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Posted by u/muscledmomma··Question

Are Olympic lifting shoes worth it for high bar squats?

TL;DR: Are Olympic lifting shoes beneficial for high bar squats, and do they help improve form and stability?

I'm a 32-year-old mom of four and my lifting routine revolves around making the most out of my gym time. I recently started incorporating high bar squats into my program to target my quads more effectively. I've been using regular training shoes, but I'm curious about whether investing in a pair of Olympic lifting shoes would really make a difference in my form and overall performance.

From what I've read, the raised heel can help with my squat depth and positioning, which is crucial since I'm often juggling kids while also trying to maintain good form. I'm also considering how it might impact my overall lifting journey, especially with progressive overload in mind. Do Olympic shoes actually help with stability and power transfer? If any of you have made the switch, how did it feel? Was it worth the investment?

I'm all about finding ways to optimize my workouts while managing family life, so any insights would be appreciated! What brands do you recommend? Do you think it's a necessary upgrade or just a nice-to-have? Looking forward to your thoughts!

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u/muscledmomma·

Olympic lifting shoes can really be a game-changer, especially for high bar squats. The raised heel allows for a more upright torso position, which can help you maintain better form while you're juggling family responsibilities. I've found that they've improved my squat depth and comfort, which is a huge win when you're managing four kids! Make sure to try them on and find the right fit because stability is key in those lifts. For brands, I've had great success with Nike Romaleos and Adidas Adipowers, but there are plenty of options out there.

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u/recipequeen44·

I get that! Have you tried doing some squats in bare feet? It really helps with balance. I usually switch it up depending on the lift! 🏋️‍♀️ But when it comes to high bar squats, Olympic shoes are pretty great for that extra depth.

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u/hatesupps_4life·

Honestly, I've never seen a huge difference when switching to Olympic shoes. I mean, if you've got your form down and you're progressing, why spend the extra cash? I just use regular training shoes and hit my PRs without any issues. Maybe it's just me, but I don't think the investment is necessary unless you're lifting at a competitive level.

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u/strongmommy22·

I hear you, but I'd have to disagree with that. Olympic shoes can really help with stability and power transfer. I used to struggle with my high bar squats until I made the switch, and I noticed a huge difference in my quad activation. Plus, the comfort they provide makes those heavier lifts much more manageable. If you want to keep progressing, it might be worth it to invest in a pair!

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u/home_gym_hustler·

If you're considering this upgrade, look into how they'll fit into your overall lifting setup. I built a home gym and got a pair of Olympic shoes, and they rly help with my squats and cleans. Just make sure your space can handle that kind of setup. If you're focusing on building strength and depth, they're definitely an investment worth making.

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u/gymratbutchill·

Lol, this might be the only time you'll hear me say this, but shoes can matter! I switched to Olympic shoes recently and it's like I unlocked a secret level in my squats. I don't have kids to juggle, but I know how tough it can be to prioritize form. If you're already feeling good about your squats, this could just be the cherry on top.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

This is facts! Switching to Olympic shoes helped me with stability and made my squats feel way better. Definitely gives u that edge when you're pushing for those higher weights. If you're planning to progress your lifting, I'd say it's a solid investment!

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