Footwear

[shaun]

What type of footwear do you use for indoor rowing?

I've tried various types of footwear and I've even rowed barefoot. I've found that I prefer a flat shoe with no padding on the heel. I power from the heels and I like to feel the footplate.

Have you ever used specialist rowing shoes?

 

[mh571]

Haven't been in a boat otherwise I imagine I'd want something with more grip. I usually end up strapping in my running shoes nice and tight and rowing away.

 

[wander_n_wonder]

What type of footwear do you use for indoor rowing?

I've tried various types of footwear and I've even rowed barefoot. I've found that I prefer a flat shoe with no padding on the heel. I power from the heels and I like to feel the footplate.

Have you ever used specialist rowing shoes?

It should be rowing shoes all the time for me. Although it's just indoor rowing, you still flex your feet muscles the same way that you do with outdoor rowing. Therefore, I don't see the point why another type of shoe should be used.

 

[pftsusan]

Thank you everyone for sharing. You just gave me some ideas about the different shoes that I can so that my arches are not cramping on the indoor rowing machines. I usually use my running sneakers. They do cramp a little with them. My feet need to be strectched out more on the foot plates.

 

[gmckee1985]

Honestly I either wear my usual tennis shoes. Under Armor brand. Or I just go rowing barefoot. What type of "rowing shoes" are there? And are they expensive? I suppose I should do some research on the topic myself but would like to hear from some of the more seasoned rowers here first before I do so.

 

[ben_says]

use crappy shoes. they just get stinky and beat up.

 

[gmckee1985]

I wouldn't use crappy shoes. You want to feel comfortable and have shoes with a good grip. Either wear nice tennis shoes or some rowing shoes. Definitely invest in a nice name brand pair of shoes. It's better than having to go out and buy multiple pairs of the cheap brands. You'll save money over the long haul.

 

[ben_says]

I totally agree you want comfort, but as far as grip goes, well, make sure the laces grip your feet. You don't need any grip or tread on the bottom of the shoe... the straps hold you to the machine. By "crappy" I only mean the type of shoes that have been relegated to final uses before tossing like a pair you keep around for casual jobs around the house or shoes you could mow the lawn in. It was said more in the spirit of encouraging that you don't need to get any "fancy" shoes.

Rereading the upper thread... I would make this comment... as far as technique... to shaun who gets "power from the heels..." i would push from the balls of the feet during "the drive." Feel free to do whatever you like on land. For reference, in a boat, here is a pic of real boat shoes, and they only contact the boat under the balls of the feet.

 

[rz3300]

Well I am not really sure if I should be embarrassed about this, but I have used some aqua socks on there, and I have to say that I loved it. I do not use them regularly, mostly for fear of ridicule and they do look ridiculous, but they work well. I just use a standard sneaker now, but the experience above really makes me want to go get a lighter pair to use. I am certainly in the market, so I appreciate the advice.