03-28-06 09:45 AM - Post#195910    

EDIT: This is a compilation of threads about training shoes, weightlifting shoes and training barefoot.


Hello,

I am going to invest in some weightlifting shoes. I want a firm base for squats, deadlifts, presses and power cleans.

I am having trouble finding places online to purchase them. I am looking for a good quality shoe, I have been strength training for 20 years and plan to train at least another 20. ;-)

Recommendations and pointers appreciated.

Dale

Edited by Laree on 04-26-09 01:02 PM. Reason for edit: Compiled this with other shoe discussion threads

Re: Weightlifting shoes
03-28-06 09:51 AM - Post#195911    

Here's one to start...many styles are being closed out and are chea...er, frugally priced!

http://www.dynamic-eleiko.com/

Go to Products, then to Weightlifting Apparel, then to Adidas Weightlifting shoes.

Here's another:

http://www.inzernet.com/search_results_p...ch&iLevel=1


One more:

http://secure.mycart.net/catalogs/catalog.asp?prodid=1591791&showprevnext=1

"I'm in good shape for the shape I'm in." "Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me." John 14:6

Re: Weightlifting shoes
03-28-06 10:28 AM - Post#195912    

Here are a couple of threads wherein we discussed training shoes. I don't see the post, but Tom Canavan at one point suggested wrestling shoes. The bottom link is more about squat technique, but has some good shoe thoughts mixed in.

http://www.davedraper.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=Home&Number=119066

http://www.davedraper.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=Home&Number=74063

http://www.davedraper.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=Home&Number=153616

http://www.davedraper.com/forum/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/129456

Re: Weightlifting shoes
03-28-06 10:36 AM - Post#195913    

During my first (and only so far) IOL Bash in Las Vegas I visited the Otomix shoe booth at the Olympia Expo and picked up a pair of very flat soled high tops that were on sale. I love these shoes for squatting. Great stability and support. I'm not sure but I think if you google Otomix on the web you might find some.
God's blessings,

Art Hansen ISSA CFT http://www.bwculture.net/?Click=3157 For the USA Suspension training equipment !!

Re: Weightlifting shoes
03-28-06 10:51 AM - Post#195914    

If you go with Otomix, look on Ebay for them too. They are pretty proud of them, but I have a pair I got on Ebay new for $35.00.

/sk

Shoes
01-19-08 11:05 AM - Post#398645    

It is finally time for me to get some better weight-lifting shoes. I've been lifting in some ancient battered sneakers that are at this point inadequate. I know Pavel advocates converse, but they are usually too narrow for me. Anyone have experience with "real" weightlifting shoes? What are good brands? Any kinds to avoid? Should I just really try to find a wide-foot converse? Thanks.

Sports do not build character. They reveal it. -Heywood Broun

01-19-08 11:27 AM - Post#398653    

They're not weightlifting shoes, but I'm loving my Nike Frees... plenty wide, too.

01-19-08 11:40 AM - Post#398657    

There is no wide-foot Converse Chuck Taylor All Star that I have ever heard of. The sizing is odd, though. I wear a 10 1/2 chuck, an 11EE New Balance, and a 12 in some brands of running shoes.

jej

01-19-08 12:06 PM - Post#398668    

To be honest I never believed that a certain style of shoe will help me lift any better. I think that it is a waste of money to have "special" weight lifting shoes. I will say that when I deadlift I do so barefooted. Running shoe is different. I like Asics (which is what I wear when lifting also)

01-19-08 12:13 PM - Post#398671    

Wrestling shoes work for me...

JR

Where the weather suits my clothes

01-19-08 12:18 PM - Post#398672    

I've been needing a new pair for ages.

Need something with a flexible sole for calf work yet enough arch and ankle support for squatting and deadlifting.

Must be about 18months on and i'm still looking.

01-19-08 12:22 PM - Post#398674    

Always New Balance.

Lou

01-19-08 12:38 PM - Post#398677    

I wear $35 Nike 3/4 basketball shoes, black. Cheap, thin enough sole for good squat 'feel', solid enough sole for stability. Good grip as well. Comfortable. Two thumbs up.

