Yep its a SHOE thread!

[Wildtim]

My latest Chucks are wearing out and I think it might be time to graduate to a real weightlifting shoe.

I'm currently looking at the VS athletics because, well, I'm a cheap bastard and they are the cheapest price point.

Anyone have any better ideas, or reasons to get something else. I'm entertaing everything from reviews of Metal Squat shoes, to Addidastars, even the new Rebok crossfit shoes.

[rthawker]

I wear Adidas Sambas so I'm sorry I don't have any experience with weightlifting specific shoes but a good place to start is Rogues shoe page on their website. Each of their shoes they offer has multiple reviews to aide in the decision process.

http://www.roguefitness.com/shoes/we...ting-shoes.php

[KBKB]

I remember reading other shoe threads where some guys said that they squat / lift in their work boots. After I thought about this for a while, it made sense to me. The heels are often a bit raised and do not compress much. Moreover, they're building proprioceptive awareness using shoes that they actually use for lifting things in real life.

When it comes to the deadlift though, it seems to me that any amount the sole of the shoe raises your foot off the floor is just added distance that you'll have to move the bar. I'm sure this is why a lot of guys say they like to deadlift barefoot, in socks, or in VFFs.

I know that's not a specific recommendation, but I can't really make one since I don't own a real weightlifting shoe.

[Cleveland33]

maybe we can sticky this as the official shoe thread

[Wildtim]

We could but lets see where it goes first.

I've considered the work boot option, but of my three pairs of work boots one is unsuitable (crepe eva sole) and the other two tend to be muddy (or worse) more often than not. If I wanted to buy a duplicate pair of work boots for the gym I would be spending well over $200 and that ain't gonna happen, I wince every time I spend that for work.

[Cpl.Girthington]

I started working out in some Airwalks I had laying around from like 1998, before you could buy them at payless. I really liked them for squats and deadlifts. After about two years of that my wife was out of gift ideas and I showed her an ad in Eastbay for the lower end Adidas lifting shoe ~ $90 or so. Got em this Christmas, and after about three workouts I began to prefer them over the airwalks for squats and powercleans. I have just now gotten to where I am using them over the airwalks for deadlifting. My numbers aren't special, my current 5 rep max for a real squat is 300#, 330# DL, and I'm newer to powercleans and at a 4 RM of 175#.

The real rub is that I can't tell you if new Airwalks are anything like the ones I've got and liked lifting in. I will say that the sole of the Adidas are very firm, even though they look like the normal rubber you see in a running shoe.

[MitchellN]

I have the same shoes as the above poster, the Adidas PowerLift Trainer, and they are amazing

[FastCatChamp]

Tim....I have worn Do-Wins for the last year plus for squats, etc. I love them. Cost about $100 bucks from Pendlay barbell or Rogue.

Just got done with a log for BETA-CRET. My logging partner wore VS shoes and actually posted a picture of his on the last page of our log. The url is down there in my sig line if you want to see his blue metallic Vs shoes.

For deadlifts I have worn the same Walmart flat tennis shoes for every lift for two years now. They are ratty but still kicking...$10!

[BIgOrange865]

Tim- I currently wear a pair of Chuck Taylor's for most of my workout but I wanted to jump on the vibram fetish because I workout in my garage at home and its a little chilly for barefooted work with deadlifts and squats. I did not want to spend Vibram money so I bought the Fila Skeletoes (I know Fila Right). They work fine for me and I got them shipped for around $40 from finish line.
http://www.finishline.com/store/cata...tId=prod685369

[fishpat86]

I lift in my socks but I train in a home gym so I get away with it.

[Wildtim]

Tim....I have worn Do-Wins for the last year plus for squats, etc. I love them. Cost about $100 bucks from Pendlay barbell or Rogue.

Just got done with a log for BETA-CRET. My logging partner wore VS shoes and actually posted a picture of his on the last page of our log. The url is down there in my sig line if you want to see his blue metallic Vs shoes.

For deadlifts I have worn the same Walmart flat tennis shoes for every lift for two years now. They are ratty but still kicking...$10!

Thanks for that.

For deads I'd probably go barefoot or wear the ol' chucks but I notice that for squats I push out pretty hard and they are starting to let go there, hence the new shoes.

I was looking at the pendely do-wins, same price and I think they look better than Rogues offering.

