Squat shoes

[z1ggy]

I'm looking for a good squat shoe. I mainly see ones that seem to go for either $90... or about $190-200. I do lift quite a bit, but I still only squat once a week, regardless of my routine. I feel like it's kind of steep to pay $200 for a pair of shoes I'll only wear once a week, even if I got a few years out of them.

Do you guys have any good brand recommendations for the shoes in the $90 range? I found a pair that seemed to get decent ratings (online) for that price, but I don't want them to be cheap and fall apart after a short time.

 

[surfsatwerk]

I bought a pair of rogue do-wins 3 or 4 years ago and they're still hanging in there.

 

[AntonioHG]

I've read good thing about this company:

http://www.ristosports.com/weightlifting-shoes/?mobile=0


Prices aren't bad either.

 

[TheStu]

I went looking about 6 months ago, I squat 3x/wk, and am already a big guy so wanted solid footing under me. A few sites recommended things like converse or Adidas Sambas, since they don't have foam soles.

Reebok makes a line of hard elevated heel crossfit shoes.

None of that worked for me, I have wide feet. So I got Vibram Fivefingers on clearance ($50), and have been using those.

 

[z1ggy]

Is there a certain material the heel wedge should be made of? I see the mid range shoes have this "EVA" material, which I have read on powerlifing websites is good, but not the best.

The upper tier shoes don't really list what their wedge is made from (like Nike Romaleos) but I assume it's made from something harder/stiffer than the EVA stuff.

Edit: This is the shoe I am considering right now

 

[Saint Nick]

I can attest to the Risto shoes. They've served me well over the past two years and I squat thrice per week.

 

[z1ggy]

I can attest to the Risto shoes. They've served me well over the past two years and I squat thrice per week.

Can you or anybody speak to the use of them w.r.t squat form?

I usually stand feet about 3-4 inches wider than shoulder width, and toes pointing out a fair amount (short femur relative to shin bones, hip/knee angle naturally point outward) and I generally high bar.

Some folks online say shoes like that aren't the best for wide stance, but.. I talk internet talk with a grain of salt.

For now, I'm probably just going to stick some 2.5 or 5lb plates under my heels to give me a bit of lift to help with my poor ankle/calve mobility. Luckily, I'm not pushing much weight really so I doubt being in a running shoe will make a huge difference right now. (maybe it will..? 225lb or so)

 

[AntonioHG]

Can you or anybody speak to the use of them w.r.t squat form?

I usually stand feet about 3-4 inches wider than shoulder width, and toes pointing out a fair amount (short femur relative to shin bones, hip/knee angle naturally point outward) and I generally high bar.

Some folks online say shoes like that aren't the best for wide stance, but.. I talk internet talk with a grain of salt.

For now, I'm probably just going to stick some 2.5 or 5lb plates under my heels to give me a bit of lift to help with my poor ankle/calve mobility. Luckily, I'm not pushing much weight really so I doubt being in a running shoe will make a huge difference right now. (maybe it will..? 225lb or so)

God, I looked a bit to try to find out what WRT squat form meant. What does it mean? Lol.

I'm sure you've read plenty of people saying that the small plates under the heel is a bad idea, but yeah I've nearly killed myself with that, so I recommend just letting your heels come up til you can buy some shoes/gain more mobility.

 

[z1ggy]

God, I looked a bit to try to find out what WRT squat form meant. What does it mean? Lol.

I'm sure you've read plenty of people saying that the small plates under the heel is a bad idea, but yeah I've nearly killed myself with that, so I recommend just letting your heels come up til you can buy some shoes/gain more mobility.

With Respect To.

That's not such a great idea from an anatomical point of view. Squatting off your toes is not very good for the knee joint. Having a ton of forward knee travel (usually what happens when you don't have great hip and ankle mobility) isn't too good for the knee either. The plates are there so the flex in the ankle joint does not have to be so great during the forward knee travel. You want the path of bar travel to be over the center of your foot... And depending on femur length your knee may stick out a bit more or less than another person, but you should still be pushing up off your heels.

Plates under the heel do the same thing as heel lift in shoes. It's giving you a slight elevation in the hell area, and it's a solid, not compressible material. It's not ideal since I suppose you could maybe encounter some instability, but I personally think it's better than letting your heels come off the ground and end up pushing with the toes. The plate could move or something, and it does kind of make me want to avoid it.

I'll probably go try on some shoes at Dicks, and end up getting those Risto shoes, or the $90 Adidas ones I linked above.

