Do you need closed-toe shoes for axe throwing?

Yes - closed-toe shoes are the only hard rule. Sneakers, boots, and flat-soled shoes all work. Open-toe sandals, flip-flops, and heels are not allowed on the lanes for safety reasons.

Can I wear a dress or skirt to axe throwing?

Yes. Choose something with enough room in the shoulders for an overhead throw - a fitted or flowy dress works, a tight bandage dress does not. Shorts or leggings underneath are smart if your skirt is short.

Should I remove jewelry before axe throwing?

Remove dangling bracelets, long necklaces, and rings that are loose on your finger - they can catch on the axe handle during release. Stud earrings, snug rings, and watches are fine.

Is there a dress code at axe throwing venues?

The only enforced rule at Craft Axe Throwing is closed-toe shoes. Beyond that, wear what's comfortable - jeans, athleisure, date-night outfits, and work clothes are all common. No costumes or face-covering masks for safety.

What should I wear to axe throwing on a date?

Something you'd wear to a casual brewery or bowling alley - jeans or a casual dress, closed-toe shoes, and minimal loose jewelry. You'll be standing, raising your arms overhead, and having photos taken, so comfort and confidence both matter.

What to Wear Axe Throwing (and What to Leave Home)

Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you can comfortably raise over your head - that is the entire dress code for axe throwing. Sneakers and jeans are the most common outfit on our lanes, but everything from sundresses to button-downs works as long as your shoes are closed-toe and your clothing doesn’t restrict your overhead throwing motion.

Quick reference: what to wear and what to skip

Wear	Skip
Closed-toe shoes (sneakers, boots, flats)	Open-toe sandals, flip-flops, heels
T-shirt, flannel, or fitted top	Bulky scarves, shawls, or loose ties
Jeans, leggings, shorts, or a casual dress	Dangling jewelry (bracelets, long necklaces)
Hair tie if your hair is past your shoulders	Rings that are loose on your finger
Layers you can remove (venues are climate-controlled)	Anything you’d be upset to scuff

What shoes should you wear to axe throwing?

Closed-toe shoes are the one non-negotiable. Our coaches will ask you to change or sit out if you show up in sandals or flip-flops - axes weigh one to two pounds, and an errant bounce near your feet is rare but possible.

The best options:

Sneakers or athletic shoes - flat soles give stable footing at the line.
Boots - work boots, Chelsea boots, or combat boots are all fine (and look great in photos).
Flats or loafers - if you’re coming from work or a date, these are perfect.

Avoid heels of any height. You’ll be planting your feet, shifting your weight forward, and standing for an hour - heels make all of that harder and less safe. Platform sneakers are fine as long as they’re stable.

What tops work best for axe throwing?

The throw is a two-handed overhead motion, like a soccer throw-in. Your shirt needs to let you raise both arms above your head without riding up or pulling tight across your chest.

Good choices:

T-shirts, tank tops, or fitted athletic tops
Flannels or button-downs (a classic axe-throwing look)
Lightweight sweaters or hoodies - our venues are climate-controlled, but some throwers warm up after a few rounds and want a layer to shed
Blouses and casual date-night tops - anything you can reach overhead in

Skip anything with very loose or billowy sleeves that could catch the axe handle on release, and leave scarves or shawls in the car. A snag mid-throw won’t cause injury, but it will wreck your aim.

What pants or bottoms should you wear?

Almost anything works. The throw is all upper body - your legs stay planted.

Jeans - the single most popular choice on our lanes.
Leggings or joggers - full range of motion, comfortable for an hour.
Shorts - fine year-round since venues are indoors.
Skirts and dresses - absolutely fine, especially knee-length or longer. If your skirt is short, wear bike shorts or leggings underneath for comfort when you step forward to throw.

Avoid anything so tight in the waist or hips that bending slightly forward feels restrictive. You’re not doing a workout, but you are standing and moving for an hour.

Should you remove jewelry before throwing?

A few common-sense rules keep your accessories (and your throw) safe:

Remove: dangling bracelets, bangles, long pendants, and any ring that spins freely on your finger. These can catch on the axe handle during release or fly off mid-throw.
Keep: stud earrings, snug-fitting rings, watches (worn on the non-dominant wrist), and short necklaces that sit flat against your chest.

Our coaches see lost rings and flung bracelets more often than you’d think. Tuck valuables in your bag or your car before your session starts.

What should you wear to axe throwing on a date?

Dress the way you would for a casual brewery or a bowling alley date - put together but practical. Jeans and a nice top, a casual dress with flat boots, or chinos and a button-down all work.

The main things to keep in mind:

Closed-toe shoes are required (no exceptions for date night).
Minimal dangling jewelry - you don’t want to pause mid-date to hunt for a flung bracelet.
Something you can raise your arms in - if you can’t reach overhead, you’ll struggle with the throw.
You will be photographed - most groups take photos or videos on the lanes, so wear something you feel good in.

There’s no “axe-throwing outfit” you need to buy. Our coaches see everything from first-date dresses to post-work polos, and the only person who’s ever been asked to change was wearing flip-flops.

Do you need to bring any gear or equipment?

No. Craft Axe Throwing provides the axes, the lane, and the coaching. You don’t need gloves, safety glasses, or your own hatchet. The throwing axes are purpose-built for the sport - sized and weighted for one full rotation at the standard 12-to-15-foot throwing distance.

A few optional things that are nice to have:

A hair tie if your hair is shoulder-length or longer (keeps it out of your eyes during the throw).
A light layer - venues are climate-controlled, but some run slightly cool until you warm up.
Your ID - some venues serve beer and wine and will check at the bar.

What about group outings - corporate events, birthdays, bachelor parties?

The same rules apply regardless of group size. A few extra tips for groups:

Corporate outings: business casual is fine. Plenty of teams throw in khakis and polos straight from the office. Just make sure everyone has closed-toe shoes - sandals are the most common issue with after-work groups.
Birthday parties: wear what you’d wear to any birthday - the venue is casual and no one needs to dress up.
Bachelor/bachelorette parties: matching t-shirts, costumes (no face-covering masks for safety), and themed outfits are welcome and look great in the inevitable group photo.

Planning a group event? Check our parties and events page for dedicated lanes, coaches, and group rates.

The bottom line

Closed-toe shoes, clothes you can move in, and leave the dangly jewelry at home. That’s it. Everything else is personal preference. Axe throwing is a casual, indoor activity - our coaches see first dates, corporate teams, and birthday crews throw in everything from athleisure to cocktail attire. The only people who ever have an issue are the ones in flip-flops.

Ready to book a lane? Find your nearest Craft Axe Throwing venue and reserve a time - walk-ins are welcome, but weekends fill fast.