Hello, I hope this type of post is allowed here.
I’m a beginner lifter and my budget is ~$50 (USD). Any possibility of finding good lifting shoes around this price point, or am I going to have to shell out more money? :')
Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!
If you’re on a budget I would steer clear of any shoe designed for lifting. What you want to do is look for a shoe with a relatively flat sole and is low to the ground. Chuck Taylors usually fit this description.
I currently use Nike Metcons for most of my lifts but will every now and then I rock my Reebok Lifter PR shoes during a squat session since it feels like I get more depth in those.
Thanks for the input about the Nike/Reebok shoes. I’m curious, how flexible are they?
I used to have a pair of converse a few years ago but they are not very flexible, right? Ideally I want to be able to bend my toes to do things like lunges. Would they work for that?
Even converse are like $50 in my area (& online too) so they’re a last resort for me. Might upgrade to one of the other shoes you mentioned if I can find them on sale.
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Going barefoot is what I do now. It’s technically forbidden at my gym but I haven’t been told off for it yet haha. I don’t see anyone else lifting barefoot though :/ I just want to get proper shoes because it lowkey feels gross and I’d like to get proper equipment for this new hobby. (Like technically you can wear “fashion” beachwear to swim but it’s best if you have a proper swimsuit, right? Hope I’m making sense here)
After reading the responses here I’m starting to think barefoot shoes might be the best option for me. Thanks for your input!!
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I spend a lot of time barefoot so I’m not super concerned - plus I’ve been training to keep my balance on the balls of my feet rather than my heels for my sport. I can always take advantage of generous return policies if I feel that it won’t work out. :) I appreciate you sharing your experience.
You could also look into lifting slippers like Notorious Lifts. They have soles like shoes but are fabric on the top like slippers. They’re in your budget.
Thanks, I will check them out!
Lifting shoes are generally relatively expensive. A good shoe for the price are Reebok lifter PR2/3. They’re heel is not that high though.
You could also just go barefoot if that’s ok in your Gym or with flat sole shoes. And maybe put small plates under your heels.
https://www.reebok.eu/de-de/shopping/lifter-pr-iii-sneaker-19727376 this one is currently for sale in the EU. If you get a coupon (sometimes you can find 30% coupons for Reebok) you can save some more.
Danke schön! I will keep an eye out for this one if it goes on sale here.
Honestly the Amazon selection for barefoot shoes is pretty solid currently. I personally have a couple of pairs of the Whitin brand. If you can find a sale I’ve gotten solid shoes for $20 before.
That’s another vote for Whitin. I’ll check it out, thanks!
Maybe wait for a xeroshoes sale? Sometimes they get pretty cheap
Thanks! They do have one model on clearance right now but it’s described as a running shoe. Do you think it’s suitable for lifting? If there’s a specific model you recommend, I’ll keep an eye out for it to go on sale.
I’m a big believer in barefoot shoes for lifting (and basically everything), and there is very little difference between all of xeros shoes. The running ones will be fine IF a barefoot lifting shoe is what you want. If you want a shoe with a big heel wedge, xeros are not it.
Maybe watch some YouTube videos on barefoot lifting before deciding. It’s better for flexibility and range of motion and balance, but not necessarily getting the heaviest lift.
Right now I just take off my shoes for squats but I wanted to get proper shoes so that I can get more stability for OHP, lunges, etc. (Also it lowkey feels gross lol.) My ankle mobility is good. So I think barefoot is fine for me. Thank you for the info that the xeros running shoes would also work!
In my experience - at least after my feet got stronger - shoes take away more stability than they add. You’re on the right track with your other comments: you need flexible soles for lunges if you are going to take advantage of the full range of motion of your toes, and improve that range. For ohp, a wide shoe is nice as it helps your toes splay out and create a wide base.
I’m not sure where you are, but in Canada there are barefoot shoes on Amazon called whitin and joomra that are super cheap. I like the joomras more, they just seem better made, but both have very squeaky soles, which sucks. Still, they are cheap and feel great. I have 3 pairs: one for boxing and gym, one for town, and one tighter pair for baseball. Highly recommend.
Wydm by shoes taking away stability? Do you mean non-barefoot shoes?
I’m in the US, so those brands should be available here as well. Thanks!!
Edited to add: I realized that I hate doing lunges because of how unstable I feel doing them in my current (running) shoes, but I’ve seen excellent results after doing weighted lunges for 2 months (my sport uses lunging movements frequently and they feel so much easier). So that’s one of the reasons I’m looking for shoe advice. Lunges are excellent and I want to continue doing them in a way that’s comfortable and feels safe.
I mean traditional shoes take away stability. Probably the most stable foot is a strong bare foot. Minimal barefoot shoes probably take away some stability but a negligible amount.
Stability comes from toe splay, and engaging the arches of the foot. Traditional shoes bind the toes, making your foot narrower than it otherwise would be, and less stable. They also have foam, providing an unstable surface, and usually arch support, preventing your arches from engaging.
But - most people have weak feet from years of wearing shoes that weaken their feet. If you have weak feet, then most of these things (arch support, foam, tight fit, heel drop), will increase the stability of a weak foot.
Your feet will strengthen as you do exercises with minimal shoes. Over time, you will become more stable than you could be a traditional shoe.
Gotcha
I’ve got a few different models of Xero shoes. I think they all would be fine. I’ve even used the slip-on Aptos. The only thing I don’t do in then is squat because i just don’t have the ankle mobility yet.
Thanks! So it sounds like this shoe being a running shoe shouldn’t make a difference.
Yep, those should work. Personally i’d prefer one with a smoother bottom for lifting, those are a bit knobbier than their other shoes since it’s for trail running, but i’m sure it would still work great!
Danke!
What about outlet store converse?
I used to have a pair of converse a few years ago but they are not very flexible, right? Ideally I want to be able to bend my toes to do things like lunges. Would they work for that?
Even converse are like $50 in my area (& online too) so they’re a last resort for me.
I got some of these CT Ultra Mesh for like, maybe $30 or less USD at an outlet store.
They are very flexible, have a flat sole.
Thank you! Maybe I should hit up a brick-and-mortar store and try them on.
Sketchers D lites.
