Coincidentally, lots of cycling shoes are great for squatting. I have a pair of semi-casual cycling shoes with SPD cleats that are recessed into the bottom so that it's easy to walk around in them. The soles are fairly stiff, and non-compressible, so they work out great for squatting.
I have really flat feet and I use running shoes with lots of arch support. Think I should stick with those? I like the idea of being stable on the ground but I'm afraid of hurting myself.
Ive been squatting in OLYshoes (Ironworks II) for years. Lately, i have switched to flatsole wrestlingshoes since i find they help me keep my heels in contact with the floor. Before, with OLYshoes that is, the weight used to shift over to the balls of the feet. I know it sounds strange. Im thinking that it may have something to do with long thighs and legs. Anyone else had similar experience?
The weightlifiting shoes have heels, so it's easier to go deep. But isn't this a kind of cheating cause you don't develop the flexibility to do it with a flat sole?
I've been using Brook's running shoes since I started lifting again (about 8 months now) and I never really had a problem but now that my squat is getting kinda heavy, around 300+ lbs, I notice it affecting my squat. My foot moves around way too much and gets squashed. I'm going to take your advice and whip out ye olde chucks.
Is it okay to squat in those adidas weightlifting shoes for powerlifting, I lift in single ply and raw and was wondering if that is ok, mostly because I actually dont think IPF allows chuck taylors
I'm sorry, but I accidently pressed a wrong key and deleted a comment about Vibram Fingers shoes... I appreciate the comment and hope you can repost it.
I haven't tried the shoes, but I've heard good things about them.
I've found that a good pair of work boots yield a great squat position and give a lot of ankle and bottom of foot support as well. I usually alternate between using my 23yo chucks and my work boots. I've never had an issue with the chucks blowing out as one person mentioned. That usually only happens on people who squat VERY wide and push outwards really hard or let the fabric rot. I squat better with the boots but you should always work an exercise from different angles to insure no imbalances
It'll depend on the fit of the shoe - my Adidas OL shoes are pretty tight and a thicker sock won't cut it. I prefer to wear socks, but that's just me.
I knew they ran small sizes and since I ordered over the Internet I got one half size up, or maybe it was even one whole size? Don't remember. Anyhow they are a little big so I use a sock (which here in Sweden are made by Seger) specifically designed for sprinting. It's thick as a tennis sock but very tight and with no seems sticking out anywhere. So it won't gall or feel chunky.
the "all stars" (chuck tailor) are a bit scary to use some times as the fabric is prone to riping apart. that can be dangerous is you are squatting big weight, and spreading the floor. on the other hand i never wore any quality shoes of the brand...
bare foot can be fun until you drop a 50pound plate on your finger ha ha
he he and can you get 50lb plates because im from england and when ive ever been to america theres only 45 and 50's would make it so much more easy to calculate when your lifting!
I know a lot of very strong people who squat barefoot, but I just don't think it's a good idea. One reason given is that when you squat barefoot that you don't have any proprioception interference that you might get from a shoe sole. I think that if you squat in an OL (olympic lifting) shoe, the hard sole maintains that barefoot "feel" while still providing your foot traction, support, and protection.
I have similar issues and, personally, prefer not to squat without a shoe w. arch support - I squat in my Adidas OL shoes and they have served me very well.
While Chuck Taylors and wrestling/weightlifting shoes may be great for people with regular foot arch/mechanics, I think a point should be noted for people with foot distortions(over/underpronatation, flat/low arches). For example I have pronation distortion syndrome and a low arch on my right foot, and I used to wear Chuck Taylors until a rehab specialist told me that I needed a motion control shoe. Currently I squat in my Brooks Beast.
vs athletics has the best deal on weightlifting shoes - about $60 :) ...if you tend to squat with a more narrow olympic style stance they definetly are a must ... if you are into the ultra-wide powerlifting "spread the floor" stance then in my opinion chucks are a better choice
Actually, for most people, ankle flexibility should not be an issue. It's usually inflexible hams/hips and a fear of losing balance that cause people to come up on their toes. I've thought about making another video about it, but, to be honest, A LOT of the things I'd suggest are the same as in #1 and #2.
