Best Shoes for Rowing Machine Workouts in 2026
The best shoes for rowing machine training aren’t running shoes at all, they’re thin-soled minimalist or cross-training shoes that keep your heel flat and your foot connected to the footplate. Shoes designed for rowing machines don’t really exist as a dedicated category, so most rowers turn to zero-drop, low-profile athletic shoes originally built for barefoot-style training instead. In 2026, with more people rowing on Concept2, Sunny Health, MERACH, and ECHANFIT machines at home, demand for shoes that fit under a foot strap without bulk keeps growing. Below, we rank minimalist and cross-training options based on published specs, the live listing details, and what verified owners consistently report about fit, grip, and durability on a rowing machine footplate.
The best rowing machine shoes we recommend
Xero Shoes HFS II
The zero-drop, thin sole is built to preserve footplate connection through the entire drive, and the low-profile toe box is slim enough to fit under most rowing machine foot straps without bunching.
- Zero-drop, flexible sole mimics barefoot rowing
- Low profile fits under narrow foot straps
- Lightweight enough to forget you're wearing them
- Minimal cushioning for standing around between sets
- Sizing runs slightly long
WHITIN Minimalist Cross-Trainer
At half the price of premium barefoot brands, the spec sheet lists a stable, wide toe box and a thin enough sole to keep power transfer honest through the drive.
- Very affordable entry point
- Wide toe box for natural toe splay
- Grippy outsole on rower footrests
- Less durable stitching over time
- Fewer color/width options
Vibram FiveFingers V-Run
Individual toe pockets feel unusual at first, but owners consistently report that the direct footplate feedback on the catch and drive wins them over once they adjust.
- Unmatched ground/footplate feel
- Toe pockets improve stability on the strap
- Machine washable
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Not ideal for walking long distances after rowing
New Balance Minimus Trainer
A slightly thicker sole than true barefoot shoes makes for an easier transition, and owners report the shoe doubles well for lifting and light cardio in the same session.
- Comfortable low-drop platform for mixed training
- Roomy but secure toe box
- Versatile beyond rowing
- Not as thin as dedicated barefoot shoes
- Runs a touch narrow in the midfoot
Inov-8 Bare-XF 210
The wide, stable base is built to hold firm during hard drives, and the sticky rubber outsole is rated to grip footplate rubber better than most minimalist shoes on the market.
- Very stable, wide platform
- Excellent outsole grip on footplates
- Durable for mixed gym use
- Pricier than typical minimalist options
- Break-in period needed for the upper
Merrell Vapor Glove
These fold flat in a gym bag, and the thin Vibram sole is thin enough to deliver footplate feedback without feeling flimsy on longer steady-state pieces, per owner reports.
- Foldable, packs small for travel
- Thin sole preserves footplate feel
- Good grip for the price
- Less arch support for high-arch feet
- Limited width options
How we chose
We evaluated each shoe against three criteria drawn from the spec sheet and owner feedback: how well the shoe fits under a rowing machine foot strap without excess bulk, how thin and flexible the sole is for footplate feedback, and how owners report the shoe holding up for general gym use. We also factored in price, sizing consistency, and durability based on what verified owners consistently report after months of wear.
Do you actually need special shoes for a rowing machine?
Technically, no. Plenty of rowers train in socks or barefoot, and that’s genuinely one of the best options if your gym floor and machine footplates are clean and grippy. But if you want foot protection, share equipment with others, or just prefer having something on your feet, a thin-soled minimalist or cross-training shoe is the closest thing to barefoot rowing while still giving you a shoe.
Why running shoes are the wrong choice
Standard running shoes are built with elevated heels and thick, soft midsoles designed to absorb impact from foot strikes. On a rowing machine, that cushioning works against you. It compresses unevenly under the foot strap, lifts your heel away from the footplate, and dulls the feedback you need to time the leg drive and finish correctly. Rowers who switch from cushioned running shoes to thinner, zero-drop shoes consistently report better stroke connection and a cleaner feel through the footplate.
What to look for in a rowing shoe
Zero or low drop
A flat sole with no heel lift keeps your foot in a more natural position through the drive and recovery, closer to how your foot would sit if you were rowing barefoot.
Thin, flexible sole
Thinner soles transmit more footplate feedback, which helps you feel the catch, drive, and finish more precisely, especially useful if you’re working on technique.
Snug, low-profile fit
Bulky uppers and thick tongues can prevent the foot strap from cinching down securely. A slim, low-profile shoe lets the strap do its job without slipping.
Grippy outsole
Footplates and their rubber grips can get slick with sweat over a long session. A sticky rubber outsole, like the compound specified on the Inov-8 and WHITIN models, keeps your foot from sliding during hard drives.
Rowing shoes vs. Socks vs. Barefoot
| Option | Footplate feel | Hygiene/protection | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barefoot | Excellent | Lowest | Home gyms with clean, private machines |
| Grip socks | Very good | Moderate | Shared home gyms, quick sessions |
| Minimalist shoes | Very good | High | Regular training, shared gyms, technique work |
| Standard running shoes | Poor | High | Not recommended for serious rowing |
Getting the most out of your rowing sessions
Shoes are only one piece of the puzzle. If you’re shopping for a rowing machine to pair with your new footwear, our rowing machines hub breaks down the top-ranked models across budgets. Rowing pairs naturally with strength work too, so check our guides on dumbbells and kettlebells for accessory lifting days, and our resistance training hub if you’re building out a full home circuit. After hard rowing sessions, our recovery hub covers tools that help sore legs and lower backs bounce back faster.
Related guides
- Best rowing machines
- Cardio accessories
- Recovery tools
- Resistance training gear
- Dumbbells
- Kettlebells
- All buying guides
- How we rank
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need special shoes for a rowing machine?
No, but thin-soled minimalist shoes or grip socks generally work better than thick running shoes because they let your heel sit flat and preserve footplate feedback.
Can I row barefoot instead of buying shoes?
Yes, many rowers train barefoot or in grip socks, and it’s a great low-cost option if your machine and gym floor are clean.
What’s wrong with running shoes on a rowing machine?
Their elevated heel and thick cushioning lift your foot off the footplate and compress unevenly under the foot strap, reducing power transfer and feel.
Are minimalist shoes bad for my feet if I’m not used to them?
They can feel different at first since they engage foot muscles more directly. Start with shorter sessions and let your feet adapt gradually.
Do rowing shoes work for other workouts too?
Most of the minimalist and cross-training shoes on this list also work well for lifting, HIIT, and general gym use, making them a versatile pick beyond just rowing.
How do I know if a shoe fits under a foot strap properly?
Look for a low-profile upper and thin tongue; if the strap can’t cinch down snugly without excessive bulk, the shoe is too thick for rowing.
Is toe room important for rowing shoes?
Yes, a wider toe box lets your toes splay naturally during the drive, which many rowers find improves stability and comfort over longer sessions.
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