Okay, so don't get it twisted, just because you're part of the Wicked Women of Lifting community doesn't mean you don't obsess about your footwear. While you're out and about you're most likely rocking some killer sassy footwear, but in the gym it's gotta be functional and performance enhancing all while show off your own personal style.
Today's blog is a product review of available shoes that are best worn in the squat rack. The reviews contained within were generously provided to us by "Mary G"- who is as her last initial indicates a "Gangsta" on the weights! Although small in stature, this lady can lift a LOT of iron. We met her at a local competition and were immediately drawn to her grit. Thanks again Mary for providing us with your Shoe Review!
The Options and Fit:
So, you're an "Iron Maiden" of the squat rack...a straight up badass motherf*cker? Well, it doesn't mean you lose your womanhood and don't care about your shoes!! But with all of the options out there- pretty colors, tie downs, straps and all of the reviews which are mostly for and by men (especially lifting shoes), it can be hard to find what you want for your vanity and for your PR's. I hear ya. And I've worn them all- the Innov-8's, Reebok Lifters and Lifters Plus, Nike Romaleos and Adidas Adipowers. So here's your one stop shop for what you want.
First off - get the right stinking size for your foot and if they arrive and are the wrong size, then don't make due- try again. Yeah, it's a pain in the ass, but don't try to be snatching shit up in a shoe that makes your foot slide around. The fit should be snug-no sliding back or forth into the toe and absolutely no heel sliding.
My best advice is to go to Road Runner Sports, Foot Locker, or Dick's Sporting Goods and try on whatever they have in stock. This helps on two levels, you can test out the sizes and comfort level of each brand and it's instant versus waiting a whole week to find out that your Cinderella shoe doesn't' fit.
It's important to mention that the Reebok and Innov-8's come in women's sizes whereas the Adidas and Nike's only come in men's sizes-which you'll then have to figure out. I was one size smaller in the Adidas and a size and a half smaller in the Nike's, but for some of you who like their fit a little different then obviously you're free to pick what you like best. Just make sure they're snug and expect them to be stiff...that's the point of a good lifting shoe.
The Shoes:
The Innov-8 Fast Lifts- They're a good shoe. More stiff if you've been wearing the Reebok Lifters and for you ladies who care...they come in those pretty blue, purple, green and pink colors. They're functional, but only get a rating of meh. If you're the jump-roping type, do not attempt to do any double unders in these shoes!!!
Rebooks (Lifters and Lifters Plus)- So overall review, these shoes are functional. I could leave it at that, but that's not practical for what we want, right? They're way more flexible than any other lifting shoe out there. So, if you want to box jump or do double unders in them, you can, and you still get the same benefit of having a raised heel to squat in.
Nike Romaleos and Adidas Adipowers - If you're a serious lifter you'll want either one of these shoes on your feet. People with narrower feet like how the Adidas shoe feels, whereas the Nike toe box provides a little more room for all your tootsies. The Adidas tie down well with straps that are the right length. Some people don't like the longer straps on the Nike's, but I personally prefer their tie downs . Also with the slightly wider toe box on the Nike's I have felt more grounded and secure when snatching and cleaning heavy weights.
So, get your shoes on -squat heavy, work hard and fuck shit up!!!
Today's blog is a product review of available shoes that are best worn in the squat rack. The reviews contained within were generously provided to us by "Mary G"- who is as her last initial indicates a "Gangsta" on the weights! Although small in stature, this lady can lift a LOT of iron. We met her at a local competition and were immediately drawn to her grit. Thanks again Mary for providing us with your Shoe Review!
The Options and Fit:
So, you're an "Iron Maiden" of the squat rack...a straight up badass motherf*cker? Well, it doesn't mean you lose your womanhood and don't care about your shoes!! But with all of the options out there- pretty colors, tie downs, straps and all of the reviews which are mostly for and by men (especially lifting shoes), it can be hard to find what you want for your vanity and for your PR's. I hear ya. And I've worn them all- the Innov-8's, Reebok Lifters and Lifters Plus, Nike Romaleos and Adidas Adipowers. So here's your one stop shop for what you want.
First off - get the right stinking size for your foot and if they arrive and are the wrong size, then don't make due- try again. Yeah, it's a pain in the ass, but don't try to be snatching shit up in a shoe that makes your foot slide around. The fit should be snug-no sliding back or forth into the toe and absolutely no heel sliding.
My best advice is to go to Road Runner Sports, Foot Locker, or Dick's Sporting Goods and try on whatever they have in stock. This helps on two levels, you can test out the sizes and comfort level of each brand and it's instant versus waiting a whole week to find out that your Cinderella shoe doesn't' fit.
It's important to mention that the Reebok and Innov-8's come in women's sizes whereas the Adidas and Nike's only come in men's sizes-which you'll then have to figure out. I was one size smaller in the Adidas and a size and a half smaller in the Nike's, but for some of you who like their fit a little different then obviously you're free to pick what you like best. Just make sure they're snug and expect them to be stiff...that's the point of a good lifting shoe.
The Shoes:
The Innov-8 Fast Lifts- They're a good shoe. More stiff if you've been wearing the Reebok Lifters and for you ladies who care...they come in those pretty blue, purple, green and pink colors. They're functional, but only get a rating of meh. If you're the jump-roping type, do not attempt to do any double unders in these shoes!!!
Rebooks (Lifters and Lifters Plus)- So overall review, these shoes are functional. I could leave it at that, but that's not practical for what we want, right? They're way more flexible than any other lifting shoe out there. So, if you want to box jump or do double unders in them, you can, and you still get the same benefit of having a raised heel to squat in.
Nike Romaleos and Adidas Adipowers - If you're a serious lifter you'll want either one of these shoes on your feet. People with narrower feet like how the Adidas shoe feels, whereas the Nike toe box provides a little more room for all your tootsies. The Adidas tie down well with straps that are the right length. Some people don't like the longer straps on the Nike's, but I personally prefer their tie downs . Also with the slightly wider toe box on the Nike's I have felt more grounded and secure when snatching and cleaning heavy weights.
So, get your shoes on -squat heavy, work hard and fuck shit up!!!