Print this pageYou have probably seen the type of shoes that supposedly help you increase your vertical leap on TV. They claimed that these jump higher shoes can really work to strengthen your lower leg muscles. What is the truth behind all these platform shoes? Are they safe for your body and what are the risks of getting injuries?

The truth is most of the high jumping shoes are not safe for your legs. Simply because they are not designed correctly to support your lower leg muscles, ankles and feet. Even though most manufacturers encourage you to go out and wear the shoes while practicing or playing games, it is a recipe for disaster. However, if you decide to try the platform jumping shoes, I recommend you find the right one that fit your style.

Good news is not all platform jump higher shoes are bad. I've seen many people use the Jumpsole V 5.0 and got great results in just couple weeks. Even in those cases, they still have to work out and train hard to get that result. These shoes certainly not some kind of one day magic trick, you still need to have goals and train hard.

The basic concept of these jump higher shoes is the platform of the shoes. They keep your heels from touching the ground and work out your calve muscles, and strengthen your toes, and ankles. While wearing these shoes, you are force to stay balance and control your whole body which is great for getting better air time control. These platform jump higher shoes will help you increase speed, quickness, and thus more explosive power to get enough lift off the ground.

If for some reason, you don't really want to use the jump higher shoes, you are not alone. There are many people who don't use these special shoes but can still improve their vertical significantly. You just need the right exercises for your legs and body.

One of my favorite exercises combines with using the jump higher shoes is the squat jumps. Simply squat at a 90 degree angle and explode straight up while wearing your special shoes. When you are comfortable doing this exercise, I would recommend you to get a 15 - 25 pounds weight ball to increase the tension and pressure on your legs. These weight ball are pretty safe and less dangerous than dumbbells or any other weight tools.