Pushing off, heel, toes or neither?

[GreenStratMan]

Hi, I periodically get blisters from rowing. I usually wear running type trainers. Although have found that my squash type trainers are irritating me at the moment too. Through experimentation, I notice that there is less heel movement when I push through the heel. Perhaps that is the correct technique? My sense is that in that case there is no calf involvement.

I've tried rowing barefoot, but the heel cup irritates my heel and I get a feeling of a blister starting. Which is a shame because barefoot feels more natural. I might try some thin padding on the heel cup.

I welcome your thoughts

Many thanks.

[gvcormac]

I recommend socks.

[mict450]

I try to get my heel down as quickly as possible, so as to push off with the whole foot. I row barefoot & don't have a problem with chafing. Luck of the draw, I guess. You could try some coban, to wrap you heels. They're sorta like sticky Ace wrap, available at a pharmacy or drug store.

[p_b82]

I found that I was losing power wearing a set of sketchers - after trailing some no shoes rowing - but I didn't want to go out and buy a new set of shoes just for the erg - knowing just how sweaty they'd become too.

Like you - the heel cup rubs my heels; even wrapped and with socks - my bones back there are just "wrong" if there's any movement at all.

Using a pair of straps I've fashioned a sling for my heels to solve that issue - bought cheap online and wrapped around the existing foot stretcher after being fed under the bottom and then wrapped round the top. More like the model B version to the "swing sling by ps-sport" rather than just using the end of the foot stretcher to hold it. I used clipped straps so if any-one else gets on my erg, they can use the foot stretchers as normal.

Engaging the drive with the heels generates a lot more power for me - and so I've worked hard to get my heels down quicker/avoid raising them as high.

[GreenStratMan]

I found that I was losing power wearing a set of sketchers - after trailing some no shoes rowing - but I didn't want to go out and buy a new set of shoes just for the erg - knowing just how sweaty they'd become too.

Like you - the heel cup rubs my heels; even wrapped and with socks - my bones back there are just "wrong" if there's any movement at all.

Using a pair of straps I've fashioned a sling for my heels to solve that issue - bought cheap online and wrapped around the existing foot stretcher after being fed under the bottom and then wrapped round the top. More like the model B version to the "swing sling by ps-sport" rather than just using the end of the foot stretcher to hold it. I used clipped straps so if any-one else gets on my erg, they can use the foot stretchers as normal.

Engaging the drive with the heels generates a lot more power for me - and so I've worked hard to get my heels down quicker/avoid raising them as high.

That sounds interesting. Would you be able to post some pictures please? Thanks.

[GreenStratMan]

Thanks everyone. I knew I wouldn't be the only one. My heels are boney. I've tried wrapping the cups with flannel and wearing hiking socks and that helps quite a bit. The sling idea sound great though.

[JaapvanE]

I found that I was losing power wearing a set of sketchers - after trailing some no shoes rowing - but I didn't want to go out and buy a new set of shoes just for the erg - knowing just how sweaty they'd become too.

I did buy shoes specifically for the erg: Xero HFS shoes. I removed the loose inner sole (the shoe is designed to do that), so you end up with a very thin sole without any cushioning. They stay on the erg with the primairy function to protect my heels and ankle from the erg.

On longer pieces during hot summer days they do become a bit sweaty, although my fans blow enough air past to limit the effect. As they have a lot of holes, they don't close up a lot, making the cooling decent. Next day, they are always dry again.

[Dangerscouse]

I push off with the balls of my feet and then get the heels down, but it's still quite ball dominant. I've just got used to it and I'm going to change it now even if it would make me faster. Assuming I can with all of the damage I've done over the years to my ankles (I estimate I have sprained both of them 4 or 5 times each playing basketball when I was a lot younger)

I can't row barefoot, so I use Nike Metcons, and more recently Under Armour training shoes. They've both got hard soles, which is something I'd recommend as you can leak power otherwise.

I'd also recommend thicker running socks and maybe sizing down your shoes slightly ?

[Willy.VdW]

I use my taekwondo shoes, the footware closest to just socks that I have.

[Ombrax]

FiveFinger KSO work well for me:

https://www.amazon.com/Vibram-Trail-Run ... ast_sto_dp

[GreenStratMan]

Thanks so much everyone. I've put the insoles back in my Reebok trainers to make them more snug. That seems to be working for now. I do like the idea of rowing in stocking feet, but for now I'll stick with the trainers. I do like the look of those five finger shoes. So expensive though.

Happy erging everyone.

[p_b82]

That sounds interesting. Would you be able to post some pictures please? Thanks.

This was the inspiration: http://www.ps-sport.net/SwingSling.htm which is a "cleaner" way of doing it.

but apparently the forum's image allowances are quite small - even with img tags, so here's the urls instead - it "should" work (tested it inprivate).

Link to picture1

Link to pic2

[aussie nick]

I wear Olympic weightlifting shoes, which have a hard, flat sole and a lot of support around the heel, which feels most comfortable to me. I've tried barefoot and it made me feel like I was going to do something to my achilees tendon

[GreenStratMan]

That sounds interesting. Would you be able to post some pictures please? Thanks.

This was the inspiration: http://www.ps-sport.net/SwingSling.htm which is a "cleaner" way of doing it.

but apparently the forum's image allowances are quite small - even with img tags, so here's the urls instead - it "should" work (tested it inprivate).

Link to picture1

Link to pic2

Thanks for that. I appreciate it.

[mjhatten]

1. I always adjust the footpads so the strap is right across my toe joints.
2. I go up on my toes a little on the recovery but quickly roll to flat feet on the drive.