Read Our Guide to Find the Best Shoes for Rowing Indoors

There are shoes for everything: running, walking, hiking, snow, slippery surfaces and the list goes on. If you have a rowing machine, you have to question why you don’t have a good pair of rowing shoes to go along with your rower.

PUMA Men’s Tazon 5 Cross-Training Shoe	Our favorite for 2020
PUMA Men’s Tazon 6 Cross-Training Shoe	A great value option
Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 5.0 Training Shoe	Offers significant support and protection

Good workout shoes can provide enhanced comfort and better traction for a better overall rowing experience.

And there are a lot of different shoes that will work well. Shoes designed for cross training and CrossFit are among the best options. These shoes are durable and rugged while providing ample cushioning and support for your feet and ankles.

When choosing your shoes, a few key points that will enable you to make the fight choice are:

• Breathable Design: Don’t underestimate just how hot your feet will get in your shoes. It’s not uncommon for shoes to be suffocating and cause your feet to sweat. Not only does this lead to smelly feet, but you can get rashes as a result.
• Sole Thickness: If you need a shoe for running, pay attention to the sole thickness. Pictures or comments will allow you to find the thickness of a sole. A thicker sole will be able to absorb impact more, which is important if you plan on running.
• Use Design: CrossFit shoes have become a great go-to option because they can be worn for high and low impact. Most shoes are made for a purpose, so if a shoe is meant for running or cardio, it is often lighter in weight with a thicker sole.

When it comes to shoes, stability and traction along with a proper fit matter the most.

Our Picks for the Best Shoes for Indoor Rowing

PUMA Men’s Tazon 5 Cross-Training Shoe – The Tazon 5 is a cross-training shoe that is made from synthetic material. A lace-up design allows you to tie your shoes tightly so that they don’t loosen or come off during use. The rubber sole provides immense traction during your catch and release.

A TPU shank adds to the stability of the shoe, and the sock liner is designed to be breathable to eliminate sweat.

The midsole is cushioned, and the shoes are designed for the sports enthusiast. Wear these shoes when rowing, running or working out. Versatile and comfortable, these are a great pair of shoes for most forms of exercise.

New Balance Men’s MX20BS4 Cross Minimus Training Shoe – The MX20854 is a sharp looking shoe that has a 75% expected fit rating, which is amazing in the shoe industry. There are seven color choices available, and these shoes offer a synthetic sole that is lightweight and durable.

The Vibram outsole is ideal for working out.

And if you enjoy running, these are not the shoes for you. These shoes don’t offer the same level of impact absorption in the sole as running shoes do, which makes them poor for this purpose. With that said, these shoes are light and a great choice for rowing.

For low impact exercises, such as rowing, this is an excellent shoe.

PUMA Men’s Tazon 6 Training Shoe – The Tazon 6 is an upgraded version of the original, and the look is the real difference. Offered in black/silver and white/black/silver, these shoes look a lot like basketball shoes. Rubber soles allow for great traction, and a T-overlay is featured.

A mesh-lined collar and tongue are included to provide a breathable shoe.

True to size, these shoes fit perfectly, and the arch support is great for rowing. Wearers will be able to wear these shoes all day without experiencing any discomfort along the way. Unlike our last choice, these are great shoes for running, cross training and rowing.

For a versatile shoe, the Tazon 6 is one of the best options on the market.

Reebok Men’s R Crossfit Nano 5 Training Shoe – If your shoes need to match your workout gear, stop looking and choose these training shoes. Offered in over two dozen colors and styles, these shoes have a color for everyone. Inspired by cross-fit, these shoes have an anatomical design that is built for heavy lifts and quick turns.

Kevlar is used in the upper of the shoe to add support and protection.

A shell hard TPU midsole allows for lateral and medial support while the contoured heel counter ensures stability. The NanoShell provides extra defense for your feet, while the raised lug pattern on the sole of the shoe improves traction.

For the gym or rowing, these shoes are nearly impossible to beat.

ASICS Women’s GEL-Fit Sana Cross-Training Shoe – Designed for women, these shoes come in a dozen different designs and offer a shaft of 3.03” from the arch of the foot. Lightweight, these shoes will be comfortable even during a long rowing session.

A mono-sock fit system allows for stretch and adds to the impeccable sizing of the shoe.

Gel is used in the cushioning of the shoe, which provides a better “feel” than the other shoes on our list. These shoes are designed for a barefoot like feel, and they also offer a herringbone tread with a rubber outsole for added traction.

Low-profile, these are great shoes for rowing and cardio sessions.

Buyer’s Guide –  How to Choose the Right Shoes to Use with A Rowing Machine

When looking for the right shoe for rowing, I am not sure I ever saw a shoe designed “specifically” for rowing. A good workout shoe will do the trick, and this can include a shoe designed for CrossFit, too.

The right shoe for you is one that fits well, is affordable and has the lightweight design that makes wearing shoes comfortable.

And if you do engage in other forms of exercise, you’ll also want a shoe that can accommodate these activities. Some shoes, as mentioned above, may be good for exercising, but they lack the thick sole needed for running outside, which is not good.

Running is a high impact exercise, and rowing is a low impact exercise.

Since the impact levels are different, you’ll need to pay special attention to the shoe you buy. A few tips include:

• Price: Lower priced shoes offer lower quality for the most part. Higher quality design and materials will result in a better overall shoe. You should budget for a reasonable amount if you’re after a quality shoe.
• Size: Sizing matters a lot. Check to see what the shoes sizing is on their official site, or look at reviews to see what people say. Most workout shoes fit far better than your normal sneakers.
• Type: Choose a type of sneaker best suited for your needs. Not all workout shoes are good for running, but you can find a cardio shoe that can work for rowing and running, which may be a good option for you. Reviews are essential for knowing how a shoe will hold up to your intended usage.