Squats

[RoadRunner70]

Do you guys find generic running shoes etc throw off your balance when you squat or is it just me? Think im gonna start squating bare foot since I can't afford squating shoes.

[ElrondHubbard]

I always squat barefooted, and never had a problem with it. On the other hand, I work out at home, not sure if your gym would allow it. Running shoes are not designed for squatting, and you should either wear dedicated weight lifting shoes or none at all.

[SwoleCPA]

Do you guys find generic running shoes etc throw off your balance when you squat or is it just me? Think im gonna start squating bare foot since I can't afford squating shoes.

Many of us use Chuck Taylors for this reason.

[Bando]

Many of us use Chuck Taylors for this reason.

aren't those things pricey right now also?

[blue9steel]

Do you guys find generic running shoes etc throw off your balance when you squat or is it just me? Think im gonna start squating bare foot since I can't afford squating shoes.

They're too squishy, as your weights go up that's a serious problem. You don't need special squatting shoes, just ones with a hard, flat sole. Converse all stars, also known as "Chuck Taylors" work fine and are MUCH cheaper.

[pondman]

We all have to develop our own stance and the way our feet grip the ground when we lift heavy, so it's hard to tell someone else what to wear. I've found cheap deck shoes that I can buy for $10 work the best for me. The soles don't have an arch, they are just flat bottom shoes. If I wear a shoe with an arch, it interferes with my heal contact.

[RoadRunner70]

Thanks guys, I'm gonna give bare foot a go and go from there.

[DuracellBunny]

Actual "running" shoes are fine. "Sneakers" with 1.5" air filled heels are not. People get OCD over this, but unless you are squatting some serious weight, wear whatever you feel like.

[Plateauplower]

Wrestling shoes are close to barefoot and are cheap. I wore Oly shoes for awhile now that my ankle mobility has improved I prefer to wear wrestling shoes. Feel like I get better use of hamstrings flat footed.

[damacl6]

I am new to lifting, so my experience is limited. I tried barefoot at the gym last week just to see how it felt, and I definitely felt a difference. Maybe it was in my mind, but I really felt like I had more control over my form. Now I don't want to wander around the gym barefoot, so I bought a pair of converse. Cost me $55. I've been buying $120 running shoes for years, so my wife was thrilled that I got a pair of shoes to work out in for that cheap. I'm going to try them out for the first time tomorrow. I'm really curious to see how different it is than the running shoes I've been lifting in.

[tanksoldier]

Do you guys find generic running shoes etc throw off your balance when you squat or is it just me

Totally recommend the Chucks. If barefoot works for you, great but if you want shoes get the Chucks.

[RoadRunner70]

Actual "running" shoes are fine. "Sneakers" with 1.5" air filled heels are not. People get OCD over this, but unless you are squatting some serious weight, wear whatever you feel like.

Mine are probably a inch or so of cushion, It feels like it pushes my forward off balance slightly, could just be my limited form, but I'll give bare foot a go see if that makes a difference.

[JustBulk]

Mine are probably a inch or so of cushion, It feels like it pushes my forward off balance slightly, could just be my limited form, but I'll give bare foot a go see if that makes a difference.

Dont worry, that's actually common. I feel like crap squatting in running shoes too. I try to squat bare footed whenever possible, but some of the gyms I go to don't allow that.

[LisaSkinnoble]

I always squatted in socks, until Mr Flexy bought me some Pendlay Do-Wins:



They took some getting used to, but I now love them!

[olyw8lifter]

You can always try workboots. That's what I used when I started Olympic weightlifting and wanted to start getting used to high bar squats without purchasing Weightlifting shoes. You can get cheap pairs at Walmart and discount outlet shoe stores.

Also, you can usually find Weightlifting shoes for under $100 if you look.

[bodyhard]

Do you guys find generic running shoes etc throw off your balance when you squat or is it just me? Think im gonna start squating bare foot since I can't afford squating shoes.

