Shoes for Squats / Deadlifts

dgobbett
dgobbett Posts: 53 Member
edited November 30 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey guys and gals,

I have been doing high weight compound exercises since September with my ultimate goal being weight loss (currently 348lbs down from 425lbs). For the second time in 6 months I have been side-lined with ankle tendon inflammation (mainly peroneal). These injuries while I can still put weight on my ankle and walk albeit with an extreme limp I lose all flexibility / mobility in my ankle, preventing me from completing my routine as they all require support / stabilization from my ankle / foot.

Has anyone experienced this? Does anyone have any suggestions for shoes / braces that will help prevent this from occurring in the future? I use Asics Gel Running Shoes and I know now they are not the best as the flexible gel cushion in the heel push my ankle / foot out putting strain on my ankle.

I am not trying to be a powerlifter, I do this high weight routine because I find it works well and my body except my ankle respond well to it.

I should also mention that weightlifting shoes with the elevated soles for high bar / Olympic squat could be cost prohibitive for me since I don't have $200 Canadian to drop on the shoe unless I know full well it will prevent further injuries.

Thanks for your time.
«1

Replies

  • mommazach
    mommazach Posts: 384 Member
    One of the best bits of advice I received about proper shoes is to find what is highly recommended, and then get last years model. It saves you money in the long run. Having said that, I did a bit of research into this as one of my littles has some issues with his ankles. We continue to see a prosthetist for him, but the best support on his ankles is a high top style so his ankle doesn't flex while in motion. You may be correct in the gel support, but may want to consider working with less of a arch support if your ankle is turning outward. I'm attaching a link that has some better prices that may help. http://roguefitness.com/shoes/http://www.roguefitness.com/shoes/ Best of luck to you!
  • armydreamers
    armydreamers Posts: 175 Member
    Hi top converse?
  • kota4bye
    kota4bye Posts: 809 Member
    Chuck taylors or barefoot....what specifically are your compound movements? Squats and deads can both be done barefoot if the weight you/re moving is uncomfortable in running shoes...which it probably is, just based on your body weight.
  • brucealfred3
    brucealfred3 Posts: 47 Member
    Haha...so to answer your question truthfully...you're gonna want some CrossFit shoes. Best thing EVER!
  • singingflutelady
    singingflutelady Posts: 8,736 Member
    I'm cheap so I wear converse
  • harrybananas
    harrybananas Posts: 292 Member
    kota4bye wrote: »
    Chuck taylors or barefoot....what specifically are your compound movements? Squats and deads can both be done barefoot if the weight you/re moving is uncomfortable in running shoes...which it probably is, just based on your body weight.

    Op, right here is your answer.

  • PandoraGreen721
    PandoraGreen721 Posts: 450 Member
    I use my chucks...comfortable and keeps me stable.
  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    there are ankle supports, one of the guys i lift with wears them, they fit on and lace up tight, and then he puts his converse on over them. i dont know what they are called but they help his ankle stability. there might also be neoprene style ankle sleeves that could work.
  • TR0berts
    TR0berts Posts: 7,739 Member
    I don't know about ankle supports, but I deadlift in water shoes. $5 at Walmart (not sure what you have up where you are).
  • kwtilbury
    kwtilbury Posts: 1,234 Member
    Hi top converse?

    This. Don't ever do floor lifts in running shoes.
  • madierdorf
    madierdorf Posts: 73 Member
    Hi I am new. Wondering if antone does Crosss fit traing?
  • FitPhillygirl
    FitPhillygirl Posts: 7,124 Member
    Hi top converse?

    I use the low tops which work out well also.
  • sunflowerhippi
    sunflowerhippi Posts: 1,099 Member
    I always go to the gym with 2 pairs of shoes. Lift in my converses and then swap to running shoes.

    *don't run a 5k in chucks, your feet will hate you. Hahah
  • Gurney_Halleck
    Gurney_Halleck Posts: 18 Member
    I use Adidas Sambas: cheap, sexy, and stable.
  • Packerjohn
    Packerjohn Posts: 4,855 Member
    kota4bye wrote: »
    Chuck taylors or barefoot....what specifically are your compound movements? Squats and deads can both be done barefoot if the weight you/re moving is uncomfortable in running shoes...which it probably is, just based on your body weight.

    Wresting shoes work well also and are on sale now since end of season.

    Also like New Balance Minimus. These are being discontinued though.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    TR0berts wrote: »
    I don't know about ankle supports, but I deadlift in water shoes. $5 at Walmart (not sure what you have up where you are).

    I have a pair of eztoez I think I got at TJMaxx that I love lifting in- people thought they were ballet flats or water shoes- but they are just cheap neoprene. Perfect for lifting. LOVE them.

    If not those- barefood, my New Balance Minimums or my vibrums.
  • dgobbett
    dgobbett Posts: 53 Member
    kota4bye wrote: »
    Chuck taylors or barefoot....what specifically are your compound movements? Squats and deads can both be done barefoot if the weight you/re moving is uncomfortable in running shoes...which it probably is, just based on your body weight.

    High Bar (medium / wide stance) squats

    Military / OHP

    Standard Deadlifts

    Barefoot is both interesting but in my gym a bit scary, so I'd like to avoid that.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    I lift barefoot...(cause I can at home)

    But if I had to go to a gym chucks.
  • dgobbett
    dgobbett Posts: 53 Member
    For those who are suggesting chuck taylors..should I be looking for high or low top shoes?

    Will the high top be a help or hindrance when squatting low? Would it be better to pair a low top with a neoprene brace
  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    dgobbett wrote: »
    For those who are suggesting chuck taylors..should I be looking for high or low top shoes?

