Best Rowing Shoes in Canada For A Great Workout
Treat yourself to the best brands of rowing exercise shoes for the most comfortable workout sessions!
With so many people these days looking to add exercise to their daily routine, one of the ways that they are doing this is setting up a home gym. Indoor rowing machines have become a very popular favorite piece of exercise equipment. Having the right exercise gear is very important in order to get the most out of your workout. A great place to start is the footwear for indoor rowing machine.
It is extremely important for your feet to be comfortable when it comes to using an indoor rowing machine. This means that you need to take care of your feet and one of the best ways is to wear a really good pair of shoes. The key is to wear shoes that provide comfort for rowing machine exercise. As part of the preparation for this article, we did a lot of online research on the available exercise shoes.
The purpose of this article was to provide our readers with a resource that they can look at that is filled with valuable information about rowing machine shoes in Canada. We put together a comprehensive list of the best shoes for indoor rowing machines. Our list of the best rowing shoes also includes a brief review of each of the products and it includes some pros and cons of each of them. We also have included a buying guide section that provides valuable information about things to look for when shopping for indoor rowing machine shoes. We hope that by the time you get to that you have enough information that will help you make an informed decision about which home rowing shoes in Canada will be the best for you.
Top 12 Best Rowing Shoes in Canada
Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 3 Trail Running Shoe
Merrell is one of the most recognizable manufacturers of minimalist running shoes in the industry. The Men’s Vapor Glove 3 Trail Running Shoes has several very important features that make it a really good option when it comes to indoor rowing exercise machine shoes. Only the best materials go into making the Vapor Glove 3 and it helps to put Merrell at the top of the heap and one of the best rowing exercise shoes in Canada.
The key to this running shoe is the exclusive Vibram sole and the minimal amount of heel-to-toe drop. The hard rubber sole at the bottom of the shoe was designed for mainly trail running in that it provides a high degree of protection for the bottom of the foot, but still allows for that barefoot feel.
The hard rubber sole is what makes it a popular choice for indoor rowers since it creates a perfect platform for generating the most amount of power with every stroke of the rowing machine. The shoe also has the right amount of flexibility which gives in all the right places and at the right time for peak efficiency and power.
Merrell’s Men’s Vapor Glove 3 features a highly breathable mesh lining and extremely breathable exterior cover. This will allow your feet to breath a lot better and reduce the amount of sweat inside your shoe. This also helps with the shoe’s overall flexibility and makes it feel much more comfortable on your feet during workouts.
Pros:
- This shoe is extremely comfortable with a barefoot-like feel and breathable mesh uppers
- Has just the right amount of cushioning on the inside to provide comfort to your foot
- The mesh fabric and rubber sole is really easy to keep clean
Cons:
- They are a bit on the expensive side for someone on a budget
Merrell Women’s Vapor Glove 3 Trail Running Shoe
When it comes to trail running shoes for women that also work as great shoes for rowing machine exercise, the Vapor Glove 3 is second to none. Merrell’s excluding Vibram outsole technology delivers the feel of running barefoot. The minimal heel drop is one of the biggest selling points for it to be used for rowing machine gym shoes. Don’t have to look too hard to understand why Marrell has such a strong reputation among women’s exercise shoe manufacturers.
The Merrell exclusive Vibram outsole is a big reason for the Vapor Glove 3’s popularity. It has a flat profile which makes it a really good choice for women looking for really good rowing exercise shoes in Canada. The outsole is made with very durable rubber and will hold up to many months of heavy workouts.
The zero drop design of the interior of the shoe provides just enough cushioning for comfort. It also provides a good deal of flexibility and allows the foot to move around. For this reason it would also make a great indoor rowing machine shoe, as it will ensure your feet can be placed in the best possible position stroke after stroke.
The exterior features a breathable mesh fabric upper that helps to cradle your feet in comfort. The mesh fabric also means that they are exceptionally lightweight and comfortable for those long training sessions. The rubber used in the Vibram outsole is both durable and very easy to keep clean.
