The Best Weightlifting Shoes for Stepping Up Your Strength Training

Having the right tools for the job is always ideal — and when it comes to strength training, there’s no better example of this notion than footwear. While your gym shoes may be fine for a number of lifts and exercises, more complicated movements like the back squat, snatch or clean and jerk can leave you wanting a little more out of your kicks.

If your training has surpassed those beginner gains and you’re looking to up your strength with these more advanced movements, you may benefit from upgrading your gym bag with a quality pair of weightlifting shoes. Designed for optimal stability and ankle flexion, these high-performance sneakers can take your PRs to new heights with comfort and support in-tote. Just like your versatile training sneakers for do-it-all sessions, however, not every footprint can deliver the same results.

Maybe you’re more involved with Olympic weight training and want a silhouette that’s stable enough for those gold medal performances. Maybe you’ve taken a liking to powerlifting and need a kick for getting the most out of those big three lifts. Maybe you’re just wanting some added stability for squat days and want to really hone in on conquering those training plateaus. While the list of weightlifting shoes can be difficult to digest for newcomers, there’s no need to fret — we can provide a spot.

How We Tested

Ben Emminger

I’ve been lacing up in weightlifting shoes for a while now and have experience with a number of the below picks. I typically follow a powerlifting-centric workout regimen and use weightlifting shoes mostly for stability and support during squats, but I’ve also taken in a few Olympic weightlifting sessions with the below picks to get a feel for their versatility and performance in more dynamic movements. Notes surrounding lockdown and stability were heavily examined in curating this roundup, as well as each sneaker’s traction atop varying training platforms and overall comfort across the midfoot and toes. Plus, I looked at each silhouette’s heel-to-toe drop to see how aggressive an angle I’d be sitting at in my lifting stance. This measurement can greatly influence where each profile fits best in terms of weightlifting modality, so I’ve bulleted the statistic for each sneaker below.

Nike Romaleos 4

Nike

BEST OVERALL WEIGHTLIFTING SHOE

Nike Romaleos 4

• $200.00 at Nike

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 20mm

The Nike Romaleos family has been supplying weightlifters with exceptional quality for years, and the fourth iteration summons all high points from the shoe’s lineage and combines them all in one impressive profile. I really admire how stable and grounded I feel when training with these Nike silhouettes thanks to the heavier frame that keeps my feet practically glued to the lifting platform as well as the flared heel design. This helps establish a flat, wide surface ideal for pushing through those heavy lifts. The outsole traction is also plenty grippy, and I’ve yet to experience slip whether training on hardwood or synthetic flooring.

The Romaleos 4s do feature a compact toe box that’s snug yet not overly constrictive. With that said, the silhouette does come to a point at the toe flap rather aggressively, which can lead to some excessive pressure if the shoes are worn for lengthier periods. Additionally, these Nike lifters utilize a dual-strap system across the top that’s prime for creating a secure aesthetic throughout your foot, but the strap materials is not as stretchy as other profiles in this list, meaning cinching down the components can take some doing.

TYR L-1

Courtesy

BEST UPGRADE WEIGHTLIFTING SHOE

TYR L-1

• $199.99 at thewodlife.com

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 21mm

Jumping onto the scene in 2022, the TYR L-1s have quickly earned their position as a top-performing weightlifting shoe thanks to a unique anatomical silhouette and wider toe box. I really appreciate this build quality during squats and cleans, as the added room allows for more natural toe splaying for a heightened sense of stability underfoot. This is also a nice touch from a comfort standpoint — traversing through the gym from the power rack to the platform is less of a hindrance on my digits.

In addition to the wider cut, the L-1s also boast a dual-strap system across the top of the foot for improved lockdown. While I tend to favor weightlifting shoes with this design, I do think TYR could afford to lose a bit of strap length in future iterations. When cinched down tightly, there’s some excess nylon that tends to hang close to the outsole edge, particularly on the medial side of the foot. Admittedly, I have stepped on this excess strapping at times, albeit while walking around the gym. Still, though, if you’re already impressed with the brand’s CXT-1 Trainers, these can be an excellent addition to your in-gym footwear rotation.

For a more in-depth look, read our full review of the TYR L-1s.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top

Nordstrom

BEST BUDGET WEIGHTLIFTING SHOE

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top

• $65.00 at Nordstrom

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm

Lifting in a pair of Chucks is an experience I feel every athlete should experience once in their fitness journey. After all, it says a lot when a timeless silhouette such this can still hold its own in the gym against other, more advanced footwear options of today. The flat, rigid outsole is great for achieving a stable, grounded base, and I particularly enjoy the experience when performing deadlifts or other pulling modalities.

The Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars are also a worthwhile weightlifting shoe due to the canvas upper construction. The textile has enough rigidity to achieve a proper lockdown while still having some flex to it so your toes can splay out. Plus, if you opt for the high-top profile, you can also experience some extra ankle support (although, there’s nothing wrong with lifting in low tops if that’s more your style). That zero-drop aesthetic does have its limits, though, especially if you’re looking for a more aggressive setup for squats and Olympic lifts. Also, there’s no midfoot strapping system to really lock your feet into the sneaker, so you may need to really cinch down on those laces to achieve that desired security.

Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes

Rogue Fitness

BEST WEIGHTLIFTING SHOE FOR BEGINNERS

Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes

• $95.00 at Rogue Fitness
  $105.00 (10% off)

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 18mm

Admittedly, adopting weightlifting shoes can be a task in itself for novice lifters, especially for athletes that feel comfortable in their current set of cross-trainers. The raised heel can be a weird experience at first, and then there’s the notion of the extra cost. Thankfully, the Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes exist, providing a nice taste of heel elevation while still keeping things relatively affordable. I enjoyed training in these silhouettes during my earlier days within the discipline, as the 18mm heel-to-toe drop provided a good learning atmosphere when getting under the bar without throwing me too far into an uncomfortable setup.

I also appreciate the dual-strap setup across the top of the foot for improved lockdown, and synthetic leather overlays mix well with the nylon mesh for a durable, rigid frame, albeit without a lot of breathability. Be prepared to potentially have some sizing issues with these Do-Win profiles, though. Some recommend ordering a half size down, while others claim these weightlifting clogs run true to size. In my experience, the latter proved true, but I understand that fits can differ greatly from one foot to the other.

Reebok Legacy Lifter III

Reebok

BEST WEIGHTLIFTING SHOE FOR OLYMPIC LIFTS

Reebok Legacy Lifter III

• $220.00 at Reebok

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 22mm

If you’re a fan of Olympic lifts like the snatch or clean and jerk, I recommend these fresh lifting shoes from Reebok. The Legacy Lifter IIIs showcase a more aggressive heel-to-toe drop than other silhouettes in this roundup, meaning they can be better for ankle flexion and intra-lift mobility. In tossing snatches and getting into my catch phase, these were the weightlifting shoes that helped me achieve that optimal depth and stability. Plus, the heavy rubber outsole is quick to generate traction as you progress through your steps without any sliding or compromise.

I also admire the overall aesthetics of the Legacy Lifter IIIs which give a sort of vintage vibe to every workout thanks to the included Pump technology. Admittedly, though, I wasn’t able to take full advantage of this feature given my foot shape. The lacing system and strap design already create worthwhile lockdown, so the pumped up tongue wasn’t as necessary for my setup. With that said, the inflation could be a benefit for those with smaller feet, so it’s worth considering these kicks if you traditionally struggle with achieving that ideal lockdown over the top of your foot pre-lift.

Adidas Powerlift 5

ADIDAS

BEST WEIGHTLIFTING SHOE FOR POWERLIFTING

Adidas Powerlift 5

• $52.00 at ADIDAS
  $130.00 (60% off)

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 16mm

For powerlifters that don’t want to switch between footwear for each big lift (bench, squat, deadlift), the Powerlift 5s from Adidas can be an excellent option for a number of reasons. The canvas upper provides a little stretch to the profile that can accommodate wider feet, and the lower heel-to-toe drop doesn’t compromise your deadlift setup as much as other silhouettes in this guide. While I traditionally deadlift in Chuck Taylors or barefoot in training, I did find these Adidas kicks to be worthwhile, which wasn’t the case for other, more aggressive heels tested.

I also appreciate the cost-effective price tag that comes with these weightlifting shoes, as it makes having a worthwhile lifter more approachable for powerlifters. If the shoe can perform well in deadlifts and squats, why not shell out the $130 to give it a test run? I do wish Adidas would have included a second strap across the top for added lockdown, though. The single strap is efficient where placed, but there can be some excess room for the tongue to slide around at times. The non-gusseted makeup can require some adjustments during training, so be sure to pay attention to your footwear before lining up to hit those three white lights.

