Should You Wear Weightlifting Shoes? |

[@jgregg7100]

Just tried lifting shoes for first time money. Completely changed my squatting experience. It almost feels like a different workout, removed all the strain from my lower back.100% worth the money

[@alexn1168]

This is probably the #1 reason I might buy a pair

[@jgregg7100]

@@alexn1168 I found a used pair on postmark for $40

[@brianmannion7097]

I like to squat in high heels to warm up the knees. Then put back on the crocs and go all out.

[@wilsong4096]

Lmao

[@brianrutherford3860]

Finally, a no-nonsense answer to a question asked about every day in gyms around the world. Especially when its broken down for different squat styles (sport specific). Thank you Dr. Horschig for straight answers without sales hypes or gimmicky tricks, or using profanity to try to gain viewers!!!!

[@CN-ly8uo]

I used to squat with regular training shoes, but switched to Adidas Powerlift 4. Couldn’t be happier, no need to correct my leg position during the reps. Huge difference between regular training shoe and a weight lifting shoe!!!

[@Champion_detailing]

I’ve recently been squatting in converse. Nice and flat but I have poor ankle mobility so I’m working on that. Thank you for your amazing videos

[@MrDerxX]

Thank you soo much Dr. Aaron. This information is valuable, I have been squatting in running shoes and i had no idea about this concept. i will definitely save for a raised heel shoes. Thank you again

[@atomictuna5784]

I used to squat in Vibram Five Fingers or Merrell Barefoot Road Glove 2s. I've been wearing Adidas Powerlift 3.1s since mid July and the difference is night and day. The Powerlifts feel much more stable. I still wear the VFFs or Merrells when I deadlift. They're pretty tough to beat for that.

[@SquatUniversity]

Thats great to hear that you found what works best for you Danny! I would agree the power lifts are a better option overall for squats while the VFFs or other flat sole shoes are great for deadlifts.

[@richardmann3798]

I also deadlift in VFFs. Can’t beat it. I get some looks at my gym but that’s okay!

[@batman.._]

@Danny still you lift in powerlifts? I'm using VFF considering powerlifts

[@atomictuna5784]

@@batman.._ yep, still wearing them for squats and OHP. I don't really wear my VFFs much anymore TBH. I wear Merrell Road Gloves or Vapor Gloves for everything other than squat and OHP variations.

[@rdm2707]

I've seen guys wear Nike Air Vapormax. The bubbles were flattened and you can see the wobbling on the entire reps. I only use Rom 3, Leistung 16, and for a more raised heel, a pair of Legacy. I'm starting to slowly getting some mobility on my left ankle since I watched your band exercises. I'm learning to warm up a little better before starting squats. Big help. Thanks much.

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

I JUST bought a pair of weight lifting shoes; I carry them in my gym bag and only wear them inside the gym and not on the street. I've been lifting for years but never heard of lifting shoes until last week. I dead-lift and squat a total of 650lb and wanted to take care of my feet since I'm hitting 40 next month. Thank you so much for this video bro!

[@WoodShopStop]

I searched this topic because I've been having some problems with my ankle on my left foot I have flat feet and I've been working out for about 6 weeks to 2 months now I'm 63 years old and I wanted to get some weight lifting shoes to improve my squat technique. I've used them two or three times and the last time I used them I had a soreness in the bottom of my foot at the ankle on the inside and spanning out across the metatarples. I've seen some videos that talk about the pronation and supination of the foot and I think these weightlifting shoes accentuate the fact that I've been pronating my feet for a while now. I've also had some patella tendonitis and right hip pains I started using the three points on the bottom of my feet and walking barefoot and I've noticed quite a change I think this will help solve my problem your videos are excellent and I appreciate that you put them out there to help people like me thanks a lot.

[@christophercox5192]

Barefoot, but I squat mostly low bar. I love the foot stability of just going without the shoes. I feel like it allows you to better load the hips.

[@SquatUniversity]

Very cool - Thanks for sharing Christopher!

[@stepanmusial]

I have been using a squat wedge for a while now, really like squatting with using it, lately I have been loading barbell quiet heavily, that makes it much harder to adjust feet on the wedge. Decided to order a pair of lifting shoes, cant wait to try them out!

