7 Best Shoes For Rowing Machine (For Indoor Use & Comfort)

Best Shoes For Rowing Machine Compared

Why Are Quality Rowing Shoes Important? 

Rowing machine shoes generally have very simple builds—flat, thin soles and thin, breathable uppers. In contrast, running and tennis shoes have some heel-to-toe rise and considerable cushioning surrounding the foot. While this is great for energizing a running stride, it is disruptive when pushing off a rower's footplate. 

Therefore, most of the best indoor rowing shoes could be categorized as minimalist shoes. Fortunately, minimalist shoes are ideal for many other activities. They can even be part of a foot health transformation that cures chronic foot conditions and other bodily pain. 

How To Choose The Right Shoes For Indoor Rowing 

Foot Stabilization 

Comfort & Form 

Padding does not really protect the foot from anything here since rowing is a low-impact activity. Instead, thick, padded soles absorb energy from each push, reducing rowing performance. 

Grip/Traction 

Indoor rower footplates effectively hold feet in place; however, it is still safer to have a shoe with some traction. All of the rowing shoes reviewed here have out soles thoroughly covered with lugs, grooves, and other textures for traction; they grip well, even on wet surfaces. 

Quality/Durability 

The rowing shoes in this review are comfortable and safe for hours of standing and walking—as well as other physical training (weightlifting, CrossFit, HIIT, jumping rope, etc.). Most are of moderate quality: They are not too pricy and likely will wear out after 1-3 years.  

Breathable & Flexible 

These shoes’ uppers are made of fabric/textile, usually mesh or weave of some kind. The few with leather uppers have perforations/ventilation holes. Flexibility is inherent in the minimalist build.

Some are so flexible they fold in the hand, and most flatten and unflatten for easy packing. Since many of the best indoor rowing shoes are light, breathable, and flexible enough to be water shoes, they would also make great outdoor rowing shoes. 

Price 

The shoes in this review are almost always available for under $200. In fact, some lower-quality options are well under $50. Rowing puts minimal wear on shoes, so if you are purchasing these just for indoor rowing, a cheaper brand is fine.

Also, pricier shoes are more frequent victims of counterfeiting. To avoid knockoffs, beware of oddly low prices and shoes that look different from those on the brand's website (colors, patterns, the position of the logo, etc.).  

1. Reebok Men’s CROSSFIT Nano

With their simple-but-thorough foot support, wide toe box, and breathable FlexWeave® upper material, the Reebok Men’s CrossFit Nanos are the overall best men’s shoes for indoor rowing. Competitive rowers will especially appreciate the low-top design of this shoe; plus, there is no extra cushiness to obstruct ankle flexion. 

The CrossFit Nano is true to its name; it is made for CrossFit WODs, with minimal arch support and low heel-toe drop. Surprisingly, many reviewers report it is ideal for weight lifting, despite its lack of heel height. Plus, for rowers who play sports, its out soles are non-marking, so you do not have to worry about damaging floors or courts in your gym.  

While the shoe is fairly flat, there is ample heel support from the reinforcement layer along the external heel surface, and the whole foot is cradled and stabilized by a sock-liner interior that reduces unwanted shifting. The shoe is simple but not truly minimalistic: It does have a molded foam midsole and a removable insole to permit orthotics. 

The Reebok Nano lines are among the best men’s shoes for wide feet. Photographic, written, and video reviews all attest to the comfort of Reebok Nano shoes for wide-footed people, both men and women.

While the availability of sizes and color patterns can vary, there are usually around 20 possible color patterns (31 for the Nano 9 in particular), making it more likely that even those with unique foot dimensions can find something attractive and comfortable. 

Some people do notice that the ground strike is louder than others (though this would be a non-issue while rowing). Also, while they offer more support than other rowing or minimalist shoes, they are not best for long-distance running. 

2. Reebok Women’s CROSSFIT Nano

The Reebok Women’s CrossFit Nano offers all benefits of the Men’s Nano: accommodation of wide feet, well-crafted support, breathability, and low-cut ankles.

They are the overall best women’s shoes for indoor rowing, especially for those who are serious about rowing but also want to switch easily from the rower to weights or CrossFit workouts—or any that involve jumps, squats, push-ups, core stabilization, etc. The Women's Nano is also fine for indoor cycling and elliptical training but not for treadmill running. 

In addition, Reebok has gotten better at serving the female foot shape with successive Nano releases. The toe box has remained suitably large, while heel-stabilizing mechanisms have been fortified. 

