5 Shoes That Make You Jump Higher

1. Pyon Pyon Flying Shoes - These custom shoes were created by inventor Dr NakaMats, and are shoes directly out my own childhood dreams. I can't tell if he is scared or exhilarated in the photo, but one thing for sure is that he wearing shoes that are helping him jump very high. These are the pyon pyon flying shoes and the claim is that they can make you jump great distances with ease.

2. Strength Training Shoes - Now these are shoes that make you jump higher even after you take them off. Known as one of the best training shoes for speed and strength, and for adding inches to your vertical jump. These shoes can indeed give you a vertical jump Michael Jordan would be proud of.

3. Air Jordan Shoes - Speaking of Jordan, these shoes were touted as the reason for Michael Jordan's amazing 48 in. vertical leap. Was it the shoe or the athlete? Well let me tell you I paid a hefty penny for a pair of these shoes in high school and all it increased was my confidence, for about a week until I realized that I could jump just as high barefoot. The shoes did have style though.

4. Poweriser Jumping Stilts - Ok well this isn't exactly a shoe, but I had to have them on my list. They go on your feet so close enough. These shoes..stilts whatever, will catapult your body 2 meters up in the air. Try taking these bad boys to the basketball court. Just make sure you land feet first!

5.Athletic Propulsion Labs Shoes - Yet another basketball shoe with amazing claims, but these shoes were actually banned by the NBA. Is there merit to the claims that these shoes can add another 2-4 inches to your jump? or is the NBA just banning the APL shoes just to be on the safe side?

A Guide for Weight Vest Training

If you want to quickly see results from your training regimen, try using a weighted vest. I've heard many claims of athletes breaking away from a plateau in training performance by including a weight vest in their routine. Using a weight vest can help you increase speed, endurance and all around body conditioning.

What is a Weight Vest? A weight vest is just what it sounds like. It is a vest filled with weights designed to give you additional resistance while training. Most weight vest have adjustable straps that help keep the vest fitted to your torso.

How Do I Train With a Weight Vest? - You can intensify almost any exercise routine by wearing a weight vest. Typical weight vest training can be done with exercises such as walking, running, rope-jumping, bike riding, core strengthening, plyometrics, and climbing.

How Much Weight Should I Start With? -  To avoid putting to much pressure on your joints and risking injury it is best to start light and gradually work you way up to a heavier weight. The great thing about weight vests is that they almost always allow you to add and remove weight. I would suggest starting with 10 lbs or less until you feel comfortable with that weight before adding more weight.

Does Training with a Weight Vest Really Work? Yes it does! Weight vest are excellent for developing speed, explosiveness and acceleration. Recent studies involving test groups showed significant results in as little as four weeks from using weight vests. In addition to increasing athletic ability a weight vest can also help give desirable cardiovascular benefits as well. The added resistance increases heart rate and breathing, which can strengthen the lungs and an athlete's VO2 Max.