If you do weightlifting and bodybuilding, a good pair of weightlifting shoes is a first step on the way to lifting heavy weights. They can help you prevent injuries, lift more weight, move more quickly, and increase your power.
I just spent hours researching the best ones. You can click here to see how I chose them and which shoes are currently the best training shoes for men and women.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| adidas Men's Powerlift.3.1 Cross Trainer | Best Overall |  |
| Reebok Men's ROS Workout TR 2.0 Cross Trainer Shoes | Budget Pick |  |
| Otomix Men's Stingray Escape Bodybuilding Weightlifting MMA & Wrestling Shoes | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. adidas Men's Powerlift.3.1 Cross Trainer
Pros:
- High-quality leather and textile material
- It provides a snug fit for comfortable usage
- Cushioning
- It supports your arches and provides durability.
Cons:
- The shoes have a throwback look.
When you hear the words shoes and sport in the same sentence, the first word that comes to mind is not fashion. But adidas has broken that stereotype with this pair of powerlifting shoes that look neither like sneakers nor an out-of-fashion accessory.
On the contrary, the shoes perfectly gets the balance right with a classic look and modern feel. It has a classic look and feel, yet it gives you the support that you need for a sport like weightlifting.
With sufficient cushioning, you can expect a comfortable grip all the time. The upper is made from quality leather and textile, which makes it look luxurious.
2. Otomix Men's Stingray Escape Bodybuilding Weightlifting MMA & Wrestling Shoes
Otomix has done it again! This brand is synonymous with quality and aesthetic classiness. It is well known for creating weightlifting and bodybuilding shoes that are not only made for performance but with an aesthetic appeal that is unlike the others in the market.
The Otomix Stingray Escape is a weightlifting shoe that is certified and approved by the IFBB therefore making it a safe bet for you. It is also made of fine leather just like the rest of their weightlifting shoe line. It comes in a sturdy and hard shell that protects your foot.
This weightlifting shoe has a mesh tongue that is flexible to the feet. Unlike other weightlifting shoes, this one has a more flexible tongue. This is a plus for people with problems with their feet.
3. Reebok Men's Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Sneaker
Pros:
- Great looking shoe
- Great for short runs and short hikes
- Good for the gym since it has CrossFit technology
- This shoe comes in many different colors
Rated as one of the top CrossFit shoes, the Nano 8.0 Flexweave is said to be the shoe Reebok wanted to create when they started out with CrossFit in mind. It has plenty of underfoot cushion, but no so much that it interferes with free weight exercise.
Another amazing feature of the shoe is its seamless construction. The Nano is made from a combination of nylon and cross-cut panels that have a striking visual appeal, but it also makes it very durable. Many of the shoes we reviewed had visible seams where the top and bottom of the shoe met. This can be a weak point for the shoe and is where you should expect the shoe to show wear.
Plus, we liked the laces on this shoe. Not all CrossFit shoes have laces, many have Velcro or a zipper, but laces endure the test of time by remaining sturdy throughout each day, even through the sweatiest of workouts.
4. Reebok Men's Lifter Pr Cross-trainer Shoe
Pros:
- Special traction with carbon rubber that gives you amazing edge and grip in whatever environment you decide to use it during exercises
- Synthetic mesh with powerfoam sock liner gives you comfort, protection, and support
- A rubber outsole with tons of grip and traction thanks in part to its special carbon rubber integrated into the outsole
- The sole is made of FLEX-TONE and the heel of EVA
- You also get a contoured sock more specifically called an impact sock
- This shoe is only for activities that require light lifting
Cons:
- It doesn’t have the compression support that a cross-trainer should have
- There is no ankle support
- The overall heaviness of the shoe means that it can get a little uncomfortable
- It is very wide, even for athletic shoes
The Reebok Men’s Lifter Pr Cross-trainer Shoe blends one of the best trainers and a high-performance running and fitness shoe into one. Its versatility, durability, and support are among the best. The dedicated traction and the outgsole foam compressibility are just some of the features that make this Reebok running shoe stand out. It’s also got breathable mesh upper for great ventilation performance.
5. Nordic Lifting Powerlifting Shoes
6. NOBULL Men's Training Shoes and Styles
Available: Speed 2 Training Shoe, Flex Trainer 2, HUAWEI
If you’re serious about lifting weights, then you need a pair of solid shoes. That’s where the NOBULL heavy-duty training shoes come into play.
This shoe has some of the top durability ratings on the market and is considered to be durable and long-lasting. It’s a high top shoe with a sturdy sole, which is just what you need.
7. Reebok Men's ROS Workout TR 2.0 Cross Trainer Shoes
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Energy-return
We have highlighted the Reebok ROS 2.0 Cross Trainer Shoes as a great weightlifting shoe for a couple of reasons.
