I'm a beginner lifter and my budget is ~$50 (USD). Any possibility of finding good lifting shoes around this price point, or am I going to have to shell out more money? :')
If you're on a budget I would steer clear of any shoe designed for lifting. What you want to do is look for a shoe with a relatively flat sole and is low to the ground. Chuck Taylors usually fit this description.
I currently use Nike Metcons for most of my lifts but will every now and then I rock my Reebok Lifter PR shoes during a squat session since it feels like I get more depth in those.
Thanks for the input about the Nike/Reebok shoes. I'm curious, how flexible are they?
I used to have a pair of converse a few years ago but they are not very flexible, right? Ideally I want to be able to bend my toes to do things like lunges. Would they work for that?
Even converse are like $50 in my area (& online too) so they're a last resort for me. Might upgrade to one of the other shoes you mentioned if I can find them on sale.
Honestly the Amazon selection for barefoot shoes is pretty solid currently. I personally have a couple of pairs of the Whitin brand. If you can find a sale I've gotten solid shoes for $20 before.
Thanks! They do have one model on clearance right now but it's described as a running shoe. Do you think it's suitable for lifting? If there's a specific model you recommend, I'll keep an eye out for it to go on sale.
I'm a big believer in barefoot shoes for lifting (and basically everything), and there is very little difference between all of xeros shoes. The running ones will be fine IF a barefoot lifting shoe is what you want. If you want a shoe with a big heel wedge, xeros are not it.
Maybe watch some YouTube videos on barefoot lifting before deciding. It's better for flexibility and range of motion and balance, but not necessarily getting the heaviest lift.
I've got a few different models of Xero shoes. I think they all would be fine. I've even used the slip-on Aptos. The only thing I don't do in then is squat because i just don't have the ankle mobility yet.
Yep, those should work. Personally i'd prefer one with a smoother bottom for lifting, those are a bit knobbier than their other shoes since it's for trail running, but i'm sure it would still work great!
I used to have a pair of converse a few years ago but they are not very flexible, right? Ideally I want to be able to bend my toes to do things like lunges. Would they work for that?
Even converse are like $50 in my area (& online too) so they're a last resort for me.