7 Best Weightlifting Shoes Women in 2022: Tried & Tested
Though it may feel like any old pair of trainers will do for hitting the gym, when it comes to weightlifting you really need a pair of weightlifting shoes to help perfect your squats, deadlifts and clean and press.
A good pair of weightlifting shoes should provide you with increased awareness of the weight you're about to push, pull or press. You don’t want to be standing on a big spongy, cushioned heel (as present in most running shoes and many bog-standard gym trainers) when lifting weights, as all that bulky cushioning decreases your stability, power and explosiveness. And isn't the whole point of strength training to feel strong?
Is it OK to lift weights in running shoes?
The short answer is no. Running shoes can cause balance issues when lifting weights – this is because most running shoes have extra cushioning at the bottom to help absorb the impact of pounding those pavements. But, when deadlifting, you want your feet to feel flat on the ground and not move.
Running shoes are also often super lightweight to help you pick up your feet and increase speed, but weightlifting shoes are designed to be heavier in order to help support the extreme weight you're taking on during each lift.
“You should avoid lifting in running shoes as they are not made for all-purpose training. The soft sole and cushioned nature of running shoes can limit and can decrease stability due to their structure and design,” says GB Olympic Weightlifter Jenny Tong. “They are on the opposite end of the spectrum to weightlifting shoes which have a hard sole.”
11 best running shoes for women in 2023, tested by a triathlete and marathon runner
Gallery11 PhotosAre flat shoes better for lifting?
If you are deadlifting, then yes – you want to avoid shoes with an elevated heel, and opt for a completely flat shoe with a firm grip to stop you from slipping and sliding around. Some lifters may even prefer to go barefoot and allow the foot to provide natural stability. “Flat shoes are best for deadlifting and low bar squats where the lifter doesn’t require significant ankle flexion,” says Jenny.
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