Why do People Workout in Converse?

Photo of author
Written By Dan
Dan Smullen has a Bsc. in sport science & has over 9 years of experience in personal training. Apart from training and blogging, he is also a tech fanatic & loves his coffee.

The converse workout phenomenon is sweeping the nation, with people of all ages and sizes wearing them. But why do people workout in Converse?

Flat shoes, such as Converse, are excellent for weightlifting as they provide a more natural barefoot-like stability and generally better bar path when squatting. Whereas traditional cushioned sneakers, may exacerbate foot position awareness and decrease stability due to the extra softness and thickness of the sole material.

They’re also lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for working out. Additionally, shoes like Converse are surprisingly versatile. They can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for any occasion. And finally, they’re affordable. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get your hands on a pair of these iconic sneakers.

When you understand the benefits, you will quickly understand why people work out in converse.

why do people workout in converse

1. Flatter Soles

Shoe bottoms are often bent to provide arch support. This is great for jogging, walking, and everyday shoe usage, but it doesn’t provide enough arch support when weightlifting, in particular powerlifting.

Although flat soles may not seem like a positive feature, they really serve a useful purpose when weightlifting. Especially for the more seasoned gym goer.

When doing squats and deadlifts, the converse will assist you to get a better bar path. Almost similar to squatting in bare feet. Wearing flat shoes for lifting heavy weights is best.

Converse are quite flat compared to many other sneakers and have high tops that provide ankle support. The Canvas construction also ensures they won’t weigh you down much. That’s why they’re so popular among both amateur and professional powerlifters and one of the best shoes for weightlifting.

2. A barefoot alternative

When working out at a facility that requires footwear, converse can also be a good alternative to bare feet. Although you will get away with training barefoot at home, training in bare feet is generally not allowed in a commercial gym setup. Worth bearing in mind. And why people may also choose to wear converse in the gym.

2. Better foot position

Converse has thin soles compared to other brands, and although, this may not seem like a big deal, for the deadlift and other similar movements, it is crucial. Having a better foot position in the squat allows you to get lower, which increases the range of motion in your legs. This, in turn, lets you build more muscle and get stronger over time. Having a better foot position using converse, allows deadlifting and squatting much easier to perform. Here’s why;

The position of your feet has a profound effect on your body’s alignment and, by extension, your range of motion and lifting technique.

Because of this, it is crucial to wear high-quality footwear to prevent foot harm from occurring during normal ground contact. Your posture and health will suffer if you don’t choose the correct shoes. 

3. Better stability

Working out in converse shoes offers better stability than other types of shoes when squatting and deadlifting. This is because the soles of converse shoes are thicker and more rigid, which provides a more stable platform for lifting weights.

In addition, converse shoes provide additional support and stability around the ankles, which is especially important when squatting and deadlifting. When compared to popular gym sneakers, which have thick rubber bottoms and greater heel elevation, Converse provides the necessary support for your feet, with a greater level of stability, in particular with the squat and the deadlift. This leads us on to our next point on why people work out in converse.

4. Reduced padding

Converse sneakers aren’t as cushioned as other footwear. Normal running or training shoes contain plenty of padding, which is beneficial, but this might be counterproductive while lifting weights.

The key to a successful squat or deadlift is a strong leg and foot push off the floor. When your shoes have thick padding, you’ll have to exert force against the padding as opposed to the ground before you can get the lift off the ground.

By connecting direct to the ground via the soles of your feet, you can get a better push off increase your force production, and as mentioned above greater stability. All in all resulting in a more powerful lift.

If you wear shoes with too much padding, your gait will become less steady; converse will fix this.

Attempting a deadlift while wearing running shoes is like trying to perform a big squat while standing on top of a mattress. Don’t do it. Instead choose to wear converse, they are a superior weightlifting shoe.

5. Casual

Converse are one of the most relaxed sneakers you can wear. They’re not as cozy or as crazy as wearing a pair of slippers or as liberating as going sockless in the gym, but they’re as close to barefoot as you will get when working out.

The majority of folks who own a pair of powerlifting shoes will tell you that they are quite uncomfortable. And let’s be honest, you wouldn’t be caught dead walking around the grocery store in lifting shoes. But people wear converse absolutely anywhere – a suit and converse in the office has even gone down in popular style.

Tip: Converse shoes may also be a better option than standard deadlifting shoes if you have broad feet.

6. Style

People don’t only choose to wear converse when working out to the performance enhancements in the squat and deadlift. Some people may choose to workout in converse because of its classic and distinctive style.

Converse being a well-known brand that can be purchased in a wide variety of colors, styles, and patterns. You can’t go wrong with a classic pair of Chuck Taylors if you care about how you appear when you’re at the gym.

7. Easy to clean

Converse are one of the easiest sneakers to clean, so you don’t have to worry about getting them dirty. Just remove the laces and toss them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.

Then, use a soft cloth to wipe down the rest of the shoe. You can even put them in the dryer on a low setting if you’re in a hurry. In no time at all, your shoes will be clean and ready to wear again. So next time you hit the gym, don’t forget to pack your Converse sneakers – they’ll make cleanup a breeze.

Arguably one of the reasons why converse are so popular

Final Thoughts on Why People Wear Converse to the Gym

Converse shoes have a thick sole that can help to provide some added support and stability during the deadlift.

Additionally, Converse shoes are generally more affordable than most other types of lifting shoes.

If you are looking for a good pair of lifting shoes that will not break the bank, a pair of Converse may be the way to go.

Photo of author

Written By

Dan

Dan Smullen has a Bsc. in sport science & has over 9 years of experience in personal training. Apart from training and blogging, he is also a tech fanatic & loves his coffee.

Latest