From: "Paul E. Harvey" Subject: Re: Workout shoes Date: 25 Apr 1996 03:06:33 GMT babucher@mtu.edu (Brian Bucher) wrote: > >As my old workout shoes are about done in I'm looking to buy some new >shoes specifically for working out. I'm not quite ready to buy the >$100 squat shoes, but I don't mind spending $50 or so on a pair of >good quality shoes that I can wear around after exhausting their >lifting life. ;) > >What kind of shoes do you recommend? I think I saw a positive opinion >toward a sort of NIKE Cross-trainer, but I can't remember. >(I do heavy squats and deads so they should have some good arch support) > >Thanks, >Boo A good quality Nike cross-trainer is the perfect lifting shoe. Preferably mid-top. I'd also recommend some wrestling shoes for calf training. -- Paul E. Harvey From: "Reichart" Subject: Re: Shoes for the gym? Date: 22 Jan 1997 18:54:17 GMT Gym male wrote in article <19970122174301.MAA11403@ladder01.news.aol.com>... > I haven't gone out and bought activity shoes in years. I've been using a > very old pair of tennis shoes while in the gym and they've had it. Does > anyone know of a good pair of shoes that can be used in the gym for > bodybuilding? I do the usual weight lifting exercises, squats, standing > calf raises etc. I am very wide and rough on shoes so they need to be > strong. Any advice? > Adidas "strength trainers" are good. They are made specifically for weight training, and plyometrics. Very strong. I have been wearing the same pair for 14 months now, and they haven't broken down at all. I got them at foot locker for $75.00 US, I think is what I paid. I recommend them highly. I've destroyed Reeboks, and Nike's in 6 mos. The Adidas keep going. They probably have another 18 months left in them. Reichart From: amesr@interlog.com (Robert Ames) Subject: Re: Shoes for the gym? Date: Thu, 23 Jan 1997 07:11:28 -0500 In article <19970122174301.MAA11403@ladder01.news.aol.com>, gymmale@aol.com (Gym male) wrote: >Does >anyone know of a good pair of shoes that can be used in the gym for >bodybuilding? The ultimate weightlifting shoe is probably the Safe SST Pro, costing about $140. Check Powerlifting USA for various shoe advertisements. From: theenforcer@delphi.com (John M. Williams) Subject: Re: Squatting Shoes Date: 6 Jun 1997 06:10:40 GMT After a root beer high colonic, ROBO farted: > >I've been trying to find a decent pair of shoes for squats with no > >luck. Anyone have any recommendations? > > > >John > I guess you never wrestled. > Thanks for listening. Have a great day. :-) > > ROBO I did, and I owned several pairs of wrestling shoes. They have no significant arch support and very little heel padding. They also have very little stability in the sole and are specifically designed for the opposite effect. Dr. Squat indicates ... "most general purpose fitness shoes simply lack adequate longitudinal or transverse stability, and have little or no arch support for heavy lifting." Wrestling shoes are perhaps the best examples of these problems. ___ ___ ___ ___ _ __ __ ___ __ ] ]_[ ]_ ]_ ]\ [ ]_ / \ ]_> / ]_ ]_> John M. Williams ] ] [ ]__ ]__ ] \[ ] \_/ ]\ \__ ]__ ]\ theenforcer@delphi.com >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> http://people.delphi.com/theenforcer <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Date: Sat, 07 Jun 1997 00:34:50 -0600 From: jburnell@jps.net Subject: Re: Squatting Shoes In article <33982C64.41C6@stra40.hw.stratus.com>, Christopher Otte wrote: > > JohnA@paonline.com wrote: > > > > I've been trying to find a decent pair of shoes for squats with no > > luck. Anyone have any recommendations? > > > > John > > I use the high-top "SST Pro-Series" squat shoes from "Safe". You can > get them in custom widths and heel heights for $139.95 plus S+H. They > also offer a model in the $99 price range (no custom widths or custom > heel heights). The number there is 1-800-344-4071. I've been very > satisfied with them. They feel solid and they don't roll over under > heavy load. > > If you don't compete and/or don't want to spend the money, the old > "Chuck Taylor" basket ball sneakers from Converse (~$25) aren't bad, but > they don't offer as much support in the ankles. In general, stay away > from shoes that