Barefoot squats

**squatlover** · 10-08-2003, 06:20 AM

I have recently discovered that taking off my shoes is the best way to do squats. I can lift more weight, and my feet are stable on the ground. I don't get the leaning onto my toes that I do when I'm using shoes.

Now this may be because I had crap shoes that forced me iinto an unnatural position, or that my feet have more 'grip' on the floor than my shoes, but give it a go, and tell me what you think!

**midian** · 10-08-2003, 07:48 AM

i think it Pavell that said you shold squat barefoots, i tried it it works great indeed now i just have runing shoes to squat, it makes a small difference but not much

**lucubration** · 10-08-2003, 08:16 AM

I'll stick with shoes thanks

**scott_donald** · 10-08-2003, 08:53 AM

i train at home and never wear shoes to train.... so i have always squatted without shoes...well not entirely true did go to a gym for 6months...

**amusclehead** · 10-08-2003, 08:56 AM

i squat barefoot (and every other lift) barefoot in my gym. tried wearing shoes once figuring mayble they'd give better grip....didn't like them.

i've gotta agree barefoot is the way to go if you can (safety)hygene, etc..)

**Nemon** · 10-08-2003, 12:25 PM

I wear high heels.

Keeps me on my toes. Did i just say that?

Heh, actually i'll try that bare foot thing, sounds good.

**ahab** · 10-08-2003, 12:38 PM

I've had workboots reccomended to me before.

Never heard of barefoot though, I'm not happy with how my shoes are treating me right now.

**Maroon** · 10-08-2003, 12:44 PM

I'm going to try the barefoot squat. Been doing squats with shoes, but I'm interested in seeing the difference b/w shoe and barefoot. Thanks for the suggestion.

- Maroon

**Joske** · 10-08-2003, 01:08 PM

Reason why you have more stability when you squat/deadlift on your bare feet/socks is cause most sneakers and running shoes etc that are "good for your feet" have these air crap etc, wich plays dirty tricks on your extensor reflex.

**squatlover** · 10-08-2003, 03:00 PM

I agree, I think its because the heel unit on trainers, lifts your foot up, so it causes the weight to be put forward, and when you squat, once your tipped forward, the weight keeps on going forward, ruining your form.

**Limbo** · 10-08-2003, 03:50 PM

Squatting barefoot, especially going heavy, is close to the worst thing you could ever do to your feet. Unless of course, you _want_ flat (ie deformed) feet down the road...

Having proper support under your feet is KEY -- you're putting an extremely large stress on them. You want to keep the arches in your feet by having good shoes with good support. Personally, I add a 3rd party rigid arch support to give me extra arch. The only thing worse than crappy worn-out shoes is going barefoot. In fact, you might even want to consider using newer shoes to work out than for everyday wear.

If you don't believe me, my dad works in shoes and specializes in fitting... he has customers come in that have flat feet and have been developing other problems (back and knee mostly). As soon as they walk around for a bit with a good-fitting pair of shoes on their feet, the other problems are noticeably reduced. Your entire body rests on your feet, and if you **** them up, you're setting yourself up for other problems down the road.

Anyway, it's up to you, of course, but I wouldn't recommend it.

**amusclehead** · 10-08-2003, 04:29 PM

Originally posted by Limbo
Squatting barefoot, especially going heavy, is close to the worst thing you could ever do to your feet. Unless of course, you _want_ flat (ie deformed) feet down the road...

how does it cause flat feet?

**peregrine** · 10-08-2003, 05:25 PM

i don't believe squatting barefoot causes flat feet. running and activities with jumping may do this. or jump squats.

i squat barefoot. the geeks in the gym just look and wonder. you got more strength this way. the best squatters often do squats with no shoes. better base. running shoes are the worst to use when doing legs. if i squat with shoes i use court shoes.

**CyberGod** · 10-08-2003, 06:05 PM

Chuck Taylor's shoes are the way to go !

