Increased vertical jump: arguments for and against strength shoes

Strength shoes are shoes that have raised platforms in the front. They are supposed to increase calf size, strengthen the Achilles tendon, increase fast-twitch muscles, improve vertical jump by as much as 5 to 10 inches, and reduce 40-yard dash time.

The theory is that up to 30% of your vertical jumping and sprinting ability comes from your calves and forefoot, so any piece of equipment that isolates these muscles while you exercise will deliver more than proportional gains in jumping and running. speed races.

What are jump soles?

Jump soles are a form of strength shoe that can be attached to your regular training shoes. They are preferable to non-removable strength shoes due to their flexibility; you can use it even if your feet grow or you want to change shoes.

What is the proprioceptive system?

The proprioceptive system is based on training under instability. Proprioceptor plugs screw into the bottom of the soles to cause a “wobble effect” that can help develop important “jump” muscles in the ankle and feet that would not have been exercised in a more stable environment.

When used with Jumpsoles they can add an extra dimension to jumping training and can even be used in injury rehabilitation.

Pros of strength shoes

1) They are great for isolating muscles and will definitely help build calf muscles, which are notoriously difficult to work.

2) They usually come with their own plyometric programs. Jumpsoles, for example, comes with an 8-week program that rivals some of the programs found in the best jump training manuals.

3) When you use these strength shoes with their corresponding programs, they can lead to some gains in vertical jump and raw speed.

4) The proprioceptor system provides an additional advantage due to its ability to work “hard to reach” muscles that may not be worked in a regular training program.

Cons of strength shoes

1) Some of the statements are not verifiable. It’s doubtful that 30% of your jumping ability comes from your calves, and it’s impossible to say if it increases your fast-twitch fibers more than more traditional training methods like plyometrics.

2) They are expensive and it is difficult to say if they offer good value for money

3) A good vertical jump training program encompasses many things including: strength training, rest and recovery, diet, upper body conditioning, plyometric conditioning, and much more. Strength shoes come with plyometrics and ignore the rest.

4) Even in the lower body, strength shoes focus on isolating the calves and Achilles tendon, leaving out muscles crucial to jumping like the hamstrings, glutes, and quads. These muscle groups have been shown to be crucial for jumping, so you’re leaving a lot of change on the table by not giving them the attention they deserve.

5) There is always a risk factor with strong shoes, although manufacturers do their best to reduce it with the latest scientific methods.

The bottom line is that while strength shoes may lead to some improvement in vertical jumping, there are much better and cheaper ways to improve your jumping ability. There are plenty of good jump training programs out there that will give you the same gains for a lot less money.