Does anyone know if these sneakers are good to use when performing leg exercises? I have a pair of them, and a pair of Nike Air Maxes, but they have the squishy things in the sole, so I assume they’re bad. I usually wear my New Balance sneakers for legs, but they are getting old, and all of the new sneakers that I like have they squishy tube thing in the sole. I have some Sketchers, too, but they aren’t really gym shoes. Or is it just being too picky to care about what kind of sneakers you have for leg training?
I’m from the squatting old school - “squishy” is bad, stable is good. Converse Chuck Ts and Vans/Airwalk/any skateboard shoes all work well. Anything with an elevated heel is ok for oly lifting but for conventional squat/deadlift/leg press type stuff, a flat sole/midsole is easier on the knees and more stable for the big weights.
Try wrestling boots or Converse Chuck Taylor boots as recommended by Louie Simmons,you want a thin ,flat sole when deadlifting and squatting.
But what if I still want to look good when I am lifting? The shoes you suggested are a fashion disaster! LOL Would sandals be better than my sneakers?
look unless you are competing you probably shouldn’t worry about it too much. Theres a quote by louie simmons that goes something like “you shouldn’t have $100 shoes and a 10 cent squat”
Actually, I just do front squats now, would that have any impact on what shoes to wear? Maybe this doesn’t put so much pressure on my heels? I have never felt like shoes mattered as much when I do deadlifts.
I like to think that my vans are a breath of fresh air in a sea of $150 cross trainers. But then again, I think coming out of the hole with a heavy ass bar is pretty fashionable, as is being able to do so with healthy knees at a ripe old age.
Princess, I could see Chuck T’s being a fashion disaster, but I hope you weren’t referring to Vans! They are great, and I find perfect for squats and deads. Keeps the feet flat and very stable. Don’t worry what shoes you are wearing anyway … it’s all about being functional. Besides, most guys I know would give a damn about your shoes. There’s plenty more to study 
Get yourself some Chuck Taylor’s or go barefoot. Don’t worry about coordinating the shoes with your outfit. No one gives a shit in a real gym. But if you go to one of those “fitness centers” where all the women go there in make-up, perfume and coordinating outfits to flirt and pick up guys, then maybe you should just stick to some high heels or something.
I use wrestling shoes when at a public type gym (barefoot is forboten). If you need fashion, check into Ottomix, they have shoes that are decent lifting shoes and approximate the Reebok look.
Nate Dogg - hahaha. At least Vans come in about a hundred different color combos - surely somebody makes a lipstick that will match at least one of them.
btw i use these addidas shoes. not sure of the name but they have 3 stripes on the side (they are cross trainers or something, not the “superstars” which are basketball shoes). I am pretty sure they are the same type that ed coan wears in this pic i have of him squating 1000 something.
If you’re used to a heel and you front squat then you could get yourself a pair of Oly shoes. I’ve got some Adidas Ironwork shoes and I love em, plus they don’t look half bad. Stability is good in them too. Only problem is that they’re $100+. Chucks or Vans are the best for PL-style back squats. I’ve squatted in sandals before, better than tennis shoes or cross trainers but not as good as Chucks or shoes made for squatting.
Yes, I think Vans are a fashion disaster! Only stoners wear them! LOL
What do Adidas Ironwork shoes look like? Would it be good to wear indoor soccer shoes? I don’t care what kind of gym I go to, I’d look like a moron in Vans!
Go to Adidas’ web site. They should have some there.
Princess, quite frankly I’d wear hot pink spiked heals if I knew they’d build my legs bigger, stronger, and safer.
Try Ottomix (I may have spelled this wrong) shoes. They are flat soled, and very flexible. A pair will last several years if you only use them for training legs, calves, and back. I love them.
The Adidas website is being dumb right now, I;ll have to try later. I don’t like how Otomix shoes look, I’ll look weird in them!