Squats and shoes

[garyandjessie]

I am making the mistake of squating in running shoes. Typically I front squat however I am working in more frequently back squats and deadlifts. I did a search and read some of the past postings leaving me with the understanding front squats should be done in shoes with a heel and back squats/deadlifts essentially chuck taylors. To make up for the CT's lack of a heel, should I put a plate under each of my heel or just do without? Thanks.

[Jasonk282]

I am making the mistake of squating in running shoes.

Yes...

Flat sole, barefoot or with a heel. You need something that's going to have a stable footing to help you push from your heels. Running shoes with their cushion do not.

[sharpieblet]

don't squat in sneakers. use chucks, vibran style shoes, or barefoot. it might feel odd for the first couple times, but after that you'll notice much more stability.

[jammyo40]

Depending on your flexibility, you can do all three lifts in either a heeled or flat shoe. If you need heeled shoes, get a pair.

[garyandjessie]

don't squat in sneakers. use chucks, vibran style shoes, or barefoot. it might feel odd for the first couple times, but after that you'll notice much more stability.

I am familiar with vibram soles, we have to wear them for our fire boots. Do you consider 'Vans" comparable to CT's. I ask because I see them everywhere.

[garyandjessie]

Depending on your flexibility, you can do all three lifts in either a heeled or flat shoe. If you need heeled shoes, get a pair.

Flexibility is not an issue, I go ATG. Sounds like I don't need a heeled show then. I am assuming that heeled shoes were meant for those with less flexibility to compensate for the ability to go deep? Thanks.

[jammyo40]

Flexibility is not an issue, I go ATG. Sounds like I don't need a heeled show then. I am assuming that heeled shoes were meant for those with less flexibility to compensate for the ability to go deep? Thanks.

When I said flexibility, I meant calf/ankle flexibility. A heel is meant to help you drive your knees forward more so your torso can remain more upright for when you're doing **** like this:

[Jasonk282]

When I said flexibility, I meant calf/ankle flexibility. A heel is meant to help you drive your knees forward more so your torso can remain more upright for when you're doing **** like this:

Yup. I recently started squatting in heeled shoes...love it.

[garyandjessie]

When I said flexibility, I meant calf/ankle flexibility. A heel is meant to help you drive your knees forward more so your torso can remain more upright for when you're doing **** like this:

Oh. Thanks for the clarification and the picture with the heeled shoes. As far as I know I don't have any flexibility issues. I guess this is one way to find out.

[LiftingSteve93]

Oh. Thanks for the clarification and the picture with the heeled shoes. As far as I know I don't have any flexibility issues. I guess this is one way to find out.

Lol all Oly lifters used heeled shoes (and they squat almost every day) and they are seriously some of the most flexible people. It doesn't matter how flexible you are, heeled shoes will help you ATG squat IMO.

[tidnab]

Unless you stretch your calves out at least every other day you are probably not flexible enough to squat ATG with good form. Squatting "ATG" with bad form (relaxing your lower back I mean) on the other hand is very easy.