Guest Author: Paul Vandyken of RigorFitness.com

Weightlifting is an activity that can be very taxing, not only on your muscles but your hands as well. Choosing the right weight lifting shoes should be one of your first priorities before embarking in any weight training program. Here we will discuss how to choose the best weight lifting gloves for you.

If you are getting serious about your squats, cleans and snatches, it is probably time to consider what shoes you wear when lifting. lifting shoes are said to be the most important equipment a lifter can have.

If you are in the market for a pair of shoes, this article will help you know what to look for. You don’t need to spend a lot of cash to enjoy the benefits weightlifting shoes can provide, just be sure to look for these features.

The Right Size

Imagine wearing oversized shoes. How does that feel? The principle is the same as to why the “right size” matters when it choosing the best lifting shoes.

Mid-sole

 

Ideally the sole of a weight lifting shoe should offer steadysupport and stability. One thing that makes a shoe a weightlifting shoe is a mid sole that does not press under weight or impact.

For this reason, running shoes are unsuitable for squatting and Olympic lifting. Many weightlifting shoe soles are made of wood or compressed rubber and provide very little give when pressure is applied.

Bottom Sole

It is essential that the bottom of the sole on a weightlifting shoe provide a certain degree of traction; too much, and the shoe can get caught, too little and the shoe can be slippery. Both extremes could easily cause injury.

Ideally the bottom of the sole should be a moderate textured hard rubber that provides some traction, but also allows you to simply shift into more developed lifting positions, such as the split jerk.

Heel Height

The ideal heel height for a weight lifting shoes will differ from lifter to lifter. The range in height found suitable for most lifters is somewhere between ” and 1 “.

A lower heal can place a little more stress on the hip and lower back and may not be suitable for less flexible lifter.

A higher heal will assist the lifter in keeping the torso upright and maintain back position while in the squat position.

However, a higher heal may place more stress on the knees and may make require more effort to move the knees out of the way during the pull portion of an Olympic lift.

Regardless of the height of your shoes, if they are new it is advisable to allow your body time to adjust to the new height. Do this by only doing a few light sets with your new shoes for the first couple of workouts. Then when you start to feel comfortable, it is right to go heavier and harder.

Ankle Support

Most programmed lifters do not second the high-top design on weightlifting shoes. While a small ankle support may be needed, the high-top design can constrain the ankle too much in the bottom most part of the squat or pull.

Foot Support

Finally, it is important that your weightlifting shoes minimize movement of the foot within the shoe. This can be achieved in a number of ways. The weightlifting shoe should fit snuggly, with the laces tied tightly so the foot is held safely against the sole. Some shoes provide a metatarsal strap to assist in keeping the foot in place.

Get Lifting!

Tennis shoes are for tennis, not for lifting. No matter what weightlifting shoe you choose, you are sure to immediately realize the benefit of using them.

There are weightlifting shoes available in a variety of styles and prices; you are sure to find a pair that suits your needs and taste. It is difficult to find lifting shoes in your regular sports store, so you might need to stay online.

Also you need not spend much money, there are some great affordable at shoes at retailers. So get some shoes and get lifting!

Remember that just because a shoe looks like a Weightlifting shoe doesn’t necessarily mean that it is recommended for Weightlifting. Be sure that you choose shoes that are specifically designed for Weightlifting. This will protect you from future discomfort or injury.

Heathers’ fav picks:

For a total barefoot shoe for everyday lifting, I love the Inov8 Bare and the Inov8 F-lite series shoes. Preferable zero drop. If I don’t have a zero drop shoe, I tend to do lower body stuff barefoot or in my socks.

 

For the serious lifting days, I LOVE this shoe from adidas. Although, loyal to Inov8, I will have to try out their version of this shoe.

Guest Author, Paul Vandykens’ fav picks:

Adidas and Reebok brands

Paul Vandyken is a personal trainer, nutrition coach. His personal website is RigorFitness.com. His blog has articles, videos, and pictures with tips, tricks about fitness, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle. If you are on the journey to your healthy and happy lifestyle, visiting his blog may worth a look or even help you enhance your process.

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Sources:

• Wikipedia
• ehow.com
• muaythaipros.com
• crossfitsite.com
• breakingmuscle.com