Where to buy kungfu shoes and pants?

[mossman]

My school does not sell shoes or pants. What is a good internet site to order from? Or do you all recommend finding a place in town to try them on? And how do you know what size you need? Thanks

Plastic or Rubber soles?

Please post links if possible.

[Vash]

Uniforms. (http://store.martialartsmart.net/uniforms1.html)

Shoes. (http://store.martialartsmart.net/martial-arts-shoes.html)

http://www.martialartsmart.com

[Vyvial]

blt kung fu pants (http://www.bltsupplies.com/sunifkf.html)

these are the industry standard, long lasting, affordable, and comfortable. They look good as well. they have their own style kung fu shoes which my students love.

[kj]

Originally posted by mossman
My school does not sell shoes or pants. What is a good internet site to order from? Or do you all recommend finding a place in town to try them on? And how do you know what size you need? Thanks


If you don't know what size you need, trying them on is best. We generally recommend that people get them one size smaller than the "perfectly correct" size, because the cotton uppers tend to stretch over time, and the shoes can slip off. They can be tightened up now and then in the washing machine and dryer though.

The ma-mart link provided by Vash, has a shoe size chart in case you don't have the luxury to try your first pair on before buying. (From the size chart, I see that I take a "children's" size, LOL.)

We usually recommend getting them from a local MA store for two main reasons: a) so they can be tried on for size the first time, and b) patronizing the locals in hopes of helping them to stay in business. c) As a bonus, they are also less expensive; I'll elaborate in a moment.


Plastic or Rubber soles?

I have a slight preference for cloth, but they are sometimes less practical. My rule of thumb is cloth bottoms indoors, and plastic soles for outdoors or surfaces that tend to "catch" on the soles. Once I wear down the nubs on the plastic soles, then I like them almost as well. I do not prefer a gummy rubber sole for routine training, as it tends to grip the floor too much.

I wouldn't throw away a pair at the first sign of wear through the cotton upper. Toes or heels peeking through isn't a problem; provided there is enough upper to keep them on the feet, they just get better with time and wear. Besides, worn shoes have more character. :D

We do prefer kung fu shoes for training in general. They make some things easier, such as when a practitioner is beginning to learn stepping and footwork. Yet they make one work harder at some things, like learning stability and control. They also provide more tactile feedback than hard or thick soled shoes, or shoes with heels.

FWIW, at times I do train in regular athletic or other street shoes. My kung fu doesn't evaporate just because I'm wearing different shoes. Learning to adapt naturally for the differences in shoes is very useful and appropriate, IMHO. Also, sometimes when I'm having a foot problem, I require arch supports in a solid shoe. (Getting older may be heck, but the alternative really stinks!) Not to mention more practical aspects; after all, the "bad guys" aren't going to wait for me to slip on my favorite pair. ;)


Please post links if possible.

More shoes (http://www.gungfu.com/cart-htm/apparel_shoes_kungfu_shoes.htm) . A little more than the ones from the previous link, but they offer a choice of rubber or cotton soles.

Regardless who you order from, watch the shipping. It's actually more frugal for us to buy locally at higher base prices, than to buy shoes cheaper on the internet and incur exorbitant shipping fees. In some cases, bulk orders can help moderate the shipping costs.

I usually keep a few pairs of kung fu shoes around the house, the kwoon, my gym bags, in the car, and a pair with me when I travel. At any given time, I still have a favorite pair though. :)

Regards,
- Kathy Jo

[Gangsterfist]

Go to your local martial arts supply store. That is where I got mine. I got some addidas kung fu shoes and some black kung fu pants. I don't like ordering clothes online or from catalouges I like to try my stuff on first.

[foolinthedeck]

reebok shoes - my sifu wears them, his sifu wears them, his sifus sifu wears them and none of them realised!

http://www.reebokstore.co.uk/stores/reebok/mens/product_details.aspx?pid=7772&bid=10&mid=118&cid=1979

[mossman]

I found some shoes at an asian grocery store. When I try them on should they feel tight all over? I usually wear a size 10 1/2 so i should buy 9's right? And a few other questions: Try them on with socks? Really thin socks? The normal socks i wear? Or barefoot? Help me pick out the best. Thanks

[JetKuen]

For outdoor use or on rough surfaces, I like to use basic indoor soccer shoes. Addidas Samba shoes work best cause their rubber soles are one piece and wrap around the whole base of the shoe so they don't tear apart. You can find them (mostly yearround) at any sporting goods store.