have air bladders in the heel, these shoes will squash > and feel "mushy" under heavy loads. > > Good luck! > > Chris I've got a pair of SST Pros and a pair of Chucks. In my opinion if you are a med to narrow stance squatter go with the SST pros. At $140 they are expensive but offer the stiffest, wide flat sole you can get plus they will custom make the heel height to your specs. They also don't allow for any lateral movement/sliding. Plus, Scott Safe will custom make them to your foot. If, however, you are a fairly wide stance squatter and you take a lot of the pressure on the hips/hams/glutes go with the Chucks. They are totally flat which allows you to really sit back into your squat. They also allow you to push with the outer egde of the foot. I've hit bigger squats in my $20 Chucks than my Safe shoes but I think it is due to the style that I use. From: Reginald Braithwaite-Lee Subject: Re: Weightlifting Shoes? Date: Wed, 9 Jul 97 13:00:12 -0400 Quoth Sandeep: >It doesn't seem >as though the major manufacturers really make a specific "weightlifting" >shoe, and if they do, it's pretty hard to find. Suggestions? No, the major manufacturers are pretty useless for specialized equipment. Adidas makes lifting shoes, as do a number of small manufacturers. Here in Ontario, there's even a guy who makes custom weightlifting shoes. Weightlifting shoes generally are leather or suede, have wooden midsoles soles with gum facing, and usually have a strap with a buckle across the foot for maximum stength and support. They have a small heel, and are excellent for the olympic lifts, squatting, deadlifting, and impressing your friends :-) If getting dedicated lifting shoes isn't your bag, you might try construction or army-style boots. As you mentioned in your post, you don't want shock absorbtion: you want support. -- Reginald Braithwaite-Lee reg@codestorm.com From: Henrik Svedlund Subject: Re: weightlifting shoes Date: Wed, 09 Jul 1997 15:41:10 +0100 Sandeep De wrote: >Until now I had been using my astroturf shoes for training >For squats, deads, leg presses, etc. the heel gets squashed and I >feel as though I don't have a solid connection with the ground. Exactly my feelings about most "running-type-of-shoes". >So I need a good shoe that is not only flat (provides solid connection >w/ ground) but also pretty supportive. Has anyone out there found any >shoe particularly good for these needs? Look through an issue of Powerlifting USA. Lots of ads for powerlifting gear (suits, shirts, wraps and _shoes_). I use a pair of Adidas Power Perfect (weightlifting shoes) for most of my training. Excellent shoes. With one exception; they're no good for calf work (they're simply too rigid). So I use a pair of wrestling shoes (actually Adidas too) for calf work and for my deadlifts to. >It doesn't seem as though the major manufacturers really make a >specific "weightlifting" shoe, and if they do, it's pretty hard to >find. Suggestions? At least most of the major manufacturers make wrestling shoes that are excellent for deadlifting. And I know that Adidas make a good shoe for weightlifting. But as I said above - check out an issue of Powerlifting USA. / Henrik From: "Eric M. Burkhardt" Subject: Re: weightlifting shoes Date: Wed, 9 Jul 1997 12:08:37 -0700 Weightlifting shoes are very important when performing heavy Olympic lifts and squatting exercises. A good weightlifting shoe has two distinct features that make them different from your 'garden variety' athletic shoe: 1) A tarsal strap. This is just a leather strap that puts hoop tension around the middle of your foot to help your foot resist compression. 