what are the best shoes for strength training

theskyrimjedi
theskyrimjedi Posts: 46 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I usually wear running shoes, but for some of the exercises i'm doing, it does not feel so great.

Replies

  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    You want shoes with very little cushion in the sole. Running shoes are terrible for lifting. There are lifting shoes that can be quite pricey, and shoes with lifts in them are useful only for specific lifts.

    I'd recommend a more all around shoe. Cross fit shoes and minimalist shoes are often used. I know some people like vibrams (the toe shoes), but they drive other people crazy. I am currently using converse allstars. I got them on sale, but you can usually find knock offs at target or Walmart that would work just as well.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,298 Member
    Shoes do matter in lifting, so like mentioned you want to get some that are "harder" in the sole. Especially when training legs, pick shoes that support lifting.

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  • kelly_e_montana
    kelly_e_montana Posts: 1,999 Member
    edited January 2015
    for powerlifting, Converse Chuck Taylors are cheap and great. You want something with a zero drop heel.

    For Olympic lifting, Adidas makes some great shoes and Nike Romaleos are good for those with a wide foot. For a less expensive option, I've been happy with my Reebok Lifters. However, you don't want to do deadlifts in oly shoes unless you are looking to work on deficit deads by shoe default.
  • rejectuf
    rejectuf Posts: 487 Member
    If you're new to lifting, converse or any kind of hard soled flat shoe will be just fine. As you progress, weightlifting shoes will help on squats and oly lifts.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    i use Adidas powerlifters for squat and deadlift day …for the rest of my workouts i just have some regular old cross trainers….
  • FullOnBurn
    FullOnBurn Posts: 43 Member
    Olympic shoes will help if you have limited dorsiflexion as well as a hard surface to push against when squatting, but generally are not used for deadlifts. A minimalist running shoe, Chuck Taylors are popular for both and a lot of people deadlift shoeless.
  • punchgut
    punchgut Posts: 210 Member
    I use the merrell minimalist road gloves. They grip well and have no cushion that can compress when I'm weighted.
  • zipa78
    zipa78 Posts: 354 Member
    I use wrestling shoes. They work well and can be had for pretty cheap.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Sabo Deadlift shoes. I use them for everything. Very thin sole (2mm) and completely solid. Lightweight but with good side support (sumo deadlifts) and dual straps to really tie your feet in. Best shoes I've tried.
  • jenglish712
    jenglish712 Posts: 497 Member
    Barefoot. barring that you can use Chuck taylors for around $40. I am sure the $100 specialty weightlifting shoes are better (or nobody would buy them) but I am thinking of getting some of the Walmart knock off chuck Taylors for $12. I really thought about trying to walk into my gym in some aquasocks but I don't know that it would fly. The more solid and connected the better. I can feel "cross trainers" squish during a heavy squat or deadlift.
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