In the eyes of many, weight lifting is a challenging activity that not everyone can do. Getting good at it looks even more challenging. And the truth is that it is so, at least until you learn how to do it 
correctly.
It is a paradox that this sport requires so little equipment, yet it is so difficult to become a pro. It takes ambition, motivation, physical and mental strength, intense workouts and a lot of time. But once you reach your goals, you can feel pretty powerful.
If you are a weight lifter, then you know that there are many factors that can help you lift more weights. And the weight lifting shoes play an important role during training, as well as in competitions.
In this article, we will discuss the importance of wearing the right shoes
Why do shoes matter for a weight lifter?
The fact that shoe manufacturers design a different type of sports shoes for every sport isn’t something random. Various types of sports shoes are being manufactured because there is a demand for them.
Football players need shoes that are adherent, basketball players need shoes that are flexible and support their ankles and weight lifters needs shoes that support their heels and help them push their bodies upwards more efficiently.
There are many reasons why running shoes or any other types of shoes that are not especially designed for weightlifting are suitable. First of all, the air or gel filling don’t provide the required support. They are unstable and make the weight lifter lose force.
Moreover, running shoes are dangerous to wear during weightlifting. The body can easily balance when the soles are unstable and the risk of injury increases. Let’s not forget that the bars and barbells a weight lifter lifts are extremely heavy.
Good lifting shoes are those with incompressible soles, adherent and with great support. Professional weight lifters usually choose to wear shoes that are high stable, powerful and safe. All of these qualities can lead to better techniques and, therefore, better results.
When it comes to the best shoes for squats, there are many factors that must be taken into consideration. It is important to know how you squat before buying the best pair of shoes.
For example, shoes with flat soles are the best for low bar squats, while heeled shoes are better for those who do Olympic squats, front squats or overhead squats.
What to look for in the best weight lifting shoes for squats?
There are plenty of factors that influence the way you perform during your weight lifting routine. But the most important elements are the following:
- Comfort
- High-quality materials
- Proper cushioning
- Rubber soles
- Rigidity
- Support
If you’re looking at shoes that have all of these qualities, then you should go ahead and buy them. If you haven’t found a suitable pair so far, then you should continue reading.
What are the best weight lifting shoes for squats?
The market is very generous in this field. There are plenty of manufacturers that focus their attention on creating professional weightlifting shoes. However, some models are better than others for a number of reasons.
Are you curious to know what are the best weightlifting shoes models for squats? Check out the 5 models below:
- Chuck Taylor All Stars – Converse shoes might seem like an odd choice to you, but the truth is that they are some of the best shoes for squats. They have flat soles, good ankle support and are very comfortable thanks to a 360 degree padded non-slip tongue. Also, the Lunarlon sock liner is great because it adds more cushioning and support. They are preferred by the majority of weightlifters who need shoes with flat soles.
- Nike Metcon – these Nike shoes are strong, have a flat sole and zero-drag heel. They come with an abrasion-resistant film and a foam midsole that offers great support. The outsoles are made of sticky rubber that offer lifters the stability they need. These shoes are some of the most comfortable on the market.
- Adidas Superstars – the fact that these shoes come with rigid, solid outsoles that are flat is a big advantage for weightlifters that do low squats and deadlifts. The Superstars have cushioned rubber cup soles, rubber shell toe that helps protect the feet and mesh lining for increased comfort.
- Adidas Samba – this is yet another model from Adidas that is much appreciated by weightlifters due to its leather material that proves to be extremely durable. It has gum rubber outsoles and offers impeccable support. The feet and ankles can be easily controlled in these shoes.
- Sabo Deadlift Shoes – this model was especially designed for powerlifting sportsmen. These shoes have a flat profile and reinforced sides. The soles are 2-5 mm thick and the shoe itself is made of high density mesh. Although they are a bit more expensive than the other models above, they are definitely worth the investment.
When it comes to choosing the best shoes for weight lifting and power lifting, minimalism is a concept that you have to keep in mind. Flat soles are a must if you want to focus on low bar squats
and deadlifts, while heeled shoes are recommended if you want to go for the Olympic weightlifting.
The most important factor of all is personal comfort. Our feet aren’t the same. Some of us have regular feet, while others have overpronated or underpronated feet. Analyze the shoes you feel most comfortable in and try to find a pair that offers you all those advantages.
Weightlifting is a sport that puts a lot of pressure on your spine, back muscles, leg muscles and joints, which is why you have to be very careful. Even when you’re an expert, there are things that could go wrong because of an incorrect choice.
Therefore, under any circumstances, don’t lift weights wearing running shoes or any other unstable shoes. Also, don’t wear sports shoes with heels if you want to do low squats.
Happy shopping!
