Werksan (as opposed to Do-win, Adidas)

[swolloniron]

Ordered some lifting shoes (and straps) from werksan (Werksan Sports) last night. We will see how shipping and fit goes.

I wear a 10.5 US (44EU) and based on forum advice (cry) I went with a half size smaller. I emailed werksan to get advice on sizing and they replied within 24hrs. They told me the shoe is wider than the do-win, and I could try a half size smaller for a more snug fit (they did not promise it would fit).

I also emailed Glenn about the Do-wins / sizing and never heard back (strange, reputation for replying to everyone).
Suede Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes

Lastly I emailed Dynamic about the Adidas and never heard back from them either.
adidas Weightlifting shoes

I liked the werksan best bc of the double strap where as the ironworks and do-wins are single velcro. The only other double straps I saw were the adistar ($200) and the VS. Something about the buckle mechanism appealed to me more than velcro. Who knows, hopefully I will not have to be adding holes or something hahaha.

[LBVT]

Nice.

Question: for those of us that don't want to spend too much money on lifting shoes, are there any brands you can recommend that make it decent to do deads in, other than Chuck Taylors?

[swolloniron]

I found a couple of places that sell deadlifting slippers for ~$8. not sure if this is what you are after. I will try and post links later tonight. (not suit slippers)

Titan Support Systems, For the Best in Powerlifting Perfomance
frantzpowergear.com

Don't remember where, but some sites had a picture (those do not). Essentially pull on house shoe type slipper with very thin sole.

[Sonny]

Sweet shoes SIO. Let us know how they work out.

LBVT-agree with SIO, it depends. Best choices are wrestling shoes, Chucks and slippers. I prefer wrestling shoes, don't like the Chucks for DL. Seems like sumo guys like the Chucks though-the set up is different. Slippers are like bare feet-balance was off for me, but they are cheap so you may want to try them. Less distance to pull too, even if it is a 1/2 or so.

[LBVT]

I may just go back to doing them barefoot. I really liked it, especially since I pull sumo style.

[swolloniron]

Ok, got my shoes a few days ago (not in time to lift in em yet) and thought I would post some pics along and a few comments.

Pros:
1) Shoes are exceptionally well made. Appear very sturdy. Solid construction. I like the look of them more than the competition (well, except the adidias - those are sweet).
2) Inquiries responded directly by president of werksan usa (Leo Totten).

Cons:
1) Shoes not exactly like picture on site. I specifically ordered them because werksan usa shows them with buckles. Mine have velcro.
2) Shoe is pretty wide and initial lacing/try on resulted in about at 4mm distance between the two sides when pulled tight (like one would wear). I debated sending them back because I was concerned with the leather stretching and being unable to tighten them properly. I emailed werksan usa and Leo Totten (President) responded and offered to exchange them for the Do-wins (more narrow than werksan). After discussing it with him (and my strong appeal for the double velcro straps as opposed to the do-win single one) I decided to keep the product.

Other:
Would I buy them again? If I only had $100 to spend - Absolutely. If I had $200 to spend - most likely not. I think I would spend the extra $100 ($200 total) on the Adistar (also has double strap and is more narrow = better fit). That is solely due to narrowness of my foot vs the width of the shoe. The shoe itself is a great product and I am very impressed with it. I hope I make this clear.

Pics:
What my crappy camera fails to show is a 3cm heel.

[MVP]

Opinions???
1. Squat-Hi-Tec Magnums
2. Deads-Asics Wrestling
-MVP
p.s. What's up SOI and S.C.???

[swolloniron]

I think Asics should be solid for deads. I just do them in my socks though...until I can convince the wife I need another pair of shoes for weight lifting...then it will most likely be asics or adidas wrestling shoes...

As far as the Hi-Tech magnums, I have no experience.

[Sonny]

Same here MVP, not sure what magnums are? If they can cruch then forget it. Sold flat heels are best unless you SQ close then some prefer a heal like the shoes SAFE makes-expensive.

Wrestling shoes IMO are the best for deads.

SIO, I will talk to your wife, I have a pair to SQ, BP and DL. I mean she probably has shoe only to go with certain outfits right? lol!

[celtic8710]

Wrestling shoes make excellent deadlifting/power lifting shoes because of the thin sole and snug fit.