shoes for erging

yahooyellow · Post by **yahooyellow** » March 5th, 2009, 7:13 pm

hey everyone, just wanting an opinion from the forum. Our coach talked to us the other day about wearing running shoes when we erg and how they could absorb some of our power and raise our times as opposed to wearing shoes without any kind of cushioning. What do you all think?

Ben Rea · Post by **Ben Rea** » March 5th, 2009, 8:14 pm

Thats a fact.

That's why I erg in socks.

I heard wrestling shoes are alright too (as long as the soles arent too hard)

Cyclist2 · Post by **Cyclist2** » March 5th, 2009, 9:33 pm

This topic has gone around before, search the archives. However, I can't imagine that much energy being absorbed by the shoes. I would guess the average rower, and even experienced rowers, lose much more in poor technique.

I use $10 canvas-topped boat shoes. They are comfortable, flexible and protect my heels against rubbing, plus they are a little warmer than socks would be in my cold garage. I use them in rowing shells that don't have shoes installed, as well. Same reasons.

atblsb · Post by **atblsb** » March 5th, 2009, 11:09 pm

I had always used running shoes as my training shoes on the indoor rower. As a fairly large runner (225 lbs) I always purchased shoes that are heavier and and have good support - I believe this added support resulted in a stiff shoe that was not very flexible. This year I purchased a pair of Nike Free Dynamic cross-training shoes just for my indoor rowing training. I noticed a huge difference in my effort at the catch (much less). The difference was really apparent when I used my old running shoes to train for a day after several weeks of using the new cross-trainers. As noted by the "Free" this shoes is very flexible and is optimal for getting every bit of reach at the catch. Bottom line, I believe that the shoes you use to train and compete can make a difference.

A. Benko

bloomp · Post by **bloomp** » March 5th, 2009, 11:18 pm

I have tried rowing barefooted and there is a marked difference, in feel and in power.

However, I currently use Adidas ClimaCool - they have slits in the bottom to let more air in and are not terribly cushioned. No blisters, quite nice

badocter · Post by **badocter** » March 6th, 2009, 2:19 am

The Converse All-Star (aka Chuck Taylor's) have a very flexible sole that does not compress much and they are cheap.

bw1099 · Post by **bw1099** » March 6th, 2009, 10:33 pm

badocter wrote:The Converse All-Star (aka Chuck Taylor's) have a very flexible sole that does not compress much and they are cheap.

That's what I wear.

excellence · Post by **excellence** » March 9th, 2009, 2:20 am

I use a Champion soft leather tennis shoe (female). It's lightweight and flexible. On my third pair. I used them for kickboxing also.