What about the thinner shoes, like Puma stuff? I'm thinking of picking up a pair of Nike Air Rifts. I like the separate toe style.
i was actually JUST about to mention the nike air rifts.i have two pairs,and they are by far the most comfortable shoe ive run in to date.i started PK seriously about a month ago,and i use mine all the time.but from a neutral standpoint,i must say that it might depend on the person with those.some people feel with a shoe sticking between their toes,but its actually helping the dexterity of my feet when it comes to climb ups and (attempting) wall runs.the ONLY successful tic-tac ive done was with these shoes.its comparable to wearing mittens and wearing fingered gloves.just seems like you get more articulation.BUT.good luck finding these things.and if youre lucky enough to find them new,chances are you WONT be lucky enough to find them new AND affordable,since its a discontinued shoe.shock absorption is also a slight problem,since they were made for running (sprinters) and not jumping from things,depending on your personal freerunning habits,they might not be worth it.its not COMPLETELY horrible,but i can just tell after a couple months of wear,there will be no cushion at all as far as shock absorption is concerned.neutrally,i give em a 7 outta 8.plus those things are HARD to find,especially if you want a new pair.AND you gotta wear special socks. :(might be too much hassle...i know sometimes
I dont feel like doin all that just to practice some stuff.and thats where my all around favorite comes in.
PUMA DISK BLAZE.
amazing shoe.VERY comfortable and form fitting.they are usually rather affordable (i paid 65$ for a limited edition pair),theyre pretty easy to find,(i usually go to ebay or puma retailers),they have durable soles,AND the shock absorption is first rate,due to an air cushion that travels the whole length of the shoe,as opposed to some shoes that only have air cushions under the heel section.(im talking to YOU,NIKE,
).they are hella lightweight,without sacrificing too much overall durability.they come in some AMAZING colorschemes,as well as some very clean solids and two tones.they also utilize an AWESOME "drawstring" tightening system.thats where the "DISK" in disk blaze comes from.you turn the dial and it draws up on the wires,thus tightening the shoe,and eliminating the need for shoelaces that come untied and could possibly pose a hazard to the unwary traceur.so basically,fashionability,functionality,durability,and comfort. i give them a 10/10
hope this helps anyone,i know im no expert at parkour/free running yet,but ive been into shoes for a VERY long time now.