Pros:
- The Vapor Glove 3 does fit your feet like gloves and the barefoot feel to sole is amazing
- They are extremely lightweight and very comfortable to wear
- These shoes live up to the fine reputation that Merrell has built over the years
Cons:
- They may not be for everyone, especially those on a budget
Reebok Mens Crossfit Nano 8.0 Cross Trainers
The Reebok Mens Crossfit Nano 8.0 Cross Trainers are a high-quality pair of exercise shoes that would make a really good pair of crossfit rowing machine shoes. Using only the highest quality materials and technologies that Reebok has been known for. As comfort is one of the top four characteristics of a good indoor rowing shoe, the Crossfit Nano 8.0 delivers.
The key to the Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 is the virtually flat outsole that bends and flexes just enough to provide an extra amount of gripping power. It also features an insole design that has a slight heel-to-toe drop (4mm) that provides a bit of cushioning. Along with the cushioning of the insole, there is some additional padding from the midsole cushion.
Reebok has taken comfort to a whole new level with their exclusive Flexweave fabric technology. The unique material that is used in the full upper portion of the shoes creates an extremely flexible and breathable covering. The Crossfit Nano features an ultra low top that helps to give the ankle 360-degree movement.
Reebok is one of the most recognized footwear manufacturers in the world and they have a well-deserved reputation for making shoes that are extremely durable and easy to maintain. The outsole features an abrasion-resistant rubber that helps provide an additional amount of durability.
Pros:
- The highly breathable and flexible material of the fabric used in the upper part of the shoe makes it very comfortable
- The unique grip pattern on the outsole of the Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 gives it really good gripping power
- There is just enough cushioning inside to help make it a very comfortable fit
Cons:
- As it is a crossfit type of shoe, will has a bit more cushioning for a indoor rowing shoe
Reebok Women’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Cross Trainers
Reebok has been making women’s shoes for decades and the Crossfit Nano 8.0 Cross Trainers are just another example of their dedication to their customers. Crossfit is one of the most unique forms of exercise that combines a whole lot of different types of movements. This is what makes this type of shoe a decent alternative to shoes designed specifically for indoor rowing.
The Reebok Women’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Cross Trainer shoes are packed full of features that are all designed to provide your feet with the best fit, support, and overall comfort. Featuring an exclusive heel-bootie like sock liner that cradles your foot in comfort. The abrasion-resistant outsole and molded midsole provide an additional amount of cushioning. The outsole also provides enough solid protection, while remaining somewhat flexible.
You will also see that Reebok has paid close attention to comfort when it comes to the exterior covering of the Crossfit Nano 8.0 Cross Trainer. The upper portion of the shoes feature an extremely breathable fabric that helps to keep your feel cool and dry. The ultra-low top design gives just enough support for the ankle, while it allows for 360-degrees of movement.
These great looking exercise shoes come in three different color combinations; White/ Classic White/ Excellent Red/ Blue/ Gum, Black/ Alloy/ Gum, and White/ Grey/ Teal.
Pros:
- It is extremely comfortable on your feet as it has a good deal of cushioning in the insole
- The material used to make the fabric in the upper portion is very breathable and comfortable
- The outsole is very durable and has held up really well
Cons:
- They are likely to be a bit out of the price range for someone on a tight budget
New Balance Men’s Mt10v1 Minimus Trail Running Shoe
New Balance is one of the most well known manufacturers of men’s running shoes in the world. It’s Men’s Mt10v1 Minimus Trail Running Shoes are among the most popular on the market. For a number of reasons they are also high on the list of many people who have been doing indoor rowing in their home. These shoes feature many features and technologies that go into making a really terrific pair of shoes.
The key to the New Balance Men’s Mt10v1 shoes is the use of the Vibram outsole technology. It delivers barefoot like performance, while still providing protection to the bottoms of your feet. The tough, abrasion-resistant outsole provides enough grip and traction, while not adding too much undesirable cushioning.