Get some Converse sneakers (Chuck Taylor) they are mad cheap and work well for squatting.

[baker]

Chucks are great for squats and Deads. I bought Oly shoes a few years ago and really like them too.

[trev71]

Many of us use Chuck Taylors for this reason.

In for chucks!

[congore]

Barefoot only! But only if you have a home gym.

[pipios]

Chucks !

[wesleysh21]

I know everyone loves the Chucks. But just to throw it out there, if you get bored, wonder into a discount store and find some Champions. Not the ones that are pretending to be basketball shoes. They have some that are so cheap and minimalist they would probably go for $100 if you put an Adidas label on them. I got mine for $12. They offer no support and no cushioning whatsoever. If there were a pebble under the flooring in the gym, you'd feel it in these shoes. After wearing these, I had to quit wearing my regular running shoes because of how "confining" they felt.

[SumuhmuhBish]

I always squat barefooted, and never had a problem with it. On the other hand, I work out at home, not sure if your gym would allow it. Running shoes are not designed for squatting, and you should either wear dedicated weight lifting shoes or none at all.

Same here and WO at home. But I've pulled out at lest 6 staples out my feet because of my sloppy ass wife!

[TouaregV8]

I've been squatting in running shoes since I started lifting and don't have a problem with it. I guess it's all what you get used to. Don't be that guy who has $100 shoes and a ten cent squat.

[lucia316]

I've been squatting in running shoes since I started lifting and don't have a problem with it. I guess it's all what you get used to. Don't be that guy who has $100 shoes and a ten cent squat.

This is pretty much the standard. If you're really wanting a squat show you ought to be looking into something with a heel. If you don't want something squishy then look at a lifter shoe like the Pendlay's above. There are plenty of options.

The higher heel will make it easier to keep torso vertical in while squatting and it will lower the stress on the back. It also helps keep the weight back over the ankles in the squat. This will make it easier to recruit the glutes. All force, irrespective of sport starts proximally (center) and moves distally (down the extremities).

This is why the Chuck Taylor nonsense gets me. If you're deadlifting? Sure, barefoot and flat foot all day, but it makes no sense with the squat.

The reality is that most people aren't squatting at a level that this is necessary. If you're training seriously, then this concern about shoes starts to make sense. If you're not, then you're overthinking it.

TLDR? Flat shoes are bad for squatting and great for deadlifting. Heels are good for squats.

[EjnarKolinkar]

You can always try workboots. That's what I used when I started Olympic weightlifting and wanted to start getting used to high bar squats without purchasing Weightlifting shoes. You can get cheap pairs at Walmart and discount outlet shoe stores.

Also, you can usually find Weightlifting shoes for under $100 if you look.

Yep, as long as you feel planted and solid. Your shoes should not feel like a stability ball exercise. Squatting is hard no reason to make it harder.

[Jtbny]

I've been squatting in running shoes since I started lifting and don't have a problem with it. I guess it's all what you get used to. Don't be that guy who has $100 shoes and a ten cent squat.

Really? There is no way I'd try that. Sounds like a good way to end up in snap city to me.

[trev71]

socks or chucks.

[ElrondHubbard]

socks or chucks.

Not so sure about socks on some of the gym floors I've seen. If it's on a carpet, not so bad. But I'd be concerned about slipping.

[DuracellBunny]

Really? There is no way I'd try that. Sounds like a good way to end up in snap city to me.

Have you ever tried squatting in deadlift slippers?

[Jtbny]

Have you ever tried squatting in deadlift slippers?

No. I have a metal rod, a plate and some cool little pins holding stuff together in my right ankle. Needless to say I lack some flexibility in that area so a heeled shoe is a must. I do know I wouldn't want to squat in anything squishy or deadlift for that matter. Not that Im a heavy squatter by an measures but putting 500+ on my back in a squishy shoe doesn't sound appealing