Workout Shoes - Shoes for Strength Training
by: Marc David
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 favourable. I would recommend them to anybody looking for
some comfortable, high quality, long lasting footwear that is
designed specifically for the gym.
About The Author
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.
mrcd@freedomfly.net |
