Boots for Squats?

[legendz]

Who here prefers to wear boots while doing squats and why? I've seen a number of guys do that and am thinking of trying it myself. I always thought the heels on a set of boots would be too high and place too much stress on the balls of the feet and toes (and knees).

What specific brands of boots do you prefer to squat in?

(As an aside, I'm also thinking of olympic weightlifting shoes, but wanted to know what benefits such shoes have over other ones when it comes to squatting.)

Thanks.

 

[jaybois]

I like to squat and deadlift barefooted it's the only way for me.

 

[Tblock1]

barefoot. Boots is the stupidest thing ever

 

[legendz]

Going barefoot is not an option at my gym and I have a hunch that the right pair of boots could be beneficial for me (maybe I've never tried it though). Come on, boot aficionados, I know you're there. I want to hear mainly from those who do wear boots for squats (and exercises like deadlifts, stiff leg deads, hack squats, leg presses, etc.)

 

[captainahole]

I use olympic boots for sqatting. I have a great squat but did not know how much I was missing until I started to wear boots. (I squatted bare foot as well), Ut changes your centre of gravity and enables you more reps and heavier weight. I like em.

 

[V-Opolis]

if your doing your squat right your weight shouldn't go into your toes...dunno howm uch the boot would effect that.

but i use some brooks running shoes i have(ONLY exercise shoe i have....cant wear mocosins(best option for me)). I dont have the money right now to buy new shoes for weight lifting.

 

[InGreatShape]

barefoots is the right thing for squats.

 

[legendz]

I use olympic boots for sqatting. I have a great squat but did not know how much I was missing until I started to wear boots. (I squatted bare foot as well), Ut changes your centre of gravity and enables you more reps and heavier weight. I like em.

Where can I get olympic boots? I didn't even know there was such a thing.

 

[captainahole]

Where can I get olympic boots? I didn't even know there was such a thing.

here's the link they are titans

SST Pro Series Squat Shoes - Powerlifting Shoes

 

[Wulfgar]

I wear high top Swat steel toe boots for squatting

I prefer the support of the steel shank and the slight heel elevaton helps me maintain upright posture

 

[jesse_01]

I rock stocking feet.

 

[ceo]

never seen a record setting squat done barefoot, but I'm sure all you good bros know wtf you're doing.

Personally, I would go with a flat soled shoe. Chuck Taylors are great for this. I have a couple pairs of Vans shoes that have flat soles that I like too.

I know b fold the truth has an opinion on this matter. This thread has been done to death btw.

 

[SouthernLord]

I squat in leggings and crocs.

Actually......... I lied. I don't squat

 

[ExtraMile]

I squat in either chucks or my regular trainers (which have a flat sole)

 

[Crocodome]

chucks.... with 10lb plates under each heel if my calves/shins aren't cooperating.

 

[legendz]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll look into the boots mentioned as well as the Chuck Taylors. Can I get the Chucks from any shoe store online or is there a particular place I should go?

 

[Jocques Straap]

CEO, where is the difference between barefoot and flat soled shoes?

 

[RottenWillow]

never seen a record setting squat done barefoot, but I'm sure all you good bros know wtf you're doing.

Personally, I would go with a flat soled shoe. Chuck Taylors are great for this. I have a couple pairs of Vans shoes that have flat soles that I like too.

I know b fold the truth has an opinion on this matter. This thread has been done to death btw.

Yep. And yep on the Chuck's.

 

[the_alcatraz]

never seen a record setting squat done barefoot, but I'm sure all you good bros know wtf you're doing.

Personally, I would go with a flat soled shoe. Chuck Taylors are great for this. I have a couple pairs of Vans shoes that have flat soles that I like too.

I know b fold the truth has an opinion on this matter. This thread has been done to death btw.

lol exactly

 

[jesse_01]

never seen a record setting squat done barefoot, but I'm sure all you good bros know wtf you're doing.

Personally, I would go with a flat soled shoe. Chuck Taylors are great for this. I have a couple pairs of Vans shoes that have flat soles that I like too.

I know b fold the truth has an opinion on this matter. This thread has been done to death btw.

