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Cross-trainers, powerlifting shoes, Olympic lifting shoes, and lifters are all considered strength training shoes.
Ahead, a full breakdown of the benefits of lifting in strength trainers.
Photo:Getty Images
Who Needs a Strength Training Shoe?
In some cases, this can even lead to poor form and injury.
(No shade to these folks at all; after all, showing up is the hardest part).
Unfortunately, running sneakers and strength training are not the best match.
Most running shoes have a foamy, squishy sole, explains Wickham.
In the strength room, however, its an impediment.
Who May Not Need A Strength Training Shoe?
Most people can benefit from investing in a special strength training shoe.
People who are already accustomed to wearing minimalist shoes should continue that while strength training, says Fraboni.
Everyone else, however, should buy and wear special strength training shoes.
These are the three main categories of strength training shoes, plus insight into who these are best for.
Cross-Trainers
Cross-trainers are the shoes most folks think of when they think of a strength training shoe.
Cross-trainers are usually the best option for gym-goers, says shoe expertTal Short, product director with Reebok.
In turn, this increases the movement’s strength-building potential.
The heel lift can also allow individuals with ankle mobility limitations to squat with proper form.
Wearing lifters until you increase your ankle mobility may help reduce injury by allowing you to maintain better form.
As for who should wear Olympic weightlifting shoes?
Any Olympic weightlifter, as well as anyone doing a squat-,snatch-, orclean- specific strength program.
When squatting, most Powerlifters opt for lifting shoes with a heel lift, says Surgeon.
As a result, most powerlifters have a collection of shoes.
Such as: theSabo Deadlifting ProorConverse Chuck Taylor All Star High Tops.
The Benefits of Strength Training Shoes
Strength training shoes are, in a word, stable.
The added stability an individual gains when they put on a strength trainer makes ahugedifference, he says.
The elevated heel allows you to squat deeper while still maintaining an upright position, explains Surgeon.
This reduces stress on the back and ultimately allows individuals to squat more safely, she says.
Meanwhile, shoes with a heel drop position the heel above the toes.
Generally speaking, you want a 0mm drop shoe for deadlifting.
(Here,find the best zero-drop shoes, according to podiatrists).
If youre squatting and dont yet have perfect ankle mobility, you want a shoe with a 10mm+ drop.
TheTyr Women’s L-1 Lifter, for example, has a 21mm drop.
This will help you ensure that you are buying a shoe thatsactuallycomfortable.
In particular, he suggests paying attention to how tight the shoe box is on your toes.
You want your toes to be able to splay fully in the toe box, he says.
Usually, shoes marketed as strength training shoes are wider in the toe box, says Short.
But youd still be wise to try them on, as every shoe will fit every foot differently.