[@Joe_whatuknow]

I’ve been squaring in socks for the past 15 years… had knee pain recently, when I get really low I think my knee is caving in. I just bought my first pair of lifters and knee sleeves. I’m excited to try them out.

[@quandaledingle3262]

How are they?

[@brennanlilley8345]

how are they? i have knee pain because of my knees coming in and am thinking about buying lifters. i have sleeves which help with making my squat feel better but my knees still cave in

[@brennanlilley8345]

i’m currently lifting in converses

[@Joe_whatuknow]

@@brennanlilley8345 They've helped more than I could have imagined. I wish I did it earlier. You can try putting your heels up on 5 pound plates to do a similar thing.

[@mbe102]

Found this video searching, "how to make the best use of weight lifting shoes". I can't squat at all, like it just won't happen, my tendons are all whack, but with my new weight lifting shoes, I finally can. Its pretty incredible. Felt like I got a new pair of feet, frankly.

[@andrewtanczyk4009]

I got Inov-8 Men's Fastlift Power G 380 Training Shoes about 6 months ago. Yet they are a little snug so I go the TYR Men's L-1 Lifter for the wider toe box.

[@gerykis]

I've always used a cheapest flat trainer for squatting and everything in the gym . Now I have low back pain , I'm considering switching to special shoes. Also working on improve my technique. I'm waiting for a book delivery - Squat Bible .

[@MrJouPa]

i squat with vibram finger shoes, it helps me feel the ground better so that i know if i am squatting from mid foot or drifting forward or backwards

[@SquatUniversity]

Thanks for sharing!

[@liftingafterdark3241]

I have pretty poor ankle mobility and the little improvement I’ve made has taken lots of work and dedication so I definitely use weightlifting shoes! I have the Nike Romaleo 3’s and love’em!!

[@SquatUniversity]

That's great to hear!

[@made_with_rage]

I wear chucks but recently as the weight is going up I been using a small board to raise the back of my heel so figured I should invest

[@SquatUniversity]

I think that would be good idea. A small board to raise the heels can be a quick tell to show you how the raised heel can manipulate your squat but it shouldn't be a long term solution

[@user-jq2pr5jj6o]

I'm in the middle of rehab, working on technique, and only lift ~30lbs atm. Doing it in Reebok Nanos while trying to keep that tripod foot!

[@AblazeFPS1]

E don’t feel bad about it, it usually is always best to take your time when training. Many strong squatters have been doing squats for years. So even if you try your best, it takes months to just improve a little.

[@xXAkitokunXx]

This guys youtube is a god send for me.

[@BartMoon-m2x]

This discussion was very helpful!

[@toddharrison123]

I have always used flat sole shoes like Xero shoes etc but I do have issues going as deep as I’d like (can’t get below parallel w classic back Squat) even w a wide stance … just ordered my first pair of lifting shoes.. TYR brand… and I’m eagerly anticipating giving them a try when they arrive.

[@runesolberg9097]

I bought rebook lifting shoes, yes they are very stable during squat-they feel heavy also- its like having two cement bricks for feet. However... never had knee problems before- very mobile- was thinking liftingshoes for lifting kinda made sense as in skis for skiing. Been training for almost 20 years now-no knee problems---squat:I varm up with light weights and and have a light training season--- when I come home I hear a really bad noise from my left knee.never heard it before--- now 1month later its still there. My conlusion is that I had a meniscus tear, and one of the reason is that the liftingshoe places the weight differently on your knee,also the shoe makes your feet stuck in place- making less headroom for small twists when you go down as the feet looses mobility and the knee takes all the stress of that . So yes, liftingshoes gives alot more stability- but be very focused on your position of your feet so that the knee travels without efforts of sidepressure- make a few attempts to see that your feet position , the angle and stance are correct so you see the knee goes a direct line-as in the knee angle to your foot is the same angle during the entire lift- not going to the sides- or slightly twisting.

[@Crown_Royal]

The question is what is better if you have good angle mobility meaning you can do a proper squat in flat sole shoes. Maybe the weightlifting shoe does give you a better feel but won't it lead to decreased mobility over time since your angle doesn't have to rotate as much as before under load?

[@oWMatt]

I was also wondering about this. Maybe the solution could be that you do some squats with less weight barefoot or add some ankle mobility work here and there.

