Different exercises require different types of sports shoes. Each model varies in weight, material and design, and is chosen based on its applicable use. Sports shoes reduce injury by providing support for the part of the foot that receives the most stress in a specific sport. Shoes for strength training have distinct features because they need to provide stability when lifting weights and performing resistance exercises.
Purpose
The purpose of a shoe for strength training is to allow the feet to transmit power from the body. This is helpful for lifting or moving weight in activities such as leg presses, bench presses and squats. Shoes for strength training also provide stability on unstable surfaces, helping to prevent injury. The cushioning in other types of athletic shoes decreases stability because the soft padding makes it hard to control your technique and can knock you off balance. If technique and balance are disrupted, the risk of injury goes up.
Features
Until the 1970s, power lifters were limited in their choice of shoes and had to use Converse Chuck Taylors or even patent leather oxfords because shoes specifically designed with minimal cushioning and non-slippery soles were not available. Nowadays, shoes for strength training feature incompressible soles, arch support and a snug fit. They either have a flat, hard sole or a slightly raised heel, depending on the activity. Some manufacturers make shoes with special lacing systems. Shoes in general have leather uppers and synthetic bottoms.
Flat Heels
Shoes with flat heels keep your feet close to the floor and provide the most stability and control when performing low bar squats and deadlifts. They also provide ankle mobility. Quality wrestling shoes offer the same type of features.
Raised Heels
Weightlifters in Olympic competition wear shoes with a slightly raised heel when they're lifting barbells. Competitive weightlifters wear shoes with these raised heels to help them reach the depth needed to complete power cleans and some types of squats.
Price
Pricing for shoes for strength training range from approximately $30 if you're interested in going "old school" with Chuck Taylors to around $200 for top-of-the-line raised heel shoes from major athletic shoe manufacturers and companies that specialize in making strength training shoes.
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