Shoes

[Noexit]

I see a lot of guys on the web, include Mehdi, that wear plain old Converse All Stars for lifting. I need to get some new shoes for the gym because the trainers that I've been wearing aren't quite stable enough now that my weights are getting heavier, and they're kind of slippery on the metal decking of the squat rack. If find that as I push up my shoes start sliding out, and I'm not very comfortable fighting that, it can't be good. I can see how the wide, flat sole of the Converse should make them stable, but do they give good traction? I may try a pair of skateboard shoes for the same reason.

[Quagmire911]

It is the hard sole that is good with the converse, the weight doesn't get pushed out in the wrong directions from your foot.
 
I lift barefoot which is another alternative.

[Noexit]

I think I'd like to lift barefoot, but it's strictly forbidden at the gym. I was just wondering what specifically it is about the Converse that seems to work, thanks for the information.

[Quagmire911]

Well technically I lift in socks just no shoes, would that be allowed?

[Mehdi]

stronglifts.com/what-are-the-best-lifting-shoes-for-squats-deadlifts/
That should help

[Young Athlete]

Ha I lift in samba's made by adidas hard sole and once you break them in they are very comfortable. The converse are probably better though because you can tigh them like an ice skate all the way up to the ankle.

[Noexit]

I don't know about socks only, but on the metal deck I don't think they'd solve the slipping problem. I'll pick up some Cons and try them out.

[Quagmire911]

To be honest I'd probaby go for converses over no shoes, just incase you happen to step on something that isn't to pleasant. Just need to wait till I get a bit more money and can afford to get a pair .

[Young Athlete]

Hmm In the article mehdi states that he doesn't tie them all the way up, to leave himself with ankle mobility. I do the same thing with my hockey skate anyone who ever seen me tie them thinks im crazy and I will role an ankle.  I just can't skate the same with them tied all the way up. So definitley allow you ankle some room to move.

[guni]

 
http://www.dynamic-eleiko.com/
 
They have some weightlifting shoes.  A bit expensive, but if you have the cash, its definitely worth the investment, as they should last you an extremely long time.
I have the Ironworks II myself, can't live without them.
 
store.wfwclub.com/
Pendlay's store.  Lots of other good stuff too.  I got some bumpers and a bar from him, good stuff, great service.
 

[reedy]

I am sure i read somewhere lifting bare foot was good/better for your core and peforming compound lifts. Anyone know why this would be?

[Young Athlete]

just a guess but most likely you have to stabalize your self since some shoes have tread that our feet don't naturally then you have to work harder to balance.

[Doo]

There are marathon runners who run barefoot. I heard a doctor (not sure if he was a podiatrist) comment about the benefits and I think he said it was related to balance and form. Unlike running with shoes where you land on the ball of your feet, you need to land with your whole foot making contact when you run barefoot.
I am no expert but I would think that lifting barefoot is ok. There is a lot less instantaneous stress than the impact stress when running. Just make sure that your feet are completely flat.

[Mehdi]

I am sure i read somewhere lifting bare foot was good/better for your core and peforming compound lifts. Anyone know why this would be?

It's more natural.

[guni]

 
Deadlifting barefoot is definitely better than with running shoes.  More stable.