Many people seem to prefer the extra cushioning in the Platform Converse shoes. Original Converse shoes are great for lifting weights. But what about the Platform Converses? Not so much.
In this article, I will go in-depth and explain why Platform Converse shoes are not ideal for running.
➤ Why Platform Converse Are Not Good for Lifting?
1. Too Much Cushioning and Poor Stability
Original Converses have a flat heel counter so the weight is distributed evenly. In my experience, Platform Converses have a bit of extra cushioning. It may be good for walking but not much for lifting weights.
The extra cushioning tilt your foot forward as you lift weights. This can put undue stress on the forefoot. As a result, you may feel discomfort and there’s always a risk of injuries.
2. Poor Back Support
You need a neutral shoe to get the full benefits of lifting weights. Flat shoes give off a balanced weightlifting experience. This ensures you have great back support.
On the contrary, the extra height of the Platform Converses is not properly balanced. When you lift heavy weights, there is always a risk of hurting your back. Just to be clear, you don’t want a back injury. It’s one of the worst.
3. Easy Workouts
No matter whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned weightlifter, you need shoes that make the workouts hard. With Platform Converses, you will get easy workouts. You may fly through reps and sets, but you will not get results.
There is an easy hack for finding out the right lifting shoe. When you are starting out, take the help of a physician or a fitness trainer. If you find that workouts don’t seem challenging as they should, you might be wearing the wrong shoes.
4. Moderate Toe & Feet Grip
You should be looking for a grounded lift when you lift weights. Platform Converses don’t provide that. Platform Converses don’t give off a barefoot experience. You will definitely will the instability of the shoes.
When you are lifting weights, you want to feel planted to the ground. Cushioning, heel height, and midsole pattern all have a role to play in this regard. The midsole pattern is good in Converse shoes. The cushioning and heel height is less than ideal.
5. Poor Leg Muscle Activation
Stability preference varies from person to person. Added support may be crucial in a running shoe. But it’s a different story for weightlifting shoes. According to fitness trainers, the less support and arch your shoes have, the more your legs need to work.
Platform Converses don’t work the leg muscles like the original Converse or the Chuck Taylors. As a result, your feet and back stay weak even though you are crashing through reps and sets.
Platforms reduce the stress on your legs because of the extra cushioning. Less supported and stable shoes force your legs to work out. So, if you want to have your desired physique from lifting weights, Platform Converse is not a good choice.
Final Words
All weightlifting shoes have some sort of heel height. Some can be elevated up to 1 inch while others may be lifted by 0.5-0.6 inches. Taller lifters will be better off with higher heels because it will put pressure on their ankles. Shorter athletes should prefer shoes with smaller heels as they have shorter limbs and less ankle mobility.
Platform Converse is not the only cushioned weightlifting shoe. There are other shoes but the Platforms are really unstable. If you want to get results and reduce the risk of injuries, avoid Platform Converses.