Rowing shoes are one of the best gifts you can give yourself or someone who eagerly uses a rowing machine.
Rowers need a pair of high-quality shoes for every practice. A good pair of rowing shoes may cost more than regular sports shoes, but they will last longer and pay off their value in the end.
Rowing shoes are reliable and provide ample padding and support to your feet. They make the rigorous strain of rowing exercise comfortable on your feet.
Shortlisted top indoor rowing shoes (for men and women)
| Shoes Model | Editor's Choice | Prices on Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Nike Men's Metcon 8 | 👑 Top Pick | Check Price |
| #2 Nike Men's Legend Essential 2 | 💰 Best Value | Check Price |
| #3 Reebok Men's Nano Cross | Check Price | |
| #4 Under Armour Tribase Reign 3 | Check Price | |
| #5 Under Armour Men's HOVR Rise 3 Cross Trainer | Check Price | |
| #6 Reebok Nano X4 | Check Price | |
| #7 WHITIN Barefoot Cross-Trainer | Check Price |
By the way, just like shoes, gloves are equally important for strenuous rowing sessions. And recently, I reviewed some of the best gloves for rowing as well.
How to choose the best shoes for indoor rowing?
Selecting the ideal pair of rowing shoes involves more than just picking a style you like. Unlike other athletic footwear, rowing shoes require careful consideration of specific factors to ensure optimal performance and comfort during your workouts.
Here are key points to guide your selection:
Size: Ensuring the correct size is paramount for comfort and efficiency during your exercise sessions. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort and hinder your performance on the rowing machine.
Design: A well-designed rowing shoe should effectively manage moisture, preventing unpleasant odors. Opt for designs with a rounded front that provides ample space for your toes, preventing cramping and pressure. It’s advisable to choose shoes with mesh construction over leather, as mesh offers better breathability and flexibility.
Sole Thickness: Rowing exerts minimal impact on the feet and knees, making thick soles unnecessary. Flat soles with minimal padding are preferred, as they keep the shoes breathable, comfortable, and lightweight. However, the sole should be durable enough to withstand wear and tear.
Weight: Lightweight shoes are advantageous as they reduce impact and fatigue, facilitating quicker recovery. Choosing lighter footwear can enhance your overall rowing experience.
Quality: The quality of a rowing shoe is determined by its materials. For example, shoes with a mesh membrane allow your feet to breathe, eliminate odor, and regulate moisture. Designed for rigorous exercise, the sole must be of high quality to protect your feet from injury. The right pair will be comfortable to wear and provide excellent support on the ground.
By considering these factors, you can select rowing shoes that enhance your performance and comfort during workouts.
🔗 Side Note: Thin or Thick Sole: What’s the Best Type of Shoe for Running?
Reviews of best rowing shoes (In my preferential order)
Generally speaking, you can use any exercise or sports shoes on a rowing machine. However, as we discussed earlier, rowing doesn’t exert much impact on your feet, so thick-soled shoes won’t be the best choice for this activity.
There are various types of rowing shoes available on the market, but if possible, I highly recommend trying them on before making a purchase. This allows you to assess the comfort level and fit to ensure they meet your needs.
To make your decision easier, I’ve compiled a list of the top rowing shoes along with my quick reviews.
Nike Men’s Metcon 8 Workout
The Nike Men’s Metcon 8 Workout shoes are a solid choice for rowing, especially if you’re looking for a blend of stability, breathability, and durability. The lightweight mesh upper ensures your feet stay cool during intense sessions, while the rubber sole provides a strong grip without adding unnecessary bulk. Many users have praised its snug fit, making it feel locked in without restricting movement. I’ve seen rowers mention that the shoe’s flexible forefoot allows smooth transitions, which is great for maintaining proper form. However, some users report that the heel is slightly stiff, which might take time to get used to.
Pros:
✔ Breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool and dry
✔ Sturdy rubber sole for grip and durability
✔ Flexible forefoot allows smooth rowing movements
Cons:
✘ Slightly stiff heel may require a break-in period
✘ Not the most budget-friendly option for casual rowers
Nike Men’s Legend Essential 2
The Nike Men’s Legend Essential 2 Training Shoes are a decent pick for indoor rowing, especially if you’re on a budget. The lightweight design and flat rubber sole provide a stable base for the rowing footplate, ensuring your feet stay secure during strokes. While the cushioning is minimal, it’s enough to keep you comfortable during longer sessions.
Pros:
- Lightweight and stable for rowing.
- Affordable and stylish.
- Durable rubber sole for indoor use.
Cons:
- Runs small; consider sizing up.
- Minimal cushioning may not suit everyone.
Verdict:
For indoor rowing, these shoes offer good value for the price. They’re not the most advanced option, but they get the job done for casual rowers. If you’re after a budget-friendly, no-fuss shoe, these are worth a look!
Reebok Men’s Nano Cross
The Reebok Men’s Nano Cross Training Shoes strike a great balance between comfort and stability, which is crucial for those long rowing sessions. The Floatride Energy Foam provides just enough cushioning to keep your feet comfortable without losing the connection to the footplate, while the Flexweave upper ensures breathability – perfect for staying cool during intense workouts. The flat, stable sole also helps maintain proper foot positioning, which is key for efficient rowing strokes.
Pros:
- Excellent stability for rowing footplates.
- Lightweight and breathable design.
- Comfortable cushioning for long sessions.
- Stylish and versatile for other gym activities.
Cons:
- Heel stiffness may require a break-in period.
