Snap!

I suddenly stopped. Oh no, please let’s not be what I I’m thinking…

After I got the courage I look down and I saw it…

My right sneaker has ripped apart again and part of my thumb was sticking out.

Noooo! I paid over $60 for these pieces of…

What would she think? Oh no...

How I am supposed to meet this really pretty girl wearing this torn shoe in which my thumb is almost sticking out…

Almost!

Time was passing by and I had to think of a great solution.

And I had to do it FAST…

Hi there, I’m Bozhidar and I’m the dude with the torn old sneaker that didn’t find a solution and got rejected hard.

Luckily for me and you that hasn’t happened ever again.

After this funny but embarrassing memory with my thumb sticking out from a hole I did a deep and smart decision and bought my first tough, beautiful and great pair of sneakers.

It may sound funny but I believe that these are the best shoes for calisthenics you can get.

Period.

See? Even Mr. White agrees with me!

That’s why I highly recommend you read the entire post till the end if you want to find out what are these calisthenics sneakers I praise so much, why I’m taking time to write about them and which other models are also great.

But before we continue I want to tell something REALLY important…

Even the most expensive sneakers and other calisthenics clothing and equipment is going to be COMPLETELY useless if you don’t know how to use it.

In order to help you out I’ve decided to make our massive guide “How to Start Calisthenics: The Ultimate Guide” 100% Free for a limited time.

I really recommend you to get it because it’s going to help you get better and faster results with bodyweight training.

All you need to do is enter your email below and I’m going to send it to you for Free.

Trust me, it’s solid.

Here you go:

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So without any further ado let’s see which are my favorite sneakers and why.

Here we go…

No time to read the whole article?

Hey, I get you. No hard feelings.

If you are in a real hurry and want to get to the bottom of this please take a look at my favorite sneakers I wear every time I train:

Click here to check out my Duramo 9’s latest price on Amazon <

These green beauties are called Adidas Duramo 9 and are what I believe to be the best shoes for calisthenics and overall training.

Hey Bozhidar, they look decent but why you are believing that?

Because I own them for a few months and as you can see from the photo they look brand new.

That’s why you should take care of everything you wear!

But it’s way more than that. These bad boys are also very affordable, lightweight, and quite flexible.

While I’m wearing them I forgot I wear shoes and the soles are wide enough so you get plenty of stability too.

And the best part about them is the fact that they are breathable! So no more stinky feet!

In general, they are solid shoes that are also good for running, walking in the park, gym training and even hiking.

I hiked once to a near waterfall and they handled the rocks pretty well but I won’t recommend you to climb Everest with them.

In my opinion, they are great for working out and you will love them. Also, they come in plenty of colors except green.

Click here to check out my Duramo 9’s latest price on Amazon <

But even if my shoes are amazing they are not the only ones.

Even if I don’t own all the other pairs I’m going to share with you I have close friends who do and on top of that, I’ve read many positive things on the web.

Ready to check some more awesome sneakers that are good for calisthenics?

Splendid!

Let’s get going!

Before we continue any further I want to share with you a quick preview of my top 5 favorite calisthenics workout shoes. Click the image or the button if you want to check them out on Amazon.

Top 5 Best Shoes for Calisthenics Exercises

Let’s find out what you should really look for before you buy calisthenics shoes…

Top 5 Best Shoes for Calisthenics in 2020 You Must See

Now I will show you 5 of my favorite calisthenics shoes and what makes them such. 

All models reviewed below are made from well known brands so you will get nothing less than solid quality.

Another thing to know is that all shoes have fairly good pricing and are quite affordable. 

Some of them can be used for different types of activities and I highly recommend you pick a model like that if you want to use them for more than just calisthenics.

Of course, pick a model that fits your personal criteria and needs.

Let’s get going…

1. Adidas Duramo 9 Shoes – Best Sneakers for Calisthenics

Click here if you want to check them on Amazon <<

In this short but informative review of the Adidas Duramo 9, you will learn why this is probably the best option you can get for this price range. 

These calisthenics sneakers have a pretty reasonable price and are very comfortable to wear. Mine fit perfectly and I bought them online!

That is something you can rarely find in the online shoe industry.

And not only that.

From what I’ve seen The Duramo 9 are extremely lightweight and flexible and you really forget that they are on your feet. You can get them in 19 different colors and sizes starting from 6.5 and going up to 14.

I personally chose to get the green ones because it’s one of my favorite colors and it looks awesome but if you don’t like it you have a lot more options.

