Weightlifting Shoes: What they are, why you need them, and where to get them
Why should weightlifting shoes top your equipment list? Mark Rippetoe explains:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Rippetoe
Shoes are the only piece of personal equipment that you really need to own. It only takes one set of five in a pair of squat shoes to demonstrate convincingely to anybody who has done more than one squat workout. A good pair of squat shoes adds enough to the efficiency of the movement that the cost is easily justified. For anywhere from $50 to $200 for the newest Adidas weightlifting shoes, a pair of proper shoes makes a big difference in the way a squat feels. Powerlifting squat shoes have relatively flat soles, and Olympic weightlifing shoes have a little lift in the heal that makes it easier to get the knees forward just in front of the toes. Your choice will depend on your squatting style and your flexibility. Most squat shoes have metatarsal straps to increase lateral stability and suck the foot back into the shoe to reduce intra-shoe movement.
But the main feature of a squat shoe is heel compressibility. The drive out of the bottom starts at the floor, where the feet start the kinetic chain. If the contact between the feet and the floor is the squishy gel or air cell of a running shoe, a percentage of the force of the drive will be absorbed by the compression of the cell. This compression is fine for running, but when squatting it reduces power transmisison efficiency and prevents foot stability. Unstable footing interferes with the reproducibility of the movement pattern, rendering virtually every squat a whole new experience and preventing the development of good technique. Squatting in running shoes is like squatting on a bed. Many people get away with it for years, but serious lifters invest in squat shoes. They aren't that expensive, especially compared to brand new name brand athletic shoes, and they make a huge difference in the way a squat feels.
(Thanks to Farley1324 for the quote.)
And this statement isn't limited to the squat, but applies to any standing barbell movement, be it of the Olympic or Power variety.
These two vids demonstrate the difference a shoe can make:
Powerclean without weightlifting shoes
Powerclean with weightlifting shoes
Here's a rundown of most of the weightlifting shoes on the market. This list is not exhaustive (though it's pretty damn close), and the prices may change, but it gives you a pretty wide range of styles to choose from and a decent idea of what you may be looking to spend. Many of these shoes you'll need to drop down half a size for a snug fit. This was the case with my Do-Wins and they fit perfectly.
(Descriptions and prices quoted from merchant sites.)
Do-win weightlifting shoes are a durable, leather weightlifting shoe. These are last years model, so they are offered at a discount. These shoes perform well enough to have been worn by Olympic champions, are more durable than anything else on the market, and you wont have to eat beans and rice for a month to afford them.
I know Elvis is still popular because we have sold more blue suede shoes than any other model we have ever carried. These are last years model, but just like the red ones they are still as cool in 2008 as they were in 2007!
Answering the call to bring style and functionality together in a single pair of weightlifting shoes, the Rogues are simply the meanest weightlifting shoes ever developed.
These have been redesigned from the ground up to offer better breathability by using mesh inserts and greater stability from two shorter velcro tarsal straps and a lower heel, when compared to the regular Do-Wins.
CAUTION: THEY WILL BUILD ABNORMAL STRENGTH AND INTENSITY TO YOUR LIFTS!
(I've heard great reviews of this shoe. Mark Rippetoe recommends them and Glenn Pendlay says they are guaranteed to increase your jerk by 5kg the minute you put them on. These are the consensus favorite.)
World-class weightlifting shoe developed and designed for the Olympic Games in Athens.
New flexible forefoot construction for superior energy transfer
Improved 3 hook and loop straps for firm hold
Kangaroo leather in forefoot area for glove-like fit
Technical carbon fibre like material for stable heel hold
Unique outsole profile inspired by winter tyre technology
Proven wooden heel wedge for secure stance
Last edited by bango skank; 05-15-2008 at 07:57 AM.
Flexible forefoot construction for improved stance
Proven instep strap for firm hold
Full rubber gum outsole for optimal grip
Popular wooden heel wedge for secure stance
Leather upper & sole plate w/hard rubber material on bottom of shoe.
TWO "Hook & Loop" straps over laces for added support
Leather reinforced flat rubber sole.
Reinforced Heel Cup
Call for team pricing.
(Just don't be looking to get any dates wearing them.)
Ivan and I would like to introduce the America's to Stefan Botev Weightlifting shoes. These are fantastic, high quality shoes made in Bugaria, worn by actual Bulgarian lifters using the Bulgarin training system. Even lifters in Romania were seen sporting these shoes (they do over 600 reps per week!).
Perhaps, the best aspect of the shoes is Stefan Botev's close involvement of the design and manufacture of the shoes. As Mr Botev is a multi-time Olympic medalist and World Champion weightlifter, these shoes are created from a weightlifter's perspective. Over the years here are some features incorporated:
1. Above all, made in Bulgaria and European Union to ensure high qulality. (not to mention, associated Euro working conditions)
2. The Textured rubber footing design has evolved over years of lifter feedback, with improved Spanish rubber for less slippage and longer life.
