Erging Shoes Question

[Brewster]

I read the recent thread about what shoes people preferred for erging, but it seemed there were different kinds of shoes--like track, cycling and lifting shoes that posters recommended. I’m familiar with cycling shoes, but I don’t know anything about track or lifting shoes, so I didn’t really “get it” from that thread. Anyhow, my question --- what are the desired characteristics that would be appropriate for good erging shoes? I’m hesitating to spend >$100 for a pair of specialized shoes before I have at least some idea of what I’m doing, what I should be looking for and what'd be good for me to buy.

[Citroen]

Move the footplates up one hole, use the straps and row in bare feet.

[aussieluke]

Generally all you need is a non compressible sole

Thin soles shoes like New Balance Minimus and Inov8 195s and many others have a 3-6mm sole with no midsole on top so there is nothing to 'squish' and thus take absorb any of the force of your drive.

Converse all stars / chuck Taylor's are similar to this. They have a thicker sole but it is just rubber and fairly non compressible which is why they are also a favourite of powerlifters.

In between these two extremes are general training shoes and running shoes, which are all designed to provide cushioning to some degree and will compress under your foot and some say will take some of the force out of your drive. But in reality the difference is probably very minimal and unless you're about to break a world record, probably doesn't really matter much. But they do also generally have a considerable heel-toe drop so will change the angle of your foot a bit.

Weightlifting shoes have a non compressible wedge heel that is a few mm thick under the toe and up to an inch at the heel - usually wood or solid plastic - the effect is the same but the difference is they change the angle of your foot a lot. Similar to having wood blocks under your heels

You can also erg perfectly fine in just socks or even barefoot - socks just stop then back of the heel cup from causing blisters. I like just socks but my feet move around more and the straps don't do much

[bisqeet]

i rowed a lot (OTW and erg) in five finger shoes.
i like the feedback i got from the drive, got a bit more foot flexibility in there.

OTW was no problem, but you can't change the angle on the C2, so you might have a bit of achiles problems, if you are not used to "flat2" shoes.

have som ivo8 weight lifting sshoes that are nice - running shoes seem to be a little wide and wont fit in the shoe holder of the c2

its all about personal preference tho...

[sander]

I use Martial Arts shoes. They are not expensive and they have a tough, incompressible sole.

[Oarsome Fitness]

As per all of the above - a sole that isnt full of air cushions etc.

I knew a mix of people who erged bare foot, or in converse/ slip ons etc.

If you also want a shoe for other work, these are a good hybrid (Reebok Crossfit Nano) and you can save money by not being on the latest 'version' (its only a shoe after all)

Some closer to the elite level will already have weight lifting shoes and so it makes sense to use though - but if you don't need or use these for that purpose it probably isn't a good use of money

[Cyclist2]

Go to WalMart, get a pair of canvas boat shoes for under $10. Has a thin sole and is very flexible. This is not rocket science

[JadeMerrett]

Wondering if anyone has experimented with these?

https://batlogic.net/product/nike-omada/?v=6cc98ba2045f

Bit pricey but liking the erg adaptor and the overall stability of the shoe! Obviously a good cross for OTW rowers training on the erg but perhaps not so good for erg'ers only who intend on racing "I'm sure one couldn't rock up to BIRC with a pair of these and an adaptor plate"

[bisqeet]

Wondering if anyone has experimented with these?

https://batlogic.net/product/nike-omada/?v=6cc98ba2045f

Bit pricey but liking the erg adaptor and the overall stability of the shoe! Obviously a good cross for OTW rowers training on the erg but perhaps not so good for erg'ers only who intend on racing "I'm sure one couldn't rock up to BIRC with a pair of these and an adaptor plate"

paul (beowulf) buchanan uses them..

[jackarabit]

SABO "Gym" on sale: http://www.maxbarbell.com/collections/clearance .6" average elevation from toe to heel in common sizes.

[sekitori]

Wondering if anyone has experimented with these?

https://batlogic.net/product/nike-omada/?v=6cc98ba2045f

Bit pricey but liking the erg adaptor and the overall stability of the shoe! Obviously a good cross for OTW rowers training on the erg but perhaps not so good for erg's only who intend on racing "I'm sure one couldn't rock up to BIRC with a pair of these and an adaptor plate"

Those shoes are not a "bit pricey". At $175.00 plus shipping, they're expensive. I personally use Nike Zoom Streak 2 racing flats. They cost approximately $70.00, are light weight (around 6 ounces per shoe), and have virtually no cushioning. Since I use them only for erging, after three years of heavy use, the soles show no wear at all. If they ever fall apart, it will be because of the uppers, but they are still holding up very well. These shoes could last another three years, possibly even longer. My 13 year old Model D was the best fitness related purchase I ever made. The Nike Zoom Streaks are a strong second.

[aussieluke]

Just thought I'd note here, I normally erg in either just socks or my very thin-soled Inov8 195s. I've tried weightlifting shoes and they just don't work for me.

Tonight I tried erging in my running shoes (NB Vazee Pace) and have to say I think they were more comfortable than anything else so far, and actually an improvement in my power, so none of the cushioning was absorbing any of the force. Well certainly not enough to be significant anyway. And if it was then tbe comfort outweighed it and allowed me to drive harder.

[GJS]

Glad to see you report that, Luke.

I've been wearing running trainers from the word go and the thought that I could be going quicker with a simple change of footwear has always niggled me.
You can call the soles of running shoes compressible or spongey, but you might equally call them springy. That, at least, is now my settled position.

[grahamcawood]

I use cheap canvas "urban unique" lace shoes - without laces - and have 20mm wooden blocks under the heels.
Result: No heel lift in the stroke. Rebound of the leg at the finish easier. Legs not held down expensively.
My 'Rhecon' stroke has layback at the catch, then legs start, and finish with the arms - NOT before. Ankles relaxed throughout the stroke - little calf work needed.
Have fun.
I'm 70, had bypass and new hip. Do daily 30 min ergs at 2.05.

[Carl Watts]

I just used to run my old running shoes through the erg until they were totally dead.

The problem I have is I eat the heals out inside the shoe, probably because my heels are constantly raising out of the shoe on every stroke. Possibly would be better with some wedges in there as well, perhaps another 10mm might do it.

Switched to some elastic slip on type of sports shoes and leave the shoes on the rower, just slip in and out each row.