Do you know what helps the most to win over the hardest Ninja Warrior courses? A perfect pair of shoes with a rock-solid grip.
With the right pair, you need not hold your weight all by your arms. Rather your feet contribute a lot to let you stay relaxed throughout the game.
That being said, an ideal Ninja Warrior shoe should be lightweight with a larger surface area. Besides, friction and flexibility also matter to prevent any accidental slip, trip, or fall.
So, are you ready to meet the 10 best shoes for Ninja Warrior below? Once you try them, rest assured that you will know why shoe choice does matter in improving your performance.
Let’s dig in without further ado.
4 Quick Picks of Ninja Warrior Shoes
- Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 4 Shoes
- Merrell Vapor Glove 3 Eco Shoes
- Joomra Women’s Minimalist Shoes
- Vibram Men’s KSO EVO Cross Training Shoes
Best Shoes for Ninja Warrior to Battle the Obstacles
For selecting the most reliable Ninja Warrior shoes to battle the obstacles, we focused on some key points such as fitting, traction, build quality, sole, etc. All things considered, the following products seem to be the current best on the market right now.
Let’s check them out!
Thinnest Sole – Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 3 Trail Runner
- 100% textile and synthetic material
- Flat rubber sole for better grip
- Vibram TC5+ outsole ensures flexibility
- The TrailProtect pads deliver sufficient support off-road
- Vegan-friendly construction adds no animal product
Let’s kick off our search with an absolutely amazing pair of shoes from the very popular Merrell. Their Glove 3 version is carefully designed with the thought of winning over the Ninja Warrior obstacles with ease. The key specifications it comes with are-
To begin with its features, we couldn’t help but agree that it has the thinnest sole ever on any trail shoe. Naturally, you can feel the barefoot construction to be connected with the ground more.
Besides, the high-performance rubber sole is rigorously tested to withstand all the hurdles you come through during a Ninja Warrior training course.
Also, the Vibram outsole offers profound power to deliver a non-slip performance.
Another good thing about this pair is the mesh and TPU upper. You literally feel like wearing socks only, nothing else. Yes, it is that comfortable!
However, the ultra-thin sole makes it less durable than other barefoot footwear. But as a Ninja Warrior competition shoe, it’s pretty good actually.
Best Grip – Joomra Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes
- Soft and comfortable rubber sole
- Utterly responsive rubber outsole
- Removable insole for sufficient arch support
- The circular lug outsole pattern delivers a better grip
- Features a thick topline to prevent any slip or fall
Looking for the best grip shoes for Ninja Warrior? We have one for you here from Joomra, one of the leading manufacturers in the industry. Let’s check out its key specifications.
Talking about this women’s shoe, it has a pretty similar minimalist barefoot construction to the Merrell Vapor Glove 3. But it features a thick topline to ensure safety during exercise.
While wearing the shoes, you can move freely with maximum flexibility. The reliable rubber outsole is always there to support your feet providing maximum balance.
Regardless of the terrain, the circular lug design always makes sure that you get the best grip ever.
It’s especially a very good choice for Ninja Warrior obstacles as it comes with a removable insole. The insole smoothly transfers your body weight over the ball of the feet.
Moreover, there’s a wide variety of color combinations other than this beautiful black & red pair.
However, the manufacturers suggest that you should order the shoes next size down as they will stretch over time. So, watch that out!
Best Breathable- Merrell Men’s Glove 4 Trail Runner
- Comfortable lightweight construction
- Features breathable mesh lining
- The Trailprotect pad offers underfoot protection
- Soft rubber sole with ample cushioning
- Comes with a Vibram outsole to offer slip-free performance
Next, we got another pair from Merrell, this time the Glove 4 version of their barefoot collection. The core specialties it comes with are-
As the Ninja Warrior training asks for rapid changes in movements, you need a reliable pair of shoes to do so. Besides, you should be stable enough for your next move as well.
That being said, Merrell made this pair with an extremely durable architecture to support the foot’s natural ability.
Furthermore, the barefoot shape offers a glove-like fitting to your feet which is a great advantage, indeed.
Featuring a wide toe box, it offers plenty of room while running. And the rugged tread on the sole of this new version of Glove 4 ensures unmatched stability for the athletes.
Best of all, you will like the breathable mesh lining which lets your feet feel fresh and dry no matter how long you are wearing these awesome trail shoes.
Although you might find the zero-drop sole a bit stiff, that’s why it’s zero-drop, right? So, the stiffness works as a blessing for those who prefer better protection on rocky trails.
Best Non-Marking- Vibram Men’s KSO EVO Cross Training Shoes
- Made of premium fabric or textile
- The XS Trek outsole is highly responsive on any trail
- Simply adjustable upper design
- Non-marking outsole with maximum articulation
- Provides ample traction on wet surfaces
Next comes one of the best American Ninja Warrior Shoes that is also capable of accompanying you to an urban playground. Let’s explore what this EVO Cross Training Shoes from Vibram has in store to offer.
