Effect of footwear on lower extremity net joint moments and barbell kinematics in weightlifting: a case study

Performance in Olympic weightlifting is measured by an athlete’s ability to lift maximally during both the snatch and the clean and jerk. Evidence suggests that weightlifting performance is strongly associated with optimal timings in peak lower extremity net joint moments (NJM) at specific phases of the lifts (Kipp et al., 2012). In addition, internal NJM at the ankle and knee greatly contribute to barbell velocity and acceleration (Kipp, 2022). However, due to the technical skill required to perform the snatch and the clean and jerk, research on weightlifting typically recruits experienced weightlifters who would wear weightlifting shoes (WLS). Weightlifting shoes provide favourable compensatory movements that aid in performance. For example, the heel lift feature of a WLS encourages an upright trunk and shank posture and allows for a greater squat depth. Yet it is common for athletes in the weightlifting community to choose footwear without the traditional heel lift feature for training and competition.