Watch the first two Squat Rxs again and see if any of those suggestions help you. Let me know.
will do. but my doctors told me I have really bad ankle flexibility. They told me to do calf stretches all the time but told me honestly it won't help me too much. But I will take a look at the videos again and get back to you. thanks
Can you please give some advice or make a video on dealing with ankle inflexibility? ie not being able to go low enough without shifting weight onto the toes. thanks!
i did squats and deadlifts with no shoes and fucked up a ligament in my foot : (
CIarKent 1 month ago
Coincidentally, lots of cycling shoes are great for squatting. I have a pair of semi-casual cycling shoes with SPD cleats that are recessed into the bottom so that it's easy to walk around in them. The soles are fairly stiff, and non-compressible, so they work out great for squatting.
doviende 4 months ago
Sweet I been lifting in my Chucks for awhile, glad they're a recommendation!
JackThrice85 1 year ago
I saw the part about bare feet sweating at the end but I wasn't really sure how to interpret it. Is it okay to squat barefoot or just using socks?
MrDonkDonkerson 2 years ago
I have really flat feet and I use running shoes with lots of arch support. Think I should stick with those? I like the idea of being stable on the ground but I'm afraid of hurting myself.
shumshum81 2 years ago
Thanks for this video. Its just the information I was looking for.
NycCuban 2 years ago
Ive been squatting in OLYshoes (Ironworks II) for years. Lately, i have switched to flatsole wrestlingshoes since i find they help me keep my heels in contact with the floor. Before, with OLYshoes that is, the weight used to shift over to the balls of the feet. I know it sounds strange. Im thinking that it may have something to do with long thighs and legs. Anyone else had similar experience?
nackorath 2 years ago
The weightlifiting shoes have heels, so it's easier to go deep. But isn't this a kind of cheating cause you don't develop the flexibility to do it with a flat sole?
JayvH 2 years ago
yeah, I thought you were supposed to avoid going on the toes and this seems sort of the same thing. I'm also wondering about bare feet..
ebutuoy88 2 years ago
I've been using Brook's running shoes since I started lifting again (about 8 months now) and I never really had a problem but now that my squat is getting kinda heavy, around 300+ lbs, I notice it affecting my squat. My foot moves around way too much and gets squashed. I'm going to take your advice and whip out ye olde chucks.
kingmikeofthenorth 2 years ago
Is it okay to squat in those adidas weightlifting shoes for powerlifting, I lift in single ply and raw and was wondering if that is ok, mostly because I actually dont think IPF allows chuck taylors
chrisclark88 3 years ago
As long as they have a flat sole you should be just fine.
NapalmNewt 2 years ago
great series! what about bare foot?
BROTHADONKEY 3 years ago 2
Nice video man!
themanwhocan243 3 years ago
I lift in my adidas adistar lifting shoes for majority of my lifts. Deadlifts and lunges Ill use my chucks or my nike frees.
gainera2582 3 years ago
I'm sorry, but I accidently pressed a wrong key and deleted a comment about Vibram Fingers shoes... I appreciate the comment and hope you can repost it.
I haven't tried the shoes, but I've heard good things about them.
johnnymnemonic2 3 years ago
That's what I was thinking, because they are the closest you can get to bare feet, kinda like you were saying about the wrestling shoes.