The whooooole reason I started this thread was because my g/f saw some vid of me squatting. She and I both noticed my heels coming off the ground a bit at the bottom of my squat, which caused me to start my upward movement with my toes rather than me heels. Couple that with poor hip mobility (yep, I need to stretch a lot more) spells bad news bears for my knees in the long run, if I kept up like that. I've always seen oly guys train with squat shoes, and after reading about there benefits, sold me.

 

[repoman0]

I use these:

http://www.roguefitness.com/adidas-powerlift-trainer-red-light-onix

I've had them for somewhere around 1.5-2 years, and use them 3x a week for all my lifts (back/front squat, deadlift, power clean, the usual). I really like them and they were a great deal, around $70 on sale when I bought them and still look and feel pretty new. I used to barefoot everything and still had good form and no problem pushing from my heels with deep squats but I like these more anyway.

A friend I made at the gym happens to use these as well and also likes them a lot, and he lifts more than me ... nearly 4 plate squat, 4+ plate deadlift, 2 plate clean+jerk at the same body weight as me ( :'( )

 

[AntonioHG]

With Respect To.

That's not such a great idea from an anatomical point of view. Squatting off your toes is not very good for the knee joint. Having a ton of forward knee travel (usually what happens when you don't have great hip and ankle mobility) isn't too good for the knee either. The plates are there so the flex in the ankle joint does not have to be so great during the forward knee travel. You want the path of bar travel to be over the center of your foot... And depending on femur length your knee may stick out a bit more or less than another person, but you should still be pushing up off your heels.

Plates under the heel do the same thing as heel lift in shoes. It's giving you a slight elevation in the hell area, and it's a solid, not compressible material. It's not ideal since I suppose you could maybe encounter some instability, but I personally think it's better than letting your heels come off the ground and end up pushing with the toes. The plate could move or something, and it does kind of make me want to avoid it.

I'll probably go try on some shoes at Dicks, and end up getting those Risto shoes, or the $90 Adidas ones I linked above.

The whooooole reason I started this thread was because my g/f saw some vid of me squatting. She and I both noticed my heels coming off the ground a bit at the bottom of my squat, which caused me to start my upward movement with my toes rather than me heels. Couple that with poor hip mobility (yep, I need to stretch a lot more) spells bad news bears for my knees in the long run, if I kept up like that. I've always seen oly guys train with squat shoes, and after reading about there benefits, sold me.

Blew my mind with the WRT thing..!

Regarding the plate no plate, heel coming up -- just a difference of POV/opinion. I think plates are scary, you think knee travel is scary. Almost typed a wall of text...

On the shoe, if you use a plate and it solves your problem, the shoe should also solve it while being safer. A lot of what I've come across says that it's a question only you can answer by actually wearing the shoe though because of the differences in build, technique, etc.

For sure I know I need a heel and I needed to work on my lower back and abdominal muscles to keep a proper position in a high bar without snapping my back to bits.

http://www.powerliftingtowin.com/powerlifting-technique-squat-form/


Video that might help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBw8FtCwR0g

Those adidas powerlift trainer has EVA for the heel. Not going to be as good as a solid material.

 

[z1ggy]

Blew my mind with the WRT thing..!

Regarding the plate no plate, heel coming up -- just a difference of POV/opinion. I think plates are scary, you think knee travel is scary. Almost typed a wall of text...

On the shoe, if you use a plate and it solves your problem, the shoe should also solve it while being safer. A lot of what I've come across says that it's a question only you can answer by actually wearing the shoe though because of the differences in build, technique, etc.

For sure I know I need a heel and I needed to work on my lower back and abdominal muscles to keep a proper position in a high bar without snapping my back to bits.

http://www.powerliftingtowin.com/powerlifting-technique-squat-form/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBw8FtCwR0g

Those adidas powerlift trainer has EVA for the heel. Not going to be as good as a solid material.

Us youngin'z and our lingo

Well, some forward knee travel for a high bar squat is fine. It's just anatomically what has to happen since with high bar you break at the knees first. Naturally they come forward. However, they should not go too far over the toes, unless you happen to have very long femurs compared to your shin bones. For a low bar squat, you should break at the hips first, and knee forward knee travel should be less. I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here though.

Yes I've read the EVA is not as good as totally solid wedge. I will have to shop around for that. I'm sure I'll end up paying for it in more $$$ though.

Edit: Can anybody tell me at what weight the EVA stuff start's to compress? I understand the solid wood/plastic heel is better, but I'm only in the 200's right now for squat, and if the EVA stuff could handle into the 300s, I'm sure I'd be fine for a while.