I want to mention that this is the only shoe I have seen that starts from 6.5 because all the other models start from 9 so if you have smaller feet keep this in mind.

Another great thing about my sneakers is that Adidas also gives you the option to select a model specifically designed for people with wider feet.

With each size, there is a special option to choose a wider variant if you want to.

I think the overall shoe design is quite unique and stylish and a cool thing to mention is that these sneakers go well with almost any outfit you can think of. I have used them with my basic training clothes or even gone or a date or two with something more “casual classy”.

Additionally they are very easy to put on and off and are very breathable with nice airflow. 

You also get pretty good heel support combined with a solid rubber sole which makes these shoes great for some off-road action. I like to wear them for short hikes and even mountain bike riding.

Finally, I want to mention that these calisthenics shoes are quite universal.

You can use it for jogging, cross-fit, gym training, calisthenics, hiking, and casual wear. 

Quick Summary: For me personally, this is the best shoe you can find for calisthenics that could easily satisfy all your needs and preferences. With additional over 800 great reviews you can see that I’m not the only one who loves them.

Pros:

• Great pricing for the quality
• Great fit for most people
• You have a huge variety from 19 different colors and many sizes (normal or wide)
• Unique and stylish design
• They are multifunctional
• This model uses a rubber sole for great stability
• Reliable heel support

Cons:

• The tongue can be too thin
• Not good for wet surfaces

Click here if you want to check my calisthenics shoes on Amazon <<

2. Nike Men’s Metcon 2 Workout Shoes – Best Colors and Design

The first model we are going to look at is made by one of the best brands. That’s why there shouldn’t be any questions about the durability or whether the materials are high-quality. That being said you now understand why this model is going to stand together for a very long time if properly taken care of. 

The Metcon 2 is designed for all kinds of workout activities including calisthenics. I like the fact that they are quite affordable and lightweight at the same time. What I like about Nike and this specific model is that they provide you with a huge number of colors you can choose from. 

To be more specific – 34 color options. With that, you also get a pretty decent size option too. With the lightweight material used on the upper part of the shoe comes a lot of great ventilation. They have specially added many breathable little holes mainly on the front. You can also find some of those on the left and right side of the shoe. 

You wouldn’t have any issues when it comes to flexibility. The sole contains enough stiffness so it can provide your workouts with a good amount of stability and comfort.

Quick Summary: If you are looking for shoes that have character and functionality you should go out for the Metcon 2. They are very comfortable to wear and have over 700 positive reviews on the time I’m writing this. If you want colors you are going to love them.

Pros:

• Huge variety of sizes and colors
• Lightweight and Breathable
• Great flexibility
• Affordable
• Made with good quality
• Solid sole providing stability

Cons:

• Can be slippery over some surfaces
• Not so good for jogging or running

Click here if to check their latest price on Amazon <<

3. Brooks Men’s Revel 2 – Most Universal

What I pretty much like about the Revel 2 model made by Brooks is the fact that they are quite universal. 

That’s something to consider if you are going to compare them with the first option. Except for calisthenics they are also great for running, jumping and other physical activities.

Brooks provides you with pretty decent options when it comes to personalization. This model is offered in 5 different colors and 11 sizes starting from 8 going up to 14. As you can see the options are not as big as Nike’s but will be enough for anybody who is serious enough. 

Because of the lightweight mesh they are made of, you are given a very good ventilation option when wearing them. That would result in dry and cooler legs during your workouts.

As far as it comes to the weight they are pretty light giving you the illusion you are not wearing any shoes at all. 

It’s a nice thing to mention that users have said that the Revel 2 provides you with pretty good arch support. Another great thing I like about this model is the length of the tongue. It is long enough so you can easily pull the shoes on.

They come with a pretty comfortable heel cushioning system that adapts to your legs making the energy transfer easily over the whole bottom part. People say the inside is pretty comfortable and soft when you are wearing them. Another cool thing is the inner bootie that protects your feet from calluses. 

Finally, I want to mention that I find this specific design pretty slick and cool.

Quick Summary: The Revel 2 are excellent shoes that can be used for many different ocasions. You can workout with them, wear them casually or even go on a date or two. They are an excellent choice for pople looking for something great. And it’s not only me who likes them, many other people have similar opinion. Take a closer look for yourself.