SJRogers 3 years ago
I've found that a good pair of work boots yield a great squat position and give a lot of ankle and bottom of foot support as well. I usually alternate between using my 23yo chucks and my work boots. I've never had an issue with the chucks blowing out as one person mentioned. That usually only happens on people who squat VERY wide and push outwards really hard or let the fabric rot. I squat better with the boots but you should always work an exercise from different angles to insure no imbalances
71grandprix 3 years ago
so heres a question, im getting a pair of adidas iron work II shoes, what kind of socks, if any should i wear?
freddyfastfingers 3 years ago
It'll depend on the fit of the shoe - my Adidas OL shoes are pretty tight and a thicker sock won't cut it. I prefer to wear socks, but that's just me.
johnnymnemonic2 3 years ago
I knew they ran small sizes and since I ordered over the Internet I got one half size up, or maybe it was even one whole size? Don't remember. Anyhow they are a little big so I use a sock (which here in Sweden are made by Seger) specifically designed for sprinting. It's thick as a tennis sock but very tight and with no seems sticking out anywhere. So it won't gall or feel chunky.
JohanKH 3 years ago
well, i am convinced now. I don't know squat!
Skullrik 4 years ago
the "all stars" (chuck tailor) are a bit scary to use some times as the fabric is prone to riping apart. that can be dangerous is you are squatting big weight, and spreading the floor. on the other hand i never wore any quality shoes of the brand...
bare foot can be fun until you drop a 50pound plate on your finger ha ha
SabaZs 4 years ago
dont you mean your toe lol
mor8an 4 years ago
damn my faulty english ... we express "toe" as "the legs finger" here lol.
SabaZs 4 years ago
he he and can you get 50lb plates because im from england and when ive ever been to america theres only 45 and 50's would make it so much more easy to calculate when your lifting!
mor8an 4 years ago
Ever tried using metric? ;)
Btw I guess those 45 may actually be 20 kg, that's even for you :)
JohanKH 3 years ago
I know a lot of very strong people who squat barefoot, but I just don't think it's a good idea. One reason given is that when you squat barefoot that you don't have any proprioception interference that you might get from a shoe sole. I think that if you squat in an OL (olympic lifting) shoe, the hard sole maintains that barefoot "feel" while still providing your foot traction, support, and protection.
Just my opinion.
johnnymnemonic2 4 years ago
Is squatting with no shoes bad?
B4ll3r2007 4 years ago
I have similar issues and, personally, prefer not to squat without a shoe w. arch support - I squat in my Adidas OL shoes and they have served me very well.
johnnymnemonic2 4 years ago
While Chuck Taylors and wrestling/weightlifting shoes may be great for people with regular foot arch/mechanics, I think a point should be noted for people with foot distortions(over/underpronatation, flat/low arches). For example I have pronation distortion syndrome and a low arch on my right foot, and I used to wear Chuck Taylors until a rehab specialist told me that I needed a motion control shoe. Currently I squat in my Brooks Beast.
carnasaur 4 years ago 2
vs athletics has the best deal on weightlifting shoes - about $60 :) ...if you tend to squat with a more narrow olympic style stance they definetly are a must ... if you are into the ultra-wide powerlifting "spread the floor" stance then in my opinion chucks are a better choice
mightygeek 4 years ago
Actually, for most people, ankle flexibility should not be an issue. It's usually inflexible hams/hips and a fear of losing balance that cause people to come up on their toes. I've thought about making another video about it, but, to be honest, A LOT of the things I'd suggest are the same as in #1 and #2.
Watch the first two Squat Rxs again and see if any of those suggestions help you. Let me know.
johnnymnemonic2 4 years ago
will do. but my doctors told me I have really bad ankle flexibility. They told me to do calf stretches all the time but told me honestly it won't help me too much. But I will take a look at the videos again and get back to you. thanks
tenken417 4 years ago
Can you please give some advice or make a video on dealing with ankle inflexibility? ie not being able to go low enough without shifting weight onto the toes. thanks!
tenken417 4 years ago
Yeah Chucks!!
Great job Sensei.. yet again...
bearwolfden 4 years ago
Thanks Bear! I hope you're healing up all right brother.
johnnymnemonic2 4 years ago
I use Vibram Five Fingers for all my lifting. It's the next best thing to actually being barefoot. I love it and wouldn't wear anything else.
SHates 4 years ago
Those are really interesting looking shoes!
johnnymnemonic2 4 years ago