[OSUDimond]

I have the Vibram Komodo's and love wearing them for deadlifts and calf training. For squatting I love the Puma mid speed cat 2.9. They have a very flat and thing sole and go up just high enough to provide a little ankle support when laced up tight. I had the all black ones and just got another pair but in white this time.

[Cleveland33]

We could but lets see where it goes first.

I've considered the work boot option, but of my three pairs of work boots one is unsuitable (crepe eva sole) and the other two tend to be muddy (or worse) more often than not. If I wanted to buy a duplicate pair of work boots for the gym I would be spending well over $200 and that ain't gonna happen, I wince every time I spend that for work.

how are crepe soles? I've never actually tried them, I imagine they're not very good in winter?

[Cleveland33]

I have the Vibram Komodo's and love wearing them for deadlifts and calf training. For squatting I love the Puma mid speed cat 2.9. They have a very flat and thing sole and go up just high enough to provide a little ankle support when laced up tight. I had the all black ones and just got another pair but in white this time.

I have a pair of Puma Drift Cats and I was thinking they might actually be good for lifting because there is so little padding and they are flat. They're low cut though, so that may not be so great.

[m9a1mike]

Here's what I bought a few weeks ago. Nice solid and stable shoe. My first weightlifting shoe so I can't compare to anything else though.

Search for Wei-Rui weighlifting shoe. Can't post link.

[Keetman]

Get one of these:




Learn how to use it for squats. Buy another pair of chucks...or some wrestling shoes, and you'll never have to change your shoes during a home workout again. You'll also be using your money to buy a device you may not normally have that will also give you the benefit of having a pretty awesome calf block.

[irongrandpa]

i've had a pair of otomix power trainers for about two years, they work well for dl & squatting.

[Wildtim]

how are crepe soles? I've never actually tried them, I imagine they're not very good in winter?

They aren't bad. Even in winter. What I like is how light they are. I wouldn't use them on pavement though I think they would wear to quickly.

[Kodokan]

i like the rogue dowins. great for squats, and for deads remember the amount you're raised is from the center of the foot where the heel isn't too great anyway. after some back and forth on this, i prefer them for deads as well.

[FastCatChamp]

Thanks for that.

For deads I'd probably go barefoot or wear the ol' chucks but I notice that for squats I push out pretty hard and they are starting to let go there, hence the new shoes.

I was looking at the pendely do-wins, same price and I think they look better than Rogues offering.

Don't get me wrong on the chucks.....the shoes that I bought from wallyworld have the same flat sole. They just have a thicker canvas upper and are a quarter of the chuck price.

I have wonded why some people buy chucks when the same shoe in knockoff version is available at Walmart.

You will like the pendlay do wins if you go that route. I have the metallic blue and black. They are sharp

[4MEandThem]

For deads i like Asics hightop wrestling shoes. thin sole and good ankle support.

for benching I use regular cross trainers since I don't have foot slipping issues. You want something grippy. At comps I use the Asics and they grip fine on the crappy carpet they use.

When I was squatting i have/used a pair of the VS shoes and loved them. The extra heel in the back works and helps keep me focused on heel drive.

I also reccomend getting some Addidas black soccer socks (over the calf) for deads to keep yourself from bleeding on your bar. They are required equip in most feds anyway.

I also like Inzer knee sleeves for deads/squats.

[tweedbrah]

I lift in Pf Flyers. I prefer PF Flyers to Chucks because the toe area is more roomy, and overall the design is a bit more substantial.

[animalfan]

I've got these and love them for squats- I like the heel lift without having to stand on something. I can't honestly compare them to other lifting shoes, these are the first and only pair I've tried.
http://www.roguefitness.com/adidas-w...ting-shoes.php

[grumpytude]

Tim....I have worn Do-Wins for the last year plus for squats, etc. I love them. Cost about $100 bucks from Pendlay barbell or Rogue.

Just got done with a log for BETA-CRET. My logging partner wore VS shoes and actually posted a picture of his on the last page of our log. The url is down there in my sig line if you want to see his blue metallic Vs shoes.

For deadlifts I have worn the same Walmart flat tennis shoes for every lift for two years now. They are ratty but still kicking...$10!

same for me, for squats I wear do-wins. I like them. I know there are probably better shoes, but I didn't feel the need to go too crazy. Just an FYI-I wear a size 12 and bought size 12's. they are a bit longer-11.5 would have worked- but my feet are a bit wider. For deadlifts I wear flat heel high-top tony hawk sneakers ( bought 2-pair at khol's for under $40). they are somewhat similar to chuck's, but not as high.

