Axe throwing is one of those activities where the dress code is genuinely simple — but people overthink it because nobody told them clearly what to expect. The reality is this: there is one firm rule, a few sensible recommendations, and everything else is irrelevant. You do not need special gear, sports clothing, or anything you wouldn’t normally wear on a casual evening out.
This guide tells you exactly what to wear, what to avoid, and why — so you can spend your time looking forward to the session rather than standing in front of your wardrobe wondering if your shoes are appropriate.
“Turned up in jeans and trainers and had the best time. Nobody was in gym gear. Nobody needed to be.” — Google reviewer, Axeperience London
The One Non-Negotiable Rule: Closed-Toe Shoes
This is the only rule at Axeperience where there are no exceptions, no flexibility, and no workarounds. You must wear closed-toe shoes to throw axes. Full stop.
The reason is simple and sensible: axes are sharp objects. In the event that someone drops one — which occasionally happens, especially with nervous first-time throwers — closed-toe shoes protect your feet from a potentially serious injury. Open-toed shoes, sandals, flip-flops, and bare feet are not permitted. This applies to everyone in the lane, including spectators who may approach the target area.
What counts as closed-toe shoes?
- Trainers / sneakers — ideal. Any style, any brand, any colour.
- Boots — ankle boots, Chelsea boots, work boots all fine
- Flat pumps with a closed toe — these work
- Canvas shoes like Vans or Converse — these are perfect
- Smart shoes with a closed toe — loafers, brogues, Oxford shoes all fine
What does NOT count as closed-toe shoes?
- Sandals — even with straps across the toe, these don’t qualify
- Flip-flops — not permitted
- Heeled mules or peep-toe heels — not permitted
- Open-toed heels of any kind — not permitted
- Ballet flats with an open or peep toe — not permitted
If you arrive without closed-toe shoes, you will not be able to participate in the session. There are no exceptions to this rule and the venue cannot provide alternative footwear. This is the one thing worth double-checking before you leave the house.
QUICK CHECK: Look down at your shoes right now. Can you see any part of your toes? If yes, you’ll need to change. If no, you’re fine.
What to Wear on Your Upper Body
The axe throwing technique involves raising both arms above your head (or one arm, depending on the technique you use), stepping forward, and releasing. That’s the extent of the physical movement. It’s not aerobic, it doesn’t require flexibility, and you won’t break a sweat unless the competitive adrenaline kicks in.
The ideal upper body option
A t-shirt, a casual shirt, or a light top that lets you move your arms comfortably. That’s it. The movement is a controlled, overhead throwing motion — anything you’d wear to a relaxed evening out is appropriate.
Fine options
- T-shirts, long-sleeved tops, casual shirts — all ideal
- Hoodies and sweatshirts — fine, as long as the sleeves aren’t extremely loose
- Lightweight jackets that you can move your arms in — fine to wear or leave at your seat
- Smart-casual options like a fitted jumper or casual button-down — completely fine
What to avoid
- Extremely loose or billowing sleeves — these can interfere with your grip and release. If you’re wearing a top with very wide sleeves, fold them up or consider a different option.
- Bulky winter coats — you’ll want to leave these at the designated storage area during your session. You’re throwing axes; you don’t need three layers.
- Anything you’d be genuinely devastated to get a small mark on — the occasional wood chip or slight scuff on clothing is possible, though rare.
What to Wear on Your Lower Body
The footwork in axe throwing involves a single step forward as you throw. That’s the entire lower body requirement. You don’t squat, lunge, kneel, or do anything else that requires flexibility or movement range.
- Jeans — the perfect option. Every level of formality from slim-fit smart jeans to relaxed casual jeans is completely fine.
- Trousers — chinos, smart trousers, casual trousers — all absolutely fine
- Leggings or joggers — fine if that’s what you’re comfortable in
- Skirts and dresses — fine, as long as they’re not so long that they’d affect your step forward or so short that you’d feel uncomfortable moving. Most people find mid-length or knee-length skirts are perfectly comfortable for axe throwing.
There is no lower body dress code beyond ‘wear something’. You will not be asked to squat, stretch, or do anything that restricts movement significantly.
Hair
If you have long hair, tie it back. This is a recommendation rather than a rule, but it makes the session significantly more comfortable. A ponytail, bun, or plait keeps your hair out of your face during the throwing motion and out of your eyeline when you’re focusing on the target.
Nobody has ever had their hair caught in an axe at Axeperience. But having your hair fall across your face at the moment of release is genuinely irritating, and you’ll enjoy the session more without that distraction.
Accessories and Jewellery
Most accessories don’t need any adjustment for axe throwing. The one exception worth noting is large, dangling bracelets or wrist jewellery that could interfere with your grip on the handle. If you’re wearing something substantial on your wrist, it’s worth taking it off and keeping it safely in your bag or pocket during the session.
Rings are generally fine. Watches are generally fine. Long necklaces are worth tucking in if they fall across the throwing arm. Everything else is a non-issue.
What to Bring
- Yourself and your group — everything else is provided
- Your booking confirmation (email or screenshot)
- Valid ID if you look younger than 25 — the venue is 18+ and IDs may be checked
- Water or a drink if you want one — there’s also a bar area
What NOT to Bring
- Your own axe — the venue provides purpose-built throwing axes. Bringing your own is not permitted.
- Large bags or luggage — there is storage space, but lockers are limited
- Alcohol — no outside alcohol is permitted
Specific Scenarios: What to Wear for Different Group Types
Stag or Hen Party
Most stag and hen groups arrive in casual clothes or matching outfits. Matching t-shirts, custom sashes, and similar accessories are completely welcome. The only caveat: if costumes involve high heels, open-toed shoes, or very wide sleeves, the people wearing them will need footwear that complies with the closed-toe rule. Many groups have a casual swap arrangement where people wear their closed-toe trainers for the session and switch back to heels for the evening afterwards.
Corporate Team Building
Most corporate groups arrive straight from the office in smart casual or business casual. This is completely fine. Suits, smart trousers, and formal shirts are all compatible with axe throwing — you’re not doing anything that will ruin formal clothes. The only thing to note is the sleeve point: if you’re wearing a jacket with quite formal sleeves, you may want to remove it for the throwing portion.
Date Night
If you’re coming for a date night, dress however makes you feel good. The activity is casual in the best sense — you can dress up, dress down, or land somewhere in the middle. The most important thing is that you can move your arms and you’re wearing closed-toe shoes.
The One-Sentence Summary
Wear what you’d normally wear for a casual evening out, make sure your shoes cover your toes completely, tie your hair back if it’s long, and you’re done.
Book your axe throwing session from £30pp at axeperience.co.uk/booking/ — London Tower Hill and Birmingham. Just remember: closed-toe shoes.
