Shoes Vs. Jumpsoles

Jumpsoles are platforms that attach to most shoes in order to strengthen and condition leg muscles. Originally intended to help basketball players jump higher, jumpsoles are now used by a variety of athletes outside of basketball, including dancers and martial artists.

  1. Jumpsoles

    • Jumpsoles, as opposed to traditional athletic shoes, are weighted to add calf-strengthening exercises to any activity like playing sports or simply walking. Jumpsoles attach to the base of a shoe as an enhancement feature. Unlike shoes that claim to strengthen the muscles in the legs, jumpsoles can be easily attached and removed from the shoes you already own.

    Effects

    • Both jumpsoles and calf-strengthening shoes are intended to improve leg muscle definition, strength and vertical jump height by "increasing the quantity of fast twitch muscle fibers." Both also claim to increase speed, vertical jump height, response time, coordination and muscle mass. Many claim to increase the range of motion as well.

    Use

    • Jumpsoles can be attached to shoes and used in 20-minute increments to increase strength and muscle conditioning. Shoes intended to perform the same function must be worn longer.

    Convenience

    • Jumpsoles weigh around five pounds, which is much more than calf-strengthening shoes, so they need not be worn as often to yield the same effects as the shoe. The increased weight as well as the easy attachment and removal of jumpsoles increases the convenience of jumpsoles as opposed to calf strengthening shoes.

    Considerations

    • Calf strengthening shoes generally cost more than jumpsoles because the device is both the strengthening apparatus and shoe while jumpsoles are an attachable device that can be worn with most shoes. The shoes often start around $120 while jumpsoles can be found for under $100. Additional options are frequently offered when purchasing jumpsoles or calf-strengthening shoes, such as training information and programs for use.