Shoes: what brand, where to buy, what to look for?

[Swami]

Hi all,

Noob here.

1) I was wondering if any of you know of any major shoe store chains that carry decent weightlifting shoes? I've called a few and haven't had any luck. I'm a tad nervous about ordering shoes online, since I wouldn't be able to try them on first. Am I stuck going online?

2) Main main focus will be squatting and deads. My goal is strength and size. Any recommendations of a brand or, if not a brand and type, a specific thing my shoe (whatever brand or type) must have, e.g., specific dimensions, structure, etc.?

I'm a noob, so I'd prefer to keep it under or not much over $100.00.

[DRice311]

Finding a retail store that carries specialized shoes like that will be difficult, unless you live in a pretty big city. There is one in my area, but it is the MDUSA scratch and dent room, not really a retail store. I'd say your best bet is finding an online store with good customer service and a solid return policy. Each brand can fit a little differently. I'd personally recommend Rogue Fitness, or - Eastbay actually carries a couple different weightlifting shoes now, and currently offer free shipping. For less than $100 your options will be limited. I've never tried the addidas powerlifts, but I know someone who has them and likes them. I think they go for like $89.

[Corrie]

Where do you live? You don't have to be too specific, but are you in The US? Canada? Which general region? Someone may know a local place that has them.

[Mdemarco]

Im a fan of these Allstars with the strap on top
allstars.jpg

think i paid $40 bucks at Champs

[FatButWeak]

maxbarbell.com has Wei Rui weightlifting shoes. I have had a pair of Wei Ruis for 7 months now and really, really like them. No problems with quality and price is excelletn - shipping is only 5 bucks. Be forerwarned, though: the shoes seem to run big.

[jkw]

maxbarbell.com has Wei Rui weightlifting shoes. I have had a pair of Wei Ruis for 7 months now and really, really like them. No problems with quality and price is excelletn - shipping is only 5 bucks. Be forerwarned, though: the shoes seem to run big.

I just got the Warriors from there and I like them. They have very simple instruction on how to measure your feet, just follow them and you'll be good to go.

[b3astmode]

maxbarbell.com has Wei Rui weightlifting shoes. I have had a pair of Wei Ruis for 7 months now and really, really like them. No problems with quality and price is excelletn - shipping is only 5 bucks. Be forerwarned, though: the shoes seem to run big.

Your only options for sub-$100 lifting shoes are going to be MaxBarbell as noted above, the Adidas PL Trainers which aren't well suited to really heavy lifting (see this link: http://wlshoes.com/) and the VS shoes.

[Carlos Daniel]

rogue fitness sells them and the nike shoes are amazing

[swervedriver]

People at your gym will think you're a weirdo, but you could also wear dress shoes with a heal

[Dastardly]

amazon and a few other online retailers do free returns if you didn't like the item.