Squat Shoes?

[jonoevansla]

Guys, I've never consistently squatted as I've always struggled with technique - mainly down to me having long legs and short achilles. I've managed to get by using a couple of plates to elevate my heals by 1inch which helps. I'm considering getting some squatting shoes to see if they help - has anyone tried these? Any thoughts?

[ArtOfWar]

I've got these - http://www.amazon.co.uk/ADIDAS-adipower ... ghtlifting

They definitely make a difference. Your not going to turn into a machine or anything, but it helps with stability. They are expensive, but you will only ever need one pair.

I will add though that improving your hip & ankle mobility and stretching your hamstrings & calfs are more important.

[TempleSlave]

I would stretch/release calves and hip flexors before squatting and hamstrings in the evening, on regular basis. If you're using wedges or elevate heels, try to decrease that elevation. Generally I never allow a client (non-athlete) to squat unless they can go down to parallel without losing neutral spine. If I trained an athlete, going ATG is a must, with neutral spine neck to tail bone.
If you can't do either, there are tons of great leg exercises to use and they can also progress you to a proper squat.

[TempleSlave]

[ArtOfWar]

Converse are going to be no good to the original poster looking at the problems he describes. They are fine if you have enough mobility/flexibility to start with, but he doesn't.

Working on his issues and getting a pair of weightlifting shoes will help a lot, but it's whether he wants to spend that much on a pair of shoes. My thinking when I got mine was I will probably never need to buy another pair again, because they are made so well. Therefore in the long run I'm not losing out.

[jonoevansla]

I eventually bought the Adidas Power Perfect 2 shoes.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/ADIDAS-Power-Pe ... ghtlifting

Have found them to really help with technique. The issues I had previously dont seem to bother me now. Have been squatting regularly since buying them, and my weights are gradually increasing. So all posistive.

Cheers.

[kenny powers]

just do it with your socks on and drive through the heals you should not have any thing under your heals times have changed since them pictures

[mikiesb]

Football astro turf shoes work fine too along with.wrestling boots. Don t squat barefoot only.dead lift barefoot