Are Converse Good for Lifting? Find Out More!

We often get the question, “Are Converse good for lifting?”

Converse shoes are an okay option for beginners and intermediate lifters wanting a flat shoe that’s stable for weight training.

Converse are popular gym shoes for a number of reasons, including their comfort, durability, and stylish appearance. Then again, why do people wear Converse to the gym?

Keep reading and find out more!

Are Converse Good for Lifting?

The simple answer – yes!

Although originally designed for basketball, Converse are considered a good beginner shoe for weightlifting and powerlifting.

They enforce proper posture during exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses because they have flat rubber soles.

When performing exercises like squats and deadlifts, flat-soled shoes help you push off the ground much more easily and, more importantly, maintain your balance.

Related Post: Are Nike Blazers Good for Lifting?

Reasons to Wear Converse for Lifting

Many people working out in Converse shoes are likely to be seen if you walk into almost any gym in almost any country.

Now, this might make you start wondering, “Why do people wear Converse to the gym?” in this article, we will try to give you in-depth answers to this question while also explaining the benefits and downsides of wearing such shoes for weightlifting.

Let’s begin by listing every justification for why people choose to wear Converse at the gym.

Converse Shoes Have Flat Soles

The majority of shoes that people typically wear to the gym are designed for running, which means that they have curved and cushioned soles that support proper form and help the wearer move forward while running.

While these shoes are excellent for jogging, walking, etc., they’re not ideal for weightlifting, where flat shoes are the ones that can offer better support, more stability, and overall contribute to learning the proper lifting form for each exercise.

Read More: Are Converse Non Slip?

They’re Cheap and Easy to Find

Converse shoes are great for beginners. They are not only readily available at all shoe stores, but they are also frequently inexpensive and have a long lifespan.

Along with that, if you find out that lifting isn’t the right sport for you, you can easily continue to wear your Converse shoes for other activities, as they’re also very stylish and tend to be “on trend” every couple of years.

They Lack Cushioning

Converses tend to lack the cushioning that normal shoes typically have. And that’s a major advantage for those who want to start lifting because less cushioning gives you a better sense of the ground and more stability, allowing you to stay firmly planted even when lifting heavy weights.

In particular when performing compound exercises like the squat and the deadlift, Converses help you maintain good posture throughout the entire movement by allowing you to push off the ground quickly.

Converses Are Comfortable

The Converse Since the 1970s, Chuck Taylors have been a staple in culture, and their longevity is not the result of some magic trick or dumb luck. The main reason is how comfortable and convenient this shoe is to wear.

You don’t have to do wear tests with Converses, and you don’t have to get them loosened up. After purchasing them, you can immediately begin exercising and walking with them.

This is an especially significant advantage because Converses do not require any break-in period like professional lifting shoes do, which can be uncomfortable or take some time to get used to.

Converse shoes are also much more comfortable to wear if you have wider feet than traditional weightlifting or powerlifting shoes, which are much more restrictive or require some break-in time.

Also Read: Do Converse Run Big Or Small?

They’re Easy to Clean

One of the best things about Converse is that they’re easy to clean.

Owning a pair of trail or road running shoes will let you know that they aren’t always the simplest to clean.

Cleaning your Converse regularly (at least once a month) will mean they hold up for longer over time.

It’s best to use lukewarm water and a damp cloth to clean your shoes.

Avoid washing or drying them in a machine.

To keep their shape, allow them to air dry at room temperature before stuffing with paper.

The Limitations of Converse Shoes for Lifting

There’s no getting around the fact that Converse does not make conventional weightlifting shoes.

You should be aware of some restrictions before purchasing a pair of their casual shoes for lifting since they are made more for style than for functionality.

1. It’s Not Suitable for Certain Lifts

First of all, Converse shoes only really excel for a few certain lifts; those which don’t require your feet to move. In other words, they’re good deadlift shoes or squat shoes.

Converse shoes do not encourage much toe and foot bending, which is necessary for movements like lunges and calf raises. Although their sturdy soles are suitable for walking, they are inadequate for exercises that require dynamic and explosive movements.

When performing exercises like these, do not wear a pair of Chuck Taylor shoes because doing so will harm your form, hinder your progress, and possibly even cause injury. In addition, because the shoes are constantly being bent out of position, doing so will harm them.

2. It’s Not Suitable for Cardio Training

HIIT, running, and plyometric exercises are examples of other cardio exercises that are similarly beneficial. Shoes with adequate cushioning, support, and comfort are needed for these exercises.

An athletic shoe will have a thicker sole with specialized cushioning and padding to absorb impacts and provide support in movement, whereas the much thinner sole of a Converse shoe does not have these properties and can cause injury or pain when used in the wrong context.

3. It’s Not Suitable for Professional Weightlifting

Converse shoes are also not appropriate for professional levels of powerlifting and weightlifting. Although they make a good option for more recreational lifters, those looking to compete would stand to gain more from spending money on a pair of specifically designed lifting shoes.

These specialized shoes, as opposed to Converse’s selections, are made only to lift heavy objects. They are made to a high standard and have flat soles, lots of support, ventilation, and appropriate cushioning.

When lifting professionally, you want to get every advantage you can. While a pair of shoes won’t magically increase your strength, they can improve your form and training gradually, which over time can have a positive impact.

Best Converse Shoes for Lifting

Now you know the answer to: “Are Converse good for lifting?” – we’ll take a look at the best lifting shoes made of Converse.

The best Converse shoes for lifting are:

• Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Tops
• Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low Tops

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Tops

The most recognizable Converse shoe is probably the All Star High Top.

As opposed to the low-top style, the iconic high-top Chuck Taylors provide more support for the ankle joint by wrapping around the area.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low Tops

Almost identical to High-Tops, All Star Low Tops are distinguished by their low profile.

They are therefore more advantageous for those who only need minimal ankle support.

The best shoe to choose is the one that complements your personal style the most because there isn’t much difference between the two types.

Conclusion: Are Converse Good for Lifting

We can easily conclude that Converse shoes are a decent option for lifting.

Although they’re not the best on the market, they’re still a respectable option for budget-conscious beginner or intermediate lifters who are unsure whether it’s worthwhile to invest their money in a pair of professional lifting shoes.

Having said that, we’d like to hear your opinion on Converses – do you think they’re a good option? What footwear do you use when lifting weights? Please tell us in the comments.

Read More:

• Are Converse Good for Running?
• Are Converse Good for Skating?

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