Bare foot squats?

[Flee]

Thoughts?

Some say it is a great way to identify form breakdowns. Also strengthens the arch.


Talk.


Ryan

[jax]

double post

[jax]

i've heard the same thing about wearing converse all-stars -- i think that's popular with a lot of the guys who are into westside training.

it makes sense, but i've always wondered about it doing more dynamic lower body exercises (for example lunges). pros/cons?

[JaW]

Cmon on guy, wear your shoes...

Converse have little sole, and the sides of them don't break easily so you can put pressure on them when pushing up in the squat. Something like that.

[Newlife]

Originally posted by Flee:
Thoughts?

Some say it is a great way to identify form breakdowns. Also strengthens the arch.


Talk.


Ryan

All my lifting is done barefoot and I would never go back to lifting in shoes unless I was forced to (like in a public gym). It feels much better and I have had zero problems doing it.

[nobody]

I agree with Newlife. If you can, lift barefoot.

[F1]

Bare foot is better than normal trainers since the cushioning in the soles provides an unstable platform from which to squat/dead/clean/etc. You can get proper weightlifting shoes which have a solid wedge sole and allow you to squat without going barefoot (good for commercial gyms). Some argue against using them for PL, as they tilt you forward, so affects biomechanics of squat/deadlift. Hence preference for Chuck taylors and other flat soled shoes with no cushioning amongst PL's (plus cheaper)

[Flee]

Great feedback.

I worked out bare foot before posting this thread. I was very pleased with the process. I work out in the garage so it will be incorporated.

I got some skinny peds. Hopefully this will make them stronger and more durable as well.

Thanks,

Ryan

[DKing]

Originally posted by F1:
Bare foot is better than normal trainers since the cushioning in the soles provides an unstable platform from which to squat/dead/clean/etc. You can get proper weightlifting shoes which have a solid wedge sole and allow you to squat without going barefoot (good for commercial gyms). Some argue against using them for PL, as they tilt you forward, so affects biomechanics of squat/deadlift. Hence preference for Chuck taylors and other flat soled shoes with no cushioning amongst PL's (plus cheaper)

Chucks are great for pulling in and for wide stance, spread the floor Westside type squatting, but for closer stance high bar Oly squatting a par of Oly shoes are much better. The sole is shaped in a way that will allow you to get better depth.
Danny

[Rev]

I always wear AirWalks. They are lite, flat souled, and thin souled. Works for me, I could be missing out but I have always used them. Plus I can get them for like $20!