Best American Ninja Warrior 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
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.
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.
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
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:⭐⭐⭐
#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:⭐⭐⭐
#1 Merrell Men's Trail Glove 3 Minimal Trail Running Shoe
Friction: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fit:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Flexibility:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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!
Owner and Operator of Every Last Rock. He is dedicated to spreading the Stoke about all things climbing. Often found Bouldering around the US and obsessively training.