The Pros and Cons of Strength Training Barefoot, According to These Experts

"Training barefoot is a very good idea when doing big compound lifts, like deadlifts, squats, and lunges. This is because you want to be able to drive from the heel/mid foot hard to generate as much strength as you can," explained personal trainer Chris Cucchiara, NASM. "If you are wearing regular running shoes, you lose a lot of this ability because the soles of the feet are so soft."

He also explained that force transfer is more evenly distributed when you are barefoot, which takes your muscles through the whole range of motion and can help create better core strength.