Vibrams for Lifting?

DrMAvDPhD

Yay or nay? I'm currently wearing some basic Puma's (not running sneakers) but I have some Vibrams. From what I've been reading, less is more when it comes to shoes for lifting, but I'm a little worried about injury and gym regulations. I'm doing New Rules of Lifting for Women if that makes a difference (squats, deads, lunges, etc).

FullOfWin

I don't know what vibrams are, but some Converse Allstars or other non spongy shoe is what you want.

DrMAvDPhD

I don't know what vibrams are, but some Converse Allstars or other non spongy shoe is what you want.

Vibrams are "barefoot shoes".



What would you consider "spongy"?

yo_andi

Ideally you want to be barefoot to lift, so I think you're okay with Vibrams. You want to have your clothing influence your form as little as possible!

samwise2

You just want a shoe that doesn't have a lot of padding for weightlifting. A barefoot running shoe should be fine, but just a normal (Not running) sneaker would be fine too, and might do a better job protecting your feet if something happened.

sammniamii

I wear Vibrams 24/7 - including gym & weights. I love the feeling of "feeling" the ground and it helps me keep balance for the weights.

Just a warning - if you haven't worn them, they do have a "break-in" period. For weights it would be considerably less than if you use them for running or walking. Some people try to push this break-in, they pay for it in pain. Without all the cushioning normal shoes, you will quickly learn how to walk, run or move around but it takes time.

But I love VFF - have 5 pairs!

McBully4

I squat and dead lift bare foot. (well...in socks)

DrMAvDPhD

I wear Vibrams 24/7 - including gym & weights. I love the feeling of "feeling" the ground and it helps me keep balance for the weights.

Just a warning - if you haven't worn them, they do have a "break-in" period. For weights it would be considerably less than if you use them for running or walking. Some people try to push this break-in, they pay for it in pain. Without all the cushioning normal shoes, you will quickly learn how to walk, run or move around but it takes time.

But I love VFF - have 5 pairs!

I'm on my first pair but I've been wearing them since June. Absolutely love them. Just hadn't crossed my mind to LIFT in them :-)

DrMAvDPhD

I squat and dead lift bare foot. (well...in socks)

Not brave enough to do this in a shared gym lol.

Sailorwind

Unless you were wearing steel toed boots to lift before, I promise your shoes were not providing you any extra noticeable protection from a falling weight. Vibrams are actually better for lifting because your balance and foot grip are better than in blocks... I mean normal gym shoes.

Chief_Rocka

I've never worn them myself, but I've never heard any complaints from people that lift in them.

sammniamii

And... if the "toe" shoe is too much, look into zero drop or minumlist shoes: New Balance, vivobarefoot, and others. I don't recommend Fila Skeltoes, but if you haven't tried Vibrams, you may be ok with them. I have 1 pair of Fila's and loathe them in comparison to Vibrams - they just plan hurt.

Vonwarr

I wear a minimal style shoe (not quite Vibram toe shoes, they don't come in my size) but it is a Vibram sole. They're great for lifting, less is definitely more. I've personally noticed increased stability with them.

DavPul

Yay. Massive massive yay

PixieGoddess

I lift at home and tend to lift ACTUALLY barefoot, so they should be fine. (I wear Vibrams for running and some hiking.)

MariaChele85

Yes Vibrams! I wear mine on squat and dead lift days and I can deff notice the difference! My balance is better and my heels are firmly planted on the ground.

nml2011

I squat and dead lift bare foot. (well...in socks)

Not brave enough to do this in a shared gym lol.

I do this in a large public gym... seems to be me and one of the instructors that ever does - luckily the gym floor is mostly clean!

FullOfWin

I don't know what vibrams are, but some Converse Allstars or other non spongy shoe is what you want.

Vibrams are "barefoot shoes".



What would you consider "spongy"?

oh, then yes, those should be fine. spongy would be like cross trainers or running shoes.

DrMAvDPhD

I squat and dead lift bare foot. (well...in socks)

Not brave enough to do this in a shared gym lol.

I do this in a large public gym... seems to be me and one of the instructors that ever does - luckily the gym floor is mostly clean!

Well TBH when I do planks I use the floor instead of a mat, I see them clean the floor everyday but I've never seen them clean the mats.

DrMAvDPhD

Thanks for all the response, I will give the Vibrams a shot on Sunday.

mmapags

I use Fila Skeletoes and love 'em. Nice and flat and wide. Get a great tendon and calf workout from using them and have a great sense of a base and balance.

ilovedeadlifts

injury wouldn't change from the shoes.....because if you drop a bar on a foot with a shoe, it still hurts.


I'm a big fan of chucks in the gym. anything flat soled would work well tho.

DrMAvDPhD

injury wouldn't change from the shoes.....because if you drop a bar on a foot with a shoe, it still hurts.

True enough. I also tend to stub my toes a bit when I wear the Vibrams though because I'm used to abusing my feet (catching doors before they swing shut, etc). Getting better about that though.

Mayor_West

I wear them, but only on squat and deadlift days. They do a great job of keeping my feet firmly on the ground, which allows me to drive up from my heels on both lifts.

bahacca

YES! I just got a pair a few weeks ago and LOVE lifting in them. I also like running in them on the treadmill, but I've found that when you first use them on a treadmill, you will notice there isn't the cushion any longer so your strike is LOUD.