Pros:

• Good for many other sports except calisthenics
• Great color and size options
• Lightweight and breathable design
• Comfortable to wear
• Special cushioning heep technology
• Provides with good arch support

Cons:

• Not so great traction on very wet or flat surfaces
• It may take little longer for them to “break-in”

Click here if to check their latest price on Amazon <<

4. New Balance Running Shoe – Great for Wide Feet 

The third option we will review are shoes made by New Balance. What I like about them is the fact that they took only a few hours to break-in. 

Another great thing about this model is that online sizing is true meaning you won’t have any issues with them fitting properly. If you don’t like narrow toe boxes you would really like this model because the toe box on this model is wide enough making them a great choice for calisthenics.

I like the fact that they also give you good arch support and come with the option of removing and replacing the factory insert at any time you want. 

They are pretty decent when it comes to breathability, weight or flexibility because of the way they are built and the materials that are used. They are also quite multifunctional making them great for other sports activities such as jogging, jumping, etc. New Balance offers this model in 7 different colors.

One thing I have noticed is that for every size out there you can choose the width you want. They provide you with 3 options to pick from – narrow, wide or extra wide. That is great news for people who have wider feet or have fitting issues caused by shoe width in general. They also have a pretty decent tongue length for easier put on and off process. 

Owners share that they provide great cushioning on pavement, and other smooth trail surfaces. Finally, I want to mention that the outsole is designed in a way so it can absorb the extra energy.

Overall these shoes are a comfortable and affordable option you could pick for your calisthenics training.

Quick Summary: Even if you don’t have wide feet you will still like these shoes because they are well made. With 400+ great reviews and many different colors and sizes you can’t get wrong with these. Simple but stylish design.

Pros:

• Flexible, very lightweight and breathable
• Good support for the arch
• Have the option to replace factory insert
• It’s multifunctional – can be used for running, calisthenics and other activities
• You can choose the width of the shoe using 3 different types
• Long tongue for easy put on and off
• Nice and wide toe box

Cons:

• Not so good grip on wet surfaces
• Not the cheapest price

Click here if to check their latest price on Amazon <<

5. ASICS Men’s Gel-Craze TR 4 Trainer – Best Hard Sole

The next model I will review is another great option you should not skip. 

Asics has made this model quite affordable and you are really getting great shoes for that price. You can get it in one of the 9 unique color combinations and many different sizes.

The TR 4 model uses special sole made from thick rubber which could really help you with stability and balance. 

A cool thing to know about this model is the fact that it uses a special Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System which helps you transition the shock from the heel to the middle of the shoe and distribute it evenly. 

Asics had included high abrasion rubber on some of the most used places on the midsole which really helps you with cushioning when walking.

What I like about this design is that is flexible, breathable and lightweight at the same time. That makes this model specifically good for a lot of outdoor physical activities such as calisthenics. 

Users report that this shoe has a pretty nice snug fit which is good because it could prevent unwanted blisters because of unnecessary feet movement inside the shoe. The removable inserts make cleaning the whole thing a lot easier process to do. 

It also can be helpful if you want to replace them for any reason whatsoever. If you like this design and you believe it has everything you are looking for go for it!

Pros:

• Stable rubber sole for balance and support
• Good amount of color and size variety
• They use removable inserts
• Breathable, lightweight and flexible
• Snug fit
• They use a special gel cushioning system 

Cons:

• Some users question the quality
• Not so good for running

Quick Summary: I completely understand that not all of you like soft and thick soles and I get you. That’s why these Asics may be a great fit for your calisthenics needs. They are lightweigth, breathable and very stable. Majority of people like them too and I see why.

Click here if to check their latest price on Amazon <<

10 Features You Should Look for When Buying The Best Workout Calisthenics Shoes

If you believe that you can simply dig out some old running shoes and use them for calisthenics you are somewhat wrong. 

If there isn’t any other choice you can still use them but doing squats while your thumb is sticking out of the shoe isn’t going to be very pleasant.

Have in mind that there are many different shoes specifically designed for calisthenics or other types of training. 

For example, you like running. Running shoes are going to be quite different than weightlifting shoes, etc. If you like to run and you love doing bodyweight exercises as well then it’s good to have one pair for running and one pair for calisthenics.

The good news is that there are models that can provide you with both options at the same time.

But how to find them?
How to separate good shoes from bad ones?
What are the main differences?

Let’s find out! Here are 10 of my favourite features every good shoes should have.

1. How flexible should sneakers be?

Always check the material a pair of shoes are made from. They should be made of lightweight, flexible material that makes them perfect for doing any sport.