The Women’s Nanos come in a variety of color patterns, with the Nano 9 having an impressive 25 total options. Note that many women, especially those with wide feet, prefer the Men’s Nano. The no-nonsense design and range of colors make both Men’s and Women’s Reebok Nanos effectively gender-neutral. 

Women with plantar fasciitis or other foot troubles usually find these shoes pleasantly stabilizing and supportive for both casual and workout wear. Their simple design is subtly athletic without drawing much attention; they just look like good, clean-cut sneakers. 

People frequently contrast these with the Nike Metcon. The Metcon is a simple running shoe, so it is possible that those who want to transition seamlessly between indoor rowing and running might prefer it over the CrossFit Nano.

3. Merrell Men’s Trail Glove

Merrell Men’s Trail Gloves combine rowing shoe minimalism and running shoe support, making them arguably the best shoes for rowing and running. They have rigid outsoles with traction lugs, suitable for wet or uneven surfaces.

All the while, they have no heel-toe drop and only about a centimeter stack height. Users compare them to barefoot shoes or even Vibram’s “finger shoes.”  

Many find Merrell Trail Gloves easy to wear as everyday work shoes. Some even find that Trail Gloves allow them to get through daily activities with less pain. Moreover, you can easily apply orthotics, such as double thickness Dr. Scholl's insoles.  

The Trail Glove’s Omni-Fit lacing system, combined with an overall foot-hugging shape, creates a sock-like fit, and the lining is soft and breathable: Many find there is no need for socks. Also, they are so flexible that you can more or less pack them flat, making them one of the best traveling shoes, as well. 

While labeled for men, some Trail Gloves tend to have a feminine/unisex shape, with a large toe box relative to heel width; however, later Trail Gloves, such as the Men’s Trail Glove 6 Eco, back away from this feature with narrower toe boxes.  

Unfortunately, Trail Gloves 3 – 5 seem to have an arch/mid-foot support shape that many users do not really like, but fortunately, this feature seems to have been eliminated in the 6 Eco.  

4. Troadlop Men’s Trail Running Shoes

Under $30 a pair, Troadlops are definitely the best budget shoes for rowing. They are exceptionally flexible and breathable. The upper is made of mesh with drainage holes; even if soaked, they dry within a few hours. They flatten easily and even fold in the hand. Unsurprisingly, many wearers find that they make great water shoes, too. 

That said, the Troadlops are still trail runners—they have a thoroughly traction-textured outsole. In fact, many compare them to hiking shoes from famous barefoot brand Vibram. Unlike Vibrams, they do not have individual toe compartments, but they do offer more separate toe movement than most other shoes.  

Also, as you watch someone walk in Troadlops, you can see how thoroughly ground-hugging the bottoms are—these are definitely barefoot shoes. Troadlops seems to get the barefoot design right. Many wearers experience less pain and find they can comfortably wear these all day for professional, recreational, and around-the-house activities.  

While labeled as men's shoes, Troadlops have a fairly gender-neutral design. The toe box is relatively accommodating, and users agree that the red on the rose and grey pattern options is actually closer to hot pink. 

A marketing video suggests that there are 11 total color patterns available. However, Troadlop is a new and inexpensive brand; it does not have a company site. It seems one can only find limited sizes, models, and colors in this particular type of Troadlop shoe. 

5. Nike Men’s Air Monarch

If you love the Nike brand and you do a variety of activities in addition to indoor rowing, this is the best all-purpose Nike option. It has the cushioning and support to be a running shoe, with a greater overall rise and a bit more heel-toe rise than others in this review. The perforated leather upper makes the shoe durable and solid but still breathable.  

Air Monarchs are more like traditional running shoes; plus, they do not leave scuffs on gym floors, so they are the best shoes for those who want to go fast from rowing to basketball, volleyball, racquetball, etc.  

The Air Monarch is the overall best athleisure shoe for rowing. While its chunkier build might be too much for competitive rowers, it is fine for those who row for basic conditioning. Also, it looks good enough to be a fashionable lifestyle shoe, conveying athleticism without loud display.  

Also, the Air Monarch comes in plenty of X-wide sizes, so people who typically struggle to find comfortable shoes—because of very wide or swollen feet, diabetic foot pain, etc.—can find something that feels right and looks good. 

The most common complaint about Air Monarchs is squeaking, but normally this develops after the shoes have been used for a while. However, another issue is Nike knockoffs: Some buyers discover instant squeaking, rapid color bleeding, and premature wear or falling apart—all of which are uncharacteristic of genuine Nikes.  

6. Vibram Five Fingers Men’s V-Alpha Hiking Shoe

The V-Alpha has only about a half-centimeter rise and zero heel-toe rise; its sole is designed to be especially light, flexible, and ground-hugging; the upper material is more breathable than that of previous Vibrams. These are arguably the best men’s barefoot shoes for rowing.  

