JustBeginning
Beginner's guide

So you're getting into parkour

Parkour is one of the few sports where you already have the gym — the city, the park, the stairs, the rail. The gear list is deliberately short. Get the right shoes, protect your wrists, build your conditioning, and you'll land your first vault within a month. Here's what to buy first, and what to skip.

By Colin B. · Published June 3, 2026 · Last reviewed June 3, 2026
person jumping to brick wall

Photo by Adam Dore on Unsplash

The 60-second version

If you only buy 3 things to start:

  1. Feiyue Fe Lo 1920 Canvas Shoe — The classic parkour shoe — thin grip sole and suede toe cap, under $40, and the default starting point.
  2. JBM Adult Knee, Elbow & Wrist Guard Set — Wrist guards protect the joint you'll catch yourself on most. Don't learn landings without them.
  3. Yes4All Parallettes Push-Up Bars — Parallettes build the push and support strength parkour demands, at home, for under $50.
Budget total
$65
Typical total
$150
Parkour is one of the cheapest sports to start — the environment is free. Budget for shoes, wrist guards, and parallettes.
At a glance

Our top pick in each category

The fastest path through this guide — each best-starter pick by category. Scroll for the budget and upgrade alternatives.

CategoryTop pickPriceWhere to buy
ShoesFeiyueFeiyue Fe Lo 1920 Canvas Shoe$ See on Amazon →
Protective GearJBMJBM Adult Knee, Elbow & Wrist Guard Set$ See on Amazon →
ParallettesYes4AllYes4All Parallettes Push-Up Bars$ See on Amazon →
Training ClothingprAnaprAna Stretch Zion Pants II$$$ See on Amazon →
Before you buy anything

A few things worth knowing first

Find a parkour gym or local group first. Most cities have one, and most groups welcome beginners enthusiastically. You'll learn faster with experienced eyes than from YouTube alone — and the community will tell you exactly what gear to buy before you spend anything.

Shoes are the only required purchase. Your first session can happen in any flat athletic shoe you own, but dedicated parkour or minimalist trail shoes meaningfully improve your grip and surface feel. Everything else is optional at the start.

Parkour is a strength sport. The ceiling is high, but the floor requires real conditioning — push-ups, pull-ups, precision landings. If you can't do 10 solid push-ups, spend a few weeks building up before attempting vaults. You'll progress faster and get hurt less.

The gear

What you actually need

Shoes

Your shoe is the single piece of gear that changes what you can do. Parkour demands grip, surface feel, and a low profile — thick-soled running shoes hide your footing and break the connection you need to judge a landing. Classic flat-soled martial arts shoes and minimalist trail runners are the two camps that work. Start with the cheapest flat-soled option and go barefoot sometimes to build foot awareness.

Shoes — what's the difference?

A few common shapes, each making a different trade.

Flat sole / Canvas

Maximum grip on smooth concrete and walls. The classic traceur shoe.

Drop
~4mm
Sole
Thin rubber
Best on
Concrete, walls

Best for Urban training, parkour gyms, smooth dry surfaces

Tradeoff Soaks through in rain; limited cushion for bigger drops

↓ See our pick
Minimalist trail

Vibram grip for natural terrain. Zero-drop, maximum feel.

Drop
0–4mm
Sole
Vibram
Best on
Rock, wood, mixed

Best for Outdoor parks, natural terrain, mixed-surface training

Tradeoff No cushion — requires solid landing technique before buying

↓ See our pick
Cushioned trail runner

More protection while learning to land. Outgrow these relatively quickly.

Drop
8–10mm
Sole
Multi-lug rubber
Best on
Outdoor, mixed

Best for Beginners building landing habits before going minimalist

Tradeoff Cushion hides landing feedback; transition out within 6 months

↓ See our pick
Best starter
Feiyue

Feiyue Fe Lo 1920 Canvas Shoe

$

The original parkour shoe, worn by practitioners since the early David Belle era. Canvas upper, suede toe cap, thin grippy rubber sole. The $25–35 price is genuinely all you need to spend at the start — the feel and grip hold up to what beginners ask of them, and the thin sole gives direct feedback from the surface.

What we like

  • Worn by parkour practitioners since the sport's early days
  • Thin sole gives direct surface feel for judging landings
  • Under $35 — no guilt about getting them scuffed on walls

What to know

  • Canvas soaks through in rain — keep a second pair for wet days
  • Sizing runs small; order a half to full size up
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
ASICS

ASICS Gel-Venture 8 Trail Running Shoe

$$

A real shoe for under $60. ASICS trail grip handles outdoor terrain, the relatively low heel-to-toe drop keeps you in contact with the surface, and ASICS sizing is consistent. If you're training in parks and on grass more than concrete, this is the better starting shoe than canvas flats.

