Strength-training shoes look similar to regular athletic shoes, but they have a weighted plate on the forefoot designed to add resistance and make the calf muscles work harder during training. The jury is still out on whether strength-training shoes provide adequate benefit.
Calf Girth Increase
According to Fred Hatfield, M.S., S.S.C., of James Madison University, a 1996 study reported an increase in calf girth when using strength-training shoes over 10 weeks versus those training in regular shoes. The group that used strength-training shoes showed an increase of 2.5cm after 10 weeks; the group that used regular shoes showed an increase of 1.1cm.
Difficulty Finishing Training
Hatfield also reported that seven of 24 participants in a controlled study in which non-athletes began using strength-training shoes dropped out due to injuries and three dropped out due to difficulty of exercise. Hatfield speculates that the dropout rate may have been less severe if the study participants had been athletes with well-trained muscles instead of non-athletes who could not handle the added strain.
Potential Injury
Seven of 24 participants in the reported study who wore strength-training shoes dropped out due to injury caused by the strength-training shoes. For many participants, the added strain on the muscles caused by the shoes made it difficult to continue training through the 10-week program.
Vertical Jump
Participants in the study who finished the 10-week program increased their vertical jump by approximately three times more than participants who trained in normal athletic shoes. This may be attributed to the added calf strength and girth developed by using the strength-training shoes.
40-Yard Sprint
Subjects who used strength training shoes had slower times during a 40-yard sprint when using the strength-training shoes than those who used regular shoes at the end of the 10-week training program. However, both training groups showed an improvement in overall performance after completing the program.
Conclusion
Strength-training shoes may be more beneficial for those with some athletic ability or who have more developed muscles due to previous training. Though there are some benefits to strength-training shoes, there is also the risk of injury. Talk with a personal trainer or coach before adding strength-training shoes to your workouts to see whether they're right for you.
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