The No. 1 Mistake I Made When I Started Weightlifting

My fitness journey can be broken into two clear eras: before weightlifting and after. Everything shifted when I started lifting heavier, and I discovered what it’s like to actually feel strong (nope, not bulky!).

Of course, I was a fish out of water at the start, which led to some major mistakes. One of my biggest ones? Wearing running shoes for weightlifting; podiatrists say wearing the wrong shoes can hinder your performance and put you at a much higher risk of injury.

Have you ever felt your feet shifting around while lifting? Well, that won't happen with NOBULL Lifters.

Instead of a cushioned outsole, these weightlifting shoes opt for a wide, flat outsole. This swap ensures a stable surface for your feet during dynamic movements, which minimizes your risk of injury.

Along with a flat sole, the NOBULL Lifters have a slightly elevated heel; the added height increases your ankle's range of motion for an even deeper squat. (Trust me, your glutes will feel it!)

And while you might expect the lifted heel to make you feel less stable, there's an added strap around the ankle to help keep the shoe firmly secured to your feet. I never feel like my foot is sliding forward from the added elevation.

From the very first squat I took in my NOBULL Lifters, I knew my workouts were about to be taken up a notch. My form was better and I was able to squat deeper. Not to mention, I quickly graduated to heavier weights and added more reps to every exercise.

If there was one thing I’d change about these shoes, it would be their break-in time. It took about three or four wears until they started to become comfortable. However, I'll say this is a common downside of most weightlifting shoes—especially a super stable, durable pair like these.

Ultimately the break-in time is a worth the extra effort; these are some of the comfiest weightlifting shoes I've down, and they're still in great condition. I’ve had mine for over a year and the premium leather still looks brand new.

Podiatrists may not put this as a top priority when picking shoes, but what can I say? I’m easily swayed by aesthetics and NOBULL's is on point.