03/12/2026
The Right Tool for the Job: Your Shoes Matter More Than You Think 👟
Quick question…
Would you try to deadlift standing on a pillow?
Because that’s basically what you’re doing when you wear thick cushioned running shoes to lift weights. 😅
Today I brought a few examples from my own lineup:
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👟 HOKA (Super Cushioned Running Shoe)
These are AMAZING for long miles. Lots of shock absorption. Great for protecting joints while running or walking distance.
BUT…
Trying to deadlift in these feels like standing on marshmallows.
And that’s a problem.
When we deadlift, we want to generate force by pushing the ground away. Your feet should feel planted, stable, and connected to the floor.
If your shoe compresses like a mattress every time you apply force, you lose power and stability.
Think about it:
If the ground moves… how can you push against it?
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👟 Nike Metcon (Flat Training Shoe)
Now we’re talking.
Flat sole. Solid base. Very little compression.
This lets you drive through the floor when squatting, deadlifting, or doing strength work. Your body can transfer force efficiently from the ground up.
Translation: Better stability. Better power. Safer lifting.
This is also why you’ll see people lifting in Jordan's, Converse… or even just their socks!
They’re trying to create the most direct connection possible between their feet and the ground so they can generate maximum force.
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👟 Regular Nike Trainer (Middle Ground)
These are somewhere in between. Slightly cushioned, but still relatively stable.
I’ll wear these on general training days when we’re doing a mix of movements.
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👟 Brooks Ghost (Running Shoe)
Another great running shoe. Not quite as pillowy as the HOKA, but still designed for forward motion and impact absorption.
Perfect for running.
Not ideal for heavy lifting.
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Here's the bottom line:
Different movements require different tools.
Running shoes = built to absorb impact
Lifting shoes = built for stability and force production
Train smart, ladies.
Your feet are the foundation of every lift.
