The 7 Best Jump Shoes
Editor's Notes
October 15, 2020:
We feel jump shoes can be split into two categories. The first is a fun accessory intended to be used for enjoyment and exercise, and the second is training equipment intended for athletes to improve their performance. We thought it prudent to include both on this list. While there is always a potential for injury with any item you put on your feet that affects your balance and distance from the ground, with the former category this potential is considerably higher, so it is vital that you wear protective safety gear, which should include knee and elbow pads at the very least, but probably a helmet too.
For those looking simply for a fun accessory for themselves of their kids, or something to make jogging easier on their joints, we have the Kangoo XR3, L-Pard 2-in-1, and Geospace Air Kicks. The L-Pard 2-in-1 are the most versatile because they transform into a pair of inline skates. However, they are generally intended for kids, so adults will have to consider the Kangoo XR3 and Geospace Air Kicks instead. The former appear to be better made, with higher-quality components, but they also cost significantly more. That being said, we do recommend them if you plan on using them often. The Skyrunner Stilts are a bit of an outlier here in that they aren't really ideal for jogging, but are best for performing somewhat acrobatic jumps. However, these raise you the highest off the ground and have the steepest learning curve, so we don't recommend them for kids. Offering a somewhat similar bouncing experience, but with a bit less potential for injury, we have the Big Time Toys Moon Shoes, which are a better option for youngsters.
If looking to enhance your athletic performance, whether by increasing your vertical leap or improving your sprinting speeds, you'll want to consider the Athletic Speed Equipment Jumpsoles and Jump 99 Plyometric. Both are designed to help you build fast-twitch muscle fibers, with the main difference between the two being whether you use your existing shoes or if the footwear is incorporated into them.
January 19, 2019:
While they may not seem as if they fit in with the other models on our list, we included the Big Time Toys Moon Shoes because they can encourage young children to start viewing exercise as fun, as well as building valuable coordination skills. That being said, every selection on our list requires the user to be very careful, as it's incredibly easy to injure yourself if you're not careful — no matter how old you are.