Weightlifting shoes- squats, lunges, Deadlifts

[Pebbles88425]

I'm in the market for buying some shoes for squats, lunges, Deadlifts, etc. Does anyone have any suggestions? So far I'm looking into Adidas samba and others (pictures attached).

I'm not looking to break the bank either.

I believe the appropriate shoes should be flat, but should the sole be soft or hard?

[EPolis13]

I'm in the market for buying some shoes for squats, lunges, Deadlifts, etc. Does anyone have any suggestions? So far I'm looking into Adidas samba and others (pictures attached).

I'm not looking to break the bank either.

I believe the appropriate shoes should be flat, but should the sole be soft or hard?

Actually, squats are better done in lifting shoes where your heels are slightly elevated. Most lifting shoes are expensive, though.

[Cara0915]

I sometimes squat barefoot, no socks.
I love my New Balance Minimus shoes

[Zero_Degreez]

Awesome beginner lifting shoes are the Adidas Power Perfect II: http://www.adidas.com/us/product/men...20-shoes/EV210

Personally I deadlift best in Vibram Five Fingers ("barefoot" style shoes). I like to squat in lifting shoes.

[Botika]

I have New Balance Minimus currently but next time I'm just going to get a pair of chucks. My Minimums shoes have got a tear in them after about 6 months. I used to have a pair of chucks when I was younger and they lasted for years!

[CathyVee]

I've got the Adiddas Power Lift Trainer:

http://www.adidas.com/us/product/men...z13nzzZ1z13071

[Pebbles88425]

Actually, squats are better done in lifting shoes where your heels are slightly elevated. Most lifting shoes are expensive, though.

Why should feet be slightly elevated? I currently use running shoes where the heel is slightly elevated( the sole is flat).

[Pebbles88425]

[QUOTE=Botika;1102569223]I have New Balance Minimus currently but next time I'm just going to get a pair of chucks. My Minimums shoes have got a tear in them after about 6 months. I used to have a pair of chucks when I was younger and they lasted for years!


I've heard about chucks being good lifting shoes. I'm just a little confused about elevated vs flat soles.

[tina722]

Why should feet be slightly elevated? I currently use running shoes where the heel is slightly elevated( the sole is flat).

It's somewhat personal - if you have good form with a flat sole, then feel free to stick with chucks or something similar. Especially if you are looking to save money; you can always switch down the road. The sole should be hard so you can feel the ground and get a good push against it. Running shoes typically aren't great because they are too squishy.


I have pendlay's ($80) for squatting, these have an elevated heel and it's a lot more comfortable for me than flat soles. I also use these for benching and OHP, the sole feels great under my feet. I use chucks for deadlifting.

[Nsm22]

My husband wears chucks to lift, he really likes them. The soles are pretty flexible and of course flat. I lift barefoot, shoes/socks make me feel unbalanced and they get in the way. Probably not an option unless you have a home gym.

[Michelle_Rose]

You will see a big difference to maintain your feet and legs position when you squat over 200 pounds. But will it definitely help you to keep your balance with snatch and clean&jerk over 95 pounds.

Weightlift shoes are like lifting belt: it will help you to improve PR, but it wont make the job for you, especially if you have ****ty form.

[NikkiGunz83]

I have the Reebok Oly's. Those are great for squats, overhead presses, lunges ect..They are flexible at the toe box so you can do any kind of plyo work. For deadlifts I personally use my chucks.
Having an elevation for squats allows your shin angle to be more parallel to the floor when you descend. This shifts your hips closer to the heels and allows the trunk to be in a more upright position at the bottom of the squat. This will help prevent you from any kind of injury. There's alot more about the design of weight lifting shoes that make them beneficial for weight lifting. I recommend you check out wlshoes.com for more info

[EPolis13]

The elevated heel puts you in a better position at the bottom of the squat. You can do a little experiment on your own. With flat shoes or barefoot, put your arms over your head and squat. Notice your back position and your depth when you do this. Now elevate your heels by either putting on a pair of high heels or putting your heels up on some magazines or books. Do the same squat. I'm willing to bet a whole lot of $ that you can get deeper in that squat while maintaining a more proper back position.

