Best Rowing Shoes for an indoor rower

Overview

Selecting the right rowing shoes is essential to get the most out of your rowing machine workout and getting the best results. Whether rowing on a Nordictrack RW900, Proform rowing machine, Hydrow, Peloton Row — or any good indoor rowing machine, for that matter.

Below are 11 rowing shoe recommendations from Nike, Allbirds, NOBULL, Adidas, Reebox, and Converse — Plus, awesome rowing socks from Stance and Saucony keep your feet cool.

The better shoes for rowing should be on the lighter, thinner side, have a flexible sole, and a flat-bottom — basically, a Minimalist Athletic Shoe. You want to look for breathable material on the upper part that allows for some ventilation, so your feet don’t overheat. If your feet tend to run hot while rowing or exercising in general, try the rowing socks we recommend below or shop for other sock brands to row with at Amazon.

What to look for in a rowing shoe

You want to wear different shoes when rowing. Rowing has a low impact on the knees, feet and ankle joints it is not the same as running. Too much cushioning can lead to a less efficient stroke — You want to feel with your whole foot ‘the push’ off the footpad/pedal as you drive through with your legs. Look for a shoe with a thinner, flat sole with the lowest amount of cushion between the footpad you are applying force to when using your legs while rowing. This will increase your efficiency and gives you an improved feel for your form.

In summary look for these characteristics in a shoe for indoor rowing:

— Flat Sole
— Flexible
— Light Weight
— Breathable (lots of ventilation holes)
— Comfortable

Rowing Shoe Recommendations

Nike Free RN

The Nike Free RN has a Flyknit constructed upper that delivers zoned stretch and support. The dual-density midsole adds flexible cushioning. There is a dynamic heel that is stretchy for a snug, adaptive fit. The minimal, molded sock liner mimics the foot to add support. Super light and comfortable with a flexible sole. You can Buy these shoes at Amazon or shop for other recommended brands using the links below.

Three Allbirds Shoes for Rowing

Allbirds have great shoe options we recommend for indoor rowing — we take a look at three types. The Allbirds use 100% natural, sustainable materials that are very light and breathable. Allbirds shoes are super comfortable and have flat soles perfect for rowing. Dependable and breathable – 3 great choices in multiple colors at a reasonable price with free shipping and returns.

1. TREE RUNNERS

Tree Runners by Allbirds have flexibly to conform to your movements. Perfect for rowing. Best all-round pick for home gym activities. Made from renewable materials, you can even throw them in the washer! The material is designed to minimize odors. You can find them with more color options off the Allbirds menu under, everyday sneakers like Jet Black or Blue Ridge.

2. WOOL RUNNERS

The Allbirds Wool Runners are cozy and soft. They feel comfortable from the first day. You can wash them in the washer machine, and they conform to your foot’s movements for added comfort. If you typically wear a half size, we suggest sizing up in Allbirds Wool Collection, available in men & women sizes. You can find them with more color options off the Allbirds menu under, everyday sneakers like Natural Grey.

3. TREE SKIPPERS

Perfect for rowing and one of our favorites. Shop these Tree Skipper shoes at Allbirds. Super light and extra breathable, like rowing barefoot, these shoes are made with natural sourced eucalyptus tree fiber and aptly classified as a boat shoe on the Allbirds menu. Lots of new colors for men and women like Jet Black.

Adidas Powerlift

Originally designed for weightlifting this cross-trainer shoe has all the right features —there is little cushion between the foot and the rower footrest surface, which is what you need for maximum impact in rowing. Made to be stable, these shoes have a narrow fit, however. A rubber outsole helps you firmly push on the footrest when rowing. The lightweight upper is made from durable canvas material. Buy Powerlift shoes at Amazon

NOBULL Men’s Trainers

Designed specifically for Cross Fit training NOBULL Trainers are Lightweight, breathable, flexible, and Durable well-made shoes that move the way you do. Has a removable sock liner. Shop NOBULL Men's Training Shoes. Available in a wide color range combination. You can find options in both men and women sizes see links below. NOBULL is constantly adding new styles and colors.

NOBULL Women's Training Shoes

NOBULL Women’s Trainers come in a wide range of awesome colors have an exceptionally flat sole you can feel and are certainly durable. Shop NOBULL Women's Training Shoes.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Shoreline Knit Slip

The most popular shoe for indoor rowing is…. Converse “Chuck Taylor” All Stars. And for good reason. These low tops are flat soled shoes, cheap, easy to find, and meet most of the criteria for good indoor rowing shoes. But they do tend to get hot. Get a regular All Star Converse pair in Black.

Look for a knit upper like these Converse or wear cooling rowing socks from Saucony with regular All-Stars as recommended further below. The thin soles give you optimal power efficiency and an in-touch overall feeling of the rowing stroke. They are also lightweight, comfortable, flexible, and have good airflow.

Converse “Chuck Taylor” All-Stars

Converse low tops are recommended as the best flat soled shoe for rowing, weightlifting, and any other activity where a flat sole is needed. They are inexpensive, comfortable, versatile and have a flat sole. They also come in lots of colors, styles, and personalization. Shop for Converse Chuck Taylor All-stars at Amazon or you can shop for a pair you like at Nordstrom online.

Saucony Cooling Socks

These are great socks for adding airflow to the inside of your shoe keeping your feet dry and cooler. Shop Saucony Multi-pack Ventilating Performance Comfort Socks at Amazon.

Stance Athletic Tab Socks

Stance Performance Mesh keeps you cool with maximized airflow and breathability. There is enhanced airflow of from Channeled Air Cushioning. These are highly recommended for any activity. Shop Stance, you will not regret you did.

Reebok Nano 9 for rowing

The Reebok Nano 9 is a very durable shoe with breathable upper layer and flat sole. These are recommended if you like a wider, comfortable toe box with more space to wiggle. Reebok Nanos are extremely popular and also great for weightlifting and cross training interval HIIT workouts. You can Shop for Reebox Nano 9 at Amazon.

Nike MetCon for Rowing

Great flexible sneaker, stable, sturdy and will keep your sole flat for pushing the foot pad for great power transfer. Shop at Amazon or at Nordstrom

Note: The mesh is very tight on the top so you will have a snug fit if you have wide feet. Order up a size or select another shoe model.

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