You’re headed for your afternoon workout, ready with everything you need. After all, the gym is one place where comfort should be your top priority as the main focus is on your physical performance.
But you wonder – “Can I wear my work boots to lift or exercise? Should I wear my workboots at the gym? ” After all, they are nicely broken in and comfortable.
It’s a simple answer: The answer is no. You should never wear work boots at the gym.
Even if they feel perfect for your workouts, they remain an exception to the comfort-above-all philosophy.
Read on to learn more about why you should never wear work boots at the gym.
Should I Wear Work Boots While Working Out?
Granted, you want to wear what feels as comfortable as possible, and you should. However, there are rules to observe, and some items may not be allowed. One such item is work boots. So, regardless of how comfortable they make you feel, you should never wear them at the gym.
Gym operators are wary of the safety of all gym users and the condition of their facility. Therefore, as much as they want you to be comfortable, they will not allow you to wear anything likely to hurt your workout.
They also cannot let you in if whatever you’re wearing may damage the equipment in their facility. Hence, if you get there wearing your work boots, you’ll have no choice but to change.
I have been to various gyms, and every time I hit the floor, I notice one or two guys committing these offenses. Most people don’t seem to realize that they’re part of the problem.
Check your footwear to avoid the wrath of the gym owner as well as your fellow exercisers. It’s simple. Just avoid work boots in the gym and any other prohibited items for good measure.
Work Boots Are Not Made for Lifting
I grew up in a semi-rural community where many people were blue-collar workers. So after I joined the local YMCA, one rule caught my eye that I hadn’t seen before.
It said: NO WORK BOOTS ON THE FLOOR.
Unfortunately, most tough guys took footwear as a choice and not a necessity. Some would come in sneakers, only to change into heavy boots for the workout. Sadly, even after the sign went up, the number of heavy-duty steel toes wearers in the squat rack kept increasing.
My point is this, the operators of this facility were correct in their thinking. You should not wear work boots for lifting. Lifting enthusiasts on multiple bodybuilding forums and curious gym-goers have severally questioned whether work boots are the best choice for heavy lifting.
Well, staunch supporters seem to like them and explain how they feel and perform exemplary. They also boast of the vibe they create stomping around the weight room.
While work boots might be more comfortable for squats than running shoes, they’re inappropriate for your workout. Some of the reasons boots are not the best footwear for your exercises include:
- The design of work boots is such that they’re stiff and clunky. The sole features tread that often makes the base unstable for lifts. Furthermore, work shoes are most likely to restrict the mobility of your ankle excessively upon lacing up.
- You wear your boots outdoors, and chances are they’ll be filthy. Gym managers hate this most because you’re not only making the workout conditions unfavorable for fellow gym users but dirtying the gym floor as well.
Common Injuries Caused by Improper Gym Footwear
Wearing inappropriate shoes to the gym, including work boots, can result in various foot injuries. The most common are:
- Ankle strains
- Corns
- Bunions
- Fractures
However, there are other injuries (though lesser common) that you risk getting.
Wearing poorly fitting shoes to the gym can cause Metatarsalgia, an injury suffered when you perform high-impact activities at the gym. The condition manifests itself by excruciating pain on the metatarsal bones found in the ball of the foot.
What Shoes Should I Wear at the Gym?
As mentioned earlier, comfort comes first at the gym. Therefore, when investing in footwear for your workout, ensure to try a few before settling on one that feels right. The best way to test the shoe whole at the store is to try it out by walking around and jumping up and down several times.
According to McKinley Health Center, you should try on shoes after a workout, in the evening, or the afternoon, because this is when your feet are largest. If you’re wearing socks as you exercise, wear them with the potential shoe. It helps you find the ideal fit.
Moreover, ensure the footwear you choose is suitable for the activity you’re engaging in.
Cross-Trainers
Most people wear cross-trainers while at the gym. These shoes are ideal for guys who occasionally run, walk, or take fitness classes. The shoe offers lateral support, cushioning, and flexibility.
Specialized Lifting Shoes
Some people don’t feel comfortable squatting in cross-trainers. If you’re like this, don’t worry. You can turn to a more specialized lifting pair of shoes. There are various great options available for squats, deadlifts, and other exercises.
These shoes feature flat soles. Other models have wedge platforms. All these give you that perfect base necessary for you to press off the ground to create enough force.
Some people even ditch shoes and opt to take on heavy lifts barefoot. However, check with your gym manager to ensure this isn’t against their rules.
Benefits of Wearing Proper Shoes For Workouts
According to the American Orthopaedic & Ankle Society, the proper shoes for your workout depends on the activity or exercise you engage in most. If your training involves a lot of heavy lifting, ensure to choose a corresponding shoe.
Choosing appropriate shoes is essential in protecting you against common injuries associated with the type of workout you perform at the gym. Also, wearing proper shoes can reduce your step’s impact, cushioning your foot from heavy landings.
Additionally, exercise-specific footwear can improve your performance. For instance, a good shoe can allow you quick direction changes.
Anyone breaking protocol and working out in boots does not care about other gym users. One might think they are making a power move, but it’s a fruitless one, especially if wearing banned footwear.
Exceptions to the No-Boots Rule
There are some exceptions to the no-boots rule that allows some people to wear work boots while at the gym. These include active-duty members of the military and all service members who must work out in uniform out of necessity or for additional training.
Otherwise, even military personnel out in the world at a local gym should stick to the appropriate shoes whenever possible.
Conclusion
The answer to the question, “Should I wear work boots to the gym?” is no, you should not. Gyms don’t allow boots to their facilities because they are inappropriate footwear.
If you have any questions or comment on “Should I wear work boots to the gym?” feel free to reach out to us.
Note that you should work out how, when, and as comfortably as possible. However, once you’re in a public gym, you need to respect other people’s wants and needs or face the consequences. Always remember that boots are out of bounds in gyms.