The fabric of the mesh upper provides an unbelievable amount of comfort, while remaining breathable. This helps to keep your feet cool and mostly dry even during your longer indoor rowing sessions. The insole does provide a bit of cushioning with its 4mm drop in the heel-to-toe measurement. The foot bed features a unique textured surface that adds extra comfort to your feet during your workout.
The New Balance Men’s Mt10v1 Running shoes also feature a unique fabric lining that helps to add the comfort for your feet. There is also an anti-microbial treatment applied to the inside of the shoes that helps to keep them clean and smelling fresh.
Pros:
- The Vibram outsole technology helps to put this shoe about most other brands of shoes for home water rowers
- The feel of practically walking barefoot is really amazing with these shoes
- The mesh uppers and solid rubber soles make it really easy to keep they clean
Cons:
- The Mt10v1 running shoes will definitely set you back a bit on your budget
New Balance Women’s 10v1 Minimus Trail Running Shoe
The New Balance Women’s 10v1 Minimus Trail Running Shoes are one of best home rowing machine shoes on the market for women. They are running, but they are packed with features that also make them pretty exceptional for indoor rowing as well. New Balance is one of the top-notch exercise shoes in the world. They only use the highest quality materials in all of their shoes.
The 10v1 Minimus Trail Running Shoes feature the much sought after barefoot running feel. It all begins with the Vibram outsole system which starts with the abrasion-resistant rubber outsole. The unique tread design also gives it incredible gripping power and flexibility. The solid, yet flexible sole makes it a really good choice as an indoor rowing shoe.
While zero drop in the heel-to-toe measurement is preferred by most indoor rowers, the women’s 10v1 Minimus has only a small amount of drop (4mm, to be exact). This does give a slight amount of cushioning, so you will gain a little bit of cushioning for the bottom of your foot. Along with a minimal amount of cushioning you will have an inside antimicrobial treatment, which will have to eliminate excessive odor.
The last, but certainly not least is the mesh and synthetic material that goes into making the entire upper portion of the show. It will basically envelop your whole foot in comfort and allow your foot to both keep cool and still allow it to move around.
Pros:
- The exclusive Vibram outsole delivers just enough cushioning for those long rowing sessions
- The antimicrobial treatment really does work extremely well
- The breathable mesh and synthetic uppers add extra comfort to your feet
Cons:
- They are a tad bit on the expensive side if you are on a budget
Under Armour Men’s Charged Bandit 4 Running Shoe
Under Armour is one of the top manufacturers of athletic gear in the industry. They have developed a strong reputation for designing high-quality exercise shoes. Their Men’s Charged Bandit 4 Running Shoes are a great example of the products that they sell. They have numerous features that make them one of the best shoes for indoor rowing.
The Charged Bandit 4 Running Shoes feature a solid rubber outsole that has a unique tread pattern that increases the amount of flexibility. The midsole features an extra amount of foam padding to create the right amount of cushioning to provide an exceptional amount of comfort. The heel-to-toe drop measures 8mm which is a bit much, but that does give it a little bit more cushioning.
The soft mesh material that is used in the fabric of the upper of the Charged Bandit 4 Running Shoes creates so much ventilation that your feet will be bathed in coolness. The molded internal foam sockliner adds an extra amount of cushioning and comfort for your feet. The solid rubber outsole helps it resist abrasion so that it lasts longer.
The ultra-low top design helps to provide the right amount of support at the ankle without impeding motion during workouts. The unique tread design on the outsole helps to give the shoe much more flexibility, which is really good for indoor rowing.
Pros:
- The mesh uppers create an amazing amount of ventilation that helps to keep your feet cool
- The midsole foam material helps to provide an additional amount of cushioning for comfort
- The external support at the heel helps to keep and support your heel
Cons:
- The heel-to-toe drop of 8mm is a bit too much cushion for indoor rowing
Under Armour Women’s Charged Bandit 4 Running Shoes
The Under Armour Women’s Charged Bandit 4 Running Shoes is a high-quality exercise shoe from one of the top manufacturers in women’s sports apparel. There appears to be a large emphasis on comfort and support with all features found inside and outside of this shoe. All of the materials used are high-quality and produce a really good shoe.