Your goal should be simple:

When you are wearing them you want to have complete freedom of movement in any possible direction.

If a pair of shoes is too stiff or thick that may lead to an uncomfortable experience while doing specific movements and patterns. Wearing non-flexible shoes can also cause extra stress and pressure on your lower joints, muscles or tendons. And that is bad. Nobody likes pain and discomfort…

Shoes with limited flexibility can also cause bad feet injuries and calluses you certainly want to avoid. The good news is that all models reviewed below are made out of thin and flexible materials so you would not have any problems with them about flexibility.

2. What is the best thickness of the cushion?

Is there an exact number to this question? I don’t think so.

Why?

Because everyone has a different feeling for comfort and stability when it comes to cushion thickness. Some people like flat shoes that have no cushion while others prefer big and thick cushions. No matter where you place yourself there are some great guidelines you can easily follow.

Obviously, the first thing you first want to do is try the shoes and wear them a little so you can check out how they feel. 

Yes, I know that if you are reading this then you are looking to buy them online but here’s the deal. Almost every single shoe you buy online can be tested and returned for free in a certain period of time. So basically it wouldn’t cost you a thing just to try them on. If you don’t like them simply return them.

In order to save yourself the hassle simply always buy shoes with proper cushion you like. Most likely this isn’t your first pair so see what you already got and go from there.

Here are the 2 most common scenarios you can get:

1. If the cushion is too thin you will feel every little roughness below your feet.
2. If the cushion is too thick you may lose some of the flexibility.

Your goal should be to pick a shoe that has exactly the right combination of cushion – not too much and not too little.

In most cases you can see the thickness of a cushion just by looking at a few pictures on the web.

3. What is the best material for sneakers?

I know this is probably something you already know but I can’t really emphasize how important it really could be for you. 

If you don’t want to spend a fortune and buy sneakers, again and again, every single month because the previous ones you had ripped off please don’t ignore what I’m going to tell you.

You want the material used in the upper body of the shoe to be lightweight, breathable, flexible and most importantly – comfortable to wear. And it has to really well sticked to the sole.

A quality shoe will most likely have some sort of protection.

The bottom part of the shoe must be made from the same flexible but at the same time durable material with good gripping that will help you keep yourself in one place and not worry about slipping and falling down.

All 5 models listed later on this article do use quite good materials when it comes to quality.

4. What is the best price for training sneakers?

When it comes to shoes don’t be afraid to pay a little extra in order to get better materials and built-in quality. 

Sometimes the cheaper option today may cost you a lot more in the long term

Usually, the materials used in the cheaper models are not breathable, durable or connected properly to one another. 

That will result in very fast wear and tear. And saving $50 today won’t do a thing if you have to buy a new pair after 2 months … That’s why I would highly recommend investing in a higher-quality model if you can afford it.

If you are on a tighter budget don’t worry, all great models I will review below have very reasonable prices with decent quality.

5. How wide should the toe box be?

It doesn’t really matter if you are doing calisthenic movements or any other type of training. If those movements require a lot of balance, a solid stance or explosiveness having some extra space in the toebox might be really handy. 

Naturally, your toes will try to spread in order to increase stability and it will always be a good thing to have that extra space available in your shoes, especially when working out. 

Some models do offer a normal or wider option so if you are having a tough time you can always pick a model with these great options.

6. Is sport shoe style that important?

After your comfort and functionality needs have been met, this should be the next thing you should consider. 

I don’t have much to say about style, colors and such because every person on this planet has his own opinion about looks.

I have tried to provide you with some models that are liked by the majority of people. If thousands or hundreds of people find something good looking that’s for a reason.

As you will see some brands offer a huge variety of different sizes and color options and some don’t. 

My suggestion is this – don’t worry too much about looks because it’s not really so important. If you have the options go and pick a model which style and color you enjoy the most.

7. Should you care about brands whem buying sneakers?

I personally don’t have a favorite brand when it comes to shoes but all 5 models reviewed below are designed and produced by reputable brands that offer quality products. 

I know some of you already have in mind which brand you should go for but my personal recommendation would be to be more open-minded and see what other options you are provided with. 

From my own personal experience, I have tried to wear some very generic unbranded shoes and they actually fell apart quite quicker than anticipated.

I don’t say it’s always that case but having that unfortunate luck when it comes to shoes I now buy only from a brand I like and trust. 

In my opinion, you should aim for quality but certainly don’t want to overpay twice or even more just for some logo. If a certain brand offers very good quality products go for them!