Elevated heels for squats and oly lifts, flat shoes for deads. This is what is recommended for these lifts. As someone in here said, the elevated heel doesn't do the work for you, but it helps. ESP under heavy ass weight.

[Mindylicious]

never would have thought to use my chucks for squats. Makes so much sense. I will have to dig mine out of the closet!

[IwantAhotBody]

interesting thread ...thank you for the information. So chucks are as good as lifting shoes? I am thinking about buying shoes for lifting, but I never seem to find the right ones.

Currently I am using Nike's 5.0. (I don't know if they are running or training shoes) Is anyone else using them too? In the past I used Nike's 3.0 for deads and it was a big mistake. The result was I had a lot of problems with my meniscus.

And another question: Does it matter if the shoes have a shaft or not? I am not sure if its the right english word ) To describe it: Does it matter if the shoes cover you ankles or not?

[Michelle_Rose]

interesting thread ...thank you for the information. So chucks are as good as lifting shoes? I am thinking about buying shoes for lifting, but I never seem to find the right ones.

Currently I am using Nike's 5.0. (I don't know if they are running or training shoes) Is anyone else using them too? In the past I used Nike's 3.0 for deads and it was a big mistake. The result was I had a lot of problems with my meniscus.

And another question: Does it matter if the shoes have a shaft or not? I am not sure if its the right english word ) To describe it: Does it matter if the shoes cover you ankles or not?

Any "flat" shoes would do the job. Personally, i train with my Nike training 2.0, but i run with my Asic running shoes with lots of cushion under the heel. Cant follow that barefoot trend...

Nike 5.0 may be too high, but try to deadlift barefoot for few weeks and see if your meniscus problem comes back.

[ClassickQC]

I've recently started using my Vibram FiveFingers. My PT recommended I try with them since I am already used to running in FiveFingers.
My form is better and I feel more grounded *shrugs* but I get weird looks

I guess it really depends from a person to another.

[beastlifting]

Don't take offense here, but given that you are 133lb female, you can probably get away with wearing shoes that I wouldn't recommend for heavier lifters. A flat shoe is fine but as others have pointed out, a raised heel like what you will find on Oly shoes DOES help with stability and depth on any squatting or overhead pressing movements. I really like the Reebok Nano 2 for a flat, all around gym shoe, but you may want to look at the PL Trainers for something to wear on squat day. You can read more about both models here: http://wlshoes.com

[IwantAhotBody]

It is a bit difficult for me finding real lifter shoes, because I live in Germany. Lifting is here not so common, especially among women. So the shoes you recommand can may be found online for buying, but the price is huge. For example in Germany the Nike Romaleos 2 are 262$. :-(

What about Nike Air Max don't they have a raised heel??

My meniscus problem may come fmo shoes that don't give enough stabilization - I have a small "(Over) Pronation" especially at my right food. (you can't see it when I walk, only if I run. I have seen it on a video they made at Runner's Point Shop.) If the sole is too soft (like Nike 3.0) or there is no insole at all, over time I get the meniscus problems and feel like an old lady

[kimm4]

I love my New Balance Minimus shoes

Same here. I have 3 pairs for lifting and I love them.

I get mine here:

http://www.joesnewbalanceoutlet.com/...p?style=WT20GL

[sonti]

Do-Wins

[thepowerwithin]

Same here. I have 3 pairs for lifting and I love them.

I get mine here:

http://www.joesnewbalanceoutlet.com/...p?style=WT20GL

I have 3 pair also so I can alternate them. They get the infamous minimus stink. I just tried a bit of vinegar in the wash to see if that would help, and I spray them down with an odor control spray. Please tell me I'm not the only one .

[fihe]

There are shoes made specifically for weightlifting?! I always just wear the same pair of sneakers at the gym. I think they may be running shoes, even though I don't run much at all.

[ryancormier81]

Some folks like to get a pair with some padding in the back, which can provide a bit more relief than simple fabric. I prefer to wear running shoes—a lot of my friends and I found that they're great for circuit training! Some people are really into wearing boxing gloves for cardio workouts, but you should only do this if your hands are tough enough to handle it. You want some good material covering them if you have thin skin or any kind of damage on the outer layer of the hand.
No matter what, don't forget water and your phone in your workout bag! One thing I always think about sometimes is lip balm