The first time I put on real lifting shoes, it was a revelation.
My feet were so stable during squats, it was like they were glued to the ground.
Heres what you should know about the shoes you wear when you lift heavy.
If that means a pair of running shoes, its not the end of the world.
But as soon as you could, you should upgrade.
Running shoes, and other comfortable sneaker-like footwear, tend to have squishy soles.
They’re great for comfort and for cushioning your feet during a run.
But when you’re lifting heavy, that cushion introduces some problems.
Do yourself a favor and give yourself the proper footwear for the job.
It isnot weirdto bring two pairs of shoes to the gym.
Let’s look at your options.
(I’ll recommend a few brands below.)
If you have troublesquatting to your desired depth, you could probably use a little help with ankle mobility.
Besides doingankle mobility exercises, you’re free to also wear heeled shoes for an instant improvement.
Even for people with excellent ankle mobility, heeled lifters can be beneficial.
(Plyometrics in the warmup?
Running shoes are best for that.)
If they hurt, they’re too tight.
If they flop around or feel like a roomy running shoe, they’re too loose.
If your feet are narrow, tryNike Romaleos.
If your feet are wide, tryRogue Do-Wins.
Other popular lifters includeAdidas Adipowersand theReebok Legacy Lifter.
They fit like a glove.
(They’re not disposable like running shoes, thank God.)
There are also plenty of older models and lightly used pairs available on places like eBay.
If you’re buying new,Do-Winstend to be the cheapest of the major brands.
They aren’tquiteas stable as the heeled lifters we discussed above, but they’re cheaper and more versatile.
They are also lower to the ground, which can be an advantage when you’re deadlifting.
In a deadlift, you’re picking a bar up from the floor, and standing up.
I mentioned above that I wear lifters for my Olympic weightlifting workouts.
The classic choices in this category are Converse (Chuck Taylorhigh-tops or low-tops) orVans Old Skools.
you’re free to do your deadliftsand other lifts, if neededin socks.
Now, dont deadliftbarefootif its a gym you share with other people.
Thats usually against the rules.
But socks are fine.
You wont have any cushioning under your feet, and you won’t have that 3/4" heel either.
If thats the case, get some grippy deadlift slippers, or go back to your trusty Chucks.
