Do I Need Lifting Shoes?

Weightlifting shoes have grown to become the most popular weightlifting accessory at my gym, and the question of whether or not these shoes are a necessity is nearly inevitable in most athletes as time passes.

Many of these shoes are flashy and cool, such as the blind-you-with-my-awesomeness neon yellow Romaleos, or the so-nice-you’ll-look-twice red Adipowers, and one could easily want a pair simply because of how good they look. But weightlifting shoes are about so much more than the inevitable fashion statement you’ll make with your color selection. The sturdy sole and heel of the shoes allow for maximum power transfer and stability, while the raised heel allows for stronger and more efficient positions. For anyone looking to become a competitive weightlifter, these shoes are a must, as power, stability, positioning, and efficiency are imperative.

But are these shoes for everyone?

When an athlete comes to me asking if they need lifting shoes, the question that immediately comes to mind is whether or not this athlete can currently reach good positions with proper mechanics. Lifting shoes are not to be used as a crutch – if you can’t squat without them, you shouldn’t be buying them. Core issues such as a lack of mobility or underdeveloped kinesthetic awareness must be addressed before an athlete can make proper use of lifting shoes. Without covering these basics first, the athlete risks never learning the movement correctly, never attaining the required flexibility, and endangering themselves to an even greater degree as they load more and more weight onto the bar.

Once an athlete meets these prerequisites, I am fine with them purchasing the shoes. Though this statement sounds light and nonchalant, don’t kid yourself; one’s ability to move through a full squat, dip with full range in the ankle, and display competent mobility in the hips, torso, shoulders, and elsewhere is no easy feat. It may take someone months or even years to regain these natural positions that we all once had as kids, especially if they’ve been practicing improper motor recruitment patterns for a extensive amount of time.

From this point, the decision is merely a personal choice. Weightlifting shoes should be seen as an investment, as most cost upwards of $100, with the aforementioned pairs falling around $200. Should the athlete take his or her weightlifting seriously, however, there shouldn’t be any question at all; the advantages provided greatly outweigh the cost, especially when depreciating these costs over their 2-4+ year lifespan.

All in all, weightlifting shoes are fantastic. Their benefits are substantial and immediately seen, and I absolutely love lifting in mine. Before rushing out to buy a pair, however, I recommend having a coach check your movements. If you already know your movements aren’t sound, then you know the answer will be a “not quite yet.” Be patient and continue working to improve your positions, and the shoes can come later. When the day that you’ve mastered the movements arrives, the benefits shoes can provide will be all the more greater.