    Will the high top be a help or hindrance when squatting low? Would it be better to pair a low top with a neoprene brace

    the high tops bug me , i always go low top , just the generic chucks. Try different ways and find what works.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    dgobbett wrote: »
    kota4bye wrote: »
    Chuck taylors or barefoot....what specifically are your compound movements? Squats and deads can both be done barefoot if the weight you/re moving is uncomfortable in running shoes...which it probably is, just based on your body weight.

    High Bar (medium / wide stance) squats

    Military / OHP

    Standard Deadlifts

    Barefoot is both interesting but in my gym a bit scary, so I'd like to avoid that.

    do you mean scary b/c of germs- or scary b/c of the weights?

    Barefoot in most gyms usually means "socks only"- so you just take your shoes off but leave your socks on- it's a mild layer of comfort in the gym. LOL
    Fortunately I know they wash the floors at my gym so I'm less than concerned with it- but I can understand the germ issue. Plenty of low profile foot wear to accommodate your needs!
  • This content has been removed.
  • tincanonastring
    tincanonastring Posts: 3,944 Member
    Another vote for Chucks. I use an old pair of low-tops and I e never had any stability issues.

    Have you seen a specialist for your ankle? They might be better suited to make a recommendation on a brace.
  • MelissaPhippsFeagins
    MelissaPhippsFeagins Posts: 8,063 Member
    My husband lifts on Chuck Taylors. I have some bine deformities so I current prefer to lift in closed toed Navados brand hiking sandals. I will be buying real lifting ahoes sometime in the next 30 days. I haven't decided which ones yet, though.
  • colors_fade
    colors_fade Posts: 464 Member
    kota4bye wrote: »
    Squats and deads can both be done barefoot

    That's how I do mine, so I second this bit of advice. I got a gym, they have no issues with me being barefoot.
    I have been doing high weight compound exercises since September with my ultimate goal being weight loss (currently 348lbs down from 425lbs).

    First off: good job man.

    Second: are you stretching at all in any capacity? Are you doing any sort of targeted ankle strengthening exercises in addition to the main lifts?

    I was doing the same lifts for over two years, and this fall I developed hip bursitis. Obviously not anywhere close to the ankle inflammation you're experiencing and I'm not trying to compare the two, but... I think it might be worth your time to consider adding some exercises to strengthen your ankles.

    I got my hip bursitis because all I did was linear powerlifting routines (deadlift, squat, etc.) and I didn't do any kind of lateral exercises to maintain hip strength. Now I do a lot of lateral exercises as part of my physical therapy, in addition to a lot of stretching. I was able to start deadlifting and light squatting again recently, and the lateral exercises and stretches will remain a part of my routing going forward in an effort to prevent the bursitis from acting up again.

    You may benefit from doing some targeted ankle strengthening exercises, along with stretching and icing. For instance, balancing on the Bosu Ball might really help you build some strength in affected areas.

    It may be worth your time to talk to a physical therapist as well, and get some help from a professional, so that this sort of injury doesn't keep recurring.
  • dgobbett
    dgobbett Posts: 53 Member
    Another vote for Chucks. I use an old pair of low-tops and I e never had any stability issues.

    Have you seen a specialist for your ankle? They might be better suited to make a recommendation on a brace.

    I haven't a specialist here in Canada anyway to my knowledge requires a referral from my GP who didn't think it was prudent to do so presently and suggested rest and ice and to keep exercising, adjusting my routine around my injury.

    I thought of going to Physiotherapy
  • dgobbett
    dgobbett Posts: 53 Member
    kota4bye wrote: »
    Squats and deads can both be done barefoot

    That's how I do mine, so I second this bit of advice. I got a gym, they have no issues with me being barefoot.
    I have been doing high weight compound exercises since September with my ultimate goal being weight loss (currently 348lbs down from 425lbs).

    First off: good job man.

    Second: are you stretching at all in any capacity? Are you doing any sort of targeted ankle strengthening exercises in addition to the main lifts?

    I was doing the same lifts for over two years, and this fall I developed hip bursitis. Obviously not anywhere close to the ankle inflammation you're experiencing and I'm not trying to compare the two, but... I think it might be worth your time to consider adding some exercises to strengthen your ankles.

    I got my hip bursitis because all I did was linear powerlifting routines (deadlift, squat, etc.) and I didn't do any kind of lateral exercises to maintain hip strength. Now I do a lot of lateral exercises as part of my physical therapy, in addition to a lot of stretching. I was able to start deadlifting and light squatting again recently, and the lateral exercises and stretches will remain a part of my routing going forward in an effort to prevent the bursitis from acting up again.

    You may benefit from doing some targeted ankle strengthening exercises, along with stretching and icing. For instance, balancing on the Bosu Ball might really help you build some strength in affected areas.

    It may be worth your time to talk to a physical therapist as well, and get some help from a professional, so that this sort of injury doesn't keep recurring.

    I am stretching, I do ankle circles, heel raises, standing calf stretches prior to squats and hamstring/quad stretches prior to deadlifting. I also mix in yoga during off days mostly standing poses to strengthen my tendons and ligaments.
  • wisenbsd
    wisenbsd Posts: 87 Member
    chucks
  • darrensurrey
    darrensurrey Posts: 3,942 Member
    I find the cheapest trainers you can get are best for weight work. The more expensive they are, the better the shock absorption and therefore the worse they are for lifting heavy loads as you're really unstable.
  • Meganthedogmom
    Meganthedogmom Posts: 1,639 Member
    Has anyone tried Vans slip-ons? Just curious for when I start lifting, if those would work well.
This discussion has been closed.