On pump it up shoes

June 2, 2026•828 words

As a Pump It Up (PIU) player with many moons of experience, I have tried only a handful of shoes that truly work for me. To give you some context: I primarily use flat-soled, thin-shoe styles. I started my early days in boot-style Converse sneakers. They felt too stiff at first, but as they were heavily used, the soles broke in and performed better and better. In fact, my best results came when the shoes were almost destroyed, featuring air vents on both sides!

Later, I switched to Pumas with flat, ultra-thin soles, which served me well for about nine years. While I was happy with them, I recently felt I was pushing their limits and began searching for a replacement.

Through my journey, I've identified four critical features for a PIU shoe, listed in my order of priority:

  1. Weight: The lighter, the better. This explains why many players opt for barefoot or near-barefoot options. Less weight allows for faster movement and reduced fatigue.
  2. Sole Flexibility: Crucial for "brackets". A rigid sole performs poorly here, making "cheating" uncomfortable.
  3. Grip: Preferences vary wildly; some players love super-grippy soles, while others prefer zero traction. I believe a balance is key, though this is highly subjective and requires personal testing. I personally prefer medium grip, but I've found benefits in super-grippy soles as well.
  4. Comfort: If a shoe doesn't feel right, it simply isn't worth it.

Using this priority order (Weight, Flexibility, Grip, Comfort), I created a "Shoe Profile" system using a letter scale from F (poor) to S (superior). The format is WFGC. For example, CAFS would represent a Comfortable, Average-weight, Flexible, Slippery shoe.

Below are profiles of the shoes I have tested:

Nike Free Run 5.0 (2021)

Profile: A+ASA
These might be the grippiest shoes I have ever tried. The sole is thick on the heel, which is particularly helpful for drills. I found them excellent for doubles play involving heavy side-to-side movement, weight shifts, and crossovers. They are considered the most balanced mainstream option according to popular shoe review videos.
Availability: StockX app (outside the USA, they are pricey, around €100+).

Barefoot Watershoes

Profile: SA+BS
This offers a great balance of grip and flexibility. My foot speed and ability to "cheat" were excellent in these. They felt strange at first, but I adapted quickly. They are excellent for brackets and single play. They are quite comfortable with standard sizing, with no special remarks needed regarding fit.
Availability: AliExpress (~€14): https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005007759193555.html

DLJPA Watershoe Alternatives

Profile: S+A+SA
The main component here is the sole; the concept is essentially a good sock with a sole attached. It uses the same sole as a popular video recommendation* but is more accessible. The material provides a bit of bounce, and the grip is solid—you will never feel slippery. They are excellent for brackets, foot speed, twists, mashing, and runs. The "water holes" keep feet cool.
Sizing Note: Sizing can be tricky. I ordered the recommended size on the site and found I needed to go one size larger. I tested the lace-less version, but I believe laces would improve performance, so I recommend that option.
Availability: AliExpress

Casual Water Shoes

Profile: SA+B+S
This is the cheaper, all-around recommendation if you are unsure where to start. It is essentially a thicker-sole alternative to the options above without sacrificing flexibility. They feel incredibly cool while playing due to airflow. They offer more heel support for drilling but are slightly more slippery than the other models. They are good for runs, foot speed, pattern manipulation (cheating), and stamina. I haven't owned them long enough to judge durability, but I suspect it may be an issue; I will report back if that proves true.
Sizing: No major issues, though the laces tend to loosen during play and can be easily replaced.
Availability: AliExpress (~€17): https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005002019942405.html

What Should You Wear?

For Players up to Level 19:
Try the shoes you already own and profile them using the method above. I used the wrong shoes for a long time, which ironically only made my legs stronger! At this stage, you don't necessarily need specialized footwear; focus on executing techniques first. Of course, you can absolutely pick any shoe from the list above if you wish.

For Advanced Players:
Profile the shoes you currently own and have tested, then select a profile from the list that matches your playstyle. If you are unsure, go with the Casual Water Shoes (the last item on the list). I found them to be an amazing all-around profile, and the cooling sensation while playing is a great experience. They are also affordable and have straightforward sizing.

What about the Nike Free Run 2018?

I have no access to this model to profile it personally. However, from what I've heard, its performance would sit somewhere between the Nike 2021 and the DLJPA shoes.

Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3vT4bjszMo