It all starts with ultra durable solid rubber outsole that features an unique tread design that is segmented to deliver unequaled flexibility and traction. The midsole features extra sturdy and comfortable foam padding that adds extra comfort for your feet. The inside contour foam sockliner adds additional comfort for your feet.
The exterior of the show features an ultra soft and durable mesh fabric upper that provides an excellent amount of ventilation. The extra heel support on the outside helps to keep your heel in place. The low-top design provides full ankle support, without hindering full ankle rotation. The unique separate impact zone tread design provides maximum support while cutting down on weight.
The Under Armour Women’s Charged Bandit 4 Running Shoes are available in 10 different fashionable color schemes; Steel/Steel, White/Reflective, Black/Black, Midnight Navy/Midnight Navy, Black/Elemental, White/Steel, Black/Graphite, Static Blue/Venetian Blue, White/Overcast Gray, Midnight Navy.
Pros:
- The shoe bed has plenty of cushioning which basically cradles your foot in comfort
- The unique outsole design features a solid rubber surface paired with a flexible tread pattern
- The upper material has a soft mesh feel that helps your feet to breathe while you are working out
Cons:
- A bit overpriced for a person on a budget
Adidas Performance Men’s Power Perfect III Cross Trainer
The Adidas Performance Men’s Power Perfect Cross Trainer shoes are designed specifically for weight lifters. Adidas realized that in order to be successful at weight lifting you need to be able to generate a lot of power with your feet. They designed these Power Perfect III shoes to provide all of the necessary support and comfort that is necessary for generating the maximum amount of power during your workouts.
The key to these shoes is the flat design to the soles of the shoes. They feature an ultra durable solid rubber sole that will last for a long time. The unique wedge design of the midsole creates a minimal amount of cushioning, while not affecting the stability of your feet during heavy lifting. The insole adds just enough additional padding to cushion your feet for extra comfort.
The upper of the shoe is made from synthetic and fabric material with a breathable mesh collar area that will help to keep your feet cool. There is a synthetic material used at the rear of the shoe for extra heel and ankle support. There is an exclusive synthetic Velcro strap to add extra support.
The shoe is lined with a soft, comfortable fabric designed for added comfort. The shoes come in four unique color schemes: White/Black/White, Chalk Pearl/Chalk Pearl, Ash Pearl, Black/White/Matte Gold, and Raw Gray/Silver Metallic/Raw Gold.
Pros:
- The flat rubber outsole is very durable and creates a very stable platform for exercise
- There is just the right amount of cushioning to keep your feet comfortable during your workout
- The large Velcro strap help to add support at your ankles
Cons:
- Not as ventilated as other types of shoes on the market
Adidas Women’s Adipower Weightlifting II Cross Trainer
Adidas continues to prove that they are one of the best shoe manufacturers in the world. They have been providing athletes at all levels of competition with someone of the highest quality shoes in the industry. The Women’s Adipower Weightlifting II Cross Trainers are specifically made to provide those women with the best possible shoes for working out.
When it comes to powerlifting you need to have a very sturdy platform to begin with and the ultra flat soles of the Adipower weightlifting II shoes are a great place to start. The unique wedge-shaped foam midsole provides the right amount of foam cushioning to keep your feet comfortable.
For an extra amount of comfort Adidas creates a unique breathable textile fabric used in the upper portion of its Adipower Weightlifting II Cross Trainers. The fabric is also extremely durable and provides plenty of ventilation to keep your feet cool. The cooler your feet are the more comfortable your feet will feel.
The unique high heel low top, provides maximum ankle support and still allows for full rotation of the ankle. There is a pull up loop sewn into the back of the heel of the shoes to make it easy to get them on.
