How bad shoes “defeet” the purpose of strength training

January 12, 2017 Ashley 0 Comments

Feel like your strengthening game’s kinda weak?

Me too. For a long time, actually. But the reason might not even be our form, according to the experts.

In fact, per the pros, it could be our toes – or what kinda kicks are covering them anyway.

(And it’s not always as obvious as “leave your Loubs at home”…)

Now, I (reluctantly) do a bit of strengthening. Not much. I prize cardio above it. But, knowing that it’s important and necessary, I do it. What I didn’t know, though, is that by rocking those same trail shoes I do when I spent hours powering through the dirt, I could be doing myself a massive disservice. See, my outdoorsy foot gear’s great for outdoors ’cause of all that cushion and support for my heels. I need that when I’m going over rock and roots – or even concrete. However, that same thing that’s an ankle cloud outside, is opposite of awesome inside. Why? Because pillowing your plantar fascia totally tosses off your alignment, making hoisting heavy stuff super tough.

In fact, it sets your feet at a funky angle, obliterates your balance, and – as a result – makes you lean forward as you lift. That can throw off your form, which means you’re using the wrong body parts, which means- not only poor results on a fitness level – but potential injury. And we all know what happens when we’re out with an injury. All our health, wellness, and weight loss goals go flying out the window like a kettlebell someone let go at just the wrong moment. (Probably ’cause they were wearing the wrong shoes.)

(Naked flippers for lifting? No wonder homegirl needed so many painkillers…)

So, what can you buy?

Great question. Same one I had.

Which’s why I’m sharing this list with you now:

1. VS Athletics Weightlifting Shoe.
2. Pendlay Do-Win Crossfit Weightlifting Shoe.
3. Nike Romaleos.
4. Risto Weightlifting shoe.
5. Reebok Nano 4.0.
6. Asics Gel-Fortius TR.
7. Rogue Do-Win

Now, I myself am a creature of habit. I don’t much enjoy acclimating to new things when it comes to clothing of any kind. (Especially if I hafta work out in ’em.) Reluctantly am I switching to lifting specific shoes. That’s why I think my top pick’ll probably be the one on there that’s closest to my current running shoes – the Asics. Granted, it’s not the star topper of this Christmas tree list; but I tried some of the allegedly “better” ones and didn’t really like them. Sure, I’m open to the possibility that it’s just an acclimation thing I’m not giving time. And, I’m definitely not professionally suggesting the ones I’m gonna be buying (mostly ’cause I’m not a professional on shoes). But I would suggest maybe trying a lifting shoe that’s most comfy for you as well. Give a few a try – but, ultimately, don’t go with it just ’cause it’s someone else’s cup of toe tea, when you loathe it. Go with the one that speaks to your sole. (Groan. Another bad pun, I know.) You’re the one who’s gonna hafta sport it for heavy lifting.

And while I firmly believe in that logic, there is one downside to finding the right shoe:

Once I procure my new kicks, I’ll hafta find a new excuse for why my squats are so off point…