Imagine taking up scuba diving. You'd sign up for some lessons, and head to the dive shop recommended by your buddy and grab a bunch of gear, included a decent set of fins your size.

How about snowboarding or ski boots? I got an awesome pair of snowboard boots this year and they were definitely worth it, even though I'll probably only get up to the hills (yeah I said hills, unfortunately there are no mountains in Ontario) 4 or 5 times this year.

It seems like every activity has specific footwear, and people even have no problem shelling out hard earned dollars for shoes that just look cool and aren't even comfortable to wear.

Why is it then, that people have such a hard time spending money on shoes for lifting?

A solid pair of shoes will improve all your lifts and help with maintaining good mechanics. 

You don't even have to break the bank. Just head over to the mall and grab a pair of Chuck Taylors.

You can ensure squishy soles don't steal (absorb) the energy you're working to hard to create and transfer to the bar. Those soles are made to protect you from your bad running form (more on barefoot running another time) not to help you PR on your Back Squat. Flat shoes allow your foot to remain planted firmly on the floor as opposed to working hard trying to stabilize your body.

Watch these slow motion videos of a power lift without and with a cheap pair of lifting shoes:

Olympic lift in running shoes

If you're even half serious about your workouts as you are about how you look at the office, hold off on buying that new pair of clubbing shoes or that overpriced HSBC Team Canada Gear you need to help you look stylish at the gym and get a pair of Chuck Taylors or full-out weightlifting shoes instead.

Ready to lift seriously?

Here are a few of the most common shoes that work well for lifting:

Chuck Taylors $45 USD - www.eastbay.com

Rip's Lifting Shoe* - $115 USD - www.roguefitness.com
*powerlifting focused with a thinner .5" heel

Rogue Do-Win - $119 USD - www.roguefitness.com

 
Adidas Ironwork III - $149 USD - www.dynamic-eleiko.com

 
Adidas AdiStar - $199 USD - www.dynamic-eleiko.com

Please Note: I make nothing off any of these links if you purchase these shoes, other than the satisfaction of seeing you lift heavier safer of course.