does anyone squat barefoot?

i just started it a couple of workouts ago and i feel so powerful and balanced when i do that, feels like i can squat an extra 50 lbs!

update! 8/3/09

maxes and goals
bench - need to remax
goal bench - 405

squat - need to remax
goal squat - 500

deadlift - need to remax
goal deadlift - 500
weight -174.8 8%bf 

You'll feel the same way with a pair of flat shoes like Converse or Otomix.

A flat shoe.. no running/trail running type will do the job the same way but give you the support you need.  Squatting barefoot was old school, maybe looked good in pictures but not recommended.

You'll get the exact same beneifts from a nice flat shoe. 

And a drawback to barefoot squats in a tradional gym today?  Dropping or tripping over equipment is going to be more than painful.

Wear the right shoes.  Same beneifts plus added protection.

Marc C. David - NGA CPT
Author of NoBull Bodybuilding
www.nobullbodybuilding.com

I wear shoes when I squat... I feel it saves the protection on my feet...
 
John Cena squats barefoot... I remeber seeing that on a video the WWE made.
 
Like Mark said though- Flat shoes will give you the same benefits... But is safer...

A plate is gonna break your foot if it falls regardless of the type of shoe you are wearing. I squat barefoot because I look like a jerk in converse. lol.

I knew a few guys that do they also deadlift like that to i have wide feet so I hate converse but i might try them again

 Even though there's two typos in Marc's article, he is very correct with Otomix.  I would reccomend them.

President of the Emancipation Detoxification. DBB's oldest forum group, punching baby seals since 2/12/08

not that i can squat anything amazing.. i still have some good shoes for it.

converse - chuck taylors. heheh.. i look like a clown in them, but i don't give a rip.
it's pretty much bare foot on the ground.  very very VERY flat shoes.  i like them

My name is FOX.... and I approve this message.

While I was working out at home I would hardly ever wear shoes. Truthfully I felt more comfortable when lifting. I have very long and wide feet(13wide and 12 long) and I feel a lot better doing deadlifts and squats without them. Just do what feels right. As far as I know it wouldn't hurt to not wear shoes.

Old Lifts: Bench-335, Squat-455, Deadlift-495
New lifts: Bench-375, Squat-545, Deadlift- 585

Strongest 17year old on DBB

ORIGINAL: Marc David

You'll feel the same way with a pair of flat shoes like Converse or Otomix.

A flat shoe.. no running/trail running type will do the job the same way but give you the support you need.  Squatting barefoot was old school, maybe looked good in pictures but not recommended.

You'll get the exact same beneifts from a nice flat shoe. 

And a drawback to barefoot squats in a tradional gym today?  Dropping or tripping over equipment is going to be more than painful.

Wear the right shoes.  Same beneifts plus added protection.

 
added protection from what? after i finish squats i slip on my shoes and walk to the fountain or change weights then i take em back off before i get underneath the bar, nothing to trip over, or drop on my foot..

update! 8/3/09

maxes and goals
bench - need to remax
goal bench - 405

squat - need to remax
goal squat - 500

deadlift - need to remax
goal deadlift - 500
weight -174.8 8%bf 

ORIGINAL: jonb112303

added protection from what? after i finish squats i slip on my shoes and walk to the fountain or change weights then i take em back off before i get underneath the bar, nothing to trip over, or drop on my foot..

Don't think hes saying you are in impending danger. Its more of a "safe than sorry" kinda thing. If you drop a 2.5lb plate on your toe for example. A shoe might absorb the blow or any other odd injury you can think of.

A healthy body is a guest chamber for the soul: a sick body is a prison.

-Francis Bacon

ORIGINAL: Yet

Usually when I get to the top of my deadlift I'll do a reverse-grip curl.

ORIGINAL: Stillseeingreen

ORIGINAL: jonb112303

added protection from what? after i finish squats i slip on my shoes and walk to the fountain or change weights then i take em back off before i get underneath the bar, nothing to trip over, or drop on my foot..

Don't think hes saying you are in impending danger. Its more of a "safe than sorry" kinda thing. If you drop a 2.5lb plate on your toe for example. A shoe might absorb the blow or any other odd injury you can think of.

 
yea i know about that, but i dont walk around the gym barefoot too, only when i squat...

update! 8/3/09

maxes and goals
bench - need to remax
goal bench - 405

squat - need to remax
goal squat - 500

deadlift - need to remax
goal deadlift - 500
weight -174.8 8%bf 

I squat barefoot. But I work out at home. 

Red PittBull's Log.

Let's put it this way...

