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Original poster

Trainers for lifting

35 replies

VincentofJazz · 06/08/2023 07:44

I’ve just joined a lifting gym. I’m completely out of shape but it’s such a welcoming gym - however I’m completely out of my comfort zone.
We were doing a wod and the teacher asked my to take my trainers off (I run so they are made for running) as would be better in bare foot. I obviously need to buy some new trainers as plan to go 3x a week. I read Metcon trainers are good but was wondering If anyone else has some recommendations for a good trainer to buy- they are a bit distinctive and I don’t want to look like ‘all the gear no idea’ in the gym.

OP posts:
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RayKray · 10/08/2023 11:44

MagpiePi · 10/08/2023 11:41

I prefer just socks for heavy lifts.

I thought lifting shoes had raised heels, which are useful if you have poor ankle flexibility when squatting.

Yep lifters or squat shoes have a raised heel. It's not just for if you have poor mobility though. They're used as the positioning can improve the lift.

MagpiePi · 10/08/2023 11:41

I prefer just socks for heavy lifts.

I thought lifting shoes had raised heels, which are useful if you have poor ankle flexibility when squatting.

Coronationstation · 10/08/2023 11:36

I wear Innov8 F-lite trainers in the gym. They're minimal enough for heavy weights but also ok if my PT throws in a round of burpees or squat jumps! I also wear them for spin so you're not pushing through a load of cushioning and I'd wear them on the cross-trainer but wouldn't run in them.

BigButtons · 07/08/2023 07:11

I can’t lift in any shoes- tried metcons and hated them. Always barefoot. I under pronate and have high arches and instep.

Original poster
VincentofJazz · 07/08/2023 07:08

Thanks all- for all intents and purposes it’s is CrossFit as appose to pure lifting. It’s disassociated itself in protest if the racist CEO a few years ago. I’ve gone for the Metcons as they seem to be a good all rounder. Thanks so much for all the advice.

Here is to a complete lifestyle change!

OP posts:
MistyTrains · 06/08/2023 23:04

I lifted in my flat converse today on the back of this thread and agree with @ThursdayLastWeek . My quads felt it more on the squat with less cushioning.

I took them off entirely for split squats, it was much better as I could feel the front of my foot against the bench and not get cramp.

ThursdayLastWeek · 06/08/2023 22:13

Met cons are good all rounders.

converse/vans etc are ok for deadlifts and accessories etc but not ideal for squats or Olympic lifting.

Flockameanie · 06/08/2023 22:01

I just wear my socks. Sometimes those yoga socks with a grippy sole. I can't lift with any sort of shoes on as I don't feel stable on the ground, even with 'barefoot' style shoes

RayKray · 06/08/2023 21:51

Are you doing lifting or CrossFit? I thought a WOD was a cross fit thing? For cross fit metcons are good. For lifting lifting it tends to be different shoes for different lifts. But metcons can also work if you're not super serious/competing.

WildFeathers · 06/08/2023 21:39

I have metcons for CrossFit. They work great for me. Nobull do some good shoes for CrossFit type lifting and other exercises too.

BuddhaAtSea · 06/08/2023 21:09

I have Reebok nano :)

MrsPerfect12 · 06/08/2023 21:06

I heavy lift and I wear Metcons, they're
really comfortable.

CustomerServiceSmile · 06/08/2023 21:05

Jellyx · 06/08/2023 08:03

Adidas do nice women's weight lifting shoes - if you happen to be a UK size 4 I'm happy to post you mine for free. (I'm relocating countries) 🙂

I lift with the same type of shoes. Total game changer. I think they look weird as fuck on me but I love them and they help me to feel sturdy and grounded. DH told me to get them and I kept putting it off. When the sales came around again, I got a pair. Glad I did.

FarEast · 06/08/2023 20:59

@NeverHadHaveHas that sounds like part of my regular workouts - I do half heavy lifting and then lots of other stuff - cardiovascular interval work, plyo box jumps, agility, and balance. So I need a pair of shoes that I can run intervals in and will protect my shins and knees.

askmenothing · 06/08/2023 20:35

I lift a lot, my PT suggested flat shoes, I just went to sports direct and got some flat adidas that I would probably wear with a dress. Since I bought them I have a new PB and my squats are way better. Worth getting some! I only spent like £40

Luxembourgmama · 06/08/2023 20:22

DonttouchthatLarry · 06/08/2023 18:39

Wow this is a whole new world to me! I over pronate, have flat arches and have suffered from really bad plantar fasciitis so wear my running shoes with my orthotics for the gym (am quite new to lifting but loving it). I already have road running shoes, trail running shoes and bike shoes - you're now telling me I need proper lifting shoes? Aren't I at more risk of poor positioning if I lose the support of my orthotics?

I put my orthotic soles in my lifting shoes

NeverHadHaveHas · 06/08/2023 20:02

*elements of CrossFit that should read

NeverHadHaveHas · 06/08/2023 20:01

If you are doing CrossFit:
Nike metcon or Reebok nano.
Converse/vans don’t have enough cushioning for the box jumps/skipping/running elements of converse in my opinion. Metcons and nanos are specifically designed to be stable enough to lift in but also cushioned enough to do impact movements.

Purpleavocado · 06/08/2023 19:59

Metcons but mine are a half size bigger than my other nikes, they come up small

Harrysmummy246 · 06/08/2023 19:55

Covetthee · 06/08/2023 07:55

few years ago when i had a trainer for workouts he recommended high top converse, apparently they are the go to for weightlifting because they are flat

obviously not recommended for other forma of exercise.

Not just the flat aspect, it's whether they're cushioned or not. And, for many of us, if they have a wide enough toe box for your feet to splay naturally etc

FarEast · 06/08/2023 19:21

I lift (very) heavy and do it in trainers … So it can be done!

I’ve tried deadlifts in socks but it felt weird. I think I’ve got so used to the stability of trainers. I tend to get cross training shoes - I like Saucony or New Balance. But I’m eyeing up some Nike Metcons for my next pair.

DonttouchthatLarry · 06/08/2023 18:39

Wow this is a whole new world to me! I over pronate, have flat arches and have suffered from really bad plantar fasciitis so wear my running shoes with my orthotics for the gym (am quite new to lifting but loving it). I already have road running shoes, trail running shoes and bike shoes - you're now telling me I need proper lifting shoes? Aren't I at more risk of poor positioning if I lose the support of my orthotics?

Scarydinosaurs · 06/08/2023 18:33

Metcons are good. I used to lift in my flatist running trainers and since switching you can really tell the difference. So much better.

ImBrian · 06/08/2023 18:31

Converse for everything apart from squats then I wear squat shoes.

Selttan · 06/08/2023 10:32

When I CrossFit I use metcons as I find them versatile enough to cover the different lift types but for powerlifting I use Reebok lifters for squatting and notorious deadlift slippers for deadlift and bench press. I must admit for deadlifts I actually prefer bare feet.