What we like

  • Trail grip pattern handles grass, gravel, and outdoor surfaces
  • Low drop keeps more foot contact with the surface than running shoes
  • Consistent ASICS sizing — fewer sizing surprises on reorder

What to know

  • More cushion dulls landing feedback as your technique sharpens
  • Heavier than dedicated parkour or minimalist shoes
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Merrell

Merrell Trail Glove 7

$$$

Zero drop, minimal stack height, and a Vibram sole that grips concrete and stone better than almost anything else on this list. The glove-like fit gives you the best proprioceptive feedback here — you'll feel the texture of a surface the way climbers feel a hold. Buy once you're training consistently and want precision over protection.

What we like

  • Vibram sole grips stone and concrete — trusted by climbers and traceurs
  • Zero drop and thin sole maximizes direct surface feel
  • Foot-shaped last leaves toes free to grip edges and balance

What to know

  • Zero cushion punishes bad landing technique directly in your joints
  • Takes a few weeks to break in properly — start with shorter sessions
See on Amazon →

Protective Gear

Parkour has a lower injury rate than most people expect when taught correctly — but wrists absorb most of the falls beginners take. Wrist guards are the single protective investment worth making. Knee pads are optional but useful while you're learning precision landings. Skip shoulder pads and helmets for standard street training; those are for specific high-consequence stunts, not the everyday stuff.

Best starter
JBM

JBM Adult Knee, Elbow & Wrist Guard Set

$

Covers both joints you're most likely to hit — wrists on instinctive catches and knees on imprecise landings. The set costs less than a single specialized guard elsewhere, fits true to size, and gives beginners the confidence to commit to moves while technique is still forming. The wrist guards are the real buy here; the knee pads are a useful bonus.

What we like

  • Covers wrists and knees — the two joints beginners hit most often
  • Wrist splint prevents hyperextension on arms-out falls
  • Under $30 for the full set — low barrier to actually wearing them

What to know

  • Knee pads are thin — abrasion guard, not impact absorption
  • Velcro wears after heavy daily use; replace when grip weakens
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Hillbilly

Hillbilly Full Finger Wrist Guard Gloves

$$

If you're training hard and want serious wrist protection, Hillbilly's guards are what the skating and parkour community returns to. A fiberglass splint protects against hyperextension — the wrist injury most common in arms-out falls — without restricting the hand movement you need for vaults and rail work.

What we like

  • Fiberglass splint stops the hyperextension that breaks wrists in falls
  • Trusted by the skate and freerunning community for years
  • Fingerless design keeps full hand mobility for rail and vault work

What to know

  • Wrist-only — add knee coverage separately for complete protection
  • Bulkier than basic guards; check sleeve clearance before buying
See on Amazon →

Parallettes

Parallettes — two small parallel bars at ground level — are the single most useful training tool for parkour. L-sits, planche progressions, push-up depth, handstand practice: these movements build the pushing and supporting strength parkour actually demands. They fit under a bed, cost under $50, and outperform any gym machine for this specific job. Start here before thinking about any other home equipment.

Best starter
Yes4All

Yes4All Parallettes Push-Up Bars

$

The standard starter parallette — steel frame, rubber non-slip feet, comfortable grip, and cheap enough that you won't hesitate buying them. The low height is right for L-sits and planche leans; go taller only when you need handstand push-up depth. These are what most parkour communities recommend to beginners.

What we like

  • Steel frame handles weighted progressions as you get stronger
  • Rubber feet stay put on hardwood and tile without sliding
  • Right size for L-sits, planche leans, and elevated push-ups

What to know

  • Low height limits handstand push-up depth — buy tall version if needed
  • Basic grip — add foam wrap if long sessions irritate palms
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
ProSource

ProSource Push-Up Bars Set of 2

$

A touch cheaper than Yes4All and nearly identical in construction. If you're testing whether conditioning work will stick for you, this is the sensible entry. Same movements, same exercises, less financial commitment.

What we like

  • Slightly cheaper than Yes4All — smart if you're not sure yet
  • Handles L-sits and push-up progressions from your first session

What to know

  • Lighter frame wobbles under heavy planche loading
  • Thinner grips than Yes4All — some users add foam wrap
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Lebert

Lebert Equalizer Total Body Strengthener

$$$

More than parallettes — the Equalizer functions as dip bars, push-up handles, a tricep station, and an assisted pull-up frame. Taller and sturdier than standard parallettes, so handstand push-ups have full range of motion. If you're serious about bodyweight strength, this replaces a rack of gym machines.

What we like

  • Functions as dips, rows, push-ups, and handstand station in one
  • Full height for handstand push-up range of motion
  • Heavy-gauge steel handles max bodyweight loads without flex

What to know

  • Takes real floor space — measure before ordering
  • Overkill as a first purchase; build conditioning base first
See on Amazon →

Training Clothing

Parkour is hard on clothing — you're vaulting rails, sliding over walls, and occasionally taking surface contact on your knees. You need pants that stretch through a full stride and don't tear at the knee seam. Athletic joggers and lightweight hiking pants work. Avoid jeans, cargo shorts (pockets catch on rails), and anything with a stiff waistband. Budget $25–60 for a solid pair; the rest of your wardrobe is already solved.

