A guest post from ParkourShoesGuide.com.
If you are just starting to learn Parkour, you might have thought about what should be included in the Parkour gear list. Parkour is one of those sports that does not need any equipment, thus, it is the least expensive sport to start. However, using protective parkour gear and specific equipment at the start can boost confidence, help you overcome common pitfalls that new Traceurs face, and help you improve more quickly.
Parkour Gear List
The following equipment will either help you to enhance your skills or will increase your training experience.
1: Parkour Pants
A Traceur needs to dress in such a way that it is most comfortable and least restrictive. The term ‘comfort’ is different for different people. Some will feel ready for exercise in loose shorts and stretchable trousers while others prefer fit clothes. It is up to you to choose the size and fitness of your clothing as long as it doesn’t restrict your range of motion.
Although the fit of your clothing is all about personal preference, we recommend making sure your clothing is light-weight and breathable. Heavy clothing will only make tracing that much more difficult, and non-breathable clothing will add to its weight when it retains your sweat
It also doesn’t hurt if your clothing are abrasion-resistant or have other properties like quick drying or water repulsion.
2: Gloves?
A common question about Parkour gear is, “Should I wear gloves?” The answer is no. Do. Not. Wear. Gloves.
First of all, they won’t give you the touch you need with your hands to feel and react to surfaces, and second of all, they’ll delay the strengthening of the skin of your hands. You wan to be able to feel, and you want your hands to become strong. So do NOT wear gloves.
3: Parkour/Freerunning Shoes
You can avoid other gear, but good Parkour shoes are the most important element for Parkour (unless you go barefoot which we don’t generally recommend, but we won’t stop you lol). There are many benefits to picking up the right type of parkour shoes. You can choose any shoe from the list of best parkour shoes, but we recommend a shoe having the following qualities
- An appropriate amount of cushioning: Too much-cushioned sole will make the shoe unresponsive, and a skinny bottom will hurt you on big jumps.
- Must have a breathable Mesh: Breathable mesh improve the airflow and keeps your feet dry and odor-free.
- Must be light-weight: You never want your shoe’s weight pulling you down during training. Thus, a light shoe would be a great advantage.
- Traction: In Parkour, a Traceur needs as much traction as possible with the ground. You’ll greatly benefit from a shoe that has a traction pattern on the outsole, and one that is durable and can stand up to wear and tear.
- Flexible shoes: Sometimes, Traceurs have to land on a rail or curved surfaces. Flexible shoes offer maximum grip in such cases.
- Affordable Price: Parkour is never meant to be an expensive sport. If you can find an affordable pair of shoes that you love tracing in, then we recommend going with those.
4: Other Optional Equipment
Parkour pants and Parkour shoes are the most essential clothing/gear items. At the same time, there are other things you add to your starter-repertoire that can further aid you as you embark on your Parkour journey.
Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar: If you want to learn Parkour, learning pull-ups is crucial. You will need to pull up your body weight constantly while doing Parkour & Freerunning. You may want to install a pull-up bar in your doorway, and you will be able to train at any time you wish.
A Parkour Book: There are many useful guides written by experts on Parkour. You can buy them and keep one with you, which has maximum moves explained in it. It might not be necessary if you have an instructor.
Parkour Bag or Backpack: If you have your belongings with you and training alone in a park, then keeping them in your pockets is tough, so we recommend taking bag with you. Something that is lightweight and easy to carry is ideal. A water bottle, bandages or band-aids and common things some Traceurs take with them when they train.
If you think there is anything we missed, you can share it with us in the comment box!