"It is not an uncommon experience for people to talk and argue a great deal about something without anybody bothering to define precisely what it is." - Ross J.S. Hoffman I would like to see the truth clearly before it is too late. - Sartre We must begin by a definition, although definition involves a mental effort and therefore repels. - Hilaire Belloc

01-19-08 02:07 PM - Post#398697    

Florsheim Wing-tips in cordovan!

Actually was a very popular shoe here on the West Coast. They cost about $75 back in the late sixties/early seventies and were extremely well-made. Legendary powerlifter Mel Hennessey even wore them in Sr Nat'l meets.

Bill2 Integrity is what you do when you think nobody is watching.

01-19-08 02:10 PM - Post#398700    

I love the Otomix pro trainers. I've had the same pair for six years and they are being left behind here in Iraq. They finally started breaking apart at the heel.

Time for a new pair.

"You can take a ride through this life if you want, but you can't take the edge off the knife" Ironeagle Army Training IroneagleFitness Videos IronEagleFitness FB page

01-20-08 07:54 AM - Post#398847    

Thanks for all the input!

Sports do not build character. They reveal it. -Heywood Broun

01-20-08 02:24 PM - Post#398943    

If you've never tried weightlifting shoes you'll understandably be skeptical, but they make a huge difference in stability. The Adidas are in the $175 range, they are available through USA Weightlifting and they're the most popular brand.

Powerfirms are cheaper, well made in Poland, they get very good reviews.

Gold Cup Weightlifting shoes get good reviews and are quite a bit cheaper.

Do-wins are made in China and used by many Chinese weightlifters, some of the best lifters in the world. Cheap but they have a massive heel, too high for most people. VS Athletics sells them rebranded for $59.

The most important test a lifter has to pass is the test of time. -Jon Cole

Shoes
01-20-08 07:55 PM - Post#399116    

Unless you want the true weightlifting shoes, I'll second a vote for the Nike Free, and I also like the classic Adidas Superstar IIs. Good stability. What you want to avoid is anything with an air or gel sole.

01-20-08 10:23 PM - Post#399179    

I wear an old pair of Etnies skateboarding shoes. I have the same problem of feet too wide for Converse. The Etnies have a flat sole like Chuck Taylors. I've never had any problems deadlifting or squatting in them. You might also look into some Pumas.

I am his father. He comes to me for advices. So it's not that hard for me to give him the wrong advices.

01-22-08 08:53 AM - Post#399745    

I just went looking at shoes for lifting in Models and Sports Authority.

I am sticking with my $12 "Buddies" from Walmart. Easy on, easy off, flat sole, wide and plenty of stretch. Closest thing to squatting barefoot, and flexible enough for calf work.

01-22-08 09:00 AM - Post#399747    

I ended up getting a pair of chucks! Jej, my feet sounded like they are exactly the same size as yours, so I tried a 10 1/2 and it worked pretty good.

Sports do not build character. They reveal it. -Heywood Broun

01-22-08 09:20 AM - Post#399753    

Enjoy. I found I could change and improve my squat a little with chucks instead of the boots and running shoes I used before. I get a better feel pushing the heels out and down.
jej

footwear q
04-10-08 08:21 PM - Post#430583    

bought myself a pair of adidas running shoes with the air cushioning stuff (can't find it online). this was a few weeks ago. finally started to do some cardio, the last time being a looooongg time ago.
however, i find my knees extremely wobbly to the point when i feel like a wrong move might break something. i dunno if this is because i haven't used an air cushioned shoe in a while or what.

on the other hand, wearing my heavy steel toed CAT boots doesn't make me feel anything like that, although running in em is a bit.. umm lets just say it exhausts my store of expletives..

either ways, since i've been off a track for a while, wanted to know if there are any problems (other than calluses) to deal with if i'm doing roadwork wearing boots vs my air-cushioned adidas kicks...

what would you do?

I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult. — E. B. White Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it. - Mahatma Gandhi To be stupid and selfish and to have good health are the three requirements for happiness, though if stupidity is lacking, the others are useless. -Gustave Flaubert

04-10-08 08:24 PM - Post#430586    

Maybe your ankles are weak from wearing boots with so much ankle support. This happens to me when I go from working in boots to wearing shoes. It takes awhile for my ankle strength to come back, but it does.