Best starter
prAna

prAna Stretch Zion Pants II

$$$

A cult favorite in the bouldering and parkour community for one reason: they stretch in every direction and don't tear. DWR finish sheds morning dew. The trim cut won't catch on anything mid-vault. They look like normal pants off the training ground — a nice bonus for anyone who sessions before work.

What we like

  • Full four-way stretch — zero restriction on high kicks and vaults
  • DWR coating sheds rain and morning dew from grass sessions
  • Trim cut won't snag on rails or catch during vaults

What to know

  • Pricey for training — justify it with longevity over cheap replacements
  • Trim fit not ideal if you prefer baggier athletic silhouettes
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Amazon Essentials

Amazon Essentials Men's Straight-Fit Jogger Pant

$

Under $30 and genuinely functional. The stretch fabric handles lunges and vaults without blowing at the knee seam, the tapered cut stays clear of rails, and you can replace them without wincing when they wear out. The right call for your first three months of training.

What we like

  • Under $30 — treat them as disposable while learning on concrete
  • Tapered leg stays clear of rails; no snagging on edges

What to know

  • Seams wear on repeated concrete contact — expect 6–12 months heavy use
  • No DWR; wet grass sessions will soak through immediately
See on Amazon →
Going deeper

Your first month of parkour

The moves look terrifying from the outside. Up close, with the right progressions, parkour is one of the more systematic sports to learn — each skill builds exactly on the one before it.

Read the guide →
Save your money

What you don't need yet

Beginners get pressured to buy a lot of stuff that doesn't help them play better. Here's what we'd skip on day one.

  • A crash mat — Learn with supervision, not padded out. Crash mats build false confidence on heights you haven't earned yet.
  • Parkour gloves — Most practitioners train bare-handed — grip feedback matters. Gloves are for specific cold-weather sessions, not everyday training.
  • A GoPro or action camera — Film yourself when your technique is worth filming. Recording early creates bad reference material and turns training into performance.
  • Resistance bands and suspension trainers — Parallettes and body weight are the right tools for your first year. Bands add complexity without adding better movement patterns.
  • Branded parkour apparel — Marketing to the aesthetic. Any stretch pant and moisture-wicking shirt you already own works fine.
First week

Your first seven days

A short, real plan to get from gear-on-doorstep to actually playing.

  1. Find your local parkour gym or group. · Action
  2. Start conditioning now — don't wait until you can vault. Three sets of push-ups and squats daily. · Action
  3. Order your starter shoes so they arrive before your first outdoor session. · Buy
  4. Get wrist guards before your first vault practice, not after your first fall. · Buy
  5. Watch Team Farang and Storror on YouTube — not to copy moves, but to understand what correct movement looks like. · Learn
    • Team Farang Tutorials · Structured beginner tutorial series for foundational moves
    • Storror · World-class freerunning team — the best movement reference available
  6. Set up parallettes at home and start L-sit progressions. Ten minutes a day builds the core and push strength parkour requires. · Buy
FAQ

Common questions

Is parkour dangerous for beginners?

Less than its reputation, when learned properly. Injuries happen when beginners attempt moves beyond their conditioning or without solid landing technique. Start on knee-high surfaces, prioritize landings before jumps, and train with experienced people. The injury rate is low when you follow that order.

Do I need to be athletic to start parkour?

You need to be willing to build strength, not already have it. Most practitioners start with basic fitness. The conditioning comes from the training itself — but you'll progress faster and safer if you spend a few weeks on push-ups and squats before attempting vaults.

What is the difference between parkour and freerunning?

Parkour is moving efficiently from A to B — no tricks, just flow. Freerunning adds flips, spins, and aesthetic movement for its own sake. Both come from the same tradition; most practitioners mix them freely. The gear and starting approach are identical.

What shoes should a complete beginner wear?

Any flat athletic shoe works for your first session — avoid thick-soled running shoes. When buying dedicated shoes, start with Feiyue canvas flats ($30) or a minimalist trail runner. The key property is low heel-to-toe drop; thick soles hide your footing on surfaces.

How long does it take to learn the basics?

Your first safety roll and precision landing in the first 1–2 sessions. A solid kong vault in 4–8 weeks of regular training. The ceiling is years, but the floor is accessible fast — which is one of parkour's most compelling qualities.

Where can I train parkour?

Parks, playgrounds, and skate parks are ideal starting points. Many cities have dedicated parkour or calisthenics parks — search your city plus 'parkour park.' Avoid private property. Parkour gyms exist in most major metros and are the best place to learn foundational technique safely.

Going further

Where to next

Related hobbies

Browse by category

Authoritative sources

  • Parkour Earth — Global community organization. Gym and group finder, coaching certification register, events.
  • American Parkour — Longest-running US parkour organization. Regional events, training resources, beginner guides.
  • Team Farang (YouTube) — The most structured free tutorial library for parkour beginners. Start here for foundational techniques.
  • Storror (YouTube) — World-class freerunning crew. The best movement reference for understanding elite parkour.
  • r/Parkour — Active subreddit. Best for local group and gym discovery. Post clips for community feedback.
person jump through building

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

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