Barefoot or shoes?  Who cares... it won't make a real world bit of difference in muscle gain/fat loss which is the only goal to me or you.

So if you are comfortable doing it and it's your preference.. go for it.  Sounds like you prefer it so for you.. done deal.  I won't argue that as it's pointless like aruging what color is the best. 

Interesting question nonetheless Johnb. 

Marc C. David - NGA CPT
Author of NoBull Bodybuilding
www.nobullbodybuilding.com

I may have read your question incorrectly from the get-go.  You just asked "who does this."

I should have responded.. not me!  Or not answered. 

Marc C. David - NGA CPT
Author of NoBull Bodybuilding
www.nobullbodybuilding.com

ORIGINAL: jonb112303

i just started it a couple of workouts ago and i feel so powerful and balanced when i do that, feels like i can squat an extra 50 lbs!

Get some weightlifting shoes. Feet get sweaty, shoes don't.

i find that a good pair of running shoes give me balance and support for my feet.

"obsession is what lazy people call dedication" http://www.craze4muscle.com

ORIGINAL: john_92

i find that a good pair of running shoes give me balance and support for my feet.

Yes, great balance on your toes.

ORIGINAL: RedJeep

A plate is gonna break your foot if it falls regardless of the type of shoe you are wearing. I squat barefoot because I look like a jerk in converse. lol.

 
Haha, me too.
 
Barefoot is the way to go.. I do it for deadlifts as well. I like the stable feeling.
 
Plus its pretty accepted at my gym

"If you think you need a spot, just go harder"

Shane - my maori friend + ex-training partner

The only thing your missing when you squat barefoot is arch support. Flat shoes are only better if they have good arch support in them. When you lift heavy loads a good solid sole shoe will save your arches and help prevent stress fractures in your feet.

You can get olympic lifting shoes or just a flat pair of shoes with a hard rubber bottom. I lift in Adidas goodyears and LOVE them.

Add me on facebook!

i go barefoot....

Im also SUPER flat footed so wearing shoes when i do compound lifts liek squats// deadlifts throws my balance off

YOU GOTTA EAT BIG, TO BE BIG!!

NASM certified trainer
NFPT certified trainer

Winter Bulk goal:245-250 by dec 31
Current weight: 235

same here, i have really flat feet, hardly any arch, and also a size 12...extreme balance LOL

update! 8/3/09

maxes and goals
bench - need to remax
goal bench - 405

squat - need to remax
goal squat - 500

deadlift - need to remax
goal deadlift - 500
weight -174.8 8%bf 

I just switched back to working out at home barefoot, and like it so very much more than with the shoes - stability seems much better, and it feels much more natural.  The biggest advantage to shoes on deadlift is that it gives you just a bit more distance that you're lifting the bar, working you just a bit harder....

Does anyone squat barefoot?

Only when I'm droppin' a deuce.  ;)

This thread makes me realize how many regulars we have lost in the past year.

lol...

man i miss reading posts like this

coldfire

ORIGINAL: john_92

i find that a good pair of running shoes give me balance and support for my feet.

Yes, great balance on your toes.

6'3"  @213

Squat 1x20x275

press:200, Deadlift:475, Bench:300, P.clean:235, Squat:385

"The only failure that is final is to stop trying to improve"

I tried barefoot, too slippery, plus my arches need support. Flat shoes is the way to go imo

http://www.discussbodybuilding.com/Seos-Log-2008-m442008.aspx

JMBS


Does anyone squat barefoot?

Only when I'm droppin' a deuce.  ;)

Oh my god.  But seriously -it's so much more satisfying that way

As for the gym (and I'm probably gonna get fed to the wolves on this one), I stick with Timberland mid-rise workboots.

Bob Paris filled his entire book "Beyond Built" with photos of him doing barefoot workouts, and I remember thinking maybe there was something to it.  But then, knowing what we now know about Bob, I'm guessing that something is not what I originally thought.  More to the point, I didn't see any other pros doing that in their publications.

My home away from DBB

Wow this thread is old... Yes, I squat barefoot since I'm on carpet, Tell you this much, I'm about to flip on the iron again in about five minutes.

Three week keto test run
Started July 19
It will work, or I'm done dieting.

im perfectly comfortable lifting in either shoes or barefoot so depends where im at.

219 weight trying to lower 217 now. 2 months later. lol.
250 bench
305 squat
345 deadlift

i feel like an animal when i squat barefoot/socks, i start to train like one

update! 8/3/09

maxes and goals
bench - need to remax
goal bench - 405

squat - need to remax
goal squat - 500

deadlift - need to remax
goal deadlift - 500
weight -174.8 8%bf