Shoe for practice

YiiQuan

YiiQuan

Nerd
This topic came up during Sunday's Zoom class

I wanted to share what shoes I have been using for practice.

PUMA Unisex-Adult Smash V2 Sneaker

They are thick while flat. This means they are comfortable enough to use day-to-day while traveling.

I know Marin's shoe, which is excellent for indoor and flat surfaces, is made in China. They are uncomfortable walking as their bottom are just too soft for me. I prefer a firm bottom support from the shoe while running inside the airport to catch a plane or on somewhat uneven ground like in the park.

What practice shoe are you using?
 
K

Kozmo

Wuji
I would wear straight-up Converse Chuck Taylor's for incognito daily life and/or Feiyues for projecting a more marital arts vibe—but I can't! These affordable, long-wearing classics are have a narrow toe box that doesn't work for my foot shape and so turns them into "cruel shoes" for me no matter how cool I think they are:


I've also tried a lot of the specialty minimalst/barefoot brands Vivobarefoot, Xero, Lems, etc. But I've had the best satisfaction for comfort, performance, and wear with a minimalist running shoe made by Merrill.

Vapor Gloves come in a few styles (I like #5) and many colors. Good indoors and out. They adhere to the feet and give protection while letting you really feel the ground. Mine show little-to-no wear after sustained abuse.

Just not totally old school cool--yet!

www.merrell.com

Vapor Glove 5

The 5th version of our famous barely-there minimalist shoe is designed to mimic the shape of the human foot, keeping it in the position it would be in with
www.merrell.com www.merrell.com
 
YiiQuan

YiiQuan

Nerd
I have the Feiyue as well! My feet were not able to sink into them during practice. Specifically, both sides of my foot seemed to be rolling or tipping over as I was getting the feeling that my foot could not stay "flat" on the bottom - if that makes any sense to you.
 
Marin

Marin

Lao Tou
Staff member
Kozmo said:
These affordable, long-wearing classics are have a narrow toe box
Click to expand...

If you hunt for the old (no longer made) Skechers diamondback sole shoes they are NOT narrow. They just are not made anymore but they are all over Ebay and Amazon especially at larger sizes.
 
B

Brad Johnson

Qinglong
I like these. I've had mine for 5 or 6 years, but factor into the durability assessment that I bought 2 pairs and have been using them both off and on. So it's a little misleading but both pairs are in great shape still.

Pros: Very thin, sole with about the right amount of grip for me. Super flexible and flat sole. Very powerful kung fu symbol on the side adds authenticity.
Cons: They don't breath well so my feet can get sweaty. Probably made by children.

(This is a retailer website but you can get the low down)

Pure Leather Tai Chi Shoes Unisex Sports Martial Arts Wushu Kungfu Shoes - Buy Tai Chi Shoes,Wushu Kungfu Shoes,Leather Sports Shoes Product on Alibaba.com

Pure Leather Tai Chi Shoes Unisex Sports Martial Arts Wushu Kungfu Shoes - Buy Tai Chi Shoes,Wushu Kungfu Shoes,Leather Sports Shoes Product on Alibaba.com
www.alibaba.com

1714052153382.png
 
Marin

Marin

Lao Tou
Staff member
Brad Johnson said:
I like these. I've had mine for 5 or 6 years, but factor into the durability assessment that I bought 2 pairs and have been using them both off and on. So it's a little misleading but both pairs are in great shape still.

Pros: Very thin, sole with about the right amount of grip for me. Super flexible and flat sole. Very powerful kung fu symbol on the side adds authenticity.
Cons: They don't breath well so my feet can get sweaty. Probably made by children.

(This is a retailer website but you can get the low down)

Pure Leather Tai Chi Shoes Unisex Sports Martial Arts Wushu Kungfu Shoes - Buy Tai Chi Shoes,Wushu Kungfu Shoes,Leather Sports Shoes Product on Alibaba.com

Pure Leather Tai Chi Shoes Unisex Sports Martial Arts Wushu Kungfu Shoes - Buy Tai Chi Shoes,Wushu Kungfu Shoes,Leather Sports Shoes Product on Alibaba.com
www.alibaba.com

View attachment 67
Click to expand...

Another consideration is that the toe is tapered in. I am not clear on where that influence comes from but while some CHinese really have small feet, many others have father thick and wide feet even if not nlong so the taper seems ill suited to a larger public, unless that public wants to be squished. If your foot is narrow this is probably fine, but if not, having the toes squeezed together generally reduces balance and active foot adherance.
 
B

Brad Johnson

Qinglong
Marin said:
nother consideration is that the toe is tapered in. I am not clear on where that influence comes from but while some CHinese really have small feet, many others have father thick and wide feet even if not nlong so the taper seems ill suited to a larger public, unless that public wants to be squished. If your foot is narrow this is probably fine, but if not, having the toes squeezed together generally reduces balance and active foot adherance.
Click to expand...
I had a pair of Pumas that looked really cool but they really had the problem you describe. With the ones I have now (pictured), they stretch really well to conform to my foot so they feel like a sock. I have a size 43 and 44, and they both fit well but differently. I have kind of average feet, definitely not meaty (but extremely powerful).
 
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