What a great video! This is something I had to experimentate by myself: I started with some standard running shoes, and I felt that I lost quite a lot of power due to the cushion. Then, I tried rowing without shoes (only socks), but my heels suffered greatly. Now I am training with a pair of running shoes without a lot of cushion, and when they go wrong, I´ll try with some barefoot shoes.
I love it. Experimentation is key! There is not one solution for everyone. Your willingness to experiment and decide what works best for you is the best way forward to creating the greatest efficiency and comfort in your rowing. Thank you for sharing your experience. And thank you for engaging the channel. More content coming soon, so please stay tuned. Onward. - Luke
I row ling distances (average daily for @ last 2 years since starting) is a bit over 11k a day. I sweat heavily and can soak my socks after @ 45 min. I wear socks and light weight ventilated (and cheap) beach shoes. They last @ 1.5 million meters for @$25 and give me plenty of protection, grip and good heel cup grab.
This is great stuff! As a heavy sweater myself, I can relate to drenched socks. I am sure you are already doing it, but if not, get those feet into non-cotton quick dry fabrics. I am intrigued by the idea of the beach shoes/aqua socks (airy, for sure. low profile, and comfortable). And with 1.5 million meter shelf life, for $25, it sounds like the price is right. Nice work on crushing 11k a day. That takes real commitment! Thanks for sharing this footwear option! Onward. - Luke
I prefer barefoot rowing as size 15s don't always fit the heel of the foot cradle. Blisters can be a problem on longer rows, and socks sometimes give you poor grip... would be great if C2 came up with a cradle designed for bare feet. Many people use a machine at home so surely there's a market for it?
I definitely agree with you here. If C2 offered a kit (standard or aftermarket) which included a different foot plate shape and fastener, specifically for barefoot or sock only rowing, I bet it would be a big hit. And like you, I wonder why it hasn't been addressed yet? thanks for taking the time to comment and engage the content. I really appreciate it. Onward. - Luke
That's a really innovative approach! Best of both worlds, really. A direct power transfer into the footboards AND a softer, more protected heel. I like it! Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching. Onward. - Luke
The shoes I am in are the Nike Lunar TR1. They are an old model, and have held up surprisingly well. You might be able to still find them online. If not, the Nike Trainer lineup of shoes and the Nike Metcon lineup of shoes can both be viable options. The Trainers will typically be a little more flexible, which some people prefer. And the Metcon series is a shoe with movement and lifting in mind, so it is stiffer midsole but still with flexibility in the toe box. Everyone's feet are shaped different, so if you have the chance, I encourage you to try the shoe on before you buy to determine how much stiffness versus flexibility works best for you. Thanks for the question and thank you for tuning in. More content coming! Onward - Luke
The Lugz canvas slip on, which is similar to the Vans slip on would be a solid choice, yes. In fact the slip on might be even more comfortable and flexible on the machine, since it doesn't have any laces across the top. So you are getting just enough cushion, a more level platform, and a canvas top which hugs your foot but also flexes and isn't hindered by laces. The canvas top SHOULD hold up okay against the strap. Thanks for the question. And thanks for watching. More content coming, so please stay tuned. Onward. - Luke
@@vanquish421 this is great stuff! Please keep us posted on your journey. The fitness and strength you gain in rowing is awesome. It's a fantastic total body exercise and a great daily challenge. Onward! - Luke
@roweracademy Thanks again, brother. The Lugz feel right, they cost nothing, and slip ons are so convenient. Can attest they're working for me as a new rower, so far.
I used to use a pair of wrestling shoes (flexible and comfortable with very little padding) but gave these to my grandson. Currently I use a pair of Nike Metcon X-Fit shoes. They are comfortable with limited padding and low heel height to provide stability for lifting weights. Flexible toe box but the rest of the shoe is very stiff -definitely not for running! Could I do better? Comments?
Thanks for the question. I would say the Metcon line of shoes is a solid choice for the machine. Lots of people row in these shoes, especially people who do CrossFit, or those who mix in rowing with their lifting routine. The stiffness of the sole from the toe box backwards toward the heel is a good thing, as long as the toe box forward to the toes allows a good flexible free pivot. I have heard mixed anecdotes about just how flexible the Metcon toe box is. Some athletes say that it's plenty flexible, and others feel it's a little too tight. The key for you is determining whether the shoe prevents you from EASILY rolling long into the front end of the machine, ensuring the longest and strongest stroke possible. If you feel like the shoe prevents a free range of motion of the feet and ankle towards the catch, you might look for a different shoe. If on the other hand you feel you can move freely into the front end because the shoe allows enough flexibility, then you are golden... especially because the true advantage of the Metcon series is they are made with lifting (i.e. creating a solid power transfer against resistance) in mind. Thanks for watching and stay tuned for more content. Onward. - Luke
What a great video! This is something I had to experimentate by myself: I started with some standard running shoes, and I felt that I lost quite a lot of power due to the cushion. Then, I tried rowing without shoes (only socks), but my heels suffered greatly. Now I am training with a pair of running shoes without a lot of cushion, and when they go wrong, I´ll try with some barefoot shoes.
