Deadlifting in Socks

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hello Doc,

I have searched and read several past posts on this forum dealing with DL footwear. Most of the recommendations have been for some type of shoe with thin sole, although I have seen several videos of Jordan DL in tennis shoes and Austin in slides! :smile:

However, I did not come across anything about deadlifting in just socks. I have Adidas Powerlift shoes for the squat and DL, but I do NOT have a pair of dedicated shoes for the DL (such as Vivo, Sambas, etc.) Thus, I become accustomed to just taking off my squat shoes and deadlifting in my socks. I am wondering if this is okay or would you recommend me to get a pair of dedicated DL shoes or at least a pair of DL slippers? I lift in my home gym on rolled rubber flooring (eventually I will build a platform).

Maybe I am giving this too much thought, so I appreciate if you could set me straight! :wink: Thanks and have a blessed day!

-Paul

2

In general, we tend to prefer a flatter/thinner/stabler sole, but I don’t think that any of the options you propose will make a major difference for most trainees. If you are training in a home gym this mainly comes down to a matter of preference. Lots of people deadlift barefoot, in socks/slippers, or in various kinds of shoes.

1 Like
3

Thank you for the feedback Doc! Why do you “prefer” a flatter or thinner soled shoe? Is a shoe really that much more stable for the deadlift? I appreciate hearing your reasoning.

Thanks!
Paul

4

Any height elevation off the ground represents a slight “deficit” in the deadlift. Again, this is trivial for the overwhelming majority of trainees, which is why I do not make a big deal about it.