Squatting with Elevated Heels

[Jeebus344]

What is your opinion on squatting with elevated heels? Is squatting with elevated heels worthwhile if you have trouble going parallel without elevation but can get below parallel with elevation? Does elevating the heels put excessive stress on the knees?

 

[captainahole]

What is your opinion on squatting with elevated heels? Is squatting with elevated heels worthwhile if you have trouble going parallel without elevation but can get below parallel with elevation? Does elevating the heels put excessive stress on the knees?

There is nothing wrong with squatting with elevated heels if it's comfortable for you. It will help a great deal with inner thigh area. If you can go parallel with elevation than all the power to you. No it does not put excessive stress on the knees it's like squatting with a high heel on.

 

[fallingeggs]

I am not sure how elevated you are talking about, but all shoes made for squatting (for powerlifting... Safe shoes and such) and for oly lifting are made with a wedge. You do not want anything crazy, but a one inch or so heel is good.

That being said, people lift with them because it helps. I squatted with normal shoes for a year or so before i picked up some squat shoes and i can tell a difference in the stability during the lift. It will help you sit back better which could help with your going past parallel problem, although i think you should work on hitting depth without them.

overall, shoes that are slightly elevation will only help your left, but you do not (or should not) need them to lift heavy. Just no running shoes with air springs in the back!

 

[stilleto]

there's no reason for it. squat with your feet flat on the floor and your center of gravity where it should be.

 

[Tatyana]

If you mean putting a bit of board under your heels, I think that is is not recommended i.e) Stuart McRoberts, Will Brink............

 

[beerdrinker]

As previously mentioned, Oly shoes are elevated in the back. Weightlifters squat very deep, and the wedge helps. It can help keep the weight on your heels, especially if you have a tendency to lean forward. I am rock solid in my oly shoes. I couldn't say the same for my cross trainers. That's largely due to the lack of cushioning in the soles. As far as stability goes, I'd say the guys cleaning heavy ass weight, dropping down into a balls to the ground squat, and jerking said weight back over their heads might know a thing or two.

Now, oly shoes just to get to parallel? I don't think that's necessary at all. That's either way too much weight or a flexibility problem.

 

[Jeebus344]

What oly style shoes do you recommend? I've been using running shoes forever now, I just cannot go past parallel without bending way forward unless my heels are elevated. I think low ankle flexibility is causing this problem.

 

[chaos13]

also what you can do is stand on either a 10lbs plate or a 25 lbs plate then do your squats.

not sure about everyone else but i find it's a good way to target quads and calves at the same time

 

[fallingeggs]

What oly style shoes do you recommend? I've been using running shoes forever now, I just cannot go past parallel without bending way forward unless my heels are elevated. I think low ankle flexibility is causing this problem.

Adidas and Safe are the only companies i know of that makes the shoes you are looking for. But... like someone else said above, you should not get the shoes to fix a problem. You should work on the flexibility issue first. Once that is completed, then you can consider spending the $120+ on the shoes and using them as a tool rather then a band-aid.

learn to squat raw before adding equipment!

 

[the_alcatraz]

What oly style shoes do you recommend? I've been using running shoes forever now, I just cannot go past parallel without bending way forward unless my heels are elevated. I think low ankle flexibility is causing this problem.

Screw the heals man!!! You wanna squat, get stronger....squats are the hardest, baddest move in bodybuilding...learn to squat with proper form and get strong at it, it will improve your overall strength, power, and weights.....