[@Tuchh]

7:00

[@Icecoolsa80a2]

atg pause rep in steel toes don't feel too great but got used to it over the years lol this got me to invest some money into them thanks

[@cm_x7235]

I’ve been recently having butt wink issues, ever since I’ve got a pair metcons I don’t think the metcon is a bad shoe by any means but after watching this I ordered a pair of weightlifting shoes and I strongly believe it’s going to help with the ankle not being mobile enough! Love this video!

[@alexz6_plays344]

Sorry for the late response, but did it help with the butt wink issue?

[@anshukrishan841]

Love all your videos. Always well explained and thorough.

[@rickrosler]

Thanks for the advice. I’ve been lifting in a running shoe for the last year or so. Recently I’ve realized it’s not the best for me which is why I am looking at investing in some new footwear.

[@eespinosa64]

Great video. I've done most of my squatting in Chucks. Sometimes barefoot. I recently used Puma Astro Sala. They are very flat.

[@Foundation111]

I squat in fresh pair of yeezyz

[@SquatUniversity]

So fresh

[@aligboyakasha]

I actually found that it helps my back because I have tight hamstrings and my back starts to lose it's arch at the bottom of my squat but these can help a bit. In the end, though I'm taking a break from squats.

[@marcus_ohreallyus]

I like squat shoes for front squats and cleans, but chuck taylors for back squats.

[@irwingallegos9162]

Knee Pain and Flat Footed. Do you recommend the the powerlifting shoe?

[@lanestevens9894]

I’ve been lifting for 5 years now and just recently decided to get some lifting shoes. Mainly from curiosity, and just wanting a more stable surface underneath my feet as I squat. Here’s a few things to keep in mind: -your walkout will feel completely different so start light and get used to it first -adjusting your feet while under load will also be completely different. - the raised/non compressible heel doesn’t allow you to really move your feet well. I always like to angle my feet out a little. It’s a lot more difficult to do with the shoes. - this one is a no brianer, but... when you first get your shoes, don’t be so focused on the shoes that you end up allowing yourself to make small mistakes with your technique. - the shoes won’t make a big difference in your max but can still be beneficial

[@windgo16]

My Reebok Legacy Lifters, are always in my gym bag. They are very helpful in reaching the range of motion that I desired because I think I have limited ankle mobility (though I'm working on it) Very good video! as always. Keep up the good work!

[@SquatUniversity]

Thank you!

[@simoneesposito2436]

hi mate, i also have slight mobility issues that make squats (and all squat related movements) complicated, but a little help like a plate under the heels usually makes life a lot easier. Would you suggest me to get a pair of lifting shoes? Do you think they would help me?

[@mattkillinder692]

Nano 8, ramaleos 3, and legacy’s. I’ve found that the legacy’s feel the best in the squat. Rams 3 are much lighter but still a good shoe. The nanos are hands down the best overall lifting shoe.

[@frankopanklaric]

Metcon 3 flyknits. They fit like a sock with a hard sole. I think they are 1.5mm half more elevated than regular metcons though.

[@larsleonard8106]

Intro is so fire bro

[@Moonstone1776]

I have to use brooks because of arthritis from 16 1/2 years in counting of horse back riding

[@collegegymgains1012]

I like Van's for lifting because they're flat and multipurpose---I don't have to switch shoes between sets---but I just snagged a pair Reebok Legacy Lifter IIs from Nordstrom's Rack for $50. The sticker price was $90, but I guess they were clearance or something.

[@DBMe23]

Did you get the legacy lifters in store or online?

[@collegegymgains1012]

@@DBMe23 In store!

[@tjhr6612]

Flat sole (Jordan 1) for low bar, weightlifting raised heel for high bar

[@michaelday6987]

I have poor ankle mobility due to bone position on the top of my foot/ankle. I just discovered that if I stand on 3lb dumbbells, I can get to parallel depth. Looks like it's time for me to buy this kind of shoe, even for air squats.

[@EverydayDesigner]

I was skeptical but really helped me ,

[@burakoztimur8054]

My question is "what do you think of using weightlifting shoes while doing deadlift?" do you recommend doing it with bare foot ?