2) A hard solid sole which keeps the shoe from deforming under a heavy load- the last thing you want to have happen in the middle of a heavy squat! This is why running shoes are the worst kind of shoes for lifting. Adidas makes a great weightlifting shoe. USA Weightlifting sells two types; a trainer for ~$100.00, and a competitive model for ~$120.00. Contact USA Wl at (719) 578-4508 for details. This shoe question stirs up some interesting thoughts.... * My weightlifting coach swears that the Olympic weightlifting training makes the feet grow!! * There have been some threads on this list regarding the use of lifting belts and other supportive gear. My personal philosophy on this subject is that belts are not necessary, and that their use retards trunk stabilizer development, which begs the question: What kinds of physiological and biomechanical adaptations would our feet make if we slowly and progressively 'weaned' ourselves off shoes while lifting?? * I once witnessed a friend of mine - a former national team member for Iran (super heavyweight) - power snatch 140kg with thongs on (HIS FEET!!). Eric Burkhardt Strength and Conditioning Coach UC Irvine From: Leland Harper Subject: Weightlifting Shoes Date: Thu, 10 Jul 1997 16:27:37 -0500 (CDT) In a recent issue Sandeep De asked about shoes for weightlifting. One of the problems discussed was the air cushion in the heel when using heavy weights. I have experienced a simular problem. Several guys at the gym where I train swear by the Otomix weightlifting shoe which can be found at http://www.otomix.com. Oshmon's (some of the stores) also carry the Otomix brand. They are a good looking shoe but a little expensive for my taste. I have found Nike and Reebok Crosstrainers to be a good choice for me. I also used my hiking boots and my old Army boots with some succcess before I finally got a good crosstraining shoe. What do some of you wear especially when doing squats and deadlifts? Leland From: xdejzs@oryx.com (jay d skinner) Subject: Re: Weightlifting Shoes Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 07:58:21 -0500 > What do some of you wear especially when doing squats and deadlifts? Converse basketball high-tops. They make several pairs that have very little cushioning in them. Very stable, and you stay close to the floor. Jay Skinner Dallas, TX From: "WEBFOOT6" Subject: re: weightlifting shoes Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 16:28:31 -0700 I prefer to deadlift and squat barefoot - you're certainly not alone there. Have you ever tried wrestling shoes? I know they've been bandied about some on the list - I know a couple of people who like them as well. Another alternative would be to pick up a copy of Black Belt or Inside Kung Fu. There are a couple of manufacturors who make shoes for martial artists which work admirably well for lifting. Nothing fancy with tarsal support like Mr. Burkhardt mentioned, but like wrestling shoes they are nice and flat and support the ankle to some extent. Brian Williams Date: Sat, 10 Jan 1998 22:27:46 -0800 From: Deepsquatter Subject: Shoes For the deadlift I lift in a pair of Nike Deadlift Shoes (ok they're wrestling shoes) Someone said they couldn't find them. I got mine from Elite sales. The ad says they ship overseas. US 1-800-433-0324 or 1-617-749-4389. For the squat I like the good ole Chuck Taylors or the Safe USA Shoes. If you like a really stiff, secure shoe the safe is the best I've seen The soles don't flex or give and Scott Safe will make them to any heel height you want. Very friendly also. Go to http://www.coachhelp.com/safeusa/ Jason Date: Sun, 11 Jan 1998 00:39:24 -0600 From: Tony Cardella Subject: Shoes...on and on... > Mmm, yes. I haven't seen any Magnum boots here, but then I haven't looked. I >do however know that Safe USA is not available. > I did however find out that someone can get Otomix shoes for me (ever wonder >why customs officials are so rich? Although why > you can't import shoes/other clothes without a license is beyond me.)So what >do you think, Otomix, or a pair of military > boots (cheaper option, and, since they are from the army base round >the corner, I know they ain't never gonna fall > apart) - ankle height. > Deadlifts aren't a problem, I'm short enough not to worry about how high it >goes - in platforms I'll still have far less to > move it than you. > Mark I got my magnum boots from a local Sporting good store (~$40). We are talking about 2 different types of shoes here. First is the shoes for squatting. I think most people like to use shoes/boots with a solid heel so you don't sink down and you have a solid "foundation". For deadlifting, you want to use a shoe that has little or no sole to it. This makes you lower to the ground, etc. -Tony Cardella webmaster@goheavy.com Date: Sun, 11 Jan 1998 10:59:17 -0500 