More on CrossFit Shoes
Last week I posted about the ineffectivness of running shoes for weightlifting and CrossFit in general. Since then, lots of people have asked me what type of shoes they should get. There are several options to choose from, each one having different pros and cons. Here is my two cents:
Nike Sparq Trainer ELITE: This shoe is designed for athletes (football in particular) who do agility drills and performance testing on grass or turf. Therefore it’s low to the ground, has a thin sole for plenty of feedback, and a relatively hard sole for good responsivness. If you go to purchase these, make sure you get the ELITE model, that’s because the “regular” model has a higher heel and is basically just a cross-training/running shoe.
PROS: Low heel
Relatively firm sole
Versatile, light shoe that you can lift in, as well as do box jumps and run
CONS: Slightly unstable sole when lifiting heavy.
Because the traction was meant for grass and turf, they wear out quickly when worn on pavement, which makes for a slippery shoe on wet days.
Leather material will eventually smell like a rotten skunk that has little regard for his personal hygeine, after you’ve sweat in them for a couple of months.
Converse Chuck Taylor
PROS: Super flat, super stiff sole.
Excellent for deadlifting and squatting.
Inexpensive.
CONS: Some find it can be a little clunky to run in.
Puma’s/Sketchers (or other flat bottom casual shoe)
PROS: You probably already have a pair.
Good for deadlifts and squats.
You can run short distances in them.
Easy to transition from the Sweat Shop, to dinner in downtown Walnut Creek.
CONS: Some styles may have too much and/or too soft a heel.
Weightlifting Shoes
PROS: Wooden sole has zero give.
Far out-performs other shoes for Olympic lifts.
Helps just about everyone achieve a better position for overhead squats.
Good for deadlifting.
CONS: Because of their stiff wooden sole, you can’t run in these.
It’s like doing weighted pullups.
They range from $80-$150.
**Reminder** CrossFit Sweat Shop has added evening classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30pm.
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Tuesday’s WOD:
As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes:
*complete (1) 403m run before time expires.
12 KB Swings
6 Burpees
6 Ring Dips
12 Box Jumps