 

[Sixguns]

Converse high tops my shoe of choice.

 

[marmasatt]

http://www.reebok.com/us/freestyle-hi/1619.html

And one of these shirts. You'll be good to go.

http://navelman.deviantart.com/art/Male-Half-Shirt-270969011

 

[z1ggy]

http://www.reebok.com/us/freestyle-hi/1619.html

And one of these shirts. You'll be good to go.

http://navelman.deviantart.com/art/Male-Half-Shirt-270969011

Lol, thanks brah, I'll be sure to order you a pair, too.

Well that mightbe a waste, I assume you already are stocked pretty deep?

 

[Zivic]

I have a pair of adipower oly shoes. Waste of money. I used them for about 4-5 sessions. I had to relearn how to squat. I have used Jordan's, then moved to chucks, which I like. Now I have moved on to mark bell's Reebok's. They are the best overall training shoe I have used. I would say unless you are going strictly for strength...ie going to compete in power lifting/oly lifts, don't spend your money on a dedicated squat shoe.

These are the shoes I would buy.. I have half a dozen pairs
http://m.reebok.com/us/reebok-cross...360&cm_mmc=Google-_-CSE-_-Shopping-_-Shopping

 

[z1ggy]

Those shoes say the word Crossfit on them. They can't come within like 30ft of me, or I could possibly catch on fire.

For squat, and oly stuff (well, I guess not bench press...) I tend to go heavy, and for strength.

I have a pair of shoes similar to chucks, that are low cut. I also have some custom orthotics that are made of super firm plastic that have a heel lift. I may try sticking them in those shoes before I spend money on anything.

I kind of need a heel lift for now due to my poor mobility in my ankle/calves and hips. I'll def keep those in mind though.

 

[JimKiler]

I had no idea there were shoes made specific to squatting. Interesting.

 

[marmasatt]

Lol, thanks brah, I'll be sure to order you a pair, too.

Well that mightbe a waste, I assume you already are stocked pretty deep?

Yeah, that's me in the photo. You can't see my shoes.

 

[Saint Nick]

I had serious squat form problems back in mid 2013. Koing suggested I do a better warmup stretching routine, as well as get some Olympic weight lifting shoes.

I started all over with the bar once the shoes came in. This was by choice. They felt strange at first but once I got the hang of it, I noticed my form was a lot better and I finally was moving weight up. Knees didn't hurt anymore either. FWIW, I'm quite tall and have long legs, so I stand very wide and point my toes out 30-45 degrees.

 

[Zivic]

Those shoes say the word Crossfit on them. They can't come within like 30ft of me, or I could possibly catch on fire.

For squat, and oly stuff (well, I guess not bench press...) I tend to go heavy, and for strength.

I have a pair of shoes similar to chucks, that are low cut. I also have some custom orthotics that are made of super firm plastic that have a heel lift. I may try sticking them in those shoes before I spend money on anything.

I kind of need a heel lift for now due to my poor mobility in my ankle/calves and hips. I'll def keep those in mind though.

If you buy something like the adipower, you will likely only ever use them for squats.... And probably take them off right after and finish a leg day in a different shoe. Unless you have tried them and liked them I wouldn't consider them. If you 'need' your heal raised, you have flexibility issues. You won't use them for deads and you probably aren't doing cleans/snatches.

Not sure if you are serious about the Crossfit comment, but those shoes are legit. They are made for powerlifting. They improve on the shortcomings of chucks. Yes they say Crossfit, but in this instance it is a good thing. With out that label, they likely wouldn't have ever been produced. I am probably the most anti xfit guy on this forum and I have 5 or 6 pairs of these shoes.

 

[z1ggy]

If you buy something like the adipower, you will likely only ever use them for squats.... And probably take them off right after and finish a leg day in a different shoe. Unless you have tried them and liked them I wouldn't consider them. If you 'need' your heal raised, you have flexibility issues. You won't use them for deads and you probably aren't doing cleans/snatches.

Not sure if you are serious about the Crossfit comment, but those shoes are legit. They are made for powerlifting. They improve on the shortcomings of chucks. Yes they say Crossfit, but in this instance it is a good thing. With out that label, they likely wouldn't have ever been produced. I am probably the most anti xfit guy on this forum and I have 5 or 6 pairs of these shoes.

True, they would probably only be for squats, but once I start cutting next month, I will be doing cleans again.

