Shoes for lifting/cardio

**Cruise123** · 03-22-2014, 08:09 PM

Hey everyone,

My apologies if this thread is not in the correct section. Looking to get a new pair of shoes that are good for lifting weights and cardio. Which is your favorite pair and why? Ive been reading that the shoes with the raised heal make squats etc slightly easier but dont activate your glutes as much. This may or may not be true. Anyways I was thinking of getting those toe shoes Vibrams EL-X. I know they look ridiculous but when it comes down to it i dont really care what others think of my shoes. Im more interested in functionality. Any suggestions would be great thanks.

**Hrothgar** · 03-22-2014, 08:40 PM

For lifting you want shoes that are relatively flat with soles that don't compress. Chuck taylors are the go to for most people as they are very flat and give you good ankle mobility. The adidas sambas are also popular.

**RangerDanger830** · 03-23-2014, 04:26 PM

And for cardio you want something that conforms to your type of foot well depending on your foot length, width, and arch. If you do not have good running shoes, you will know it after running in them a bit. I agree with Hrothgar and would like to add that you are right about more heel=less glutes but that also depends on where you are putting your weight at on your foot as well. Toe is more front thigh and heel is more rear to oversimplify it.

**Docd187123** · 03-23-2014, 07:15 PM

For lifting I'm currently using the Adidas Powerlift 2.0. Dicks had them on sale a while back and I bit. Can't compare to any other shoe except old basketball sneakers, chucks, and barefoot. I love my Powerlifts and worth every penny. They do have a 5/8in heel which is great.

**CrookedBones** · 03-24-2014, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by Docd187123

For lifting I'm currently using the Adidas Powerlift 2.0. Dicks had them on sale a while back and I bit. Can't compare to any other shoe except old basketball sneakers, chucks, and barefoot. I love my Powerlifts and worth every penny. They do have a 5/8in heel which is great.

I just saw this online the other day. I only squat about 275-300 pounds on my final set (what some of you call "parallels"), so I've been wearing athletic shoes... running shoes, maybe? Anyway, I'm about to pick up a pair this week to better suit heavier weights.