I ordered a pair of black Nike’s a few weeks ago (it was a newer model that I can’t remember the name of) and my wife, who has an eye for detail (as women often do), promptly told me that the sneakers were too narrow and delicate-looking for my frame.
She said that because I had wide-set shoulders and a muscular build, that I should be wearing a thicker, chunkier shoe that complimented me better.
She always liked the Nike Air Monarchs that I used to wear (and still do) because they’re a wider, “manlier” shoe.
The toe box of these newer Nike’s was really tight for some reason, which had me on the fence about them to begin with, and my wife’s comment drove me over the edge, so I returned them almost immediately.
But, this got me thinking about what the ideal sneakers for bodybuilding would be, if there even was such a thing (not just in terms of looks, but like an all around best sneaker).
First, I got looking into, ‘weightlifting shoes’ because it was the first keyword search I thought to look up.
Should bodybuilders wear weightlifting shoes?
It turns out that weightlifting shoes would be the worst thing for bodybuilders to wear, as I discovered mere minutes after my search.
Weightlifting shoes or squat shoes, as they’re sometimes called, are heavier than you’re average shoe and have an elevated heel designed to improve ankle mobility and movement patterns for when you’re performing things like high-bar squats and power cleans, but they’re pretty ineffective for when you’re deadlifting. (1)
These types of shoes (pictured above) would not benefit bodybuilders because it’s not in our interests to lift crazy, insane amounts of weight just for the hell of it.
After all, we’re not trying to look like strongman competitors (although Mariusz Pudzianowski looked pretty aesthetic for a strongman).
The heel also makes them not ideal for doing any kind of movement where it benefits you to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground (i.e. most exercises).
Plus, who wants to be taking on and taking off different pairs of shoes during your workout depending on what exercise you happen to be doing? Nobody.
Should bodybuilders wear wrestling shoes?
If you search up, “bodybuilding shoes,” a few companies pop up.
You got, Otomix, which markets their sneakers toward bodybuilders, weightlifters and powerlifters, touting their “thin, sewn-on soles” which they say make it easier for the wearer to feel the ground beneath their feet (an important characteristic when it comes to lifting weights).
Then, you got, Ryderwear, which sells bodybuilding clothing and accessories (you may have seen Kai Greene promoting them). They have a sneaker that they market toward bodybuilders as well, although it looks very similar to the Otomix ones.
And, you got, Gorillawear, which sells the same type of sneaker, but with different branding on it.
There are probably a few other companies that sell these type of sneakers, but those are the top three.
Let’s be honest, all three of these companies are essentially selling wrestling shoes.
Granted, wrestling-style sneakers are great for bodybuilding because they are low drop from heel to toe, low to the ground and you can really feel stable and secure while wearing them, but they’re also as ugly as sin.
If you’re anything like me, you want your sneakers to look good and be a lot more versatile–and cheaper–than wrestling shoes are.
7 characteristics to look for in a good bodybuilding sneaker
1. Good-sized toe box
Aesthetically, the shape of the toe box is very important. A narrow, or odd-shaped toe box can actually make you look feminine, which is why I’d avoid certain sneakers, even if they fit comfortably. The toe box should have a masculine edge, or appeal to it, if that makes sense.
Of course, this is assuming you’re a guy and you want to present yourself as a guy (you never know these days).
More room for your toes also means more stable footing and a more secure stance, which benefits any and all major lifts.
2. Classic
White sneakers look great on pretty much everyone. It’s a very classic look that never goes out of style.
It all depends on the sneaker, but certain black sneakers can also look good.
The main thing is that the sneaker should have a timeless look, but also be reliable and not known for falling apart within a year (like a lot of “cross-trainers” and other sneakers do).
3. Relatively low heel
Hylton Menz, a podiatrist and professor of biomechanics at La Trobe University in Australia says short and narrow shoes can cause foot deformities, as well as bunions, corns and calluses and that the “healthiest shoes” should fit well (i.e. comfortably) and have a low, broad heel and thin, flexible sole (2)
“People who predominantly walk or run in “minimal” shoes–shoes that mimic your bare feet by ditching arch support and a restrictive toe box while incorporating a very thin, flexible sole—tend to have stronger, stiffer feet than those who wear traditional shoes” says Harvard chair of Human Evolutionary Biology, Daniel Lieberman.