From: Jon Agiato Subject: Re: STRENGTH Digest - 9 Jan 1998 to 10 Jan 1998 (#1998-11) > >Nike and Asics both make wrestling shoes. > > The problem here is that no one SELLS the bloody things!!! I have looked > and looked and looked; The few places that DO sell them stop at about a > size five or six; great if you're in a junior high or high-school wrestling > program, but it sucks for those of us who aren't 15 any more.... :-P Actually, I use the asics Tiger deadlift shoes in a size 9.5 but they were hard to find. One of my clients on the other hand, bough a pair in size 13.5, and had a real hard time finding them. A little footwork will turn them up, it didn't take either of us long to find them. If you don't want to do the legwork, you could always order the flat shoes from Otomix, which I also have (excellent deadlifting shoes). They are very pricey though, at around $100 bucks a pair or more with shipping. > >> So what shoes are best for support in a squat/deadlift? Flat slipper type shoes for deadlifts, greater support/high tops for squatting. Generally, high tops with some heel is best for most types of lifting. The exception is the ole deadlift. -- Yours in strength, Jon Agiato Date: Sun, 11 Jan 1998 17:01:52 EST From: Namgawd Subject: Shoes ------------------------------------------- The answer about squat shoes really lies within biomechanics and physics. Research on the squat would indicate that, among other things, you need to be able to sit back with the weight in a manner that allows your knees to remain over your ankles. If forward movement of the knees does occur, this should be no greater than 11-degrees. Now, wearing a shoe that has a heel increases the difficulty of maintaining as close to 0-degrees as possible. Another aspect to consider is that the heel places more stress on the erectors. Not exactly what you'd want to aim for. Somebody mentioned that Hatfield claimed that he gets 5% from a sole. I don't know if this is true or not, but would like to say this. 5% off a 1000 lbs squat is 5 lbs. How can anyone, even Fred, be able to attribute that small an amount to the sole? In following that reasoning, would 1/16 of an inch less in sole height equal a 4.6% gain in weight lifted? So now that we know a heel is contraindicated, lets look at shoes in general. Andrea is quite correct in many of her points regarding support and having a solid sole as opposed to a soft one to drive against. This is where the emphasis should be. On a personal note, quite unlike me, I've thrown that last research aspect into the wind and squat either in socks or untied wrestling shoes. The reason is that if I were to always wear tight and controlling footwear my supportive structures won't get enough work and will therefore not be able to adapt to the training stressor. This is much like a belt creating a weekness in the lower back. I've continued with this practice in competition too, once I realized that it really doesn't make a difference in how much I squat. Of course I'm also reminded of Paul Anderson squatting a ton in slippers. Dan Wagman Subject: Re: Shoes? From: "John King" Date: Fri, 26 Nov 1999 07:36:43 -0800 i use the addidas weightlifting shoes with wooden sole covered with like a hard rubber... i think they are called addistar......a lot of support...they have a strap going around shoetop for added lateral support. i know some say it is best to have no heel and go with chuck taylors.... some say the safety squat shoe...i think some say to deadlift with ballet slippers.....no heels. i like the addistar.. i have not been deadlifting or squatting that long though. My wife was asking what i'd like for my birthday and i told her the addistar weightlifting shoes. They were about $120.... i got them off the Web. Do a search on addidas addistar and i think you will find them... i did a quick search and got this link http://www.usaw.org/newstore.htm hope this helps.. John Subject: Re: Shoes? From: Dimitri Kezis <6dk1@qlink.queensu.ca> Date: Fri, 26 Nov 1999 07:37:18 -0800 The best shoes for lifting would be shoes without any sort of unstable heel and with support for the ankles. So in other words, no Nike Airs and no runners. Try on a pair of Ottomix (spelling?) shoes...