Pros:
- These shoes are extremely comfortable and provides the right amount of support
- Even during a heavy squat routine, the cushioning keeps your feet comfortable
- You will really like the attention you will get from others at the gym
Cons:
- The sizes appear to run a little bit larger than stated
Xero Shoes Prio – Men’s Barefoot Trail and Road Running Shoes
Minimal is one of the most popular types of running shoes today and the Prio Men’s Minimalist Barefoot Trail and Road Running Shoes are a top rated shoe from Xero Shoes. Xero puts only the highest quality materials into each of their shoes. The Prio line of shoes from Xero Shoes realize that they can make shoes that are lightweight and still provide enough cushioning and comfort.
The key to the Prio men’s Minimalist Barefoot Trail and Road Running Shoes is the ultra thin sole. There is virtually no padding except for a very thin insole and solid rubber outsole. The outsole has a unique cross chevron pattern that helps to provide a good bit of traction. It also features the exclusive patented FeelTrue sole that delivers protection against injury from debris on the trail or road.
The exclusive adjustable Instep strap is designed to lend extra support to the midfoot. It is incorporated into the lacing system. The low top design allows for plenty of ankle support and still allow full rotation at the same time. There is a sewn in loop attached to the back of the heel of the shoe to make it easier to slip on.
The unique fabric and synthetic materials used to make the uppers create a soft and comfortable feel for your feet. Your feet will feel cradled in comfort with just the right amount of cushioning from top to bottom.
Pros:
- The FeelTrue Sole really does feel like you are walking barefoot
- The zero-drop gives you just the right amount of cushioning
- There is plenty of ventilation to the soft material in the upper fabric
Cons:
- There is a little bit question of the durability of the upper material
Xero Shoes Prio – Women’s Minimalist Barefoot Trail and Road Running Shoe
With more and more people discovering the benefits of barefoot style running shoes Xero Shoes offers their Prio Women’s Minimalist Barefoot Trail and Road Running Shoes. Featuring their exclusive sole technology found in their Prio line of running shoes. This technology paired with a unique oversized toe box makes them one of the best women’s shoes to be used for indoor rowing.
Xero Shoes developed their FeelTrue outsole technology that creates a true barefoot feel. The ultra flat rubber sole has the right amount of flexibility that allows your foot to move in the direction that is necessary. The zero drop heel-to-toe level helps to provide just enough support and comfort without sacrificing the barefoot feel.
Along with a sturdy outsole, the non-elevated midsole gives just the right amount of cushioning without affecting the barefoot feel. The wide toe box allows for the toes and front part of your feet to be able to move around freely. Everything meshes together to produce a well-balanced shoe.
The Women’s Prio Minimalist Shoes are topped off with a soft, breathable fabric and synthetic materials. By allowing as much air to flow through the shoes helps to keep your feet cooler and much more comfortable. The soft breathable fabric also allows your feet to move more freely as you are working out.
Pros:
- The FeelTrue outsole design and zero-drop heel produces a virtually barefoot feel
- The soft feel and breathable material of the upper envelopes your feet in comfort
- The unique toe box gives your feet the ability to move around freely
Cons:
- The included removable insole defeats the barefoot feel to some degree
Things to look for when choosing rowing exercise shoes in Canada
Construction – When it comes to the best shoes for rowing machines you want to look for a shoe that is constructed of sturdy, but still lightweight materials. Unlike shoes for running and hiking that have extra padding for comfort, indoor rowing shoes have much less padding or cushioning. The soles should be flatter and also not cushiony so that they are less likely to absorb energy. The rest of the shoe should be flexible to allow the foot to move inside the shoe. You should pay close attention so the soles of the shoes are stiff and solid.
How comfortable is the fit – Comfort and fit are extremely important aspects of finding the right home rowing shoes in Canada. The best way to ensure that you are able to perform an exercise like indoor rowing is that your feet are comfortable. This way you are able to finish the workout routine that you are following. Proper fitting shoes are also extremely important since correct foot placement is important. If your shoes are not properly fitted, you are less likely to be able to achieve proper form. Not being able to use proper form can lead to a number of health issues. A poor stroke is the primary cause of stress injuries and damage to joints of the leg.