Inov-8 Power G 380

Courtesy

BEST WEIGHTLIFTING SHOE FOR CROSSFIT

Inov-8 Fastlift Power G 380

• $210.00 at inov-8.com

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 22mm

CrossFit athletes can also benefit from having a pair of quality weightlifting shoes at the ready for certain circuits across their daily WODs, yet the snug, clunky silhouettes more suited for static exercise can be a burden when transitioning from station to station. The Inov-8 FastLift Power G 380s can be a great alternative to lugging your kicks around the gym thanks to their lightweight makeup at just 13.4 ounces. I also appreciate the ripstop upper that’s ideal for sustaining the scuffs and stressors of working out yet still has the ability to keep your feet cool during training.

While lightweight with an impressive heel-to-toe drop for better form mobility, these impressive weightlifting shoes could benefit from an additional midfoot strap for improved lockdown. Also, while this goes without saying, I wouldn’t recommend you use these as your only pair of CrossFit shoes. There’s simply too much rigidity across the profile that would otherwise hinder your performance in situations that call for agility and maneuverability.

Nobull Lifter

NOBULL

MOST STYLISH WEIGHTLIFTING SHOE

Nobull Lifter

• $249.00 at NOBULL

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 18.5mm

Weightlifting shoes aren’t the most attractive silhouettes to flaunt day in and day out, but these sleek kicks from Nobull have us tempted. The old-school vibe across the leather and SuperFabric upper is unmatched, and I also appreciate how comfortable the upper is during workouts. While plenty durable for the rough and tumble nature of strength training, the SuperFabric textile is breathable and cozy.

Unfortunately, if your main desire with weightlifting shoes is performance-based, I think there are better shoes out there. For one, the lower heel-to-toe drop can be excellent for beginners but may leave taller athletes wanting a higher setup for improved ankle mobility. Additionally, this is one of the most narrow profiles I’ve worn in training, so I would recommend sizing up to achieve a more comfortable feel. Lastly, it’s hard to ignore that near-$300 price point. For that coin, I’d expect a more well-to-do silhouette that fits all my needs. Thankfully, though, the upper construction, efficient outsole and leather components can help keep this weightlifting shoe in your rotation longer, which helps lessen the sting of the higher cost.

Does Everyone Need Weightlifting Shoes?

Now, the benefits of weightlifting shoes can be enticing for many individuals, but do you really need to drop more money on an extra pair of shoes that are specific to just a few exercises throughout your routine? To answer that, you need to think about your personal fitness goals and experience with the discipline. If you have aspirations of high totals in the squat, snatch or other more advanced lifts, then you may want to give your performance the the equipment it needs to perform at its best.

I also recommend weightlifting shoes to anyone that has aspirations of competing in Olympic weightlifting or powerlifting, as the perks of a higher heel are just far too influential to leave off the meet stage. For athletes that just want to keep their physique in shape yet don’t have interest in more advanced workouts, you’re fine with forgoing this gear option.

What to Consider When Choosing Weightlifting Shoes

Heel Height

One of the biggest perks to training in weightlifting shoes is the increased heel-to-toe drop. This angled foot placement can help you increase your range of motion throughout a given lift, meaning you’re more suited to achieving a deeper squat or more secure catch position. The higher the heel, the easier it can be to get your buttocks down to the ground while retaining proper form.

Most weightlifting shoes will fall between 20–22mm of heel height, as this can be a solid setup for achieving that optimal depth and control. Other profiles, including some listed in this roundup, may feature a shorter heel, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. This just means your stance will be more reliant on your overall strength and form to move the weight, rather than your equipment. Plus, lower heel-to-toe drops can be excellent for athletes wanting that completely grounded feel across their footprint often more desirable in pulling exercises like deadlifts and rows.

Lockdown Security

When getting under a barbell or trying to push some massive masses in training, you don’t want to have a lot of play in your footwear. Your stance should be as rooted as possible, so if a silhouette allows your feet to move and slide freely within the interior, you could be left with an unsafe or underperforming setup. To alleviate this, most weightlifting shoes will incorporate a strap system across the top of the profile, either with singular or dual cinches. These components can help ensure your feet stay in place throughout the entirety of your exercise. While more lockdown is always ideal, make sure to take your budget and dedication to weightlifting into consideration before opting for a single- or dual-strapped silhouette.

Upper Material

Naturally, you’re not going to be wearing your weightlifting shoes as often as your other gym shoes, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp out on a pair that’s only going to last you a few weeks. After all, you may be relying on these sneakers to support and stabilize your frame when it matters most (i.e., in competition), so having an upper that’s durable enough to withstand the rigors of intense exercise is more than desirable. Many well-to-do silhouettes employ strong textiles like nylon and leather to facilitate these needs, but all that strength can limit breathability at times. Try to find a nice blend between the two — your toes will thank you later.

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