Oly Shoes necessary?

[Blue09]

I have started squatting without shoes and I definetly like it a lot better and feel much more stable. I don't plan to ever compete, but I hear oly shoes are great nonetheless. However, these things are pretty big investments....$120+ for a college student is.....well, for me it's 2 weeks of work...lol. I have searched for cheaper ones, but all of the cheaper ones are all discontinued and they don't have any in my size left. I also have to get a bunch more protein, creatine, whole lot of food, regular sneakers and possibly some new lacrosse equipment. Do you feel that the shoes are any safer? or would I get along just fine without them?

Thanks

[getswoll]

I suggest converse allstars. They are just as good, and are a heck of a lot cheaper. They are what I use now. AM gave me the advice to invest in a pair after my comp. in March. Big difference.

GS

[Girth]

"I don't plan to ever compete." I think that's the key phrase. And it also depends on how strong you are. If you are at the AM level, then being stable with that much weight is a big concern. But if you aren't that strong, and the weight training you are doing is to supplement your lacrosse playing, then it would make sense to me to perform weight training in sneakers. It will improve your balance.

But honestly, it comes down to priorities. AM is a competitor whose sole goal is strength for competition. You sound like you have many goals. So it makes sense to get your priorities in order (i.e. food, protein, lacrosse), then if you have the funds left, go with the above option mentioned.

[J DUB]

I have a pair of wl shoes, but for squatting I like the Chuck T's much better, plus you save about $80.

[CyniQ]

Originally Posted by J DUB

I have a pair of wl shoes, but for squatting I like the Chuck T's much better, plus you save about $80.

Where the hell have you been? Missed ya. Do me a favor and throw your opinion in on my Q for JS thread.

[getswoll]

Originally Posted by Girth

"I don't plan to ever compete." I think that's the key phrase. And it also depends on how strong you are. If you are at the AM level, then being stable with that much weight is a big concern. But if you aren't that strong, and the weight training you are doing is to supplement your lacrosse playing, then it would make sense to me to perform weight training in sneakers. It will improve your balance.

But honestly, it comes down to priorities. AM is a competitor whose sole goal is strength for competition. You sound like you have many goals. So it makes sense to get your priorities in order (i.e. food, protein, lacrosse), then if you have the funds left, go with the above option mentioned.

Strength and weight are relative, therefore you can't just write off stability. Allstars (Chuck T's) are a great way to go, either for comp. or general strength conditioning. They are cheap and give you what you need. However, if you can lift barefoot at your gym (mine won't let us, even though it helps on deadlift day) and it is what works for you, by all means do it. Some people, start getting some serious pain in their arches when they squat barefoot, so keep that in mind.
Pax,
GS

[Freddy]

Squatting on the cheap:

Oly style squats: squat barefoot.

Powerlifting style squats: chucks or flat soled addidas.

[Grizzly]

If you want to squat barefoot, but your gym won't let you, then use wrestling shoes. They don't have any support, but I've been using them for 7 years now and I can't lift with anything else. Not to sound like some melted, acid-head, but I don't feel like I'm "connected" with the gym in shoes with padding. Totally ruins my mojo. Plus, wrestling shoes are the tits for calf training....if I ever did that anymore.

[J0321]

Adidas Samba's are about 30 bucks. I like 'em.

[perp69]

I don't know about you but I was using one pair of shoes for everything-lifting and cardio. When I looked at the heals they developed wear on one side of the heal making my stance unlevel. I figured what the hell and got a pair of Ironworks about a month ago and it was like night and day for me. I figured if I didn't like them I could sell them on ebay since I don't see any on there. I think they helped my squat numbers some too. Just my 2 pennies.

[ps24eva]

chuck taylors are BETTER than even the more expensive specialized shoes.

All the big squatters use them

[MANWHORE]

I used to see alot of guys squat in work boots when i saw guys squat but i could never do that. I use my $9 payless sneakers and they feel great. I never had a problem pushing off my heels but some guys do so they use the plates for balance