Boots for outdoor sparring

[OneKickWonder]

In class, when it comes to sparring, we have to wear those awful padded boots. The ones where the sole of the foot is exposed, but the tops are padded. I hate them. They offer no significant protection to either the wearer or the opponent, and often a well blocked kick results in the round stopping while the kicker fumbles about putting the padded boot back in place.

But anyway, some friends and I want to practice outside. Either in one of our gardens or the local park or beach.

We don't want passers by to see lycra clad amateur warriors. We just want to look normal (or as normal as you can look when engaged in mock combat).

Any suggestions for footwear that looks fairly normal, isn't too brutal for the recipient of a kick, and for those of us with previous injuries, offers some protection for the toes?

[singularity6]

I don't think such a thing exists. The best option, IMO would be what some folks wear for MMA. The next up would be some simple MA/TKD shoes.

Or... invest in some privacy fences around your yards?

[Zaine]

I don't think such a thing exists. The best option, IMO would be what some folks wear for MMA. The next up would be some simple MA/TKD shoes.

This would be my suggestion as well. I don't know of any boots like the ones you are describing. However, is there a reason you don't wish for people to see you in safety gear? Safety is more important than fashion.

[JR 137]

I’d go with wrestling shoes outdoors. They’re not going to protect from blocks very much, but they’ll probably be less of a weapon per se when getting hit with a kick. The soles will cause a good burn if you catch someone with the bottom of your foot the right way though. And they’ll be far more comfortable than being barefoot outside.

For wrestling shoes I like the ASICS matflex. Good and cheap. I wear them in the dojo from time to time when my plantar fasciitis acts up. If you don’t have a place to try them on and order online, get a size bigger as they run quite small.

https://m.dickssportinggoods.com/p/asics-mens-matflex-5-wrestling-shoes-15asimmtflx4blkblwrs/15asimmtflx4blkblwrs?camp=CSE:DSG_pg76061_ecom_PLA_452&gclid=CjwKCAjwrqnYBRB-EiwAthnBFly93oxDFTrRiIbmA1AhXs3UDoYHFBYmtgpX8Vn4jiqWS6HiNxpRThoCV9AQAvD_BwE

Or maybe the cloth covered shin and instep pads like these?

https://m.dickssportinggoods.com/p/century-cloth-shin-instep-pads-16cenuclthshnnstpthr/16cenuclthshnnstpthr?camp=CSE:DSG_pg33078_ecom_PLA_452&gclid=CjwKCAjwrqnYBRB-EiwAthnBFsz2wyCqmVxEFjgijUguFTSM3jregtMjryfD3oS6sO1nDdQyd4arNBoCIhgQAvD_BwE

[DWx]

Could try the Ringstar shoes? They're like sports shoes but extra padded: https://ringstargear.com/

[singularity6]

Could try the Ringstar shoes? They're like sports shoes but extra padded: https://ringstargear.com/

Huh... Look at those!

[neoravencroft]

Could try the Ringstar shoes? They're like sports shoes but extra padded: https://ringstargear.com/

Well look at that. I'll have to try those out.

[tallgeese]

I’d go with wrestling shoes outdoors. They’re not going to protect from blocks very much, but they’ll probably be less of a weapon per se when getting hit with a kick. The soles will cause a good burn if you catch someone with the bottom of your foot the right way though. And they’ll be far more comfortable than being barefoot outside.

For wrestling shoes I like the ASICS matflex. Good and cheap. I wear them in the dojo from time to time when my plantar fasciitis acts up. If you don’t have a place to try them on and order online, get a size bigger as they run quite small.

https://m.dickssportinggoods.com/p/asics-mens-matflex-5-wrestling-shoes-15asimmtflx4blkblwrs/15asimmtflx4blkblwrs?camp=CSE:DSG_pg76061_ecom_PLA_452&gclid=CjwKCAjwrqnYBRB-EiwAthnBFly93oxDFTrRiIbmA1AhXs3UDoYHFBYmtgpX8Vn4jiqWS6HiNxpRThoCV9AQAvD_BwE

Or maybe the cloth covered shin and instep pads like these?

https://m.dickssportinggoods.com/p/century-cloth-shin-instep-pads-16cenuclthshnnstpthr/16cenuclthshnnstpthr?camp=CSE:DSG_pg33078_ecom_PLA_452&gclid=CjwKCAjwrqnYBRB-EiwAthnBFsz2wyCqmVxEFjgijUguFTSM3jregtMjryfD3oS6sO1nDdQyd4arNBoCIhgQAvD_BwE

This. Wrestling shoes are my go to outdoors for doing any sort of sparring. They won't protect your foot, but like you said, neither do those ridiculous foam things really. Wresting shoes will protect the soles of your feet. Just don't turn around and wear them on the mat!

[Spartacus Maximus]

Whether or not one trains barefoot, it is a good idea to develop a minimum of conditioning to withstand hits and knocks to the striking surfaces of the legs and feet. That way, with or without footwear the pain or risk of injury can be limited.