Oly Shoes Wearer-er's :)

[Jim Ouini]

Wondering if those of you that wear oly shoes feel like you can't squat without them.

Been wearing mine for months now and the other day (Wed of 5 x 5) I had a no squat day so I wore my old flat soled shoes. When I was doing RDL's I walked out with the weight and felt like I was going to fall over backwards (almost)

Can't imagine now trying to full squat without my oly shoes. Which begs the question: for a social lifter like myself, if I've built up a compensation for inflexible calves and limited ankle ROM i.e, really, since I'm not doing any of the olympic lifts, is it that different than putting plates under my heels (which everyone eschews as a crutch)?

 

[mekannik]

Wondering if those of you that wear oly shoes feel like you can't squat without them.

Been wearing mine for months now and the other day (Wed of 5 x 5) I had a no squat day so I wore my old flat soled shoes. When I was doing RDL's I walked out with the weight and felt like I was going to fall over backwards (almost)

Can't imagine now trying to full squat without my oly shoes. Which begs the question: for a social lifter like myself, if I've built up a compensation for inflexible calves and limited ankle ROM i.e, really, since I'm not doing any of the olympic lifts, is it that different than putting plates under my heels (which everyone eschews as a crutch)?

Most likely you have built a mental crutch. However, if your technique is to do Oly squats in regular tennis shoes (with or without the plate under the heel) - you will not have as solid a base as the wooden heeled oly shoes.

And to just reinforce a point I have been posting and reposting (and learning on my own for the past 2 years) - STRETCH. Before and after lifting, 15-20 minutes on both ends. Cut down on your lifting time if needed - equal time spent lifting and stretching. Think longevity. Your body will thank you later.

 

[bignate73]

not really. i can hit ATF in my chucks too with a narrow stance. I usually wear my chucks for anything other than ATF squats, then I'll use my oly shoes, just because.

 

[Anthrax Invasion]

I can squat without them. The thing is, I can keep a tighter arch in my lower back and stay more upright with oly shoes. I feel more comfortable in the oly shoes when squatting now that I've tried them, but I could do without.

I wouldn't stretch prior to training, unless it was an active warmup & stretch. Static stretching hinders strength.

 

[musketeer]

I wouldn't stretch prior to training, unless it was an active warmup & stretch. Static stretching hinders strength.

Agreed

 

[MsBeverlyHills]

I can squat without them. The thing is, I can keep a tighter arch in my lower back and stay more upright with oly shoes. I feel more comfortable in the oly shoes when squatting now that I've tried them, but I could do without.

I wouldn't stretch prior to training, unless it was an active warmup & stretch. Static stretching hinders strength.

Im also not much into stretching before my lifts.. these are my oly shoes & I can still hit my lifts pretty decently even tho my flexibilty sucks...

http://www.lifttilyadie.com/shoe2.gif

 

[harhar]

Why do you have olympic shoes if you dont OL? Seems like a waste.

 

[Jim Ouini]

I can squat without them. The thing is, I can keep a tighter arch in my lower back and stay more upright with oly shoes. I feel more comfortable in the oly shoes when squatting now that I've tried them, but I could do without.

Well that's kind of the crux of my question: I can squat without oly shoes, but can't stay as upright or keep as tight of an arch - the same thing you hear from people who squat with a plate under their heels. And if it's a matter of stability, it'd be better to squat barefoot, right?

Anyway, it's just a fun question, I'm not really all that concerned about it.

Why do you have olympic shoes if you dont OL? Seems like a waste.

Well I'm a sucker for gadgets to be quite honest Mostly I wanted them for ATF squatting as alluded to above.

Funny thing, no one knows what they are at the gym I go to; one day I walked into the aerobics area to steal a foam roller and some kids were practicing break dancing or something and they were all over my oly shoes, telling me how sweet they were and where could they get some lol

 

[MsBeverlyHills]

Why do you have olympic shoes if you dont OL? Seems like a waste.

because they elevate your heel so you canget more depth on your squat..also they look cool

 

[Anthrax Invasion]

Why do you have olympic shoes if you dont OL? Seems like a waste.

I do olylift...

If it's a matter of stability, why would you squat barefoot? I feel pretty stable in my oly shoes. Keeping more upright and a tight arch is what you want. Do whatever allows you to accomplish this. Work on flexibility at the same time, if you wish.