The flat soles and lack of cushioning of a Nike Blazers provide a good stable platform for powerful heel drives and even distribution of the weight, but the same attributes restrict your lifting options and which exercises you can perform.
Using Nike Blazers for weightlifting is good because they allow for foot control as you can grip your feet and create a stable lifting platform. But the flat heel can cause some ankle mobility issues, and the lack of cushioning restricts the variety of exercises you can perform with the shoe.
Reasons to Wear Nike Blazers for Weightlifting
They Have Flat Soles
When lifting weights, you want to have a flat, stable surface to reduce the risk of injury and to maximize your lifting potential. Your shoes play as much of a role in this as the gym surface itself. That’s why running shoes don’t make the best lifting shoes because their soles have too much give and can cause instability as you lift.
But, the Nike Blazers give you a nice flat surface because they have flat soles. You can almost get the sense that you’re lifting barefoot, as you can feel each individual part of your foot on the ground. This is great for distributing the weight evenly throughout your foot.
This also helps with gripping the floor better, and being able to activate your muscles from your feet up, providing you a more stable and powerful lift.
They Have Less Cushioning
The more cushioning the shoe has, the harder it is to connect your foot to the ground. Exercises such as deadlifts and squats require you to be able to drive your heel into the ground, so you can generate enough power. While lifts like single leg RDLs require you to grip the floor with your feet to create balance and stability as you perform the exercise. With Nike Blazers, the lack of cushioning allows you to achieve both things. As the less cushion allows you to make use of your feet better and you can properly drive through your heels.
Additionally, using Nike Blazers for gym is good because the lack of cushioning helps with the mind-muscle connection with your feet, which will in turn result in stronger feet, as you get a better sense of how to plant your foot, and how to use it during a lift.
They Provide Ankle Stability
Ankle stability is an important factor when lifting, especially if you’re going heavy. Any weak link in your body is likely to get exposed during a lift, which can cause injuries. Ankles are a complicated joint that needs protection and stability, which the Nike Blazers provide with their high tops because they are narrow and have a snug fit.
Many people also struggle to get the proper ankle mobility, as it’s a joint that requires regular stretching and mobility drills. So, by having a tool that helps stabilize the ankle for you, you’re likely to create better stability and balance, which will help reduce the risk of injury as it curves the overall range of motion of the lift.
Why Nike Blazers May Not Be Best for Gym
They Provide Limited Workout Options
Although Nike Blazers are suitable for lifting, they aren’t the best shoe for cardio because of their flat soles. So, if you prefer to do high-intensity interval training workouts, where you incorporate cardio in between your lifts, you might end up damaging your foot because of the lack of cushioning.
Or, if you enjoy doing more explosive workouts that include jumping and landing heavily on your foot, the Nike Blazers might not fit your lifting needs, as the lack of cushion will result in you landing too heavily on your foot and possibly hurting it.
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They are Not Suitable for All Lifters
While a flat heel is good for some lifters, especially those with flexible ankles, it can be a problem for others. Exercises such as deep squats, snatch, and clean and jerk require good ankle mobility, which not all lifters possess.
One way to offset this is by having a shoe with thick heels because it helps reduce the range of motion of the lift. But, Nike Blazers are the opposite in this regard. Their flat heels don’t allow for someone with ankle mobility issues to get into a proper deep lifting position.
So, before purchasing, make sure your ankle mobility is good enough to utilize the shoe.
FAQ
Are Nike Blazers Good for Deadlifting?
A deadlift is a full body exercise that starts at the feet as you get into a proper lifting position. What you really want to do is drive up from your heels, generating power that transfers through your body as you perform the lift. Having a flat heel of this is a good idea as it will allow you to generate power properly. So, a Nike Blazer is a good deadlifting shoe as it will aid your heel drive.
Plus, the flat surface of the shoe will help you get into a proper deadlift position and distribute the weight evenly throughout the feet.
Are Nike Blazers Good for Squats?
Overall, a Nike Blazer is good for squatting because the flat surface will help you distribute the weight evenly through your toes, mid-foot, and heel. Plus, the flat surface allows you to grip your feet better, which increases the stability of the lift.
However, as mentioned previously, if you lack the ankle mobility to perform a proper squat, you may want to pick a shoe with a thicker heel, and work your way to a flatter one like the Nike Blazer.
Conclusion
Nike Blazers are a good lifting shoe as they provide a stable surface where you can strengthen your foot and also incorporate a powerful heel drive, but they aren’t adaptable enough to be used for other workout forms, and may be restrictive in performing certain lifts properly.
Also read:
- Best Weightlifting Shoes For Wide Feet
- Best Deadlift Slippers
- Best Squat Shoes
- Best Functional Fitness Shoes
- Best Powerlifting Shoes
- Why Should You Wear Flat Shoes When Lifting
- Best Olympic Lifting Shoes
- Best Weightlifting Shoes for Women
- Best Workout Shoes for Women
References:
- How to Deadlift: Layne Norton's Complete Guide // Bodybuilding.com:
https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/how-to-deadlift-layne-nortons-complete-guide.html
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of weightlifting and footwear for fitness activities. My experience in both fields allows me to provide insights into the article you've shared.
The article discusses the use of Nike Blazers for weightlifting, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks associated with this specific shoe. Here's an analysis of the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Flat Soles for Stability:
- The flat soles of Nike Blazers provide a stable platform for weightlifting.
- They offer a barefoot-like feel, allowing even weight distribution and better grip on the floor.
- This stability is crucial for exercises like deadlifts and squats.
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Less Cushioning for Foot Connection:
- The lack of cushioning in Nike Blazers is beneficial for exercises requiring a strong connection between the foot and the ground.
- It aids in driving through the heels during exercises like deadlifts, enhancing power generation.
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Ankle Stability:
- The high tops of Nike Blazers contribute to ankle stability, a crucial factor in heavy lifting.
- They provide a snug fit, helping to protect and stabilize the ankles during lifts.
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Limitations of Nike Blazers for Gym Workouts:
- The flat soles and lack of cushioning may make Nike Blazers less suitable for cardio workouts.
- High-intensity interval training and explosive exercises involving jumping may be challenging due to the shoe's characteristics.
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Not Suitable for All Lifters:
- While flat heels are suitable for some lifters, they may pose challenges for those with limited ankle mobility.
- Exercises like deep squats, snatch, and clean and jerk may require different footwear for optimal performance.
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FAQs - Deadlifting and Squatting in Nike Blazers:
- Nike Blazers are considered good for deadlifting due to their flat heel, aiding proper heel drive and weight distribution.
- They are also deemed suitable for squats, promoting even weight distribution and improved stability.
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Conclusion:
- Nike Blazers are recommended as good lifting shoes for their stability and heel drive.
- However, their adaptability is limited, and they may not be ideal for diverse workout forms or specific lifts.
In summary, the article emphasizes the specialized benefits of Nike Blazers for weightlifting but cautions about their limitations in certain workout scenarios.