[@AblazeFPS1]

Burak Oztimur need hard flat none elevated shoes for deadlifts because you don’t want to have your body tilted forward when pulling that weight in front of you. It can mess up your heavy lifts

[@albertbokor6643]

@@AblazeFPS1 why not just hard flat non-elevated floor than...?

[@eddyngaue6495]

Ok, im chucking out the vans and going to try weightlifting shoes. Great videos btw.

[@SquatUniversity]

Thanks eddy! I hope you enjoy them!

[@dyardsale5475]

Thanks for clearing that up.

[@etiennela4870]

Low bar squat in Inov8 Fast Lift - They have a slightly lower heel than normal weightlifting shoes, and work great coz of my limited hip mobility

[@SquatUniversity]

I'm glad to hear you've found something that works well!

[@orexgabriel2448]

Recently replaced the ASICS running shoes with a pair of working shoes (with steel toe cups) - also ASICS. They are kind of low on heels but with arch support and very stiff around the heels. So far, seem ok.

[@christiangerhardt2408]

I experienced knee pain when squatting with oly shoes. I just don't have that problem with flat shoes. I also squat low bar so the heel is not comfortable.

[@Kennych100]

I use a pair 0f NB cross training shoes for race walking. It has flat insole and heel strike support. They work well as I train in both.

[@LiongkyTan]

start lifting in 2013 in a pair of chucks, decide to use adipower since 2015 (still looks new to this day), try the Leistung 16.2 for a short while, but never feels really comfortable in it, so I don't use it anymore. as of now I wear reebok legacy lifter and pretty happy with it

[@red303dat]

i squat some reebok lifting shoes, can't remember the model but they provide a very planted/firm feel which gives confidence in the squat

[@guillermo5444]

Extremely helpful and informative!!

[@jpierr79]

Metcon5’s with heel insert that cone with the shoes but I’m thinking honestly getting real powerlifting shoes so I can safely get lower. I’ve always had good mobility but a poor back after a car accident in 2008. The higher heel with the more upright chest alleviates pressure on my lower spine. I have good form. I am a personal trainer. What you say about the knee forward is accurate. I’m good form it is absolutely safe provided you are stable and hip position is correct. Great video it was straight to the point.

[@patrickbateman1132]

I too have metcon 5 its coming apart in the outsole due to heavy squats so i too am gonna buy a weightlifting shoe with a higher heel than the heel of metcon with inserted heel insert and use metcon s for deadlift , for now i am gonna super glue it

[@DamianBrown]

Been using Nike SB Portmores for the last six months, nice and flat and stable ... and I can wear them when I travel (saves taking another pair for casual wear). BUT I'm thinking of upgrading but to a Metcon 4, that'll give me the bonus of being able to travel with them, which I can't do in specific weightlifting shoes... Really for squats and deadlifts more than anything.

[@SquatUniversity]

True - the practicality of traveling with less equipment is very helpful as well. Thanks for sharing Damian!

[@DamianBrown]

Squat University somehow I’m back on this video, didn’t get the metcon in the end and still using the skate shoes. I’ve heard a few comments that I’m in good company doing that. Maybe when my squat starts going up again I’ll get some specific shoes. Probably not ideal to wear romaleos with a sub 100kg squat 😂

[@MrRaErickson]

Just got some legacy lifters for a hundred bucks Canadian. Great shoe

[@timothyparsons2954]

I know squat in a pair of nobulls witch is a great shoe but there a flat bottom and I tend to lean forward to much so I might check out a pair of weight lifting shoes

[@trevorbarbee5576]

What about people with flat feet?

[@yusrighouse]

Excellent info as always

[@yungnietzsche2302]

Yo i straight up squat in clogs mane, keepin that Amsterdam foot game strong

[@julienrodot8288]

I used to squat with powerlifting shoes but ended up with femoro patellar tendinitis on my left knee. My left hip is very limited in internal rotation and my left ankle pretty stiff. Just wondering if someday I will be able to squat with those shoes if I fix my ankle or/and hip rotation ? Notice that my SI joint is always sore on my left side after squatting. What do you think ? Thanks so much in advance for your response. Note that now I switched for low bar squat flat shoes. It fixed my knee but not my left knee. I would like to squat both ways, high and low bar 😉

[@oWMatt]

Still no reply ;) How is it going so far?

