Hello, I hope this type of post is allowed here.
I’m a beginner lifter and my budget is ~$50 (USD). Any possibility of finding good lifting shoes around this price point, or am I going to have to shell out more money? :')
Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!
Thanks for the input about the Nike/Reebok shoes. I’m curious, how flexible are they?
I used to have a pair of converse a few years ago but they are not very flexible, right? Ideally I want to be able to bend my toes to do things like lunges. Would they work for that?
Even converse are like $50 in my area (& online too) so they’re a last resort for me. Might upgrade to one of the other shoes you mentioned if I can find them on sale.
Personally, I prefer the Reeboks to Nike. I have some Metcon 1s and they’re so stiff I think I only wore them twice. The classic Rebook Nanos I will wear all the time because they’re comfortable and have a wide toe box.
Chuck’s are fine if you’re just lifting, but not so great for other stuff.
Lifting barefoot is also an option, if it’s not taboo in your gym. I’ve had a lot of trainers tell me to take my shoes off when training a lift, it’s especially common if new lifters who might show up to the gym in running shoes. Barefoot is the cheapest option.
Going barefoot is what I do now. It’s technically forbidden at my gym but I haven’t been told off for it yet haha. I don’t see anyone else lifting barefoot though :/ I just want to get proper shoes because it lowkey feels gross and I’d like to get proper equipment for this new hobby. (Like technically you can wear “fashion” beachwear to swim but it’s best if you have a proper swimsuit, right? Hope I’m making sense here)
After reading the responses here I’m starting to think barefoot shoes might be the best option for me. Thanks for your input!!
I’ve always done socks, not actually barefoot, but yeah, I get it.
I find the stuff marketed to crossfit people to be the best balance, but barefoot-ish, but still enough padding to be comfortable to do most things, and stiff enough to lift.
I recently bought a bunch of barefoot shoes with the goal of totally converting. I’ll just say. Some of these barefoot shoes are rough. I think they’re harder to walk with than actually going barefoot. If you go the rough of the hardcore barefoot shoes, just know that there will be an adjustment period, possibly a long one. Look up his to walk and run with a more natural foot pattern. People who just jump into barefoot shoes and go out and run like it’s a pair of New Balances, end up hurting themselves. Be smart, do your research, and take it slow. Land on your forefoot, not your heal.
I spend a lot of time barefoot so I’m not super concerned - plus I’ve been training to keep my balance on the balls of my feet rather than my heels for my sport. I can always take advantage of generous return policies if I feel that it won’t work out. :) I appreciate you sharing your experience.
You could also look into lifting slippers like Notorious Lifts. They have soles like shoes but are fabric on the top like slippers. They’re in your budget.
Thanks, I will check them out!