Noob question - what shoes do you wear to erg?

[DaveD33]

I've been erging for a few months now and this week I switched from wearing my old running shoes (~10mm heel drop) to Reebok Nano training shoes (4mm heel drop, much less cushioned) and I swear my SS splits improved by 5 seconds with no change in effort. Rowing in the Nanos also makes it feel like my legs are doing more of the work.

Do shoes really make that much of a difference? What do you all wear?

[fancyoats]

I don’t usually wear shoes to erg. Or socks. (Or strap my feet in, but you didn’t ask about that.)

I probably would if I was training in a public gym or something but since it’s just me in my basement, I figure why bother with shoes?

[p_b82]

I also gained a big amount switching from sketchers (nice big pillowy soles with a hefty drop) first to barefoot (where I ripped my heels to shreds) to an old pair of skateshoes I had kept when they mostly wore out for pottering in the garden.

The smaller heel drop helps, as I understand it, for better engagement of the muscles in the right planes of motion.

The minimal cushioning reduces losses through the shock absorption of the material in the shoe's soles.

[DaveD33]

I don’t usually wear shoes to erg. Or socks. (Or strap my feet in, but you didn’t ask about that.)

I probably would if I was training in a public gym or something but since it’s just me in my basement, I figure why bother with shoes?

I tried going barefoot and socks only and hated it even before the blisters started. The sensation of my heel moving around in any kind of athletic footwear has always bothered me, so I always wear shoes to train, lace them snug and if necessary, use a lace lock to keep my heel planted. Yes, I'm weird, but it's probably a result of years of skating in stiff hockey states where a solid heel lock is crucial.

[Rowan McSheen]

There is a school of thought that says strapless and/or barefoot enforces best technique but I couldn't get on with it. Dunno what that says about my technique

I used to wear old running shoes but have now settled on thin socks and flat soled shoes. I know them as pumps but depending on where you are in the world they might be plimsoles or daps or deck shoes etc etc.

[Sakly]

Use my old Nanos (4 and 8) for rowing. Barefoot or socks not for me.
Shoes should give a solid grounded feeling, so thin soles and less damping should be fine. Some skate shoes like vans should also do fine.

[Dangerscouse]

I swap between some Nike Metcons and some new UA Tribase Reign training shoes. Both are really good, and are better than running trainers. The soft soles on running trainers absorb too much of your effort, and they don't respond the same way as they do when running.

I think, although I might be convincing myself of this, that they were a night and day difference when I got Metcons for the first time, about five years ago.

I once tried to row in socks, during a particularly emotional FM, but that lasted about two strokes and I very quickly put them back on. I've never tried it again.

[Kerry1960]

I've seen it suggested by Cam Buchan on YouTube that minimalist deadlifting shoes are his preferred for erging as there's more foot engagement and less sole but haven't tried ithem myself.

[andrewjb]

I'm a noob too so can't speak to the performance aspect of rowing, but row in Chuck Taylor All Stars. Use them for most sports except pavement pounding — I like to feel the contact with the ground.

[Me, Myself and I]

Vibram Five Fingers KSO EVO. Light weight, flexible and zero drop. With toe socks I find these ideal.

Have tried rowing barefoot. Couldn't get used to the heel movement, felt so uncomfortable.

[c2jonw]

Started erging in 1980, initially wearing socks and whatever worn out running shoes I had. I sweat a lot and my shoes would get toxic and require cleaning. I got tired of that and have been socks only probably for over 30 years.....

[nick rockliff]

I found a pair of Timberland trainer type shoes in 2003, liked them because they had a solid sole and just about same level toe to heel. The thing is, I'm still using the same pair 20 years later, they have won plenty championships and broken many British Records

[Ombrax]

If I’m going to be lifting (and therefore needing more support) then rowing I wear my Reebok Crossfits. They seem fine on the erg, and I have no complaints, but I generally prefer something more minimalist on the erg. (I row strapless 99.999999% of the time)

If I’m going to be rowing then doing core exercises that don’t require significant support, I wear my Five Finger KSOs.

Back in the days when most of my erging was at home I wore ankle socks.

[JaapvanE]

I use Xero HFS shoes. They are socalled barefoot shoes, where the sole is minimal, toes have more room to spread and you can remove the insole if needed. Saves me sore heels from the back of the footplates while keeping a barefoot space.

[mict450]

Barefoot. If it's cool enough during the winter, I'll wear a pair of floppy house slippers.