Users find that V-Alphas work for almost any activity—hiking, cross-training, biking, walking, weightlifting, and household chores. Many report that these shoes not only relieve foot pain but also generally make them better when standing for long periods of time.  

V-Alphas drain and dry easily after being soaked, and can even be machine-washed. They work as water shoes, even though the V-Aqua is actually designed for this purpose. You can use toe socks or not, but beware that socks make the shoes feel snugger, so you might need a half-size up.  

All Vibram “finger shoes” are a little odd looking. If this gives you anxiety, realize that V-Alphas are the most subtle of Vibram’s hiking shoes (compared to V-Trail and V-Trek designs). However, you can further downplay the look by getting them in black.  

Vibram has both brand reputation and modern trendsetter status. The original Vibram sole was invented in the 1930s. The brand’s Five Finger design was a “Best Invention of 2007” by Time Magazine. Vibram stands by its quality with a warranty and good customer service. 

Surprisingly, some users find the shoe wears out or develops holes after relatively little wear. This could be due to counterfeits, however. 

7. Voovix

Aside from being one of the best women’s barefoot shoes for rowing, Voovix is also a budget option for people who want a rowing shoe they can also walk, work out, and play in. Those who want to go from rowing to HIIT, CrossFit, or weightlifting might like that these are not completely minimalist—there is some arch support.  

However, they are remarkably lightweight and flat—and are, to some degree, comparable to Vibram finger shoes: There are grooves along the separate toe areas in the traction outsole, giving some degree of independent motion to the toes. (You can still wear regular socks with them, though.)  

People especially like how they give barefoot benefits while having a comfy, traditional aesthetic. The color patterns, while not overtly feminine, are girl-friendly. The toe box is relatively wide, but some find the whole shoe to be a bit narrow. However, people who use orthotics will appreciate the removable insoles. 

Reportedly, Voovix uppers are thicker and more solid than those of comparable shoes. This could suggest that they are not so breathable, but there are no complaints of excessive sweat build-up. If they do stink, though, the good news is that they are easy to clean—even in the washing machine, if needed. 

Some reviewers find that Voovix develops holes or that the cord tie comes detached too quickly; these reviewers love the shoes otherwise, with one even using Stitch Witch to keep the tie system in place. 

Different Types Of Indoor Rowing Shoes 

Minimalist Training Shoes

The best rowing shoes are minimalist or semi-minimalist shoes. Thankfully, these are also great options for most other gym activities: weightlifting and weight machine, HIIT, CrossFit, elliptical training, and cycling. So, if you like rowing but have aspirations of expanding your regiment to any of these other activities, minimalist shoes are not only a good investment but a must-have. 

Sport-Specific

Indoor rowing is common cross-training for athletes and sports enthusiasts alike. Therefore, this review acknowledges these shoes’ suitability for activities besides rowing.

However, rowing shoes usually lack the padding and support for long-distance running, the heel-toe drop of serious powerlifting shoes, as well as the high ankles of wrestling shoes. There are some semi-minimalist shoes that compromise on features, but these are best for beginners or those not committed to a particular activity.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can you use a rower barefoot?  

Yes, and some prefer this. A low-impact activity like rowing is the perfect way to begin transitioning to barefoot workouts, barefoot shoes, or just minimalist shoes. 

Can you use any sports shoes for rowing?  

You can, but they might not be ideal. Serious rowers are more likely to get annoyed by a shoe that absorbs energy, puts their feet in an unnatural position, or challenges ankle movement. 

Can you use indoor rowing shoes for other workouts?  

More often than not, the best shoes for indoor rowing are the best shoes for other workouts, too. However, long-distance running is the big exception.  

Are there special shoes for outdoor rowing?  

Your feet could get wet in outdoor rowing, so you especially need water-tolerant, breathable, quick-drying shoes. You also need good traction on wet surfaces. Those in this review that can double as water shoes would be fine for outdoor rowing. 

Do you need special rowing shoes if you suffer from foot pain?  

Chronic foot pain is just all the more reason to get rowing shoes with the characteristics outlined in this article. (Of course, barefoot enthusiasts would say that the real solution is to get used to reduced support from the shoe.) 

Conclusion

Most people would consider the Reebok CrossFit Nano the best-looking, most comfortable, most durable, and most truly all-purpose. However, barefoot advocates will naturally champion the Vibram V-Alpha. 

Ultimately, there is little need to stress about the decision: If the rowing regiment does not work out, the best indoor rowing shoes make wonderful everyday sneakers, too.