Shoes and weightlifting

BigDave1050

I use my Merrell Barefoot shoes to lift in. When I lift at home I go barefoot.

wildfirediva

Sorry (probably shouldn't say anything) but kind of shocked being a CPT that you've never heard of weightlifting shoes.

True, but then again I see that they are letting just about anyone get certified as personal trainers anymore...

Everyone is a CPT these days...kind of like the old "I am in Real estate." line before the bubble burst. [Of course I live near Scottsdale so maybe it is just here.]

DrMAvDPhD

I've noticed improved balance and better form since switching to Vibrams for lifting.

Leadfoot_Lewis

True, but then again I see that they are letting just about anyone get certified as personal trainers anymore...

Agree. Most trainer's I've observed suck, but there are good ones.

Truthfully, the NASM CPT really didn't teach me squat about lifting (no pun intended). I've learned most of what I know through a lot of researching on my own and doing. You can never know enough.

vick9180

I think I must have confused you all with a running shoe reference. I didn't mean that he does lift in running shoes...just that as a trainer, I wasn't aware that there were specific weight-lifting shoes as compared to running shoes for runners, or cleats for soccer or other specified sports. I can certainly see how wearing a cushioned shoe to lift in can make balance hard...I guess I always wondered why my leg wobbled when I do lunges...I just thought it was a core issue.

I know someone was surprised to hear that as a certified trainer, I hadn't heard of weight-lifting shoes. Stuff like that probably depends on the certification. I wasn't ACSM certified...just AFAA. The focus with that certification was more on technique and exercises than on proper attire. Had I not been an athlete, I probably wouldn't have put it together that the shoe makes a difference. Maybe that's ignorant of me to say because I didn't really research what to wear for each exercise, but I can honestly say that attire wasn't covered in any course I took. And most of the research I do now is related to running since I don't actively practice as a trainer now and running is my exercise preference when it comes to cardio.

I'll certainly pass on this info to my boss! I don't mind being wrong...that was why I asked here, cause I knew you guys would chime in with the whys and hows. Thanks all for your input! It's greatly appreciated!

**Edited for spelling

rebeccap13

Anyone heard of Crossfit Nanos, or have them? Are they just for crossfit or weight lifting as well?

They are designed to be a multipurpose shoe for CrossFit workouts... meaning they are decent for running and decent for lifting. I just ordered a pair, but not too sure I'll do lifting only workouts in them. I currently lift in a cheapo pair of flat-ish nike casual shoes.

I think these are it: http://www.famousfootwear.com/en-US/Product/92036-1024099/Nike/Grey_Blue/Womens+Eclipse.aspx

I like them for lifting and I think I only paid $35 for them.

FabMrFox

So, if he just continues to wear his worn out shoe...wouldn't it lose its spongeiness (if that's a word) anyway due to the breakdown? I don't believe he lifts in a cushioned running shoe or anything...in fact, when he runs, he opts for the vibrams.

Probably. And if vibrams are those super thin toe shoes, they are good for lifting too. Also some people like to lift bare footed.

I lift in vibrams because I started off lifting barefoot at home and now running shoes throw me off plus it makes them break down more quickly.

I second the Vibrams vote...these work great for me and feel super stable

CorvusCorax77

i do it all barefoot... in the gym....

lmlmrn

I found wearing my running shoes while lifting were starting to hurt my knees and joints. I think it was the squishy soles of the shoes. I bought a pair of barefoot vibrams and they make a HUGE difference. I'm able to use my muscles more than putting all that pressure on the soles of my shoes. My form has also improved.

I never thought about it until you said your running shoes were hurting your knees and joints that explains the pain I have been having in my knee since I started lifting....back to barefoot for me!

AntWrig

True, but then again I see that they are letting just about anyone get certified as personal trainers anymore...

Agree. Most trainer's I've observed suck, but there are good ones.

Truthfully, the NASM CPT really didn't teach me squat about lifting (no pun intended). I've learned most of what I know through a lot of researching on my own and doing. You can never know enough.

I am currently AFAA but I would love to become NASM. Just like every other industry you're going to have strong and weak people. That doesn't make the industry as a whole bad.

meshashesha2012

red chucks have been my official static weightlifting shoes for about 2 decades now. :laugh:

when i do oly lifts, i would prefer to go barefoot but since this isnt always feasible i use the chucks.

if i ever decide to compete again i'd use the adidas ones i used to use in the past

Mummyadams

I lift & CF in Inno8 230's and all other cardio in my running shoes. Innov8's rock due to their low profile. I feel so much more balanced and steady since wearing these.

nz_deevaa

My gym doesn't allow barefeet ... although I have seen some sneaky shoe removal in the squat rack.

I got these for lifting in, they have 'zero rise heals' -- which I think is jargon for no squishiness in the heal.

AntWrig

Those might be stable enough for squatting.

ironanimal

I do most lifting in a pair of shoes with a firm raised heel. Nothing fancy - just as close as I can get to Oly shoes without blowing my bank account at the moment. For squats, I kick my shoes off completely and deadlifts I do wearing an old pair of skate trainers that have a completely flat sole.

CyberEd312

I never lift in anything but my Vibram Komodo Sport LS shoes...