To choose the best shoes for parkour, shop at a specialty shoe store or sporting goods store. You will need shoes that will not wear thin in a matter of weeks or months. Your shoes will need support, and, just as importantly, a decent amount of grip to the soles.
Be sure you shop at a shoe store that is staffed with knowledgeable sale associates. You'll need properly fitting shoes for this type of sport, and finding them may be easier if you ask for assistance. Also keep in mind, if the shoes are too loose or too wide, you may be risking injury as you do your routine.
Comfort is essential when selecting your shoes for parkour. If your feet ache or hurt, you will not be able to perform and will tire quickly. Try several pairs of shoes, and walk around in them. Try on both shoes as this will provide an accurate feel. When you go shopping for your new shoes, wear the same type of socks as you will for your parkour routine.
You'll need a pair of lightweight, yet supportive shoes for parkour. Avoid buying shoes that are bulky, regardless of how comfortable they feel. Even if shoes seem comfortable when you try them on, if they are heavy and cumbersome, you will not be able to maximize your performance.
The sole of the shoe should also be taken into consideration. Avoid shoes with bulky or extra thick soles. You'll do best with flat soles, as you can control your movements more precisely.
Another consideration when shopping for shoes for parkour is to avoid any type of mesh material. Mesh tends to rip with wear and you may not get much use from this type of shoe. For the best value, choose shoes for parkour that are solidly constructed of leather or canvas.
Look for cushioning and flexibility in the shoes you select. Traceurs, especially those new to the sport, need extra padding in their shoes. This will help support the ankles when performing precision jumps.
Before you shop for shoes for your parkour activities, read consumer reviews. Check how various brands of athletic shoes rate. Look for all of the aforementioned features, plus how they rate for durability and wear. A shoe sale may be great, however, it won't mean a great deal if the shoes need to be replaced in a few months.