Why Your Footwear Is Sabotaging Your Lifts (And What To Do About It)
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Why Your Footwear Is Sabotaging Your Lifts (And What To Do About It)
The Science Behind Your Base
Your feet are your foundation—literally. Every movement in the gym, whether it's a squat, a shoulder press, or a bicep curl, starts from the ground up.
But here's the problem:
Most gym-goers are training in shoes that were never designed for lifting. Cushioned running shoes, trainers with air pockets, or flat canvas sneakers might feel fine—but they’re costing you power, posture, and progress.
Let’s Talk Force Transfer
In strength training, force travels from the ground through your feet and up your kinetic chain. According to a [study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320321106_Shod_versus_barefoot_effects_on_force_and_power_development_during_a_conventional_deadlift), lifting barefoot or on a flat surface resulted in higher force production compared to thick-soled, cushioned shoes.
In short: the softer the shoe, the more power you lose.
Cushion = Compression = Compromise
Running shoes are designed to absorb shock and propel you forward—which is great if you’re sprinting 5K. But under a barbell, that same cushioning collapses and kills control.
Every time your cushioned sole compresses:
- Your knees may cave
- Your ankles lose tracking
- Your core compensates
Research from [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33927116/) shows that footwear directly alters joint loading and alignment in squats—especially when it comes to depth, ankle angle, and knee stability.
That’s why elite lifters and performance coaches favour flat, firm soles: they allow the foot to spread, stabilize, and send maximum power through the floor.
Why Barefoot Isn’t the Answer Either
Some lifters go barefoot or wear socks to 'feel the floor.' And yes, it’s better than a squishy trainer—but it's also slippery, unsanitary, and offers zero structure or support.
You need a training shoe that:
- Mimics barefoot contact
- Adds grip and structure
- Still feels light and natural
Enter Gymsole: The Premium Lifting Sneaker
Gymsole was created with one purpose:
To give lifters the perfect balance between barefoot feel and built-in structure.
Backed by biomechanics and tested by coaches:
- Flat, zero-drop sole for true ground contact
- Recycled rubber outsole for traction under load
- Minimalist construction to support without interference
Whether you're squatting 140kg, overhead pressing, or even hitting curls, Gymsole keeps you grounded, aligned, and locked in.
Train Smarter From the Ground Up
No more generic sneakers.
No more slipping in socks.
No more wasted effort under load.
It’s time to take your foundation seriously.
Experience the shoe designed for lifters who care about control, form, and results.
→ Try Gymsole Today
Free UK Delivery. Built to Last. Trusted by Coaches.