04-10-08 09:22 PM - Post#430592    

Tye makes a good point...but that's only half the problem. The air cushioned shoes are the other half. Although your running shoes should have sufficient cushion to diminish heel strike shock, they still need to be firm enough to provide support. The squishy air soles make the need for strong ankles even more apparent, since they aren't firm enough to prevent lateral movement. The problems with the ankles get up the line to the knees and so forth.

An awful lot of military men run in boots....

Wicked

"I'm in good shape for the shape I'm in." "Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me." John 14:6

04-10-08 09:26 PM - Post#430595    

Just buy yourself a normal pair of sneakers. Jeez.

And, it is always best to start slowly and slowly build yourself up back into top condition.

Richard Sanchez

MS, MBA Wild Saddle™

04-10-08 09:54 PM - Post#430608    

The newest wave in walking or running footwear is to slowly make your way from cushioned with a high heel to light and flat, as close to barefoot as you're comfortable.

I talked with a biomechanics guy a while back who told me it would take two or three years for me to correct the structural problems I have enough to wear a racing flat or run barefoot. At the time I was wearing a Nike Free, which is a flat, barefoot-like shoe, and he told me to switch to a little less flat shoe, with a green supersole insole.

04-10-08 10:11 PM - Post#430616    

oh dear.. then in my endeavor to 'look' tougher in boots, i've actually worked against my goals.

so then, what's the most effective exercise for developing ankle strength? or is it 'just walk more'?

thanks for your input so far guys..

(ps, mr sanchez, i would buy new sneakers, but i'm broke college kid ;)

I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult. — E. B. White Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it. - Mahatma Gandhi To be stupid and selfish and to have good health are the three requirements for happiness, though if stupidity is lacking, the others are useless. -Gustave Flaubert

04-10-08 10:19 PM - Post#430618    

• Laree Said:

I think these things go in cycles. I heard the same thing from a very accomplished distance runner in 1978. He was convinced the cushiony shoes that were then becoming popular were a bad thing.

I think the idea works only for those with a neutral foot strike, a light body weight, and a practiced stride. The guy that told me about this in '78 was maybe 6 feet tall and maybe 150 pounds. He was running like a hundred miles a week, had been for a long time, and was pretty much injury free.

jej

04-10-08 10:40 PM - Post#430626    

running in boots can lead to shin splints and stress fractures, so if you don't HAVE to run in them, I wouldn't choose to.

re strengthening the ankles, i had very weak ankles including a torn up ankle that operated at only about 75% until I took up squatting. over the period of a couple of years, the squatting seems to have taken care of my weak ankles.

otherwise, you might want to go to your local running shoes store and talk to them. the people inside are usually more than happy to talk about running, shoes, problem-shooting, everything. a good running store will have a treadmill and they can watch you run. that will help them advise you.

BEAST MODE. NOW.

04-11-08 11:27 AM - Post#430738    

• jej Said:

Yes, I agree. What the guy I talked with was suggesting is that we should all be working our way toward those goals. In my case, he thought it would take about three years to get there. That was in about a five-minute conversation; I'm sure there's a lot more to it.

04-11-08 11:47 AM - Post#430748    

LOL

A good dose of the right genetics will help, too.

The guy that told me all about it thought he just had the right answer for anyone who goes on two feet. We first had this conversation right after I finished an 18 mile run. I was hurting, asked him what shoes [or whatever] I might try to help with a shin issue, and he told me that the shoe industry was scamming all of us, and I should do the same run tomorrow with shoes like his ancient racing flats. I figured that would have certainly landed me in the hospital.

I like your answer a lot better.

jej

04-11-08 11:53 AM - Post#430751    

Ironically, the ankle support may be helpful in the event of injury, but much like a weightlifting belt, using all the time isn't going to make you any stronger.

Case in point, when shopping for new shoes recently I considered some 'hiking boots.' Most had ankle support, which could be welcome in some situations. But most times I hike I'd rather have more freedom in movement, so I opted for a pair of New Balance training shoes instead.

I definitely have respect for the military and the ability to tolerate the GI boots for long distances. I once hiked 8 miles in combat boots and that was enough to leave me blistered. Given the mucky conditions, though, I was still better off than had I tromped around in cross training shoes.

"When [defeat] comes, I won't even notice. I'll be too busy looking good."