- Laces are a bit fragile over time.
Verdict:
For indoor rowing, the Reebok Nano delivers the stability and comfort you need. While it’s not perfect (hello, stiff heels), it’s a reliable choice for rowers who want a shoe that performs well and looks good. Definitely worth considering!
Under Armour Tribase Reign 3
The Under Armour Tribase Reign 3 is designed primarily for cross-training and weightlifting, and while it performs well in those areas, it’s not necessarily the best choice for rowing. The TriBase outsole provides excellent grip and stability, making it great for heavy lifting and agility work, but the sole feels a bit firm, which might not be ideal for extended rowing sessions.
One thing I do like is the snug fit – the knit bootie upper wraps around your foot nicely, giving a sock-like feel. It’s lightweight and doesn’t feel bulky, which is a plus for mixed workouts. However, the narrow fit might be an issue for those with wider feet. If you’re someone who prefers extra room in the toe box, this might not be the most comfortable option.
A common complaint is that the cushioning is minimal, which makes sense since it’s built for stability rather than shock absorption. If you prefer a softer underfoot feel, this might not be your best bet.
Pros:
✔ Great grip and stability for strength training
✔ Lightweight, not bulky for mixed workouts
✔ Snug, sock-like fit for a secure feel
Cons:
✘ Sole is a bit too firm for rowing-specific needs
✘ Narrow fit – not ideal for wider feet
✘ Cushioning is minimal, and not the best for long sessions
Final Thoughts
The Tribase Reign 3 is a solid choice for strength training and agility work, but if you’re looking for a dedicated rowing shoe, there are better options out there like the Nike Metcon 8. It’s stable, grippy, and lightweight, but the firm sole and narrow fit might not be ideal for rowers who prefer more flexibility and comfort. If you mix in a lot of lifting with your rowing, it could still be a decent option.
Under Armour Men’s HOVR Rise 3 Cross Trainer
The Under Armour Men’s HOVR Rise 3 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile training shoe. It combines comfort and performance with its UA HOVR technology, which provides excellent energy return and reduces impact during workouts. The lightweight mesh upper is breathable and durable, while the stretch-bootie design makes slipping them on and off a breeze. The external strap adds extra security, keeping your foot locked in during intense movements. Whether you’re hitting the gym or running errands, these shoes deliver a comfortable, supportive fit.
Pros:
- Great cushioning and energy return.
- Lightweight and breathable design.
- Secure fit with the external strap.
- Stylish and versatile for workouts and casual wear.
Cons:
- Laces are too short for some users.
- Durability concerns after prolonged use.
Verdict:
If you’re after a reliable training shoe for rowing that balances comfort and performance, the HOVR Rise 3 is a strong contender. Just keep an eye on the laces and durability over time. Worth the investment for casual and gym use!
Reebok Nano X4
The Reebok Nano X4 is another iteration in the Nano series, and while it does a few things well, but not the best choice for rowing. The first thing I noticed is that it’s built more for cross-training than for a single activity like rowing. It has a breathable mesh upper, which is nice for keeping your feet cool, but the sole feels slightly stiff, which might not be ideal if you prefer a more natural foot movement on the rower.
One thing I like is the lightweight feel – it doesn’t feel clunky or heavy, which is a plus. The heel stability is decent, so if you’re using it for a mix of rowing and strength training, it holds up well. However, for pure rowing, you might not need that much heel support.
A common complaint I’ve seen (and agree with) is that the fit runs a bit narrow. If you have wider feet, these might not be the most comfortable, especially for longer sessions. Also, the cushioning isn’t the softest, so if you prefer some padding underfoot, these might not be the best choice.
Pros:
✔ Lightweight, so it doesn’t feel bulky on the rower
✔ Breathable mesh upper keeps your feet from overheating
✔ Good overall stability if you plan to use them for mixed workouts
Cons:
✘ Sole feels a bit stiff for rowing-specific needs
✘ Narrow fit – not the best for wide-footed rowers
✘ Cushioning is on the firmer side, not ideal for all-day comfort
Final Thoughts
If you’re strictly looking for a rowing shoe, the Nano X4 might not be the best pick. It’s more of a cross-training shoe that happens to work for rowing, rather than one designed for it. If you also lift weights or do HIIT workouts, it’s a solid option – but if rowing is your main focus, you might want something with a flatter, more flexible sole instead.
WHITIN Barefoot Cross-Trainer
If you want a more connected feeling of real rowing on your machine. Then these barefoot-inspired shoes by WHITIN are one of the best bets to go with.
The wider toe box with breathable material has made it a suitable choice as a training shoe for rowing exercises. Because the wider toe box does offer that extra area that we need during the drive and recovery phase.
Pros:
- Wide range of design variations to choose from
- Cross-training shoes
- Made of adaptive material for natural comfort and fit
- Comes with a removable sock liner
- Air mesh top
- Affordable pair of shoes
Cons:
- Does not seem to be long lasting
- Not suitable for prolonged usage
Concluding words
Above, we’ve curated the best rowing shoes that strike the perfect balance between comfort, affordability, and functionality.
What makes these shoes a worthwhile investment is their versatility – they’re not just for rowing but can also be used for a variety of other activities. This makes them an excellent choice for active individuals who prefer multipurpose gear that adapts to their dynamic lifestyle.
From the list provided, you can now choose the pair that best suits your needs and preferences. The detailed pros and cons will guide you in making an informed decision. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ideal pair of rowing shoes and take the first step toward a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Happy rowing! See you on the erg.