I switched to barefoot shoes when I began weight training. Sometimes, the ugliest shoes are the most comfortable.

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While on maternity leave last year, I decided to learn how to weight lift. Twice a week I would take my son to a parent-baby gym class. He played with his toys, while I picked up a barbell.

One of the most important things I learnt about safe weightlifting is that your feet need to be planted firmly on the ground, as if you're barefoot. So when I asked...