3. Botev, specifically, eliminated that annoying strap at the top of the shoe.
4. Lots of double stitching. Double stitching enables the leather outer to hold-up to the routine beating associated with training the Bulgarian way.
Last edited by bango skank; 05-15-2008 at 09:03 AM.
Model A available in Blue with white trim, or Black with white trim European sizes 33-50
Model B available in Blue with white trim, or Black with white trim, US sizes 6-12
(These shoes are custom made to your specifications. You actually mail them an outline of your foot for a tailor made fit!)
Designed & manufactured exclusively for powerlifting. Features: A split grain leather with Cambrelle lining, wedge arch support, flat crepe sole for maximum weight disbursement and slippage resistance, Hi-density molded sockliner, molded heel counter, lateral strap, Avg. width & 7/8 inch standard heel.
SST Pro Series Powerlifting Shoe by Safe USA
$189.95
The ultimate powerlifting shoe! Every shoe features: Wedge arch support. Totally flat crepe sole from heel to toe for maximum weight disbursement and slippage resistance. Full grain leather construction with Cambrelle lining
Hi-density molded sockliner. Fiberboard heel counter to prevent "roll over"
Velcro lateral strap for fine tuning adjustments. American made from American leather. 7/8 inch heel.
The Pillar will increase the poundage you can lift through several key designs built in. Feel the super support and power on your feet and in your lifting with this outstanding power shoe.
I actually just got my Rogue's in the mail today. Here are some more pics of them. I tried them on and they feel very secure. I can't wait to lift in them.
If anyone has questions about them or needs clarification on anything, then let me know.
__________________
I'm making time for fighting. I'm clearing time for hitting. We'll meet and I will beat you, our schedules permitting.
Nike Romaleos (Greek for “Strength”)
Sport: Weightlifting
One of the most challenging shoes to build for Beijing, the Nike Romaleos is a lightweight, flexible workhorse that can withstand the unique punishment that weightlifters put on their footwear. In a world championship event where a 300-pound man might lift 700 pounds, shoes play a critical role in an athlete’s performance and safety. The most revolutionary innovation in the Nike Romaleos weightlifting shoe is Nike’s exclusive “Power Bridge,” a contoured TPU heel wedge designed to support the foot and bear as much weight as a man can lift, without any compression or give. This technology provides a lightweight alternative to the wooden heel wedge that competitors have been using since the 1960s. The Power Bridge is also a technical advancement because, unlike a flat wood shim, it is contoured to cup the heel, providing stability and comfort under stress. The honeycomb-like system of trusses and bridges in the midsole has been engineered for ultimate strength, helping to ensure that an athlete’s weight stays forward during the intense jerking and lifting motion of competition. A first in Nike footwear design, heel heights have been graded to different elevations for the varying sizes and weight classes of Olympic athletes. This unique system is well-protected by a flat rubber outsole specially designed to minimize wear in the heel.
The upper is constructed from durable synthetic materials that are ultra-supportive with integrated lacing and two large Velcro brand closures that keep the foot locked in place. Inside, elastic has been added to the top of the shoe to flex with the tendons of the foot during the snapping “triple extension” movement of clean and jerk lifting. The Nike Romaleos comes with two different sockliners: a softer insert for training and a harder version for competition, when athletes benefit most from zero deflection as power is transferred through the foot.
For Beijing, special versions of the Nike Romaleos were created for Team USA, Team Ukraine, and Team China. US athletes will wear Obsidian footwear with “Team USA” written on the strap. The Ukrainian version of the shoe has a Royal Blue upper with a Yellow Zest heel wedge and Swoosh. Finally, Chinese weightlifters will have an exclusive version of the Nike Romaleos in a special anodized colorway that shifts between ****llic Gold and Comet Red when light hits it from different angles. It also has a ****llic Gold Swoosh and heel wedge and “China” written on the strap. All three teams will have special sockliners inside decorated with unique graphics created for their countries.
Key Features
-Exclusive Nike contoured TPU heel wedge cups heel and supports foot to provide unmatched lifting stability
-Integrated lacing and double power straps lock foot firmly in place
-Supportive, durable upper materials and construction
-Oustole designed to minimize wear in the heel
-Includes both training and competition sockliners
__________________
Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
Woah. Those look sweet. I bet they'll go for $200 easy.
Nice find.
__________________
There is no greater natural advantage in life than to have an enemy overestimate your faults, unless it is to have a friend underestimate your virtues.
