While I was at the gym today I decided to do my deadlifts barefooted.. Or I was actually wearing socks, but it is close enough. The point is though, that it felt much more natural and comfortable compared to my standard worn-down white running shoes. This made me think about what shoes are the best or most appropriate for lifting weights, more specifically then for big compound exercises like deadlifts and squats. I'm considering getting a pair of new shoes for working out, so I'd like to hear if you guys have any recommendations!

Also, I'm not sure where exactly I should post this, since there isn't exactly any optinal forum for clothing or equipment recommendations. But I thought that if shoes can be considered a supplement to your training then maybe it would work? Almost?

hey man!

Thats a good question you ve got there. Normal shoes are not very good for lifting. I cant say that they will cause you injury but they might limit your performance just a little bit. Especially on squats,deadlifts, OH press etc etc.

Most exercises, except the squats, are best done barefoot. So you can either remove your shoes, or buy special weightlifting shoes which are light and thin. If we take the deadlift for example, you will have more of a mechanical advantage over the weight, because you dont have to lean as far forward to pick up the bar. I hope this makes sense.

Squats are a different story though, especially front squats. Most people dont have the required ankle flexibility to go barefoot, so its best to buy squat shoes ( olympic lifting shoes ) that raise the heels a little bit. If you cant afford that, you could even put 5lbs plates under your heels to elevate them. A raised heel, will allow you to go deeper ( ass to grass) while maintaining hip and lower back integrity. At the same time, you could spend some time stretching your ankles and working towards greater ankle flexion but to be honest most powerlifters use squats shoes even though they have the required mobility. They know that this way they can generate the best leverages over the weights.

#HTH!
Kostas

What a great and in depth answer, Whisper! Thanks for the response!

I think my gym has a strict must-wear-shoes policy, so barefoot isn't an option at the moment, but I'll sneak my footwear off and do it in my socks when I have the opportunity. I haven't tried squatting with a plate under my heels, but I think I'll try that before going out to purchase a pair of olympic lifting shoes. I'll probably be going to my nearest sports store soon to try out a pair and get a feeling for how comfortable they are. Besides, I believe that you should invest money in the areas that you spend the most time - that means having a good bed, excellent footwear and high quality food! Never go down in the most important equipment. I'm also tired of my old and weary shoes, it is definitely time for a change!

Every edge for performance and a better feeling is a must.

Also, Scott replied to my suggestion about getting a clothing & equipment forum up and running, so from now on we can post these kind of discussions there instead! Check it out!

Right on Kostas!

I personally wear wrestling shoes. They are cheap and are just like being barefoot.

The problem with your running shoes is that they have a lot of padding which throws off the natural form of most exercises. Also, that padding is very unstable.

Invest in some lifting shoes or get a pair of wrestling shoes for now for like 30$

If you go with running shoes to lift in I sugjest minimums, like sprinter style shoes. They are very light wheight and also have almost nothing to them.

Wrestling shoes? Do you know if you can get them in regular sports stores? If I can find them I'll try them out as well and see what I like the best.

Thanks for the responses!

I personally love to workout bearfoot. The only problem is this can be dangorous if you drop a heavy weight on your foot. It can also hurt to do jumping exercise bearfoot. Since I needed a little suppport I bought thoes shoes that are super light and look like socks with the toes on them. I do get a lot of funny looks when I wear them but who cares. My workouts are much better since it is close to being bearfoot. Not only that, but I feel like I get much deeper in my squats and lift heavier in almost all my lifts.

I pretty much advocate barefoot (socks) whenever possible for compound lifting, most gyms kind of frown on it though so I'll break out my vibram 'toe-shoes'.

Chuck Taylor's, weightlifting shoes or wrestling shoes are also very good. As mentioned above, normal running shoes are designed for running and or cushioning the foot whereas the opposite is basically the goal when we're lifting heavy.

Hope that helps!

I've lifted in toe shoes (Adidas Adipure) for years. Wouldn't use anything else.

I just take off my shoes for most of my lifts including the big 3. Dont worry about what people think if you workout in your socks. Remember its your workout, not theirs.

I do the same :-)

John