To begin with the benefits, first, we have to admit that it has one of the best outsoles ever with the non-marking feature. Resultantly, it becomes your best companion be it on the trail, during Ninja training sessions, or in any indoor activity.
The best part of these athletic shoes is that they offer the most ground feel. They live up to the brand’s reputation by delivering professional performances to overcome even the hardest challenges.
Weighing only 6.4 ounces, it comes pretty lightweight with an airy upper. Besides, the lace-up upper is quickly adjustable as well.
Similar to the Merrell Men’s Glove 4 Trail Runner, you also get a zero-drop construction here. On top of that, the arch to low top shaft measurement delivers adequate ankle support to go on a run and train Parkour.
However, they run a bit small. So, you should go a size up for a perfectly snug fitting.
Most Elegant Outlook- Merrell Black/Silver Vapor Glove 3 for Men
- Comfortable mesh and TPU upper
- Soft and cushioned rubber sole
- Unparalleled stability with the Vibram outsole
- 100% pure textile and synthetic material
- Arch to low-top shaft measurement for added foot protection
In the fifth place, you are going to meet another classy pair of Vapor Glove 3 from Merrell with a beautiful black and silver color combination.
To learn more, check out its key amenities below.
Let’s not talk much about the technical details. You already know that. Rather we want you to know what experts say about these super reliable Ninja Warrior shoes.
As all the Vapor Glove Merrell shoes are minimalist barefoot productions, this too offers the maximum underfoot connection with the ground.
What will please you more is the versatile performance and sustainability. You get the ultimate support throughout the game no matter how tough the trail is.
On top of that, the elegant black and silver color duo does justice to its careful craftsmanship. You will get a lot of compliments, for sure.
Despite the positives, we couldn’t overlook its questionable build quality. Due to the extra-thin feature, they start to fall apart too soon.
On that note, we recommend the Merrell Men’s Glove 4 Trail Runner which is way more durable.
Most Flexible- Merrell Women’s Vapor Glove 4 Sneakers
- Made with 0% animal products
- High-performance outsole for optimum traction
- Comes in a barefoot shape to provide a glove-like fitting
- 100% fabric or textile material
- Enhances flexibility with the Vibram sole
Here comes one of the best sneakers for Ninja training in the form of Merrell Vapor Glove 4 Women shoes.
If you are a Ninja, certainly you don’t want to lose traction during a spider jump or while crossing a warped wall, right?
On that note, this pair of women’s sneakers is a great selection to keep you focused and connected while battling the hardest Ninja courses.
Basically, it’s a vegan-friendly feel-good pair of athletic shoes that supports walking, jogging, running, exercising, or any other indoor and outdoor activities.
Thanks to the minimalist construction, you feel like wearing a foot glove which assures more flexibility when you need to change the movement at a glance.
The only issue we encountered is that it comes with almost no arch support. If that counts as a drawback for you, try the Joomra Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes that come with cushioned insoles.
Best Traction- New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Zante v3 Running Shoes
- 100% synthetic material
- Reliable rubber sole
- Lightweight and sturdy rubber outsole
- The no-sew upper offers a sleek fit
- The fresh foam midsole ensures optimum comfort
Next on the lineup, we want to introduce an irresistible pair of running shoes from New Balance, a worldwide recognized name in sports footwear field.
The key features of these special running shoes are listed below.
Even the non-Ninjas know how a good pair of shoes helps to be sure-footed on the course. That makes you better prepared to win over any hurdles quite easily.
Talking about the Zante v3, it’s one of the best New Balance shoes for Ninja Warrior with the best traction by far.
Most importantly, it delivers better traction with every wear. Particularly, if you are a bit short, you could make the best use of its grip.
Be it a warped wall, a jumping spider, or a balance obstacle, you could stand high and stay stable throughout the journey. Besides, they feel stickier when you are climbing rocks.
Thanks to the fresh foam midsole, the Zante v3 offers a smooth ride with a super sleek finish. Also, the carefully constructed mesh upper lets you feel like wearing a slipper with lightweight engineering.
However, they run a bit smaller than their v1 version, although that doesn’t make it a deal-breaker. Just watch out for the size before buying.
Most Affordable- CIOR Lightweight Sport Shoes for Kids
- Lightweight fabric upper
- Comfortable rubber sole
- Very easy to put on and take off
- Soft non-slip outsole
- Suitable for all seasons
Here we came with the best budget-friendly pick on the list from CIOR who never compromises in manufacturing quality footwear.
As already mentioned, your kids can use these shoes throughout the year regardless of rain or shine.
Being kids’ sneakers, they are made with comfortable fabric so as not to cause any discomfort. Besides, they feature lightweight material for running, exercising, cycling, or practicing other kid-friendly sports.
Moreover, they are extremely secure featuring non-slip outsoles. Rest assured that your little darling will be totally safe while practicing those exciting Ninja courses.
Best of all, the breathable inside seals the deal making it the best kid shoes for Ninja Warrior.
