Weightlifting or flat soled shoes for squatting

[JTurner]

Just wanted to get some opinions on the use of weightlifting shoes for squatting. I've used them for the last 8 month but with my concentration switching to powerlifting and with less of a need to go ATG, is there any benefit over flat soled shoes or vice versa?

Interested to hear any different opinions and experiences.

[J_Byrd]

I squatted in a pair of boots with a slight heel for years. To me it seems that a small heel is good for a narrow stance and deeper squat. I use a pair of chucks now (which actually has a 1/4in heel) and squat a little wider than I was before. To me its all about preference.

[tank]

Originally Posted by JTurner

Just wanted to get some opinions on the use of weightlifting shoes for squatting. I've used them for the last 8 month but with my concentration switching to powerlifting and with less of a need to go ATG, is there any benefit over flat soled shoes or vice versa?

Interested to hear any different opinions and experiences.

firstly, "...and with less of a need to go ATG" is heresy. secondly, in my experience, and popular opinion seems to agree, that flat soled is the way to go for squatting. you benefit from weightlifting shoes during the deadlift for various reasons that are more technical than i'm qualified to explain.

[JTurner]

Originally Posted by tank

firstly, "...and with less of a need to go ATG" is heresy. secondly, in my experience, and popular opinion seems to agree, that flat soled is the way to go for squatting. you benefit from weightlifting shoes during the deadlift for various reasons that are more technical than i'm qualified to explain.

I wouldn't say it heresy, I just mean that with max attempts there's no need to bury a squat so deep when an inch below parallel will suffice and could be the difference between making a lift and failing.

The deadlift point's interesting, I've read about it in the past but never used the oly shoes for them. Pretty interesting read where Rippetoe speaks a little about it Going Deeper into the Deadlift with Mark Rippetoe, Part 1 & 2, by Myles Kantor

[tank]

Originally Posted by JTurner

I wouldn't say it heresy, I just mean that with max attempts there's no need to bury a squat so deep when an inch below parallel will suffice and could be the difference between making a lift and failing.

The deadlift point's interesting, I've read about it in the past but never used the oly shoes for them. Pretty interesting read where Rippetoe speaks a little about it Going Deeper into the Deadlift with Mark Rippetoe, Part 1 & 2, by Myles Kantor

yeah, you're right about the ATG, i was mostly kidding. what have you decided to do?

[JTurner]

Originally Posted by tank

yeah, you're right about the ATG, i was mostly kidding. what have you decided to do?

I'm going to play around whenever I next squat and see what feels best, tempted to go get some light sets in now.

[Fazc]

I tried a heeled shoe, Do-Wins. Ended up with some additional knee stress. It makes sense that the heel should work, but I could never get it right.

Perhaps I'll try it later today when I wrap up with high-bar.

[tank]

Originally Posted by JTurner

I'm going to play around whenever I next squat and see what feels best, tempted to go get some light sets in now.

i know plenty of folks that preach squatting barefoot. don't know if you've tried it, but you could give it a try and have an idea of whether you prefer a flat or raised heel.

[LtL]

I have recently switched back from heeled shoe (adipower) to converse and feel I am better able to spread the floor and force my knees out. Worth noting I have also widened my stance to help load the suit. For close(r) stance raw squats I think heeled shoes are still good.

LtL

[JTurner]

Tried out my old flat squat shoes last night and it feels better, for now. Since going heavy with the heels I've picked up a few knee tweaks, probably through a form fault as I seem more prone to shift weight towards my toes with them. Filmed a light set of each and there is no difference in depth, just a more upright torso position with the heel.