[@guillotinedeath]

Began lifting in running shoes.. currently lifting in chucks .. just bought some inov8 fastlift 335 on eBay for 45 only downside is the ugly orange shoe laces ahahah.. will come back to see if I liked or disliked squating in them

[@PaigeYesLee]

I use Under Armour Drive Shoes, UA clutch fit 3, but eventually will get the Adidas lifting/squat shoes.

[@SquatUniversity]

I think you'll enjoy the Adidas shoes!

[@tylerfoley7836]

Very informative, Dr!

[@andrewalexander1086]

I like bare foot squat I don’t have mobility issue. I do have issues with my shoulders though

[@pldiyom]

I don’t have tight ankles at all.. I’m very flexible. Over 5 years I’ve worn flat sole shoes (converse all stars) and increased my squat 135-365 (body weight 170-180lb) slightly bellow parallel to parallel with no pain and no equipment at all. I just want to increase my squat as fast as I could. Given that I’ve never used any accessories, I’m thinking that maybe I could, and I’d experience faster growth.

[@phantomlexar328]

I’m currently squatting in chuck taylors. It feels great but I’m gonna upgrade to weightlifting shoes and give it a go 💪🏻

[@pattiking6391]

So I use to squat in running shoes and have been suffering with patella tracking issues, the first time I squat with weight lifting shoes I knew this was what I was missing, no knee pain and proper form

[@d1ndark25]

Did your patella tracking issues go away with lifting shoes, and did you do anything else to help it? I just developed this knee pain a few weeks ago so I took some time off to try to figure out the cause..

[@pattiking6391]

@@d1ndark25 no it has not gone away however I am able to squat with better form and because of this less pressure on the knees. I am doing therapy for the tracking issues

[@d1ndark25]

@@pattiking6391 damn ok thanks. I've been doing some pt hopefully I can get it to go away over time.

[@michaawniczak9048]

Thanks for answer :) !!! Now I'm sure that it will help me :) I use Romaleos 2

[@SquatUniversity]

You're so welcome Michal! I'm glad to help!

[@OzzyG815]

I have the same Adipower weightlifting shoes and they definitely do help a lot!

[@SquatUniversity]

They're great shoes!

[@emiliofina9415]

Have been squatting in my asic running shoes. Would like to try the Nike romelares. Looks like I might be missing out.

[@GoogleGoogle-ef5pw]

How did it go?

[@2flash2furious41]

:death via running shoes:

[@tedreid6839]

Can wearing shoes with a raised heels contribute to anterior pelvic tilt or back pain

[@garyjill1]

Nice video. Have worn chucks for years, but have below average ankle mobility (which I am working on now with band exercises from your videos!). After watching this, weightlifting shoes might be helpful for a 49yr old guy like me with less than ideal ankle and hip mobility. I think I'm at, or very close to, squat depth that would count at a powerlift meet if I were to ever try one, and maybe the lift in the heel would help my range or make it a little more comfortable for that depth.

[@SquatUniversity]

I think a heeled shoe would definitely be something worth considering. I've known many powerlifters to adopt a heeled shoe (even if its a half size powerlift from Adidas).

[@CarlosRamirez-we8zi]

Can you or do you have a video on the right weight to do a squat for the snatch, I use a weightlifting shoe but still have to use the edge of a mat for a little more lift on the heel, And I also use a pair of chuck Taylor's for regular weight training 👍

[@sophiasophista6609]

I feel most comfortable squatting bare foot, I have been doing this for over 8 years. I tried weight lifting shoes, my technique improved a bit, but I feel uncomfortable, so I dhope ont use them any more. I hope this has no negative consequences for squatting long term.

[@aherrera8382]

Squat with wolverine overman boots they have solid arch support

[@n-i-c5800]

I own three pairs of Adidas Olympic Lifting-Shoes and have bad ankle-mobility - but my PR's in Snatch and Clean I reached in Metcon's :-)

[@rhuntingdon]

Guilty of wearing 'marshmallow' tennis shoes :S. Great videos Doc! They've really helped me understand my body more and especially my difficulties with my ankles which I've rolled several times and even partially torn ligaments playing soccer. Just started Olympic lifting and poor ankle mobility is my main weakness so will invest in a pair of weightlifting shoes and carry on with your ankle mobility exercises. Cheers!

