Deadlifting has caused problems with my knees in the past. A few months back, I began deadlifting in sock feet, and I could feel the difference with the first set. Much more control over how my feet/ankles are position. This transferred up through the whole leg, and make a huge difference in how I feel after deads. No more knee discomfort the days following. Looks weird to other gym goers though, but how give a fcuk.