I love it. Experimentation is key! There is not one solution for everyone. Your willingness to experiment and decide what works best for you is the best way forward to creating the greatest efficiency and comfort in your rowing. Thank you for sharing your experience. And thank you for engaging the channel. More content coming soon, so please stay tuned. Onward. - Luke
I row ling distances (average daily for @ last 2 years since starting) is a bit over 11k a day. I sweat heavily and can soak my socks after @ 45 min. I wear socks and light weight ventilated (and cheap) beach shoes. They last @ 1.5 million meters for @$25 and give me plenty of protection, grip and good heel cup grab.
This is great stuff! As a heavy sweater myself, I can relate to drenched socks. I am sure you are already doing it, but if not, get those feet into non-cotton quick dry fabrics. I am intrigued by the idea of the beach shoes/aqua socks (airy, for sure. low profile, and comfortable). And with 1.5 million meter shelf life, for $25, it sounds like the price is right. Nice work on crushing 11k a day. That takes real commitment! Thanks for sharing this footwear option! Onward. - Luke
Ping me and illsend ya the link for the shoes I use.
I prefer barefoot rowing as size 15s don't always fit the heel of the foot cradle. Blisters can be a problem on longer rows, and socks sometimes give you poor grip... would be great if C2 came up with a cradle designed for bare feet. Many people use a machine at home so surely there's a market for it?
I definitely agree with you here. If C2 offered a kit (standard or aftermarket) which included a different foot plate shape and fastener, specifically for barefoot or sock only rowing, I bet it would be a big hit. And like you, I wonder why it hasn't been addressed yet? thanks for taking the time to comment and engage the content. I really appreciate it. Onward. - Luke
I’m using barefoot with socks and gel or cushion shoe heel pad inserts on the heel strap. The ones shaped like a curved smile
That's a really innovative approach! Best of both worlds, really. A direct power transfer into the footboards AND a softer, more protected heel. I like it! Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching. Onward. - Luke
Great video !! Could you please write the detail name of the trainers you are waring ? They are Nike …Thanks !
The shoes I am in are the Nike Lunar TR1. They are an old model, and have held up surprisingly well. You might be able to still find them online. If not, the Nike Trainer lineup of shoes and the Nike Metcon lineup of shoes can both be viable options. The Trainers will typically be a little more flexible, which some people prefer. And the Metcon series is a shoe with movement and lifting in mind, so it is stiffer midsole but still with flexibility in the toe box. Everyone's feet are shaped different, so if you have the chance, I encourage you to try the shoe on before you buy to determine how much stiffness versus flexibility works best for you. Thanks for the question and thank you for tuning in. More content coming! Onward - Luke
Thanks a lot !
Would Lugz be good? Flat, slip-on, low cut.
The Lugz canvas slip on, which is similar to the Vans slip on would be a solid choice, yes. In fact the slip on might be even more comfortable and flexible on the machine, since it doesn't have any laces across the top. So you are getting just enough cushion, a more level platform, and a canvas top which hugs your foot but also flexes and isn't hindered by laces. The canvas top SHOULD hold up okay against the strap. Thanks for the question. And thanks for watching. More content coming, so please stay tuned. Onward. - Luke
@@roweracademy Thanks so much! Just ordered an all-black pair, eager to start my rowing journey on my C2 arriving today.
@@vanquish421 this is great stuff! Please keep us posted on your journey. The fitness and strength you gain in rowing is awesome. It's a fantastic total body exercise and a great daily challenge. Onward! - Luke
@roweracademy Thanks Luke. I'm what you would call skinny fat, so I'm looking to lose the bad weight and gain the good. Thanks for everything!
@roweracademy Thanks again, brother. The Lugz feel right, they cost nothing, and slip ons are so convenient. Can attest they're working for me as a new rower, so far.
I used to use a pair of wrestling shoes (flexible and comfortable with very little padding) but gave these to my grandson. Currently I use a pair of Nike Metcon X-Fit shoes. They are comfortable with limited padding and low heel height to provide stability for lifting weights. Flexible toe box but the rest of the shoe is very stiff -definitely not for running! Could I do better? Comments?
Thanks for the question. I would say the Metcon line of shoes is a solid choice for the machine. Lots of people row in these shoes, especially people who do CrossFit, or those who mix in rowing with their lifting routine. The stiffness of the sole from the toe box backwards toward the heel is a good thing, as long as the toe box forward to the toes allows a good flexible free pivot. I have heard mixed anecdotes about just how flexible the Metcon toe box is. Some athletes say that it's plenty flexible, and others feel it's a little too tight. The key for you is determining whether the shoe prevents you from EASILY rolling long into the front end of the machine, ensuring the longest and strongest stroke possible. If you feel like the shoe prevents a free range of motion of the feet and ankle towards the catch, you might look for a different shoe. If on the other hand you feel you can move freely into the front end because the shoe allows enough flexibility, then you are golden... especially because the true advantage of the Metcon series is they are made with lifting (i.e. creating a solid power transfer against resistance) in mind. Thanks for watching and stay tuned for more content. Onward. - Luke