Footwear

[Jimmy0]

What footwear do you guys wear to the gym? More specifically, what footwear do you wear to lift in?

I just wear a normal trainer, similar to this:


However, from browsing the BB.com site and reading some of the threads over there, I see a lot of people saying that you would benefit from a flatter shoe / one that doesn't have padding on the heel...

I see a lot of people on there recommending chucks all stars to lift in:



(They also do a slightly higher shoe, that would cover the ankles)


I also see some people lifting in socks / bare feet. And then of course you have your actual weight lifting designed shoes...


Just wandering what you guys lifted in?

[Willyzification]

I wear anything and everything really.... currently wearing some casual G star raw shoes

[Deviation]

It depends on what you do in the gym. If you're doing squats and deadlifts, you want a shoe that has a hard sole (like chucks).

I wear Saucony Kinvaras most of the time. They still have a softer sole, but there's not much of it. Not the perfect lifting shoe, but a good one if you do more than lift.


Once these wear out (soon), I'll be grabbing a pair of New Balance Minimus.


Though it hasn't been lately, my primary fun comes from running.

[amcredle]

I wear chucks.. really helps your form on squats...

[Jimmy0]

Damn, those New Balance Minimums look sick!

Yeah I am tempted to pick up a pair of converse myself, see it if makes any difference in my lifting.

[decu68]

For lifting I wear New Balance 1210; got in December of 2011. I've always had good luck with New Balance shoes for lifting; this is my 3rd pair. Have had different brands, this is the first 1210 I bought. Its a cross training but designed for stability. Thought I'd also run in these; NOT. If was just lifting I may have chose a different brand but they work just fine for now.




For running I wear Asics Gel-Cumulus 13 2E that I purchased a week ago; have helped immensely. The New Balance I had weren't helping. These Asics are made with more cushion to absorb impact which I needed. Went to the Running Room and spoke with somebody that examined my walk and placement to make a suggestion of what type of shoes I should look at. I tried on several however this is the only one they had in 2E at that time so settled; and no complaints so far though some of the others were much nicer looking.

[Deviation]

Damn, those New Balance Minimums look sick!

They look good, but they aren't for everyone. If you need a cushy heel, these would be the worst ones to get. I run on my fore-mid foot. Tends to really tax the calfs, but it seems to be less impact. I used to run on my heels like a lot of people.

Yeah I am tempted to pick up a pair of converse myself, see it if makes any difference in my lifting.

They will. Big difference between cross trainers and flat sole shoes. No compression at all when you lift. Tends to make you more stable.

[jollyriot2k1]

Just wear whatever you're comfortable in. I wear some trashy old vans skateboarding shoes.

If you squat or deadlift (or something similar) then shoes with a flat sloe is preferable for good form, that's why a lot of lads will take off their shoes for these lifts.

[TheLlama]

Due to breaking my femur some time ago my one leg is now shorter than the other. Because of this I have to wear specially built up shoes. Do you guys think I should do squats/deadlift etc differently or anything so as to not favor one side over the other or anything? I'm using Hi-Tec or Salomon trail running shoes as they build up the best and have a great firm bridge. Perfect combination of a trainer and a stiff sole.

[Deviation]

You're situation is probably best evaluated by a physical therapist or doctor. I have been squatting and deadlifting barefoot for the past few weeks. That probably wouldn't work well for you. I've done both in cross trainers too. A stiff sole is really all that's required.