Effect of Footwear (Barefoot, Running, Weightlifting) on Joint Load Distribution in the Squat
Southwell DJ, Petersen SA, Beach TAC, Graham RB
Evidence is still limited and needs further study
Summary
A study of 24 experienced lifters performing 80% 1RM squats barefoot, in running shoes and in weightlifting shoes. Footwear redistributed joint loads between the hip and knee rather than making them 'good' or 'bad'.
Key findings
- 1
24 experienced lifters (12 men, 12 women) performed 80% 1RM squats
- 2
Footwear redistributed joint loads rather than making them simply 'good' or 'bad'
- 3
Barefoot produced the largest hip-extension moment, while shoes (running and weightlifting) produced larger knee-extension moments than barefoot
- 4
Weightlifting shoes increased the knee external-rotation moment
Related research
Effect of Weightlifting Shoes on Squat Posture and Trunk Lean: An Acute Biomechanics Study
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2012
A repeated-measures crossover study in 25 college students. Wearing weightlifting shoes reduced trunk lean compared with running shoes, suggesting lower lumbar shear stress, but did not increase squat depth. Only 60% 1RM was tested.
Squat Kinematics and Muscle Activation in Running (Cushioned) Shoes, Barefoot, and Weightlifting Shoes
European Journal of Sport Science, 2015
A study of 14 experienced men performing 70% 1RM squats with 3D motion capture and EMG. Cushioned running shoes increased squat depth, knee flexion and rectus femoris activity compared with barefoot. Participants subjectively preferred barefoot, but no biomechanical basis for that preference was found.
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