04-11-08 12:42 PM - Post#430776    

ok, starting to get kinda wordy in here, so let me rephrase my original q;

state your (favorite) choice of footwear for:

1/ weightlifting,
2/ cardio/conditioning.

u can specify the type of shoes (cross-trainers or boots, or you can mention the model number if thats what you know...

thanks guys.

(ps: i understand that we've all got unique foot structures, so the answers may vary a bit. but mostly i'm going to draw whats common from this well of knowledge with the bucket of redundancy =)

I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult. — E. B. White Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it. - Mahatma Gandhi To be stupid and selfish and to have good health are the three requirements for happiness, though if stupidity is lacking, the others are useless. -Gustave Flaubert

04-11-08 12:45 PM - Post#430779    

for lifting:
cheap basketball shoes with thin sole and stability with good tread (I use Nike's, 3/4 top, black, $30)

for cardio NON-running NON-cycling:
the same shoes as listed above

for cardio RUNNING:
Brooks running shoes, relatively high end, about $100

for cardio CYCLING:
cycling shoes, either MTB or Road with respective pedals

"It is not an uncommon experience for people to talk and argue a great deal about something without anybody bothering to define precisely what it is." - Ross J.S. Hoffman I would like to see the truth clearly before it is too late. - Sartre We must begin by a definition, although definition involves a mental effort and therefore repels. - Hilaire Belloc

04-11-08 12:49 PM - Post#430782    

I buy New Balance running shoes. I use my newest pair for running, and my old pair for lifting.

Lucy "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."

04-11-08 12:52 PM - Post#430784    

• Steve C Said:

New Balance is particularly nice for folks with a wider foot.

Shop online for last year's models of whichever brand you decide to try. You should be able to find a clearance either at the brand's website or on Amazon that will have a new shoe at about half price what this year's models run.

footwear q
04-11-08 12:55 PM - Post#430786    

I will say that you should get your feet, for running, sized and fitted for the proper shoe.

For my foot, I used to use Mizuno's for running, as they fit me the best. Now I use Brooks for the same reason. And New Balance...I rarely see a person who can't find New Balance shoes that work, they are excellent.

Just because I am a 10.5 shoe size, some won't work right for me (Asics in particular).

Obviously once you find a shoe that fits you, you can then order subsequent shoes online. However, if you get fitted at a store, it probably would be best to buy the shoe there.

"It is not an uncommon experience for people to talk and argue a great deal about something without anybody bothering to define precisely what it is." - Ross J.S. Hoffman I would like to see the truth clearly before it is too late. - Sartre We must begin by a definition, although definition involves a mental effort and therefore repels. - Hilaire Belloc

04-11-08 02:14 PM - Post#430813    

for squatting--chucks or my new squat shoes
for deads--deadlift slippers
for all other lifting--either an old pair of Nike running shoes or the chucks
for atlas stones and similar events--work boots with a steel toe and a solid heel (for a little height boost)

for running--Nike Pegasus for women. I have a very narrow foot and the Pegasus was specifically designed for such.

I also have a pair of trail running shoes but there aren't many trails in a 100 miles from where i currently live so these are mostly just living in the closet.

BEAST MODE. NOW.

04-11-08 05:30 PM - Post#430926    

Weight training - wrestling shoes or indoor soccer shoes.

Cardio? What cardio? I do cardio in soccer. I wear my trusty Addidas Mundial shoes. Kangaroo leather ... ah .....

Your footwear problem may be related to two things: footwear itself or your joints not being strong enough. Good luck.

Sam Tsang

04-11-08 11:32 PM - Post#430998    

thanks a lot guys and gals. muchos gracias, yes yes//

=)

I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult. — E. B. White Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it. - Mahatma Gandhi To be stupid and selfish and to have good health are the three requirements for happiness, though if stupidity is lacking, the others are useless. -Gustave Flaubert

Call me nuts....squats shoeless....
06-20-08 08:15 PM - Post#454629    

I broke away from squats and the smith machine about 4-5 weeks ago....

Anyhow Ive been doing 5 sets of 5 in a normal non assisted squat rack....A guy i do legs with sometimes told me to take off my running shoes...Man what a difference. Alot more power and balance with no shoes....He has real flat sneakers....Not like my running shoes.

Anyone else squat without shoes? What kind of shoes do you lift in?

