There is an old adage that says you can tell a lot from a person’s shoes. That is, if a person keeps her or his shoes looking neat and clean, odds are this person enjoys keeping things shipshape and/or makes it a point to look exceedingly presentable. Now, in terms of weightlifting, shoes can also be quite telling. A person who wears open-toed shoes to the gym is likely to be new or has a devil-may-care attitude (there is probably a policy demanding closed-toed shoes for safety reasons). In a similar manner, a person wearing weightlifting shoes is someone who has probably been lifting for a while and wants to maximize his or her performance.
Weightlifting Shoes: Their Function
Weightlifting shoes differ from regular sneakers in a few, key regards. One of the main features of them is added support. When lifting heavier weights, there is an increased risk of injury since it becomes harder to balance. Weighting shoes help decrease this risk. Additionally, while regular running shoes absorb the force generated against the floor, shoes specifically made for weightlifting allow more force to go to the weights themselves. Needless to say, weightlifting shoes are also made for traction and fit. While open-toed shoes is a telltale sign of someone who is not taking lifting (nor the safety of their feet) seriously, weightlifting shoes are an indicator of someone who is taking lifting to the next level or wishes to do so.
Weightlifting Shoes: Things to Consider
Of course, when making the decision to buy weightlifting shoes, it is imperative to choose shoes that will give maximum functionality. They need to allow natural movement and be snug without being restricting or suffocating. Breathability is an added feature to consider when planning to go through longer training sessions. Regardless, make sure the shoes you choose are right for you and your weightlifting routine.
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