Workout Shoes - Shoes for Strength Training
By Marc David
Editor's Summary: A first-hand account about how the
correct workout shoes can enhance your exercise routines. Various
workout shoes and their benefits are discussed.
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.
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
To subscribe to Marc's free b-weekly e-zine, visit the Freedomfly
website here: http://www.freedomfly.net/fitnessnewsletter.htm
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