Changing shoes at the gym for cardio vs. lifting?

Jumbie · Feb 26, 2009

Too anal?

I started lifting again about 5 weeks ago. Now that I'm putting some more poundage on the bar for squats and deadlifts I'm thinking it's time to get some shoes that don't have a spongy heel as I'm currently using an old pair of running shoes.

The thing is that I jump rope before my workout and I prefer something soft in the forefoot for that.

Wondering if I should get a pair of all-rounder training shoes or bring two pairs with me and change after my cardio.

Nil · Feb 26, 2009

Not anal at all. I prefer to squat/deadlift in flat shoes (i.e. Chucks) which would not be ideal for running.

eckblk · Feb 26, 2009

+ 1
For changing between lifting and post workout cardio.

P-K-L · Feb 26, 2009

Do the squats and deadlifts shoeless!

Arnold_Schwarzenegger_powerlifting_deadlifts_bottom_technique.jpg

pdeng · Feb 27, 2009

Originally Posted by P-K-L

Do the squats and deadlifts shoeless!

It gets kinda bad when you drop a weight on your foot (or someone else does).

I switch out between chucks and running shoes all the time!

robertorex · Feb 27, 2009

I'm the other way around, sometimes I just run for a bit in chucks. Should be changing shoes though.

why · Feb 27, 2009

I generally just takes my shoes off. Actually, I don't wear running shoes to the gym in the first place...

javyn · Feb 27, 2009

I wish I could go barefoot in my gym. I just bought some damn running shoes too for the gym, I didn't know non-cushion soles were better. I guess I should go to Payless and get some off-brand Converse.

Why exactly are cushioned soles a no-no for squats and deads?

liyon · Feb 27, 2009

"Why exactly are cushioned soles a no-no for squats and deads?"

Basically they provide too much cushion and not enough support when lifting heavy weights. It's good when your feet are pounding the pavement. Not so good when you lift heavy and the supports in the shoes provide an unstable base. It's typically not an issue if you're lifting light to moderate weights. But when you start lifting really heavy (like you can see the veins in your neck heavy!) then it can become an issue.

It's the same principle as bench pressing off a bench or doing it on a mattress.

Grayland · Feb 27, 2009

Originally Posted by liyon

"Why exactly are cushioned soles a no-no for squats and deads?"

Basically they provide too much cushion and not enough support when lifting heavy weights. It's good when your feet are pounding the pavement. Not so good when you lift heavy and the supports in the shoes provide an unstable base. It's typically not an issue if you're lifting light to moderate weights. But when you start lifting really heavy (like you can see the veins in your neck heavy!) then it can become an issue.

It's the same principle as bench pressing off a bench or doing it on a mattress.

I'll be 45 in April and I've used running shoes almost exclusively for lifting for 25 years. I often do cardio right after and never liked changing shoes. While running shoes aren't ideal, at a bodyweight of 175, I'm able to DL 385, Squat 315, and Clean & Jerk 195 while wearing running shoes. I'm not suggesting for a second my performance is world-class, but it's more weight than 90% of the gym-goers I see use and my running shoes have never been an issue. If I was competing seriously, I'd get proper shoes. However, if I was competing seriously, I would be aware of proper shoes. I get the feeling the OP could get away with lifting in running shoes for a few years.

Viktri · Feb 28, 2009

I wear some thin canvas lacost with thin sole. Was an unintention move (wore out runners) and worked out for the best. Much better for DL/Squat in my experience.

I do my cardio in them as well, but no running.

P-K-L · Feb 28, 2009

Originally Posted by pdeng

It gets kinda bad when you drop a weight on your foot (or someone else does).

I switch out between chucks and running shoes all the time!

Would you notice any difference between 150kg smashing on your bare foot or on your foot 'protected' by a thin shoe made of canvas?
I personally would not

Jumbie · Feb 28, 2009

Thanks for all the replies.

CasinoRoyale · Mar 5, 2009

The Nike Free is also an option. I know a few lifters wear those. That way you can just wear the same pair of shoes.

They're running shoes but basically are built to simulate you being barefoot. The argument for the technology is that the less padding, the stronger the foot will become and this will improve your running ability.

Most lifters I talked to use the 5.0 which is inbetween. I think they also have 7.0 and 3.0. I was gonna order some all black ones from NikeID but ended up spending all my money on clothes after joining this forum

Kris · Mar 5, 2009

Lifting weights in running shoes is probably less of an issue than trying to run or do other impact cardio in Chucks, etc.

Still, I wear Do-Win oly lifting shoes when I lift, and running shoes for all my aerobic and anaerobic stuff.

I prefer Vans Sk8Hi's over the Do-Wins for deadlift and farmers walk (they feel better than chucks when you tie em TIGHT), but I don't DL heavy anymore after an injury, so the forward slant of the oly shoe isn't an issue.

Changing shoes at the gym for cardio vs. lifting?

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