The Importance of Strength Training Shoes

When you are training with weights, strength training shoes are a must. One of the most important things is your base. Your base begins, of course, at your feet. Since your base is so important, then a good shoe is equally important. "What's wrong with my regular tennis shoes?" you may ask. To which I would reply "Are you playing tennis"? No, you're not, you're lifting weights, so you need weight lifting shoes. The problem with your standard sneaker is that they have entirely to much padding around the heel. This is great for support when you are walking around, but not ideal for squats or deadlifts. The problem with to much cushion is that it forces you up on your toes which can make you lose your balance. Running shoes are designed to absorb the impact of your stride as your feet hit the ground; the shock-absorbing properties of running shoes would actually hinder your ability to lift properly. The ideal weightlifting shoes increase balance and stability and direct all the force of your body toward lifting the weight.

I had coaches in high school that actually taught us to come up on our toes when squatting. A truly excellent way to lose your balance, torque your knee and tear your ACL. Most weightlifting shoes have thin, hard padding. This brings your heel down and improves balance and gives you a sturdier base for lifting.

There are many different strength training shoes available on the market. It's important to find a pair that are comfortable but still provide the support and balance you need for lifting. Also, weight lifting shoes typically have velcro straps so that you can really pull them tight. These are usually specialty shoes, so you probably wont find them at Payless. I would shop for them at your local athletic shop or online.

Here are a few links to some excellent shoes:

Rogue Fitness

VS Training

Pendlay Barbell

Personally, I prefer doing my Olympic lifting barefoot. I workout from home so this is a viable option for me. However, those that workout in Globo gyms definitely don't want to be treading in other people workout funk nor do they want to smell your nasty feet. Vibram Five Fingers are touted as the next best thing to being barefoot. They may seem a little goofy, but you wont get your heel much closer to the ground, even if you were actually barefoot.

Check of the Vibrams here: Vibram Five Fingers

The proper strength training shoes provide support, a solid base to push or pull weight from and improves balance while lifting. If you think the right shoe doesn't matter, have you ever seen a Ballerina in army boots?