Edited by Stickarms on 06-20-08 08:25 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

Re: Call me nuts....squats shoeless....
06-20-08 08:25 PM - Post#454631    

Running shoes don't give any support for doing squats. Probably anything short of a balance ball is better.

I wear a pair of sturdy work boots I got from Walmart for about $30.00. They are solid and give some support around the ankles that you won't get bare foot. Also, there are loads of germs in gyms. Don't give them another way to invade your body.

Also, don't go by pictures of guys from the "Golden" era doing squats bar foot or in sneakers. They probably couldn't afford better shoes....really!!

06-20-08 08:31 PM - Post#454632    

I've squatted barefoot, with flip flops, and house slippers, in addition to the regular athletic shoes.

I think most of the major powerlifting paraphernalia companies (Titan, Inzer, etc.) sell a special squat shoe but have never used it.

I no longer squat barefooted or with flip flops which is very dangerous. Have squatted recently though with house slippers. I just go from my house to my garage but I don't recommend that either.

Remember The Barbarians who used to squat with high-topped work shoes and combat boots? Have seen others who have worn those also. To each his own. Whatever you feel comfortable and safe with.

06-20-08 09:02 PM - Post#454639    

I've squatted in just about everything. Years ago, I mainly used my oly shoes. Now I wear decks shoes!

"my joints are squealing like a truckload of pigs on their way to the Spam factory." Dave Draper

06-20-08 09:09 PM - Post#454642    

Stingo posted an IOL memory thread yesterday, so here's mine, a post from our Doc Ray, an El Paso tattoo repairman the locals call the Tattoo Doc. You don't have to be an oldtimer here to enjoy it, but it probably helps.

8:05 am. Wal-Mart.

On Friday I seen a pair of high top work shoes [in my hard to fit wide size] that should be Ideal for squatting. Although there's not many people at Wal-Mart at that hour, there is a family of 4 trying on foot wear.

I pulled two pair that had the best chance of fitting from the rack, sat down and did up the laces.

After pulling on the bigger pair, I stand up, air barbell on my shoulders, head up, feet spaced and did 5 reps of deep squats at speed.

"No" I said to myself sitting back down.

As I'm changing shoes I glanced over at the family. They had all stopped trying on shoes and were looking at me. On making eye contact they all quickly looked away at the same time.

Next pair.......stand........ in position and squat........3 ....4 .... 5 .... ! ......... do 10 more trying to get max speed out of the hole............ 8....9....10 ...... !!....... do slow rep down ...... hold, feel.... slow up, feel, feel .......!!!! ...... Yes, yes! I say as I untie them.

I looked over as I re-boxed the shoes and as you may have guessed all 4 pairs of eyes, now joined another set wearing a Wal-Mart worker tag, were on me.

I smiled as I walked past them and said, "I guess they'll do".

"Do you think maybe you should try and walk in them a little first, sir?" asked the Wal-Mart guy.

"Oh no. I don't think I would want to do much walking in these." I told him, then I made my way to the front of the store to pay, thinking to myself "I'll bet that's just what Og would have said".

Doc

Re: Call me nuts....squats shoeless....
06-20-08 10:28 PM - Post#454654    

My squat shoes look something like this except that they're all black. I love them.

Peace ~ Bear

06-20-08 10:41 PM - Post#454657    

don't squat in squishy running shoes. i cannot find a proper pair of weightlifting shoes here so i also go barefoot(socks on of course). i get a lot of stares but don't worry about it. i suppose i should track down some chuck taylors or deck shoes.

06-20-08 10:48 PM - Post#454658    

I've squatted barefoot, tennis shoes, flip flops, and I've often felt like my work boots would be a fun experiment, but I've read numerous times that boots are bad for squatting. So, tell me, are they actually better? I'm not negating what anyone has said. I'm genuinely curious.

It seems that squatting barefoot would actually work you better as far as your stabilizers and ankles, or is that too much stress?

Have Bucket. Will Travel... R.I.P. Kris. "If you train hard, you'll not only be hard, you'll be hard to beat."

Re: Call me nuts....squats shoeless....
06-20-08 11:00 PM - Post#454659    

• Barney Said:

Yeah kinda just flat not angled....thats what this guy was getting at....Couldnt believe the difference going barefoot. I just dont like to be barefoot with all the weights around. People are careless.