Right, I'm still using my squishy soled posh jogging shoes right now, and I'm sure it's not helping my lifting.
Since my birthday's coming up, I'm either going to drop "subtle" hints to people, or just treat myself and get some proper lifting shoes.

http://www.cloggs.co.uk/invt/494 - Converse All-Star boots, £30 seems pretty reasonable.

Are these okay? I could get a wooden sole, or a specific weight-lifting pair like Adistar, but are they that much better? I'm still fairly novice, so not sure I can justify spending £100+ on a pair of shoes I'll only use 4 hours a week.

Also, there's no trick to ordering shoes is there? ie. a size above or below what you normally get.

I bought a pair of Chuck Taylors about a month ago and they've been great (although to be fair there should be very little that can go wrong with a pair of flat-soled canvas shoes). You shouldn't need to pay more than £30 for a set.

If you want a set of shoes for Oly lifts etc then that's a different kettle of fish that I know nothing about, but in the meantime I'd do your squats and DLs in socks/bare feet, I only bought my Chucks because I was getting told off for going barefoot in the gym.

I use oversized Chuck's - they're perfect, just not for running.

I bought a pair of Chuck equivalents from JJB at the weekend... reduced to £2.50!

I have Otomix. BIT pricey and i look a bit of a knob but they are so nice for lifting i dont care

I use All stars, 1 size too big.. fookin shite for benching tho as they slip all over the shop

I didnt realise so many people get specific shoes.

Do you find that it makes a difference?

Ive always worn - well whatever I have trainers wise - although they have always been flat sole

Well, by most accounts, shoes are very important, as well, they're what you stand on.

http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/Equipment#Shoes

I'm in london for my birthday this weekend, so I'll have a wonder round, see what I can find.

Since getting my ironworks (£80) there has been a massive difference in the quality of my lifts, squat and oly mainly. But my legs have changed shape ridiculously since buying them and all oly lifts have shot up. You also get greater stability and control as your feet don't move, allowing greater depth.

I can understand if you didn't want to pay £80 for them but I really think they are worthwhile.

Coop_de_Ville wrote:Since getting my ironworks (£80) there has been a massive difference in the quality of my lifts, squat and oly mainly. But my legs have changed shape ridiculously since buying them and all oly lifts have shot up. You also get greater stability and control as your feet don't move, allowing greater depth.

I can understand if you didn't want to pay £80 for them but I really think they are worthwhile.

80£ is a steal (with the low £ ). Got a link? How about sizing?

Having a flat sole that doesnt squish about make a big difference. Also the ones i have support the ankle a bit which is nice when squatting and doing deads

I like the wooden sole Adidas type shoes for squats too - And for benching come to think of it - they're just dam expensive!

Also as Coop says, they're great for Oly lifts - I got my last pair from Pullum as I was getting other stuff, but in the past Ive used http://www.sports-shoes.net/ - But looks expensive at the mo!

I know some people prefer flat soles for squats in which case the converse work well too + they're good for DL's which the adidas aren't

ps - I find adidas sizing quite small so I always end up going up 1/2 size compared to work shoes - But then I do for most other training shoes too

Coop_de_Ville wrote:Since getting my ironworks (£80) there has been a massive difference in the quality of my lifts, squat and oly mainly. But my legs have changed shape ridiculously since buying them and all oly lifts have shot up. You also get greater stability and control as your feet don't move, allowing greater depth.

I can understand if you didn't want to pay £80 for them but I really think they are worthwhile.

I think i'll get some oly shoes soon. Even if i'm only wearing them once or twice a week for the few oly lifts i do. they should last forever.

The Ironwork 2s are going for around £80. Just check on pullum-sports.com

My ones are the ironworks 3 which were £100. Got mixed up.

Coop_de_Ville wrote:The Ironwork 2s are going for around £80. Just check on pullum-sports.com

My ones are the ironworks 3 which were £100. Got mixed up.

I've got the Ironworks II too - Nice, I'm very happy with them - I really wanted the new Adistar but at £175 ...

I wear a pair of flat soled trainers but always go bare foot for squats and deadlifts. I prefer the feel of having my own feet on the ground if that makes sense.

Im too miserable to pay £80-£100 for a pair of trainers.

Rab wrote:I wear a pair of flat soled trainers but always go bare foot for squats and deadlifts. I prefer the feel of having my own feet on the ground if that makes sense.

Im too Scottish to pay £80-£100 for a pair of trainers.

Hah.

Found my Adidas Goodyear trainers which are for driving/track days work really well for me and aren't too expensive.

ollie wrote:

Rab wrote:I wear a pair of flat soled trainers but always go bare foot for squats and deadlifts. I prefer the feel of having my own feet on the ground if that makes sense.

Im too Scottish to pay £80-£100 for a pair of trainers.

Miserabe/Scottish....same thing.

Tried about 8 shops on saturday looking for ironworks, including the head london adidas shop, but nothing. Bloody useless company.
Think I'll order off here this week, as they're £10 less than Pullum. Why do most lifting shoes have to be a silly silver colour?

Think I'll get the Ironwork IIs, unless someone recommends any of the others instead.

If you can fit into a UK 8 1/2 - I've got a not much used pair - They're too small for me - You can have 'em for somewhat less than £80

Ader wrote:If you can fit into a UK 8 1/2 - I've got a not much used pair - They're too small for me - You can have 'em for somewhat less than £80

i might be able to fit into those, just about anyway. hmmmmmmmmmmm lol

Thanks, the offer's appreciated. Unfortunately I have big feet, and you know what they say about people with big feet.
They need big shoes.

Ash - I've seen quite a few people suggesting going 0.5-1 size lower on oly shoes, so you get a snug fit, if that helps. Adidas shoes tend to be a bit narrow though, so if you're a splayed-foot marsh wader like me, same size is probably an idea.

Went for the Adistars as they didn't have ironworks in my size.