[OSUDimond]

Get one of these:




Learn how to use it for squats. Buy another pair of chucks...or some wrestling shoes, and you'll never have to change your shoes during a home workout again. You'll also be using your money to buy a device you may not normally have that will also give you the benefit of having a pretty awesome calf block.

I have had that thing for 2 weeks now and love it. With that ramp all of my clients that "can't go that low" in their squats can now go ATG. And as a calf block it is just incredible. I think Keetman is on to something except if you want to do a wider stance.

[Coopera89]

Hey guys, just sharing what shoes I use when i deadlift and squat. Someone else mentioned previously that they use hightop Asics wrestling shoes, me to! They are great and i dont regret buying them. flat and independent soles and they look pretty badass, heres a pic of the Split second 8's

[twodog]

Hey Tim,

I've got the VS explosion II shoes and they are okay. They work fine and are great for the money, but the caveat is that they are not for wide feet and do not break in to loosen up. They fit the same as Adida Sambas, which are for normal to narrow feet. They are tight on my feet and I wear them for squats and when I do oly lifts, but aren't comfortable enough to wear all of the time. My next pair will be the Rogue DoWins because they are made for wider feet.

I love squatting with the heels over my older Sambas, but it did take a little getting used to.

Good Luck with your choice.

My latest Chucks are wearing out and I think it might be time to graduate to a real weightlifting shoe.

I'm currently looking at the VS athletics because, well, I'm a cheap bastard and they are the cheapest price point.

Anyone have any better ideas, or reasons to get something else. I'm entertaing everything from reviews of Metal Squat shoes, to Addidastars, even the new Rebok crossfit shoes.

[KBKB]

I have had that thing for 2 weeks now and love it. With that ramp all of my clients that "can't go that low" in their squats can now go ATG. And as a calf block it is just incredible. I think Keetman is on to something except if you want to do a wider stance.

Just curious...

Do you eventually try to move your clients away from the ramp after they've been using it for a while?

It seems to me that folks who have difficulty squatting with the heel flat on the ground either have a weak posterior chain or lack flexibility in the ankle / calves / achilles tendon. Raising the heel moves some of the work to the quads and, obviously, allows you to go lower without having to work on flexibility in the ankle.

Raising your heel is a good thing if you're intentionally trying to work your quads a bit more or are in competition and want to put up big numbers. But I think it's probably also a good idea to do (some) squats with the heels flat on the floor for general fitness.

[OSUDimond]

Just curious...

Do you eventually try to move your clients away from the ramp after they've been using it for a while?

It seems to me that folks who have difficulty squatting with the heel flat on the ground either have a weak posterior chain or lack flexibility in the ankle / calves / achilles tendon. Raising the heel moves some of the work to the quads and, obviously, allows you to go lower without having to work on flexibility in the ankle.

Raising your heel is a good thing if you're intentionally trying to work your quads a bit more or are in competition and want to put up big numbers. But I think it's probably also a good idea to do (some) squats with the heels flat on the floor for general fitness.

Ya I use it as a teaching tool. These people will say with 100% confidence that they cant squat any lower than parallel and this proves to them that it is possible. Weak posterior chain is usually the weakness. I do regular squats with them also but still use the ramp when I want to really blast the quads.

[Keetman]

Just curious...

Do you eventually try to move your clients away from the ramp after they've been using it for a while?

It seems to me that folks who have difficulty squatting with the heel flat on the ground either have a weak posterior chain or lack flexibility in the ankle / calves / achilles tendon. Raising the heel moves some of the work to the quads and, obviously, allows you to go lower without having to work on flexibility in the ankle.

Raising your heel is a good thing if you're intentionally trying to work your quads a bit more or are in competition and want to put up big numbers. But I think it's probably also a good idea to do (some) squats with the heels flat on the floor for general fitness.

My point and the reason I use the block is to elevate the heel like a lifting shoe. I havent seen a squat shoe that doesnt lift the heel. I dont see any difference,except with the block i dont have to change my shoes. It seems like it would be uncomfortable to walk around with lifted heels for the rest of your workout and I wouldnt want to do deads with a lifted heel.

I can go atg regardless. I just cant see dishing out the jack for a squat shoe since i have this cool calf block. I'd also prefer work boots or sport hiking boots because they have a good sole for lifting and provide better ankle support.