**amusclehead** · 10-08-2003, 06:40 PM

Originally posted by peregrine
i don't believe squatting barefoot causes flat feet. running and activities with jumping may do this. or jump squats.

that's what i'm thinking....i've been squatting bare foot for years (although that may not necessarily make it right )

on a side-note..today was leg day. finished squatting (barefoot

) about 40minutes ago

**nosliw** · 10-08-2003, 07:25 PM

Originally posted by amusclehead
i squat barefoot (and every other lift) barefoot in my gym. tried wearing shoes once figuring mayble they'd give better grip....didn't like them.

i've gotta agree barefoot is the way to go if you can (safety)hygene, etc..)

me too also because they keep me too hot and sweaty

**TarvMan** · 10-08-2003, 10:05 PM

Originally posted by CyberGod
Chuck Taylor's shoes are the way to go !

Bump to that, I train barefoot when I can, but if have to go to gym where they require shoes, I toss On the old Chuck t's.

And that stuff about getting flat feet from barefoot lifting is just plain silly.

**AMG** · 10-09-2003, 01:47 AM

I don't Squat barefoot. But have read good things about it. If it feels natural then go for it.

**scott_donald** · 10-09-2003, 06:12 AM

Dont know if this sounds stupid but how would any weight training ie squats etc ever make you go flat footed...

**amusclehead** · 10-09-2003, 07:51 AM

Originally posted by scott_donald
Dont know if this sounds stupid but how would any weight training ie squats etc ever make you go flat footed...

bump, i'm still curious if it's possible as well

**nubreed** · 10-09-2003, 12:26 PM

What about wearing running flats? They have a little more arch support than bare feet and most of the foot is like 1/8 inch from the ground. I was thinking about picking up a pair for leg days.

**ptrmull** · 08-19-2011, 05:08 PM

i squatted today barefoot and it feels natural..feet feel better on floor and easier to adjust ...ill keep doin it..was able to get deeper too. imo

**Jtbny** · 08-19-2011, 06:36 PM

Felt the need to bump another old thread? 2003?

**guest89** · 08-19-2011, 06:58 PM

Strong bump.

If you really wanna feel badazz, squat completely naked and barefoot...

**DCSpartan** · 08-20-2011, 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by Limbo

Squatting barefoot, especially going heavy, is close to the worst thing you could ever do to your feet. Unless of course, you _want_ flat (ie deformed) feet down the road...

Having proper support under your feet is KEY -- you're putting an extremely large stress on them. You want to keep the arches in your feet by having good shoes with good support. Personally, I add a 3rd party rigid arch support to give me extra arch. The only thing worse than crappy worn-out shoes is going barefoot. In fact, you might even want to consider using newer shoes to work out than for everyday wear.

If you don't believe me, my dad works in shoes and specializes in fitting... he has customers come in that have flat feet and have been developing other problems (back and knee mostly). As soon as they walk around for a bit with a good-fitting pair of shoes on their feet, the other problems are noticeably reduced. Your entire body rests on your feet, and if you **** them up, you're setting yourself up for other problems down the road.

Anyway, it's up to you, of course, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Go look at powerlifters squatting in chuck taylors and deadlifting in slips. Squatting heavy in running shoes really causes my heel to squish against the padding which isnt what you want with 400+ on your back.

**lee__d** · 08-20-2011, 08:01 AM

converse all stars or in socks for me at the gym....if home, i would go barefoot/socks as well.

**artstrength77** · 07-10-2014, 12:16 PM

Originally Posted by Nemon

I wear high heels.

Keeps me on my toes. Did i just say that?

Heh, actually i'll try that bare foot thing, sounds good.

I agree. My pumps give me that little extra pep in my step :/

**ednaaard** · 07-10-2014, 01:03 PM

I've always squatted in bare feet to be honest. The first time I squatted the gym PT told me that it's best and I've always stuck to it; I don't know any different. May try next Leg day just to see lol.

**hanger1989** · 07-10-2014, 01:14 PM

I'm the same I always do squats and deadlifts with no shoes on.

Squats because it's easier to keep your balance and deadlifts because your closer to the floor, so you can lift more.

You'll find that most powerlifters and strongmen do the same.

**extremegrape** · 07-10-2014, 01:45 PM

some necro bros here?
really i think flat shoes are best, keeping you stable, and not making you slip

Thread: Barefoot squats

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Barefoot squats

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions