[Freddy]

Grizz, Ed Coan has permanent bloody "holes" on his back from where the bar digs in. He's always squatting so they never have time to heal. I know someone who has the "Quads Gym" t-shirt (that Eddy made one of his infamous 1000+ squats in) mounted on the wall of his gym, covered in back-blood. I've competed with Tony Saunders, another ~1000 squatter, but he didn't have these marks on his back. Oh well, would have been cool. Apparently its a rare-treat.

Ramstein, for those who have never seen Olympic lifting shoes, they have the elavated heal that you describe. They are MUCH sturdier than any alternative, including any kind of sneaker or plate placed under the heal, and there are a few brand alternatives as well. There really is no substitute for a good Oly shoe. There is a reason that every olympic athlete wears them!

chiseled21, as long as you're comfortable, and can get DEEP...I mean ass-to-ankles deep, than I would stick with what you've been doing. If not, explore the Oly shoe or barefoot options.

J DUB, I can't recall the actual number...but I believe the sum is actually closer to 700+. I can get back to you, though, you could be correct.

I would bet Shane's Oly squat is higher than 800. He could divebomb squat 1000, ass-to-ankles, with a crappy Z suit on and ace-bandage knee wraps. I know he doesn't focus on, nor really even care about, his squat as much anymore, but I bet its probably higher, no? I've never been to Colorado Springs though, so again...you probably know better than I.