How to Use Strength Shoes

Strength shoes help an athlete increase his vertical jump. Strength shoes force the legs in general and the calf muscles in particular to work hard and increase their ability to produce explosive power. This is important in sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer and football.

Step 1

Do calf raises when wearing your stength shoes. The built-up soles under the front part of the foot will make your muscles work hard. Lift your heels up as high as they can go and hold the position for four seconds. Return to your original position and repeat the lift 10 times.

Step 2

Do squats while holding a weight at shoulder level. Bend your knees and lower your body until thighs are parallel to the floor. Raise up to a standing position. Do 10 squats overall.

Step 3

Do a box jump to build explosive power in your legs. Stand in the middle of the room and put a box that is at least 9 inches high next to you and jump on top of it. Then jump back down to the floor. Repeat the exercise 10 times. As you continue this exercise over time, jump on a bigger box. You can use a box that is up 24 inches high.

Step 4

Do walking exercises on a soft surface. Walk quickly on a football field or a running track. A distance of 75 yards is a great starting distance. By walking quickly you will build your calf muscles and your thigh muscles. This will build explosive jumping power.

Step 5

Do not attempt to run long distances in your strength shoes. There is a school of thought that says if walking in them is good, then running in them is better. There's another school of thought that say that if running short distances is good, then running long distances is better. Running long distances -- more than 400 meters -- is dangerous with strength shoes and it is very difficult on your feet and your balance.