Squatting: How wide are your feet?

[OptimumSlinky]

So Rip says in Starting Strength that a wide, powerlifting stance is less functional and applicable to the "real world" than a more traditional, around-shoulder-width stance. Mehdi at StrongLifts advocates a wider, deeper, powerlifting stance to move as much damn weight as possible. I'm having trouble finding my personal sweet spot. Thoughts?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

To be perfectly honest, it will depend on your anatomy. I agree with Rippetoe that a slightly toed out, narrower (but not narrow but any means) squat stance is by far more useful in real life (both in everyday activities and in sports). Mehdi may promote greater load for greater hypertrophy, but we've all seen what Rippetoe's SS does just fine. I support the narrower stance, as well, because it promotes maximal surface area between the femoral head and the acetabulum of the hip, thereby reducing pressure on any one spot. It will reduce your risk of injury hip-related injury down the line.

 

[the DRIZZLE]

Keep in mind that the wider you set your stance the more you need to point your toes out to keep the proper geometry.

 

[Howard]

I find it very difficult to maintain proper form with a wide stance if I go ATG. My knees go all out of whack.

 

[elitejp]

Seriously unless you really want to practice a certain stance for some reason i just stand the way the squat would be most comfortable for me and I tell others to do the same for themselves. Because in real life thats how I would squat if i needed to. Then I just start adding as much weight to the squat as i can. Thats the best way to get the strongest and biggest muscles you can.

 

[rcpratt]

I feel more comfortable with a somewhat narrow stance, just a little wider than shoulder-width.

 

[Pantlegz]

I feel more comfortable with a somewhat narrow stance, just a little wider than shoulder-width.

This, my squat stance is slightly wider than shoulder width with my toes pointed out a little. But as SC said it all depends on the person I can't go too wide or it bothers my left leg.

 

[MrEgo]

I would suggest doing "air" squats. Just squat without a bar on your back and see what feels the most comfortable on your body. Try all sorts of different stances.

Personally, my feet point outward slightly, and they are just about totally in line with my shoulders. It took me a few tries before I found a stance that worked for me.

As you said, I feel like I gain more real-world strength if I do it like this.

*edit - I should also say that when I changed my stance, I had to lower the weight. My legs weren't used to the new form, so I had to take some time to develop a comfort for it, but now I'm squatting the same weight that I used to, but now with a better form.

 

[Deeko]

Whatever works for you. Different builds make for different stances.

 

[oogabooga]

My stance is about shoulder width apart with my toes pointed out a bit. I think when the weight goes up I end up going a little bit wider (but not much). This has been comfortable for me. Having my feed in a wide stance felt odd and the movement didn't feel good for me personally.

 

[brikis98]

My heels are shoulder width apart, maybe a touch more. Toes pointed out ~30 degrees or so. This rough stance width is usually the best choice for the vast majority of people who are doing general strength training. If you are competing in powerlifting, a wider stance may be a better choice to reduce ROM and increase PC engagement. Certain anatomies may feel more comfortable with a wider stance as well. Almost no one should be going narrower than shoulder width, as it will make it very difficult to get to full depth.