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Shoes for weight lifting?

post #1 of 13
Thread Starter 
Actually I am using machines, not free weights. At the moment, specifically, I want to condition for long hikes carrying a very heavy pack. So, among other exercises, I am doing leg presses; 100 reps at 300 lbs but I have to stop at that each day because my feet (arches) start hurting. My hiking boots have steel arch support but the "tennis" shoes I wear to the gym don't have any arch support. I would look odd if I wore my hiking boots into the gym, what kind of shoes can I get for the gym that will give me arch support?
post #2 of 13
Hi all,

I USE to lift weights but...they were HEAVY so...I put them back down!

Regards,
SixCats!
post #3 of 13
I am an avid strength trainer and for most purposes free weights rule and machines drool--but that's not what you asked so I will just address the footwear issue.

The most important thing with footwear for lifting is you want as little cushioning as possible so there is no compression under load. Stay away from cross trainers or running shoes!

Olympic-style lifters and powerlifters use a variety of footwear. Olympic-style lifters wear special weightlifting shoes with a raised heel wedge that is often made of WOOD. For squatting, Powerlifters often use Converse Chuck Taylors (if they use a wide squatting stance and want a flat sole) or combat boots or Olympic weightlifting shoes, if they use a narrower stance and prefer a raised heel). For deadlifting, Chuck Taylors, wrestling shoes, and BALLET SLIPPERS are popular.

In other words, use what works. There would be nothing wrong with using your hiking boots for lifting if they work for you. You may also find that your feet adapt and become conditioned over time, and that arch support from the shoe is not necessary. Just as you are training your legs, you are also training the muscles and connective tissue in your FEET, and taking the stress off your feet with overly supportive footwear will prevent this training effect from taking place.

Hope this helps.

--Steve
post #4 of 13
Good advice from Steve. I'll only add:

I love as little heel elevation as possible. I do NOT like the Vibram or NB flat shoes (I forget the name), but I acknowledge they feel good when I'm pulling something heavy off the ground (love my trap bar deads) or squatting. I like to feel the ground with my feet. Often lift barefoot with socks on.
post #5 of 13
I wouldn't strength train for that... Not that strength training will hurt, but to hike under a heavy pack, your lower extremities and core will be put under load from a variety of angles and across a range of motion that free weights or machine simply cannot simulate.

I'd take your pack and load it with the weights you'd like to work with and hike with them. Preferably on the most uneven and unstable surfaces you can manage without risking injury.

Try hill sprints or running stadium steps with no load and work your way up to light and moderate loads...

and remember, that up wears out the muscles, but down is where you injure the joints.

HTH
post #6 of 13
Ballet slippers? I think not.......
post #7 of 13
Choice between what thaifighter said or clear lucite pumps. Personally unless cash prizes were involved I'd stick to just jogging. Was that Chuck Taylor or Chuck Norris?
post #8 of 13
have u checked out the latest "barefoot" type of footwear?
post #9 of 13
Asics Kinsey, Mizuno Wave Creation.
post #10 of 13
I wear Brooks Beast and New Balance 993s. They are running shoes with thick cushioning and a concentration towards stabilization. Its really all a comfort factor, sounds like you need something with a considerable amount of arch support. I will also second the barefoot (or barefoot like) approach, many people swear by it. I have also recently been considering a switch to basketball shoes for the ankle support on days I am doing leg lifts.
post #11 of 13
This thread is older than a first grader.
post #12 of 13
^^^ But useful.
post #13 of 13
inov-8 f-lite 230

found that shoe to be the best middle ground between barefoot trainers and weightlifting shoes. it's more towards the barefoot heel/toe slope, but it's really stable and just has a nice feel to it. good to run in, too (short runs, anyway)
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