That is true. Almost looks like he was using Chuck Taylors YouTube - Sam Byrd 1050lb Squat at 198lb - New 'All-Time' World Record

 

[ceo]

That is true. Almost looks like he was using Chuck Taylors YouTube - Sam Byrd 1050lb Squat at 198lb - New 'All-Time' World Record

those are chucks.

 

[jesse_01]

I squat in leggings and crocs.

Actually......... I lied. I don't squat

I thought you wore these

 

[RottenWillow]

I thought you wore these

Chuck's in any color are still Chuck's.

 

[legendz]

I'm considering the Chucks/Converse shoes because I like the fact that they're flat. But, they probably don't have any arch support, do they? I have flat feet and could use a shoe with some arch support, for squats and other leg work.

Still looking into the boots too.

 

[SouthernLord]

I'm considering the Chucks/Converse shoes because I like the fact that they're flat. But, they probably don't have any arch support, do they? I have flat feet and could use a shoe with some arch support, for squats and other leg work.

Still looking into the boots too.

Arch support is over rated. If you're only training legs in them it won't make much of a difference imo.

If you've been training legs in cross trainers or any other "air soled" shoes you will notice a big difference when squatting in chucks. In fact, I would be willing to bet your numbers go up from it.

 

[RottenWillow]

Arch support is over rated. If you're only training legs in them it won't make much of a difference imo.

If you've been training legs in cross trainers or any other "air soled" shoes you will notice a big difference when squatting in chucks. In fact, I would be willing to bet your numbers go up from it.

Agreed. That super strong sidewall makes a noticeable difference. I think w/o them we must be expending energy on stabilizing ourselves that with Chucks getting funneled into vertical movement.

 

[joe d]

i use chuck allstars or bare foot. chucks are about as good as it gets and dirt cheap. their like 30.00.

 

[ExtraMile]

the side support of chucks I can see being very important for people who squat very wide...

 

[joe d]

look at all the bare foot haters here lol. wheres bfold. i love squatting barefoot. i am very stable this way. im also not a pler but my numbers arent to bad and ive never been injured.

 

[captainahole]

look at all the bare foot haters here lol. wheres bfold. i love squatting barefoot. i am very stable this way. im also not a pler but my numbers arent to bad and ive never been injured.

I used to squat in aquatic shoes held well to the floor. However the big issue will happen later. Your arches will begin to fall and give you feet problems. I know it will never happen to you. Don't kid yourself. Have you noticed that your shoe size is one or 2 sizes bigger than it was when you were in your twenty's.

 

[JDid23]

I used to squat in aquatic shoes held well to the floor. However the big issue will happen later. Your arches will begin to fall and give you feet problems. I know it will never happen to you. Don't kid yourself. Have you noticed that your shoe size is one or 2 sizes bigger than it was when you were in your twenty's.

It's funny you mention this because today i saw some guy squatting with shoes that looked like they should be worn at the beach. Idk what to call them since i have never seen them before- they kinda resembled sandels but were much gayer.

 

[b fold the truth]

never seen a record setting squat done barefoot, but I'm sure all you good bros know wtf you're doing.

Personally, I would go with a flat soled shoe. Chuck Taylors are great for this. I have a couple pairs of Vans shoes that have flat soles that I like too.

I know b fold the truth has an opinion on this matter. This thread has been done to death btw.

HAAAAA...you kill me!!! It has been nearly a month though!

I have never squatted in boots but I do know some friends that squat around 1,000 lbs in Caterpillar boots and there are quite a few 1k squatters that use OLY shoes. The rest of the people that squat big, will wear Chuck Taylor High Top All-Stars.

I've been very ill this week and yesterday I box squatted 726+220lbs of band tension x 1. Chucks are the cheapest and best way to go, by far, if you are a medium-wide stanced squatter. If you squat medium to closer stance, buy OLY shoes. If you search Google for Olympic Lifting Shoes you can find some that are the price you are looking for.

 

[joe d]

I used to squat in aquatic shoes held well to the floor. However the big issue will happen later. Your arches will begin to fall and give you feet problems. I know it will never happen to you. Don't kid yourself. Have you noticed that your shoe size is one or 2 sizes bigger than it was when you were in your twenty's.

i have been squatting for almost 10 years. my shoe size has remained a us10 the whole time. if it does happen it hasnt yet.