So you are getting ready for your gym session and you are packing your bag. Shaker? Here. Towel? Here. Clothes? Here. Water bottle? Here. Lifting shoes? What? Even if it seems like a totally insignificant detail, having the right pair of gym shoes is very important. First of all, they give you an ability to activate more muscle, second, they allow you to push against the floor much easier – so you are preforming a stronger lift. Their specially designed heel is perfect for leg exercises like squats or deadlifts. They are not designed for cardio though – you will need to have special shoes for that as well.
Barefoot shoes
People in fitness world are really going crazy about these lately. They may seem funny but they can work very well for lifting actually. You will easily generate the amount of force that you need for your exercise, but the problem is that your feet are not protected at all. Even if it seems like a small problem, imagine dropping a weight plate on your bare foot? There is no impact absorbing and you will probably end up in a hospital if that happens. But if you think that this can’t happen to you, then you should try these out.
Skateboarding sneakers / Chuck Taylors
They have one advantage in comparison to the classic gym footwear because they have this extremely thick rubber sole which prevent you from slipping and make you feel a little bit more stable. They are light and versatile. Also, your feet will not get hot at all because they are made from a very thin and light material which allows your feet to breathe and the heat to come out. They are super cheap (you can find them for like 50 dollars) and also come in multiple colours. If you have a hip dominant squat with a medium (or wide) stance and you are oriented towards strength – they are the best choice. In other words, if your goal is to squat a truck, and people with this kind of goal already have a good squatting base. The hip dominant squat works the glutes and hamstrings and a lot of bodybuilders with nice bums are wearing them. Pay attention next time you watch a bodybuilding contest.
The special weight lifting shoes
If you visit any powerlifting meet, you will notice that a lot of lifters (almost all of them) are wearing these. They are the best choice when it comes to support and comfort. If you are lifting weights and consider yourself a bodybuilder, the bodybuilding shoes are perfect for you. Yes they may sometimes be a little expensive, but it is a must have for those who are serious about lifting. They protect your wrists, and their lifted heel is perfect for all of you who have a quad dominant squat with a narrow stance – you will stay more upright during the squat. If you are a beginner squatter, they are going to help you increase your numbers. Also, they improve your squat form and increase quadriceps activity, so your quads will grow as well.
So there you have it, a few things you might want to know before buying gym footwear. Make sure that you are 100 percent aware of your squatting position (if you are not sure, or not experienced enough to know that, ask your trainer or any person in your gym who is into bodybuilding for a while) and your goals. Don’t buy sneakers just because they look cool or because they are fashionable. Your body is in the first place, period.