8. Does shoe weight really matter when you train?

I know that this doesn’t seem something that important but trust me when you are doing any type of physical activity you always want the shoes to be light as possible. 

When you are wearing workout shoes your goal should be not to feel them on your legs. 

Have in mind that you should certainly not compromise on quality when it comes to weight. There should be a good balance between the weight of a shoe and its overall built quality.

All shoes below are extremely lightweight – we are talking under 300 grams!

9. What’s inside the shoe?

I know some people have problems with their feet. As a matter of fact, even if you don’t have any issues you still want a shoe that has a removable insole because you can clean it easily or replace it with a new one if needed.

Don’t forget that you will wear workout shoes constantly and for long periods of time. That’s why you really want something comfortable on the inside.

You want to have some padding on the inside because without proper padding on the right spots you will easily get bad blisters caused by unnecessary rubbing. 

I want to mention this but there are rare cases in which the tongue of a shoe is way too thin and if you tie them up little too tight you could cause unwanted blisters and wounds. It won’t hurt you to take an extra sec to check the tongue from the provided pictures.

10. Is the outsole of the shoe important? – Something you should care about

When it comes to working out and outsoles you have 2 options to pick from – a very soft and thick outsole or a more stiff and hard one. 

If you are looking for the best shoes for calisthenics my recommendation should be to go after something in the middle.

You want to get a shoe with a somehow thick and hard outsole which is still in some way flexible and can absorb rough terrain easily.

You surely want the outer part of the outsole to be made from good non-slipping material with a combination of good gripping design. That will help you stay in one place during your calisthenics or other types of workouts.

Some outsoles have specific designs that absorb the energy spreading it equally across the whole surface. One final tip I can give you is to go for shoes that have a not too big of a rise because too high rises can have a negative impact on your stability or weight distribution.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter what outsole you pick if you are not feeling comfortable wearing the footwear. Go for shoes that make you feel stable and secure during your intensive workouts.

Calisthenics Sneakers: The Next Steps

Now you have everything you need in order to pick a great pair of shoes for your calisthenics workouts.

Please don’t forget to consider your daily lifestyle and other types of training as well because as you have seen some models aren’t that great for running, jumping etc.

After all at the end of the day you main goal is comfort! 

But that’s not everything!

In order to really get everything from this article I highly recommend you to follow these 3 easy steps.

That way you are going to see actual results faster!

STEP 1:

Get instant access to our in-depth currently Free guide How to Start Calisthenics: The Ultimate Guide.

Simply enter your email below and I’m going to send it to you asap!

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STEP 2:

Make a choice.

It’s time to pick a pair a sneakers and go for it!

If you have a hard time and are not sure which ones to go for don’t worry.

From my own perosnal experience with different brands and models I have to say that your best shot is the adidas Duramo 9.

Why they are better than the rest?

Very good question!

I believe they are the best sneakers for working out because of a few really important things.

Firstly this model is very affordable and cheap meaning you can save a lot of money and use them for other calisthenics equipment.

For that price, you are getting amazing quality and the product surely fits all the previously mentioned criteria from the first part of this article. 

The Duramo 9 are lightweight, flexible and breathable. They use a solid rubber sole providing you with great support.

This model is specifically designed for faster put on and off experience. I really like the great options adidas provides you with when it comes to color and size choices. 

If you are looking for some affordable workout shoes that have got all you really need for calisthenics this is something you would not regret having.

Are you interested in the Duramo 9? 

Click Here if you want to check out the latest price and reviews on Amazon <

STEP 3:

Check my other cool stuff!

Well, now you know what the best shoes for calisthenics are and what to look for.

If you are really into calisthenics I highly recommend you to check my other articles on other calisthenics equipment you should own. I think they can help you learn a thing or two.

Here are some of the best ones:

• Top 3 Best Closed-Door Pull-Up Bars You Can Leave Attached
• 5 Best Books for Calisthenics To Boost Your Results in 2020
• 5 Best Resistance Bands for Calisthenics 2020 (Get Huge Fast)
• 5 Best Dip Bars for Calisthenics in 2020 for Beginners (Cheap)
• 5 Best Pull Up Bars for Calisthenics in 2020 (Tested and Cheap)

If you believe I’ve missed a pair of cool shoes or something else, please feel free to comment your thoughts below.

If you had found some great value in this article don’t forget to give it a quick share.

I’ll see you soon!

– Bozhidar