Most Comfortable- WHITIN Barefoot & Minimalist Shoe for Women
- Zero-drop non-elevated sole for accurate balance
- Solid construction to last long
- The wide toe box allows increased flexibility
- Absolutely true to size
- The removable insole offers more barefoot feeling
Need a comfy pair of Ninja shoes that ensures proper posture? Look no further and try these barefoot shoes right away!
Living up to the name, this is exactly a barefoot shoe giving the best barefoot feeling ever. You literally feel like wearing nothing. Therefore, you can be more comfortable without feeling pressurized.
On top of that, the removable sock liner is an exceptional addition to these incredible running shoes. Being true to size, they ensure proper fitting for all the Ninjas out there.
Above all, you will love the roomy toe box that lets you bend or flex your feet smoothly.
Also, the zero-drop sole maintains a proper posture while taking part in Ninja challenges.
What’s more incredible is that despite having no arch-supportive element, it avails firm and cushy support even for the widest foot.
However, the strong chemical smell of the pair is a bit annoying. Other than that, it makes a decent deal.
Best Arch Support- Weweya Barefoot Cross Training Shoes for Men
- Removable arch support insole
- Exclusive minimalist barefoot-style shoes to achieve better balance
- Soft rubber sole supports both indoor and outdoor activities
- A wide toe box finger design provides plenty of room
- The non-slip rubber sole allows better friction
Last but not least, meet an exclusive pair of cross-training shoes that is rigorously designed to sustain even the toughest Ninja Warrior training course.
Let’s check out how Weweya outplays others with their minimalist shoe design.
Well, the best part of these Weweya shoes is that they are made for various grounds including concrete floor, wooden floor, smooth ground, or outdoor lawn.
Reasonably, you can use this versatile pair as your everyday wear too aside from practicing Ninja training.
Furthermore, we love the arch aid it delivers through the breathable memory arch support insole. Therefore, people with plantar fasciitis or other ankle issues can comfortably use them.
Literally, they reduce arch pain with the thin yet stable rubber sole.
Overall, it’s a must-try barefoot-style shoe providing the best value for the money. So, don’t miss it!
Buying Guide to Get the Best Shoes for Ninja Warrior
If you cannot choose the right footwear, it’s actually a hit or miss for Ninja Warrior obstacles. That’s why it’s very important to know what attributes make a perfect shoe for this adventure. Let’s look forward to them.
Grip
If you look up to the shoes used by the great Ninjas, they always opt for sufficient grip. That’s the only way to hold your weight for the longest.
You should also prefer shoes with ultimate grip and friction to fight against any obstacles. Vibram soles are quite helpful on that note. They will save you from any accidental slip-off.
Fitting
Compared to your regular street shoes, these shoes should be tighter. Otherwise, you might lose one of them during taking part in a challenging course.
Usually, Parkour obstacles combine many tough materials, and to fight them back, you need to be sure-footed. Only smaller shoes can offer you a secured fitting. So, go for a whole size smaller pair of shoes than your regular footwear. Gradually, they will break in and be more comfortable.
Flat Sole
As Ninja Warrior courses include lots of jumping, you must maintain a very good balance, right? In that case, your regular running shoes wouldn’t be of much help due to their elevated heels.
Instead, flat-soled shoes are way more convenient for a proper posture. They also let you feel the obstacles better and act accordingly.
Weight
While looking for the right footwear for Ninja Warrior courses, every ounce counts. Heavyweight footwear will hinder your ability to lift your feet quickly. So, look for lightweight shoes with thinner soles. Of course, it must not be too thin to let you get injured.
Flexibility
Finally, flexibility makes the difference between an average and a premium quality Ninja footwear. If you cannot bend your shoes around the obstacles when needed, how come you win over them?
Therefore, flexible shoes with a larger surface area should be your first priority.
FAQs
Merrell makes some outstanding Ninja shoes. Both their Glove 3 or Glove 4 Trail Runner shoes work great for such courses.
To be a part of the great American Ninja Warrior, you should fill up an online form and submit a video too.
They usually wear flat-soled non-elevated shoes with adequate friction and flexibility.
Yes, absolutely. You must wear Ninja Warrior antibacterial socks.
Yes, they are. In fact, they have a wide variety of shoes for running, jogging, walking, tennis, etc.
Final Words
While participating in the Ninja training adventure, you should never run the risk of getting injured. Therefore, it’s utterly important to rely on the best shoes for Ninja Warrior.
On that note, the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Zante v3 Running Shoes is the race winner of today’s race offering incredible grip and traction.
Other than that, you can try out the Merrell shoes as well. They have a wide variety of athletic shoes with Vibram soles. The Merrell Vapor Glove 3, for instance. Besides, they come in a minimalist barefoot-style that lets you sense the ground better.
And for a shoestring budget, we recommend the CIOR Lightweight Kids Shoes as the best buy.
However, choose your footwear wisely so that nothing can hold you back on the spot.