Seems like what we’ve heard about low-heeled shoes hurting our arches is fake news (assuming you’re not already flat-footed, or need orthotics).
Also, shoes lower to the ground help us to generate more power when we’re lifting because there’s no thick padding between our feet and the ground absorbing some of the force–this is why Arnold and company used to lift barefoot (sans shoes).
4. Comfortable
If it’s not comfortable, why are you wearing it?
And, more importantly, why are you trying to work out in it?
5. Versatile
There’s no need to wear sneakers dedicated to bodybuilding and nothing else.
Sneakers should be highly versatile and wearable pretty much everywhere, including the gym.
6. Stink-proof
Shoes that don’t breathe well, or that don’t naturally wick away moisture tend to smell more.
Sneakers made of canvas, leather and suede probably fare better in terms of smell because the stink-foot bacteria have a harder time colonizing these materials–which is an important consideration if you’re going to be working out in them.
7. Low-cost
Sneakers shouldn’t cost more than $50-$60 in my view.
In fact, as a general rule, the more you pay for your sneakers, the less cool you are.
Unveiling my picks for top 5 best sneakers for bodybuilders (contains Amazon affiliate links)
1. Vans Sk8-Hi
The Vans Sk8-Hi is my number one pick for bodybuilders for a few reasons.
First off, they originated in the U.S.A, specifically Anaheim, California, which is within an hour’s drive of Venice Beach, California (the Mecca of bodybuilding).
Secondly, they’re just a great sneaker; they’re comfortable, versatile, low drop, low heel, have a nice big toe box, giving you a more stable, secure footing, and they’re a good-looking, stylish shoe.
These are even better than Converse All-Stars for lifting, in my opinion, for all the reasons mentioned above, but mainly because of the wider toe box and more masculine look.
I also like the high-top in this sneaker, as opposed to the low top because they just look sexier, they come in a variety of colors and patterns, and they can be worn with jeans, or shorts (they go with anything).
2. Adidas Stan Smith
The Adidas Stan Smith might just be one of the most classic sneakers of all time and for bodybuilding purposes they’re great because of the low-drop, low heel, thin sole and nice-sized toe box.
They’re also super versatile and go with everything and anything. You can wear them at the gym, on a date, anywhere.
The Adidas Superstar was a contender for this spot, but I ultimately chose the Stan Smith because it doesn’t have the thick, obtrusive, rubbery toe like the Superstar does.
3. Puma Suede
The Puma Suede is super classic and super sexy because it looks really clean, really stylish, but also happens to be a great sneaker for bodybuilding because of the low drop, low heel, thin sole and good-sized toe box.
They look great with jeans, but you could also wear them with shorts and they’ll look just as good.
4. Saucony Shadow
The Saucony Shadow is an update of the classic Saucony Jazz sneaker. This one isn’t as low drop as the others, but deserves to be on this list because of it’s good-sized toe box and the fact that it still does have a relatively thin sole and low heel, allowing you to power through your squats and deadlifts.
They’re also a little less common and not many people know about them, so you’ll definitely get compliments wearing this sneaker.
5. Nike Air Monarch
The Nike Air Monarch is my go to sneaker and has come to be known as the poster boy of the ‘dad shoes’ trend, but I’ve been wearing them for a while now.
I’m no Johnny-come-lately to this classic sneaker, but I would be remiss if I failed to warn you about some of its drawbacks, as far as working out in them goes.
They’re technically a low drop sneaker because the heel and toe are about the same height when you’re wearing them, but they are not low heel, or thin sole, thus making it more difficult for you to get that ‘grounded’ feeling with them.
But, this effect is not terrible by any means and they are flat in a platform sneaker kind of way, giving you about an extra inch and a half or so in height, which is why they’re still on this list.
There you have it!
Check out the podcast and drop me a voicemail at 917-267-8590 to share your thoughts about your favorite sneakers that you use for working out.
Here’s to fresh kicks,
Sources:
- Dewar, Mike, “Should Non-Olympic Weightlifters Wear Weightlifting Shoes?,” Barbend.com, 7/6/17, https://barbend.com/non-weightlifters-wear-olympic-weightlifting-shoes/
- Heid, Markham,”These Are The Healthiest Shoes To Wear According To Scientists,” Time Magazine, 5/20/18, https://time.com/5294580/healthy-shoes-footwear/