toughest obstacles.

#1 Merrell Men's Trail Glove 3 Minimal Trail Running Shoe

Friction: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fit:⭐⭐⭐⭐

Flexibility:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best Overall GearThe Merrell Trail Glove 3 Minimalist Shoes are the absolute best for Ninja Warrior. With the super sticky Vibram rubber and the ultra-flexible sole you will be ready for any and all obstacles. If you are looking for a dedicated Ninja shoe and are comfortable with a minimalist design then look no further.

 

Best Value

For less than the prices of normal sneakers, you can get yourself top performing Ninja shoes.

Highest Quality Shoes

The Ground-breaking Zante V3 New Balance Ninja Warrior Shoes are the #1 top quality without question. 

Most Verstile

These approach shoes are good for both ninja and rock climbing. You can also use these for hiking.

Leave a comment below and let us know what you think!

You can find a newer list of the Best Ninja Warrior Shoes here.

Look for more gear? Get yourself a sick Ninja Warrior Shirt or some awesome Ninja Training Equipment!

If you need some training advice check out this Training Guide!

Rock Climbers make some of the greatest Ninja Warrior. Find out why HERE!

For now, we will leave you with some motivation!

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