Squat shoes/boots - What do you wear?

[Ryan_W]

After being told that my footwear wasn't exactly ideal for squatting (K-Swiss pumps), I'm looking into purchasing some decent shoes/boots with a good solid heel for squatting in...

I found these (http://www.pullum-sports.co.uk/clothing-and-shoes/shoes/adidas-adistar-weightlifting-shoes/prod_121.html) on Pullums website, bit expensive though...

Just wondering what you lot wear, heard that Converse boots are quite a common choice?...

Cheers all,

Ryan

[gerthebear]

i use converse. it all depends on your stance. the wide you are, the flatter sole you will need. the weightlifting boots, suit closer stance. the weightlifting boots have a raised heel

[Ryan_W]

Cheers mate...

Would you consider my squat (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b1Oz_ptaW8) as narrow or wide? I think it's quite narrow but I have nothing to compare it to really. I've seen Del squatting a he squats extremely wide in comparison to myself...

[curt]

defo wid d00d

[Tannhauser]

I'm also interested to see what those with some experience recommend.
I'm in the same boat - I've always just used trainers to squat in. However, now that I'm tackling heavier weights, my ankles are starting to hurt and I'm looking for something that will give me better support. My stance is a bit narrower than Ryan's, though.

[Rob Thomas]

Do a quick search of the forum Ryan, the squat shoes issue with regards to narrow or wide stance has been discussed before here and had quite a few replies if I remember.

I use the metal powerlifting boots now and think they are great.

[Ryan_W]

Metal squat boots it is then ;)

I'm also a UK 12 Rob, what size did you end up getting?

[Rob Thomas]

I mailed them and told them I was a size UK12 and they sent the correct size. They fit perfect too and are great.

[Carl]

i have the adidas ironwork 2 weightlifting shoes, i really like them, i squat over shoulder width, but not by a load

[James Copping]

Thats about in the middle really, not wide not close. I'd go for converse as they are about 1/2 the price of a decent heeled shoe, about £35 in most places.

[Hanley]

I squat out this wide http://www.t-nation.com/forum_images/mytphotos/fullSize/b4774-Picture_1.jpg in a pair of Adistar's and I love them to bits.

[Funky_monkey]

Got some converse trainers for £20. Make sure they're canvas, as they're MUCH stronger. I used them to squat but wasn't too keen on them.

I used something like these until i left them on the train, but mine were cheaper. http://www.sports-shoes.net/product.asp?sectionid=313&productid=763&catalogue=2

I now use nike wrestling boots. Have also used puma speedcat HIGH

I squat about the same width as you, maybe a touch wider. If you go that deep and that wide with weightlifting shoes that you mentioned, you'll tear a hip flexor.

[DEL]

Converse all stars work great for me.

[Pork Pie]

Converse all stars work great for me.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I would be inclined to listen to this to this man when it comes to squatting

[notorious]

even tho beem told not to a million times i tend to squat and dead lift in just socks.

[Ryan_W]

These (http://www.cloggs.co.uk/invt/490) the ones you're on about guys?

Cheap as chips if so! :)

[gerthebear]

These (http://www.cloggs.co.uk/invt/490) the ones you're on about guys?

Cheap as chips if so! :)

yeh get THESE (http://www.cloggs.co.uk/invt/494) though, they are wayyy cooler! lol..

im sporting them in my latest vid :)

[Hanley]

I squat about the same width as you, maybe a touch wider. If you go that deep and that wide with weightlifting shoes that you mentioned, you'll tear a hip flexor.

Ehhhh..... C'mon now. You're saying that anytime that ANYONE squats that deep and wide in oly shoes they tear a hip flexor?

[James Copping]

Ehhhh..... C'mon now. You're saying that anytime that ANYONE squats that deep and wide in oly shoes they tear a hip flexor?

I squatted super wide for 18months in heeled Oly shoes and never got injured. When I switched to converse though my squat did improve.

[Hanley]

I squatted super wide for 18months in heeled Oly shoes and never got injured. When I switched to converse though my squat did improve.

You were actually one of the people I thought off. I think you'd a 190x8 vid up with wraps and a wide stance in oly shoes?

My point of contention is just that Monkey was making them out to be "dangerous".

[Ryan_W]

yeh get THESE (http://www.cloggs.co.uk/invt/494) though, they are wayyy cooler! lol..

im sporting them in my latest vid :)

... Ordered ;)

If I don't squat 160 raw in them, I'm coming for ya! haha

[Matt S]

I squat in these
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/8272/imgvq4.jpg

What`s the verdict? They have a good flat sole.Are they ok?

I`m a medium stance squatter IMO.

[Ryan_W]

Flat sole is a plus but they provide no ankle support... If tightened up well I'm sure they're fine?...

[cuntos]

I bought exacly those: Converse All Stars All Black in Miami for about £15 in 2005. They're pretty good, but the sizing is a bit wank in that they are much larger than they say.

[Ryan_W]

Glad to hear that Cuntos... I'm a UK12 but they didn't have them in stock so I got a pair in 11 instead...

[James Copping]

Glad to hear that Cuntos... I'm a UK12 but they didn't have them in stock so I got a pair in 11 instead...

I'm a UK11 and wear converse size 10. Id say they are a smidge too big if anything but 9's were far too tight.

Hanley: Yes, there is a vid of me squatting 190x8 wide with heeled shoes on youtube, I have always had flexible hips so that could be why I have stayed injury free. Since swapping to converse it has allowed me to go even wider without discomfort, which is awesome :)

[just t]

ive got some ironworks 2 comming to hopefully help with my form

[gerthebear]

I bought exacly those: Converse All Stars All Black in Miami for about £15 in 2005. They're pretty good, but the sizing is a bit wank in that they are much larger than they say.

dammit, thought i was guna be a trend setter but you beat me to it! haha

[DEL]

yeh get THESE (http://www.cloggs.co.uk/invt/494) though, they are wayyy cooler! lol..

im sporting them in my latest vid :)

Now these are way cooler mate. lol

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CONVERSE-All-Star-BLACK-HALLOWEEN-Boots-Trainers-SIZE-5_W0QQitemZ300196450187QQihZ020QQcategoryZ63889QQc mdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

[gerthebear]

they are like, the soldier marines of shoes!!nice one