5d ago

Weightlifting shoes?

I need some advice on shoes as I'm reading a lot of material but I'm still not sure weightlifting shoes make sense for me.

I'm looking for shoes to use exclusively for lifting (no cardio nor crossfit). I'm following the Stronglifts 5x5 programme for now (squats, bench press, rows, deadlifts and ohp, with some pull-ups and hanging knee lifts added). I'm not lifting heavy yet, but I feel my regular shoes aren't cutting it, especially for stability.

I see weightlifting shoes like the romaleos and powerlifts recommended for squatting, but I currently have no issues going deep on squats, with or without shoes. I'd like more lateral stability, but not sure forking out a couple of hundred euros on shoes is worth it if I'm not struggling with squat depth. I see flatter shoes or barefoot/socks are recommended for deadlifts, but I don't want to get two separate shoes to lift. Should I still look into weightlifting shoes or go for something else?

10 comments

I like rigidity in the shoe itself, including a rigid sole. With good support wrapped snug around the tops of my feet (tight shoelaces and/or Velcro strap), I feel more secure/stable throughout the entire range of motion for a squat or deadlift.That's the main reason why I stopped lifting barefoot or in grippy socks.
At the same time, I like thin soles for deadlifts. I know 5mm or 10mm isn't a huge difference in terms of starting position, but psychologically it does make a difference for me, when I feel like I have to reach just a little bit lower. Compare different "stack heights" to figure out which shoes have thicker or thinner soles. And look at the "heel drop" to understand how much the heel is elevated compared to the toes.
A lot is going to come down to personal preference and lifting style (for example, your stance) and physical characteristics (foot width, ankle mobility, etc.).
Weightlifting shoes are generally for weightlifting, not powerlifting.
Just go with a flat sole shoe that doesn't have a lot of padding in the cushion. Converse are popular and I used to wear them but I like wider soled shoes. I got some flat and wide Pumas on clearance and they work great. There are lots of skateboarding shoe varieties that also work great. Just not the really cushiony ones. You don't want your shoes to squish when deadlifting.
- […] You don’t want your shoes to squish when deadlifting.
  Why not?
  
  It affects stability when squatting, deadlifting, etc. I tend to pick shoes with hard rubber soles as well.
I just use flat, thin soled shoes, like what skateboarders wear. Gives good balance and toe feel.
I go barefoot because homegym, but I once got the recommendation to look for water shoes. That is, thin shoes with a rubber sole meant for use at the pool. But that also makes them reasonable as a flat sole shoe for gym.
i'd recommend something flat to the ground with a wide toebox. personally i like lems primals, but there's a lot of options. the problem with high sole shoes is you want stability while lifting
I've been fine with high top plimsoles like converses and vans. Lately I got a sort of ethical pair from a company called nothing new, but they're all the same really.
generally not keen on a wedge and that either, would prefer to directly tackle lower leg mobility if it's holding me back.
Thanks all for your advice, looks like ~~foot~~ flat soled shoes or barefoot shoes would be the best option for me!

10 comments