Workout Shoes - Shoes for Strength Training
I've always worked out in just a plain pair of tennis shoes. Rarely to I see
or even think that using special shoes would make any difference at all.
However, I began to think of better shoe support when I started doing heavy
squats. This prompted me to do a little research in specific type shoes for
working out that would give me better ankle support and put my feet in a more
level position for squats and leg presses.
After some Googling around, I came across the Otomix brand of shoes. There's
virtually nothing on the net about workout shoes. There's even less in
bodybuilding forums about the subject. Yet soccer players have special shoes,
and so do most other athletes. Tennis shoes are great for running but they
didn't seem to be wonderful when it came to squatting and doing other heavy
leg exercises.
These shoes ( a few versions are available) sell for around $95 on average
depending on the website you find, and the sales being offered. With some
clever searching, you can find a great price. I ordered my Otomix Ultimate
Trainers online and was pleased to see many e-mail and tracking notifications
about my order. According to Otomix, these workout shoes were specifically
for:
Ultimate Trainer has been designed specifically for weight training and
incorporates the new High Performance Bodybuilding system. The HPB system
provides a combination of comfort and support utilizing a special wrap around
strap adjusted by our innovative lacing system. This shoe is a must for the
serious bodybuilder.
Note: Their shoes run a half size small compared to your true shoe size. They
suggest that you order a half size larger.
Quickly I opened the box and found everything intact and in brand new
condition. I was ready for my leg workout.
Adjusting the laces properly is a must. It came from the factory like most
shoes. It wasn't laced thru each of the holes. I fixed the laces and found the
shoes to fit nicely and very snug. I felt ankle support and was able to
tighten them like a snowboarding boot but not so tight as to be uncomfortable.
I headed off to the squat rack.
Doing squats is something I enjoy. Honestly, I enjoy them a bit more now with
full support for my feet. These shoes were great first time. NO break in
period was necessary. They were comfortable, gave strong ankle support and
allowed me to do full squats without any annoying feet issues. I felt like my
feet were flat and firmly place on the floor with good traction. Moving onto
the leg press, same thing. NO odd arches, no slippage, and good solid firm
foot placement for a good pressing motion.
I only use these shoes on leg days. That is really where I want the support. I
do not wear them outside for walking around. They are just like gym gloves.
Used in that environment as appropriate. The soles of the shoe are good for
traction in a smooth, flat gym environment. These particular shoes are not
made to be worn as a street shoe. That would be a big mistake. You'd wear out
the tread in days and be out $100 very fast. However, in the gym, where they
are meant to be, these shoes were incredibly superior.
My overall reaction and opinion of my Otomix workout shoes are very favorable.
I would recommend them to anybody looking for some comfortable, high quality,
long lasting footwear that is designed specifically for the gym.
Marc David is a bodybuilder, writer, and author of the the e-book "The
Beginner's Guide to Fitness and Bodybuilding" (BGFB): What Every Beginner
Should Know but Probably Doesn't. Marc has written over 20 articles and has
been featured in several health and fitness websites. Marc's opinionated and
informative articles on bodybuilding, weight loss and training are featured
regularly on: http://www.freedomfly.net
See Also:
Index of All Body Building & Fitness Articles
Index of All Sports Articles
Search for More Sports Related Info
