Do Weightlifting Shoes Make A Real Difference? 

O👏 LYM 👏PIC 👏WEIGHT 👏LIFT 👏ING 👏SHOES👏 Say it with me, guys. If you’re going to explain what footwear is better for powerlifting, or just generally fitness, at least throw in a quick primer for your audience on what the purpose of that footwear actually is. Same reason you don’t want to run a marathon in Vibrams, the Olympic weightlifting shoe is a very movement specific, sport specific piece of equipment. I understand people often use these shoes for the purpose of masking or compensating for immobility in certain positions, but part of the problem is easily remedied when we parse out what things ARE intended for, and not just focusing on what you shouldn’t be utilizing in your training.

*Weightlifting* shoes *add* extra range of motion that your knee has to travel through. It shortens the ankles range of motion. The lifted heels let you access a larger range of motion for both the knee and hip joint regardless of ankle mobility restrictions. Use weightlifting shoes to squat if you want a better squat. They are literally built for it. Weightlifting shoes are also a necessity if you want to take the snatch, clean, and jerk seriously.

I love my Olympic weight lifting shoes, i use them for squating, benching (so i can keep my foot flat and tucked back) and standing OHP for a very stable foundation, i use socks for deadlifts

man.. the amount of infomation i get in past 1 years from this chanel is massive im at point like "hmm i need some info, gotta search at mind pump show first"

Weightlifting shoes are great for squats if you have unfavourable proportions in terms of leg and torso length. I for example need weightlifting shoes to be able to squat normally because my legs are very long and my torso is relatively short compared to my legs. Squat doesnt feel natural for me without weightlifting shoes that rise your heels about 2.5cm. I just have bad genetics and need these to make the most out of my squats.

Deadlifting = Flat Soles Squats = Heel Raises.

Any suggestions to help with squatting with flat feet? I usually go barefoot but it aint helping.

Would it still help if you have no problem with ur foot or ankle?

I use Jordan 1's and just take the stock insole out. Those things are as low to the ground as can be, and I can't believe people used to play basketball in them 😅😂

Lems primal 2’s...basically no sole, fees like bare foot.

One of the reasons for shoes being pushed is Rippitoe. And there is no distinction between a squat shoe with a heel and a flat deadlift shoe in that world. Lots of Adidas Powerlift worn in an SS gym. I was coached my an SSC for close to a year. Shoes were mandatory.

Found Nike zoom tr2 for weightlifting on thrift market near my house, im sure they didn't make this anymore. Its perfect for me since it dont have elevated heels. I dont like lifted heels I tried it yesterday and man its different, my squat are very stable and my lift goes up The "lift barefoot for more natural strength" doesnt make sense, if the shoes help you lift heavier then its good. You dont want to limit the amount of weight your body can lift simply because of your ankle or feet. Same with using straps in heavy deadlift. Dont let grip strength limiting your potential gainz

“Next question from née-ya’ll” 🤣🤣🤣

I use boots my knees and ankles are shit plus i have no equilibrium 🤕

👍

I will fix is answer. *yes Romaleo 2s or Anta's.

What are those shoes?

Converse! The way I see it, and this is outside of circumstances beyond ones control mind you, if lifting shoes are a must in order to get depth and/or stability, improving rang of motion and strengthening the areas of concern is what is a must. NOT shoes to compensate.

Basically, buy shoes! or just go "*FOOT*. I have my own equipment so going foot on friday.

I just lift in hey dudes😂

So just do squats and deadlifts barefoot?

high top or low top chucks?

If you have poor mobility you can put plates under your heels until you can do flat. You don’t need lifting shoes. Especially if you can’t even squat 315 😂

Yeah lol

*Nacks kwashtian*

Extra ROM when deadlifting with squat shoes? Congrats, you just sold me on using them. I'm all about making the lift harder to get stronger.

Why does the 2nd guy keep calling them squat shoes? He says "that's why they are called squat shoes" but they are weightlifting shoes. Then goes on to recommend stupid chucks

1:38 that's BS. Olympic lifters regularly clean (= big deadlifts) with squat shoes. Maybe not ideal for PURE deadlifting but totally viable. All elite lifters train in them.

Wrong. What puts the lifter at risk barefooted is not the weight or the foot. It's the hard flat surface and the specific effect it has on the mechanics of foot through the gait cycle. And while you may be thinking there is no gait cycle because you are still or in mid stance. You are still loading and activating the same muscles and tendons. Athletes have always fucked their feet up. Professional dancers as well. Barefoot on hard flat surfaces is a pathological endeavor. It's now readily apparent but insidious and incremental. Bare foot is fine on grass, the beach. Hard flat ground is clinically speaking the pathogen. If you want to strengthen the lower extremities squatting and dead lifting on somewhat softer mat if you must but if you really want to bullet proof the lower extremities then start jumping rope. BTW if you know a Veterinarian ask them what percentage of dogs in the city develop arthritis.