Well, if Mark Bell wears them...They can't be terrible. I wonder what Silent Mike wears...

I have a pair of shoes that are very similar to chucks, but basically just a lower cut. Going to put heel lifts in them to see what that does. And yes, I do have bad flexibility, especially in hammies, hips and calves. Hip is because I had hip surgery 2 years ago, and quite frankly my hip joint is just never going to be the same again. I really need mobilization of the capsule in addition to hip flexor stretches. The hammies are just becauce I don't stretch them enough, so I am doing those stretches now nightly before bed. Calves are tight because of all the hockey I play, and being up on my toes a lot. I'm also a toe walker, which explains why I've had 3 Achilles tendon injuries thus far.

Anyway, that was long winded. I'll check those shoes out if they are being recommended by you.

 

[z1ggy]

I had serious squat form problems back in mid 2013. Koing suggested I do a better warmup stretching routine, as well as get some Olympic weight lifting shoes.

I started all over with the bar once the shoes came in. This was by choice. They felt strange at first but once I got the hang of it, I noticed my form was a lot better and I finally was moving weight up. Knees didn't hurt anymore either. FWIW, I'm quite tall and have long legs, so I stand very wide and point my toes out 30-45 degrees.

What type of routine? I don't really like to spend too much time static stretching before lifts or heavy exercise. I'll do about 90% of my pre lift stretched as dynamic.

I'll save my static stretching for at home at night.

 

[Zivic]

True, they would probably only be for squats, but once I start cutting next month, I will be doing cleans again.

Well, if Mark Bell wears them...They can't be terrible. I wonder what Silent Mike wears...

I have a pair of shoes that are very similar to chucks, but basically just a lower cut. Going to put heel lifts in them to see what that does. And yes, I do have bad flexibility, especially in hammies, hips and calves. Hip is because I had hip surgery 2 years ago, and quite frankly my hip joint is just never going to be the same again. I really need mobilization of the capsule in addition to hip flexor stretches. The hammies are just becauce I don't stretch them enough, so I am doing those stretches now nightly before bed. Calves are tight because of all the hockey I play, and being up on my toes a lot. I'm also a toe walker, which explains why I've had 3 Achilles tendon injuries thus far.

Anyway, that was long winded. I'll check those shoes out if they are being recommended by you.

I had high hopes for mine when I bought them (my adipowers). I was at a point where things just 'felt off' when I was squatting and I was grasping for something to help fix it. People spoke highly of the adidas and nike variants, so I bought in. My issues wasn't with not having the correct shoe... I wore them for about a month (maybe 5 squat sessions) and things got worse. it was a significant enough change that it threw everything off for me. and they aren't really made for anything other than doing the lift. uncomfortable to even walk around the gym in. and just really odd doing anything other than squatting in them them (I don't do cleans or snatches). Deads? who wants an elevated heal for deads? leg press? forget it.... lunges, nope... maybe a 10 minute hiit session? not a chance. so you bring another shoe with you to change into just to finish your workout.

find a guy at the gym that has a pair and ask him about them, maybe see if you can try them for a set or two before spending the money if you really want them

 

[z1ggy]

I had high hopes for mine when I bought them (my adipowers). I was at a point where things just 'felt off' when I was squatting and I was grasping for something to help fix it. People spoke highly of the adidas and nike variants, so I bought in. My issues wasn't with not having the correct shoe... I wore them for about a month (maybe 5 squat sessions) and things got worse. it was a significant enough change that it threw everything off for me. and they aren't really made for anything other than doing the lift. uncomfortable to even walk around the gym in. and just really odd doing anything other than squatting in them them (I don't do cleans or snatches). Deads? who wants an elevated heal for deads? leg press? forget it.... lunges, nope... maybe a 10 minute hiit session? not a chance. so you bring another shoe with you to change into just to finish your workout.

find a guy at the gym that has a pair and ask him about them, maybe see if you can try them for a set or two before spending the money if you really want them

Agreed. I brought my chuck-like shoes into work today (gym is inside work in a separate building) and my little orthotic heel lift things. Am squatting today.

Have yet to see anybody here who even squats more than I do, at least at the time I go (mid day, lunch), so I don't think I'll be in luck. Not like I even squat anything impressive what so ever, it's just people here are 'tards and don't squat. I'm an engineer. You know the type of people that most engineers are...

I'm going to focus on stretching out my hips and calves a lot more before and after my squat. Main reason for my heels lifting (and feeling like I need the shoes) is lack of mobility.