[@SquatUniversity]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked the video - you'll have to let me know how you enjoy the weightlifting shoes when they come in!

[@rhuntingdon]

Squat University weightlifting shoes arrived and made a world of difference! I’m actually able to get into a proper overhead squat position when snatching which is something I’ve never been able to do. Such a great feeling! Thanks again for the advice!!!

[@phds19T]

Thanks for the video. In my country weigthlifting shoes are not available so you are forced to import them and pay a lot of money on a pair. I use flat shoes

[@annamalainarayanan1192]

I used to squat in running shoes and more recently barefoot. Now, this excites me and I wonder if I can lift more KGs if I get a pair of weightlifting shoes.

[@ZenithAngel]

Adipowers vs Powerlift 3.1/4 if I'm just gonna use them for being more upright while low bar squatting? How does the 0.75 vs 0.6 heel height play out?

[@tonyallen3138]

Crossfit Nanos for now, but getting those Adidas Powerlift 3.1’s today in the mail.

[@SquatUniversity]

I think you'll enjoy the powerlifts!

[@MrBod4life]

@@SquatUniversity Hey squat, do you have any conferences/classes i can take near Orange County ,CA? thanks!

[@SSmith_713]

We squat barefoot but beens my son and I both wear 10.5 I bought a pair of Legacy Lifters. I think I should’ve bought a size 9.5 though because it seems they are too big.

[@brandonstarks7507]

My question is, is it ever ok to squat with orthotics? I have a left foot with a St. Louis Arch size arch in it. So does my son. Right now I am using a Saucony running shoe with orthotics because I can lift more comfortably that way. I’ve been thinking of trying the special TYR shoes with a wider toe box to see if orthotics would fit. Any thoughts?

[@kattyparry1388]

I lift with converse. Works for everything, squat, deadlift.

[@AblazeFPS1]

Keith Lebron yep the only problem is that if you want to look cool and lift heavier, then using the elevated shoes will help get a heavier squat, because it makes you go low easily and it looks cool around people 😉

[@rudylabsilica2286]

Very clear advice, thank you!

[@wildmexican12]

I usually run for about ten minutes in my running shoes before i decide to go into squats. So i just always squat in running shoes and never thought about it being good or bad but lately i seen plenty of talk about type of shoes to wear when squatting. So im trying to see if im doing something wrong. Im squatting 245lbs with running shoes (sometimes barefoot) and i did purchase a cheap pair of chucks to test out next time.

[@shootdasmm]

I have always squatted in running shoes (Asics). I weigh 85kg and can squat 240kg, so I'm faaaaairly certain it doesn't matter... Not to say if I had better shoes I could squat more, who knows? What I do know is I haven't had any injury from using running shoes, and I've worked my way from a 150kg squat to 240kg under a year using them. Form and proper training is waaaay more important than the shoe IMO. Did you ever invest in a pair, whats the difference?

[@Wind_Style_Rasenshuriken]

Can I use this for other exercises too like Biceps, chest etc. Don't want to keep changing shoes in gym.

[@cashchico]

what about for deadlifts?

[@allcalled8745]

I’m confused.. is the cross trainer better than the weight lifting shoe with the wedged heel???

[@nulla9601]

Are they allowed in powerlift competition? And what about powerlifting shoes?

[@colloredbrothers]

I'm not an olympic weightlifter yet (Im interested) because my ankle mobility is shit, I bought the reebok legacy lifters and if my posture is more straight during squats i might finally be able to start doing the olympic lifts

[@timonix2]

if ankle mobility is the issue shouldn't the solution be fixing that rather than using some prosthetics?

[@chadolive1]

If you are just starting to squat would you still recommend a lifting shoe?

[@LIAMWHUT]

No

[@EpicNameTag]

does anyone know what is the outro song at the end? 8:10

[@eduardoespinoza1772]

Should i use heels if i already have a good mobility?

[@williamsprout925]

I squat with the nike Cortez. I know they got a raised heel, but they’re soft.

[@Summerbrah]

I'm 6'6, have long femurs and do low-bar squats with quite a bit of forward leaning. If I understand correctly, weightlifting shoes won't help you that much in this case. But when I front squat, I have a really hard time with keeping an upright chest and with keeping the elbows up. Should I invest in some weightlifting shoes?