The lifting shoe is the most important piece of equipment you will need if you are going to lift heavier weights. You can find them from anywhere around $100 to $300. You don't need to break the bank. The shoes in the $100 range are just fine for starting out. Adidas, Nike, Do-win, Risto and Rogue fitness carry good quality lifting shoes.

I know, I can already hear some of you saying "Eww, they look ugly." Yes, they do but they do an incredible job of keeping your foot stable during a heavy load.

I have lifted in personal trainers, vans, and converse. Trust me, they don't work well when it comes to lifting a heavy load. Trying to do a squat in a pair of converse is like trying to do the squat on your mattress.

Weightlifting shoes are not compressible. They are firm and hard which allows for better force production to take place between your foot and the floor. All other shoes are too squishy.

The straps you see on the tongue are metatarsal straps and secure the metatarsal region. The straps help maintain proper foot positioning and prevent any unwanted movement or sliding within the shoe.

There's also an elevated heel of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch which allows for greater ankle mobility, enabling the lifter to maintain proper form and achieve a deeper squat without compromising their balance or technique. This can also help prevent the feet from moving forward under heavy weight, keeping the lifter in the correct position throughout the lift.

Make a lifting shoe a priority if you want to strength train.

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