Weightlifting shoe recommendations

[Pat McElhone]

Brooks Running Shoes, size 9.5 feet my feet well. Vibram Five Fingers, 43 fit well. Can any one recommend a weightlifting shoe and size that would be optimal for my base based on the above. Thank you.

[Greg Everett]

Pat -

Depends on the brand, but Adidas and Do-Win you'll probably want a 9, but it's tough to say because shoe brands vary so much with sizes. General rule is 1/2 size smaller than your street shoes.

[Allen Yeh]

If you are considering Do-wins I'd give Glenn Pendlay a call and he can make a good recommendation on sizing.

[Matt Edwards]

For weight lifting shoes, how snug of a fit do you want? I'm looking to get my first pair and don't want too big/small of a pair.

[Chad Cilli]

Is there really a big difference from shoe to shoe? I've never had a pair of weightlifting shoes, but my experience with skates and running shoes leads me to suspect they vary widely, and the right shoe makes a big difference.

What's a good shoe for a first pair?

Is there a large difference between the Ironwork II and the Adistar? (the last models, not the 2008 models)

How do Do-Wins and the Rogue shoes rate?

[Chad Cilli]

I believe the shoe question has been answered once and for all. Team China Nikes! They have to be bright red though or else all your strength is lost. It's gotta be the shoes!

[Steve Ericson]

Originally Posted by Pat McElhone

Brooks Running Shoes, size 9.5 feet my feet well. Vibram Five Fingers, 43 fit well. Can any one recommend a weightlifting shoe and size that would be optimal for my base based on the above. Thank you.

To confirm what Greg mentioned, I wear a size 11 in Brooks running shoes and the Rogue Do Wins in a 10 1/2 fit me perfectly.

On a side note those new Nike's do look pretty narley.

[Chris Robinson]

Originally Posted by Greg Everett

General rule is 1/2 size smaller than your street shoes.

Any other suggestions for someone who has shoes in a variety of sizes? I have:
- Nike Zoom Waffle Racer IV: 11.5
- Johnston & Murphy dress shoes: 11.5
- Cole Hahn loafers: 10.5
- Bostonian dress shoes: 10
- GBX loafers: 10
- Five Fingers: 43

Originally Posted by Chad Cilli

Is there a large difference between the Ironwork II and the Adistar? (the last models, not the 2008 models)

Any other thoughts on this question? I'm looking to get one of the two, but I'm not sure if the AdiStars are worth an extra $40.

And, for those that will say, "You should try the Rogues." I have and I found them to be a little too wide. I have pretty narrow feet.

[Chad Cilli]

Well, I wear a 42 in Fivefingers, a 10 in Mizunos and Brooks, a 10.5 in Asics, and when I tried on a VS Athletics 9.5 I thought it was a bit tight on length. I don't know how the VS Athletics run compared to other weightlifting shoes, but I think they're sized pretty close to my Brooks.

As for brand, I was looking at Adidas too because my feet are pretty narrow. I keep checking ebay, and there are usually a few pairs on there but they go quick. Not a bad starting point though. I've been hoping to spot a pair of Adidas 2K's, but I think I spotted a pair of Adistar II's and a pair of Ironworks last time I checked.

[Pat McElhone]

Following up. Thanks for the suggestions. I got a pair of Do-Wins 42, the label says 8.5 US. They fit perfect. I believe they made an instant improvement in my lifts...this may because of their bright red color.