Style of exercise shoe – The amount of cushioning is important when it comes to indoor rowing footwear. In order to find the best shoes, you should be looking for a style of shoe that has the lowest possible heel-to-toe drop number. This number refers to the height difference between the heel and the toes. Shoes that have high numbers generally have an excessive amount of padding or cushioning. The lower the amount of drop allows for better foot placement and better form with each stroke. High tops vs. low tops, it is highly recommended that you try high tops style shoes to provide extra ankle stability.
Amount of flexibility – Since comfort is paramount for shoes for rowing at home it is very important that your shoe of choice should be flexible. All of the materials that go into making them should have flexibility in mind. Your feet should be very comfortable inside and be allowed to move around. This will help your body to be able to get into all necessary positions. The fabric that covers the top part of the shoes should be extremely flexible and breathable so that your feet do not sweat as much. This is one of the reasons why just any old pair of sneakers will not make for good indoor rowing machine shoes.
Is it going to be durable enough – No one wants to buy a new pair of exercise shoes only to have to replace them in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, indoor rowing can be very rough on the outsole portion of your shoes. This is why it is very important that you stay away from cheaper brands and lesser quality home rowing clothing, including shoes. Generally speaking, if you stick with the higher-end brand shoes you will likely have much better luck. This is because they usually use only the highest quality materials in all of their products in order to help maintain their reputation. The more durable your shoes, the more high-quality use you will likely get out of them.
FAQ about Rowing Exercise Shoes in Canada
Question #1: Is shoe comfort really that important?
Answer: The key to selecting the correct rowing gear, which includes your shoes is that everything has to be comfortable. This is especially true if you are looking to do longer sessions. So, be sure that you pick a pair of shoes that deliver that most amount of comfort without sacrificing other necessary characteristics.
Question #2: Why can’t I wear just any pair of sneakers for indoor rowing
Answer: One of the primary reasons why you should not settle for any old pair of sneakers when you are using home rowing equipment is that most lack one or more of the most important characteristics necessary for indoor rowing. These include the following; being lightweight, comfortable, breathable, flexible, and have thin, flat soles.
Question #3: Is your shoe flexibility really that important?
Answer: Since foot comfort is very important when it comes to shoes for home rowing machine workout, the more flexible the shoe is that you are wearing the better. This is mainly because you need to be sure that your feet are in the correct position at all times through your workout session.
Question #4: Do minimalist-style shoes make good indoor rowing shoes?
Answer: By virtue of the very concept of minimal features, minimalist shoes with their very thin sole, limited amount of padding, very flexible and made with breathable materials. These days there are many different options of minimalist shoes on the market to choose from.
Question #5: Can other sports-specific shoes make good indoor rowing shoes?
Answer: Unfortunately, the shoe manufacturers generally price their sport-specific shoes more on the higher side. This often leads people to seek out other types of athletic shoes that have all of the characteristics of rowing shoes. For example, indoor soccer shoes, wrestling shoes, and skateboard shoes make really good indoor rowing shoes.
Final Verdict
As we talked about previously when it comes to indoor rowing it is all of the power in your stroke. In order to generate the highest amount of power, you need to be focused on your foot placement. You also need to focus heavily on the support and comfort of your feet throughout your workout. In order to generate the most power with your legs, you need your feet to be able to be in their optimal positioning at all times. That means your shoes need to be highly flexible, flat soles, and enough room for your feet to move inside. So, when it is all said and done, we have come up with our absolute top men’s and women’s shoes for indoor rowing; Xero Prio – Minimalist Barefoot Trail and Road Running Shoes.
We hope that we have presented you with enough information that you can use to decide which shoes are the best of the best rowing exercise shoes in Canada, a crucial piece of equipment whether you own a budget rowing machine or a $1000-worth home rower.