Workout Shoes - Shoes for Strength Training

I've always worked out in just a plain pair of tennis shoes. Rarely to I see or even think that using special shoes would make any difference at all. However, I began to think of better shoe support when I started doing heavy squats. This prompted me to do a little research in specific type shoes for working out that would give me better ankle support and put my feet in a more level position for squats and leg presses.

After some Googling around, I came across the Otomix brand of shoes. There's virtually nothing on the net about workout shoes. There's even less in bodybuilding forums about the subject. Yet soccer players have special shoes, and so do most other athletes. Tennis shoes are great for running but they didn't seem to be wonderful when it came to squatting and doing other heavy leg exercises.

These shoes ( a few versions are available) sell for around $95 on average depending on the website you find, and the sales being offered. With some clever searching, you can find a great price. I ordered my Otomix Ultimate Trainers online and was pleased to see many e-mail and tracking notifications about my order. According to Otomix, these workout shoes were specifically for:

Ultimate Trainer has been designed specifically for weight training and incorporates the new High Performance Bodybuilding system. The HPB system provides a combination of comfort and support utilizing a special wrap around strap adjusted by our innovative lacing system. This shoe is a must for the serious bodybuilder.

Note: Their shoes run a half size small compared to your true shoe size. They suggest that you order a half size larger.

Quickly I opened the box and found everything intact and in brand new condition. I was ready for my leg workout.

Adjusting the laces properly is a must. It came from the factory like most shoes. It wasn't laced thru each of the holes. I fixed the laces and found the shoes to fit nicely and very snug. I felt ankle support and was able to tighten them like a snowboarding boot but not so tight as to be uncomfortable. I headed off to the squat rack.

Doing squats is something I enjoy. Honestly, I enjoy them a bit more now with full support for my feet. These shoes were great first time. NO break in period was necessary. They were comfortable, gave strong ankle support and allowed me to do full squats without any annoying feet issues. I felt like my feet were flat and firmly place on the floor with good traction. Moving onto the leg press, same thing. NO odd arches, no slippage, and good solid firm foot placement for a good pressing motion.

I only use these shoes on leg days. That is really where I want the support. I do not wear them outside for walking around. They are just like gym gloves. Used in that environment as appropriate. The soles of the shoe are good for traction in a smooth, flat gym environment. These particular shoes are not made to be worn as a street shoe. That would be a big mistake. You'd wear out the tread in days and be out $100 very fast. However, in the gym, where they are meant to be, these shoes were incredibly superior.

My overall reaction and opinion of my Otomix workout shoes are very favourable. I would recommend them to anybody looking for some comfortable, high quality, long lasting footwear that is designed specifically for the gym.

Marc David is a bodybuilder, writer, and author of the the e-book "The Beginner's Guide to Fitness and Bodybuilding" (BGFB): What Every Beginner Should Know but Probably Doesn't. Marc has written over 20 articles and has been featured in several health and fitness websites. Marc's opinionated and informative articles on bodybuilding, weight loss and training are featured regularly on: http://www.freedomfly.net

To subscribe to Marc's free b-weekly e-zine, visit the Freedomfly website here: http://www.freedomfly.net/fitnessnewsletter.h tm

In The News:


Boston Globe

A treadmill designed for kids? A debate over fitness takes shape.
Boston Globe, United States - Sep 3, 2008
My Treadmill children's fitness equipment at Henry Bear's Park in Brookline Village. (Globe Staff Photo / Pat Greenhouse) By Beth Teitell Treadmills and ...

Smooth Fitness Included on the Inc. 5000 List of the Fastest ...
PR-USA.net (press release), Bulgaria - Sep 3, 2008
About Smooth Fitness Smooth Fitness is the number one online retailer of home fitness equipment and the 255th largest e-commerce site in the United States ...

'Too much focus on team sports'
The Press Association - 3 hours ago
Health-related exercise lessons are often being used for fitness testing or fitness equipment instruction. Researcher Laura Ward, from Loughborough ...

A technological 'stride' for exercise equipment
Jamaica Observer, Jamaica - Aug 27, 2008
Thursday Tech discovered the Pro Form Perspective ES treadmill - from Pro-Form Fitness who claims that it is the "most advanced treadmill on the market. ...