-Don Vito Corleone
That's right, Zeus is a damn baby until he downs some of that Skank flavored drank.
-TheStender
The Starting Strength Wiki:
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Bango F#cks with 5/3/1 Log:
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Last edited by bango skank; 05-14-2008 at 08:03 PM.
__________________
There is no greater natural advantage in life than to have an enemy overestimate your faults, unless it is to have a friend underestimate your virtues.
-Don Vito Corleone
That's right, Zeus is a damn baby until he downs some of that Skank flavored drank.
-TheStender
The Starting Strength Wiki:
http://startingstrengthwiki.com
Bango F#cks with 5/3/1 Log:
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?p=316088631#post316088631
Last edited by bango skank; 05-14-2008 at 08:09 PM.
I have the Adistars and really like them so far. Time will tell if they will last though. I just got a pair of the red suede Do-Wins for my wife. She really likes them. They seem very solid.
Replaced my 2006 Do-Wins with the Rogues. Nice, very nice. Just 2 issues:
- Sizing seems different than the older Do-Wins. My 9 1/2 Rogues are definitely bigger, in fact the European sizing on my 9 1/2 Do-Wins was 42, and the Rogues are labeled as a 43. Not so big a deal for me since I now have room for my orthotics in the shoes. I know someone who just replaced an old pair of women's Adidas lifting shoes w/ the same size 2007 Do-Wins, and the Do-Wins are quite a bit bigger.
- Straps -> too damned long! When the straps are snugged down, I had enough hanging off the side to actually get under the shoe, which isn't good. I cut off a good 3 inches of excess strap.
I do like the way they look, and the fact that the heel is a bit lower than the older DoWins.
__________________
"Motivation comes from within. You won't get it from others or by seeking the approval of others." - jgreystoke
"If it's your day to train, train. Unless you're coughing up blood, or the jagged end of a broken bone is protruding from a limb, do work." - ironwill2008
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Olympic lift training journal:
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Do they even sell them? Seems like it was made only for the Chinese national team. I Can't find them anywhere.
Supposedly, they are supposed to be available in August for $180 MSRP.
__________________
Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
Supposedly, they are supposed to be available in August for $180 MSRP.
Do you suppose so?
__________________
There is no greater natural advantage in life than to have an enemy overestimate your faults, unless it is to have a friend underestimate your virtues.
-Don Vito Corleone
That's right, Zeus is a damn baby until he downs some of that Skank flavored drank.
-TheStender
The Starting Strength Wiki:
http://startingstrengthwiki.com
Bango F#cks with 5/3/1 Log:
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?p=316088631#post316088631
Sometimes I edit part of my post without reading the finished product.
__________________
Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
Sometimes I edit part of my post without reading the finished product.
I do the same thing I do.
__________________
There is no greater natural advantage in life than to have an enemy overestimate your faults, unless it is to have a friend underestimate your virtues.
-Don Vito Corleone
That's right, Zeus is a damn baby until he downs some of that Skank flavored drank.
-TheStender
The Starting Strength Wiki:
http://startingstrengthwiki.com
Bango F#cks with 5/3/1 Log:
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?p=316088631#post316088631
Man these shoes are hella useful. I remember going to my first few practices and my weight was just all over the place. Coach gave me a set of powerfirms and that made everything way more stable.
Question though. My regular cross trainers/running shoes are 43 and fit okay, but my lifting shoes are 41 and aren`t completely snug. Anyone have this same issue.
man those nike's look sweet. but nike has a reputation for making overpiced crappy equipment. just look at thier golf clubs. i will wait for you guys to buy/review them first.
I have the much older model of the Werksan Red Leather shoes and will say that the shoe material is extremely sturdy like a dress shoe and has a small heel. My biggest gripe with the Werksan shoe is the very poor gripping performance of the bottom of the shoe since it seems to be manufactured from foam and not rubber.
My friend has the VS athletics shoe and complains because it feels unstable as the material for the shoe is a softer type fabric as well as having a much higher heel.
man those nike's look sweet. but nike has a reputation for making overpiced crappy equipment. just look at thier golf clubs. i will wait for you guys to buy/review them first.
Exactly.The spend more money making the shoe shiny and flashy and they forget the rest... ya know, the unimportant details like durability and stability and cross secitonal strength
If the many national Olympic teams are gonna be wearing them, they must be pretty good.
__________________
There is no greater natural advantage in life than to have an enemy overestimate your faults, unless it is to have a friend underestimate your virtues.
-Don Vito Corleone
That's right, Zeus is a damn baby until he downs some of that Skank flavored drank.
-TheStender
The Starting Strength Wiki:
http://startingstrengthwiki.com
Bango F#cks with 5/3/1 Log:
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?p=316088631#post316088631
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