For starters, the regular traction pattern on the Reebok ROS 2.0 cross trainer shoe means you get a great grip on the ground. This is particularly important in a weightlifting shoe, as you need your shoes to be stable while your body is at an unstable angle mid-lift.
The Reebok ROS 2.0 is also very breathable, as the upper mesh offers good ventilation.
8. Inov-8 Men's Fastlift 325 Cross-Trainer Shoe
Pros:
- Dual-density midsole provides the cushioning required for heavy weightlifting
- Polyester mesh upper allows your feet to breathe and prevents moisture from building up.
- Drain holes on the bottom of the shoe that let water drain easily.
- Ridged outsole provides the traction you need when lifting.
Cons:
- Insoles may feel too rigid.
- We are big fans of the Inov-8 Men's Fastlift 325 Cross-Trainer Shoes, which are built specifically for Crossfit-style exercise.
- In addition to providing the solid traction you need for heavy weightlifting, the Fastlift 325 also features a Polyester Mesh upper that keeps your feet cool and keeps moisture from building up.
- Thanks to the Drain Holes in the sole of the shoe, you will be able to easily clear out water or other fluid from your shoes.
The shoe features an internal fit system that helps lock your heel down for even weight distribution. The SPM midsole that absorbs impact from your heavy lifting.
They're also lightweight and low maintenance. If you are chasing that PR in the gym, these are a great pick.
9. adidas Men's Adipower Weightlift Shoes
10. Inov-8 Mens Fastlift 335
Pros:
- A tight, locked-in fit
- Minimal heel
- Lightweight
11. Nike Romaleos 3 Mens Weighlifting Shoes
Pros :
- Nike’s newest and most advanced version of the shoe, featuring a lightweight extended and thicker heel plate.
- Advanced Traction
- Removable Insole.
Cons :
Ankle support not as good as the other versions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What shoes are best for weightlifting?
There are some shoes especially designed for weightlifting, but generally all-purpose athletic shoes are fine. The key distinction between the two types of shoes is the level of flexibility – weightlifting shoes can provide ankle support by nature of being somewhat stiffer than a traditional shoe. For CrossFit, there is a need for balance that calls for slightly different shoes from general athletic use.
Is it worth buying weightlifting shoes?
If so, what are the best brands?
While it is recommended to wear weightlifting shoes when you are lifting heavy weights including squats, deadlifts, and Olympic lifts. But it is not always necessary to buy special shoes. If you are totally new to weightlifting, an athletic shoe with a flat sole will do just fine. But once you start lifting more serious weights, a pair of weightlifting shoes is recommended because their soles provide much more support and protect your feet from injury. In general, weightlifting shoes look similar to basketball shoes, tennis shoes, and running shoes. But they have an elevated heel which is usually not more than 2 inches high. Thinner overall profile is also a main characteristic of weightlifting shoes.
What are the best shoes to squat in?
If you’re looking for the best shoes to squat in, you’ll want to consider the following:
- Size and style of the shoe
- Material
- Flexibility
- Feet pressure points
- Comfort
- Support
- Stability
- Price
- Your price range
It also makes sense to consider the type of workout your doing with the shoe.
Examples would be; heavy weight lifting, high intensity training, or so on.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the most popular options on the market and the unique features each model provides.
What makes a good weightlifting shoe?
Heel and ankle support: Weightlifting exercises place a large amount of pressure on the ankles and heels of the shoes, so it’s important that they are well supported in order to prevent injury and pain when lifting heavy weights.
Shoe Fit: The shoe should ideally fit snugly and securely without pinching or cutting the foot. Shoes with a squishy sole and a good amount of padding can be found at footlocker for a low price.
Pros and cons of weightlifting shoes:
Pros: It is much easier to jump and land when using a weightlifting shoe.
It is much easier to jump and land when using a weightlifting shoe. It is more comfortable on the feet during squats and deadlifts.
It allows for more secure lifting than with regular shoes.
They provide greater stability in the ankle, foot, and toes. avoiding injuries.
More comfortable and secure than regular shoes.
Conclusion
Based on our research, we’ve decided that the best weightlifting shoes in 2019-20 are the adidas PowerLift Trainer shoes.
We made this decision based on the positive aspects of the shoe, including the:
- Comfort
- Great price
- High-quality materials
- High-quality construction
- Versatility
If those things are important to you, then these are the best weightlifting shoes in 2019 for you.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| adidas Men's Powerlift.3.1 Cross Trainer | Best Overall | |
| Reebok Men's ROS Workout TR 2.0 Cross Trainer Shoes | Budget Pick | |
| Otomix Men's Stingray Escape Bodybuilding Weightlifting MMA & Wrestling Shoes | Upgrade Pick | |