Check in: work out
Globe and Mail, Canada - Sep 3, 2008
Glenn Colarossi, president of hospitality for fitness equipment manufacturer Cybex International, says this is a sensible way to fix a long-time problem. ...

Smooth Fitness Included on the Inc. 5000 List of the Fastest ...
MediaSyndicate (press release) - 14 hours ago
Smooth Fitness, the largest online retailer of home fitness equipment, today announced the company has been included in the Inc. magazine ranking of the ...

Workouts becomes a Gold's Gym
Lancaster Newspapers, PA - 12 hours ago
Facility next to Golden Meadows swimming pools to get $1.7 million in new equipment and renovations. By Tim Mekeel, Staff In York, a Gold's Gym franchisee ...

Home Fitness Equipment For Every Exercise
Corsavoo.com, France - Aug 30, 2008
Although some of the equipment makes be a little bulky, home fitness equipment usually stores always nicely. You can find equipment that costs some money or ...

Planet Nutrition's Subsidiary IM & M Exercise Equipment Inc ...
CNNMoney.com - Aug 21, 2008
The retail value of the Extreme Fitness Brand equipment purchased is in excess of $250000.00. All of the company's Heavy Duty Strength Training Equipment is ...

Maria Menounos Fitness Magazine
Access Hollywood - 8 hours ago
In addition to a step-by-step guide to several of Maria’s favorite Krav Maga exercises, she also dishes on the workout equipment she has at home. ...
fitness equipment - Google News

How to Buy A Treadmill - Key Points

Finding the best treadmill to buy shouldn't be a difficult... Read More

Do You Know These Benefits of Home Treadmills?

In our society today, there are more and more people... Read More

Top Treadmills Reviewed - A Comparison of Price And Performance

A treadmill can be an excellent exercise machine, providing a... Read More

The Importance of Treadmill Mats?

One important accessory that you will want to get with... Read More

Why Buy A Treadmill?

Buying a home treadmill? Treadmills are still the most popular... Read More

Mobility Scooters: An Introduction

Mobility scooters are designed for people who have some mobility... Read More

Life Fitness Ellipticals are Among the Best

The Life Fitness company makes six different models. They are... Read More

Can Home Fitness Get Better Results Faster Than A Gym?

Deciding on a home fitness regime is one that will... Read More

Electric Scooter Wholesale ? Passport For Freedom

Electric scooters wholesaleAllowing for unprecedented mobility for the disabled and... Read More

Machines vs Free Weights

I am often asked, what is the best machine for... Read More

What You Should Know About Epic Treadmills

Epic is a well-known manufacturer of budget priced treadmills. Epic... Read More

Buying A Treadmill - 3 Common Mistakes Most Buyers Make

Buying a treadmill? Congratulations on making an investment in your... Read More

Treadmill Review - How To Find The Best Treadmill At The Best Price

When shopping for a treadmill, it is important to know... Read More

Pro-Form 765i Interactive Trainer Treadmill

For under $1000 you can purchase the Pro-Form 765i interactive... Read More

Exercise Bikes ? No Excuses, 30 Minutes A Day On A Bike Will Change Your Life

Exercise bikes are the ideal home exercise equipment. We are... Read More

Deciding on a Fitness Center: Tips for Choosing

Joining one of the many fitness centers in your area... Read More

Who Else Knows These Facts About Trampolines

"El trampolino" was the Mexican word for "diving board", and... Read More

Treadmill Exercise - 3 More Benefits of Treadmill Workouts

Chances are that you already know your treadmill can help... Read More

Choosing A Home Exercise Equipment

Technology in the 21st century has made life much easier... Read More

Elliptical Trainers Vs Treadmill ? Which One Is Best?

So which exercise machine is best: the treadmill or the... Read More

Save Money on Treadmills by Avoiding These 5 Marketing Traps

There are lots of great marketing people in the treadmill... Read More

Horizon Elite Treadmills

Horizon Elite treadmills, a series of high quality fitness products,... Read More

Aerobic Equipment - Find The Best Deals On The Best Equipment

The benefits of aerobic exercise are well documented. Aerobic exercise... Read More

Create Your Own Fitness Center with Home Exercise Equipment!

If joining a fitness center is not for you, and... Read More

Getting Fit With A Smooth Treadmill

Treadmills are one of the most popular fitness machines available... Read More