Why powerlifting shoes
Powerlifting shoes are mandatory to compete. They also provide extra protection and grip to train harder for longer.
What is your why
Before we go into the details of why you want to use powerlifting shoes, let me ask you a couple of questions:
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Why do you want to powerlift
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Why do you want to change your body
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What happens when you do
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What happens if you don’t
These four questions are essential for your personal success. Research shows that people who write down their goals and reflect on them are more likely to achieve them. So sit down and get going. Many people go about their lives like this:
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What do I want
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How do I get it
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Why do I want it
This is a very clean way to insanity. What you want changes hundreds of times a day. It depends on what happened yesterday, what you have or lunch and whether the weather is nice. And these are just three of millions of variables. If you make what you want the center of attention you will spread your resources thin and scatter your time between too many activities. If you chase all rabbits at once you will catch none. Something interesting happens when you flip the running order of these questions on their head:
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Why do you want something
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How do you get it
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What needs to be done
This puts your innermost desires at the center of attention. Your thoughts and actions will become more connected and success more likely. If you want to know how this works on a psychological level read Daniel Kahneman's thinking fast and slow. Simon Sinek's TED talk on the golden circle will change your life.
It all starts with being deliberate with your time. The best tool I found or this is the self journal from best self. Since I journal my marriage has dramatically improved and my salary has risen by 30%.
Powerlifting
Powerlifting is the sport of the total. Your total consists of three lifts. These three lifts are the bench press, squat, and deadlift. For each lift, you get three attempts. The best attempt for each lift will be counted towards your total. You are only allowed to count one lift each and must have a qualifying lift for each to make it on the board. Based on your total you will be ranked against the other competitors.
A big difference to lifting in the gym is that you will get judged. Three referees observe your lifts from different angles and give commands. They decide whether thefts have been performed according to the rules. Two out of three have to agree for your lift to qualify.
Your total usually splits into 40/40/20. The squat and deadlift contribute about 40% each while the bench press adds about 20%.
In competition, you have to wear shoes for hygiene and safety purposes. They can also help to enhance performance as long as they are approved by your federation.
Types of powerlifting shoes
There are following types of powerlifting shoes
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Powerlifting shoes
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Wrestling shoes
Weightlifting shoes are usually used for the squat in powerlifting. They have a raised heel which makes it easier to squat big weights as the shins can tilt forward more easily to get into the squat position. The raised heel is usually suboptimal for the deadlift and this is why many powerlifters bring two pairs of shoes for competition. Examples of weightlifting shoes are:
Powerlifting shoes are usually shoes with a flat sole which are very sturdy. They have no raised heel and distinguish from normal runners with a solid sole with no springs or air cushion inside the shoe. Powerlifting shoes are especially popular for the deadlift as you want to be as close to the ground with maximum stability. Some options in this region are:
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Saba powerlifting shoes
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Metal powerlift shoes
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Converse
These shoes are especially popular when you lack the budget to buy weightlifting shoes and powerlifting shoes. The next category is the slippers. Powerlifting slippers are a great option for lifters who pull conventional and just want to get something on their feet. This is also a good budget option in a combo with weightlifting shoes.
The last option is wrestling shoes. Wrestling shoes are especially popular with sumo deadlifters. Pulling sumo puts more torque on your feet. Slippers, powerlifting, and weightlifting shoes do not cover the ankles. Wrestling and boxing shoes go over the ankle with a minimum sole. Some options are:
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Adidas pro
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Otomix
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Reebok boxing boot
Why use powerlifting shoes
Powerlifting shoes help you to oblige with the rules at a competition. They also provide extra stability, especially for sumo deadlifters.
