A poll for runners who lift and lifters who run

Like many of you, I jog and lift weights regularly, often doing both on the same day. I think I'm going to start swapping out shoes between activities, though, mostly to help preserve the cushioning of my running shoes a little longer. I've become curious to know how others are dealing with the running/lifting shoe question.

For the purposes of the poll, “weight lifting shoes” can mean anything other than running shoes and can include cross-trainers, wrestling shoes, tennis shoes, Chuck Taylors, flip-flops, etc. Please specify in a post below.

P.S. If you lift weights WHILE you run, start your own damn thread. :tounge: And be sure to post pics in it!

I often workout prior to or after a run, so I keep the same shoes on - NB Minimus Zero. If I workout without running, I still wear my running shoes.

I run in running shoes, lift barefoot when possible.



JayJay said:

I often workout prior to or after a run, so I keep the same shoes on - NB Minimus Zero. If I workout without running, I still wear my running shoes.

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Did it take some time adapt to running in minimalist shoes? I've heard that the transition can be tricky and injury-inducing.

TKJTG said:

I run in running shoes, lift barefoot when possible.

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I have an irrational fear that keeps me from lifting barefoot. Consciously, I know that an athletic shoe is not going to protect me from a dropped barbell or plate, but I just feel too vulnerable without shoes on.

If I do both in a single workout I change shoes

I have a pair of lightweight running shoes for sprints / intervals, and a pair of proper lifting shoes

Having switched to lifting shoes a couple of years back I have never looked back. When I try to lift in anything else I find it horrible



Threadbearer said:

Did it take some time adapt to running in minimalist shoes? I've heard that the transition can be tricky and injury-inducing.

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Surprisingly, I didn't have any problems, but I did transition to them gradually. I've been running in them for at least a couple of months, maybe three, without any problems whatsoever. I'm at the point now where I can't imagine going back to my regular running shoes.



TKJTG said:

I run in running shoes, lift barefoot when possible.

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+1

If you lift any weight then running shoes will blow out sooner or latter. Ignoring the ruined shoes you risk knee injury.

After reading this thread and some other things online and in books, I've decided to become a two-shoe guy. I'm going to run in lightweight, unstructured (but still cushioned) running shoes for a while as I work on shortening my stride, and then I'll switch to minimalist shoes after that. In the meantime I'm going to start lifting in lifting shoes. I figure I won't really be doubling my shoe expenses because each pair should last that much longer now that each pair is getting much less use.

Thanks for the info, gents.

that's a good call, primarily because you won't be able to run in real weightlifting shoes.

I switched to New Balance Minimus when they came out and have worn ever since. I don't run much outside of intervals/sprints on the treadmill, elliptical etc so my comparison might not help... but I love them. And I lift in them every day. Great for squatting, leg work... and nothing to compress and wear out.



Cary Grant said:

I switched to New Balance Minimus when they came out and have worn ever since. I don't run much outside of intervals/sprints on the treadmill, elliptical etc so my comparison might not help... but I love them. And I lift in them every day. Great for squatting, leg work... and nothing to compress and wear out.

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Yeah, same with me.

Saw a guy at my gym this morning lifting in a pair of these. I wonder if he runs in them, too.



He was also wearing jeans, a tucked in polo shirt, and -- wait for it -- lifting gloves.



TKJTG said:

I run in running shoes, lift barefoot when possible.

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I do this, and when someone from the front office at the gym yells at me I pretend to comply. Only when i'm doing upper body day do I keep my shoes on.



Threadbearer said:

Saw a guy at my gym this morning lifting in a pair of these. I wonder if he runs in them, too.

He was also wearing jeans, a tucked in polo shirt, and -- wait for it -- lifting gloves.

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There was a guy at my gym this morning lifting in street clothes - jeans, hard-soled shoes, and a polo. I've seen another dude workout dressed similarly.