Our verdict

In our opinion, very few lifting shoes come close to the stability and support provided by the Reebok Legacy Lifter II. It is a premium offering that meets every demand an Olympic weightlifter may have. The shoe exudes quality and proves to be a real confidence booster. It is an exceptional shoe in our catalog.

Pros

  • Unmatched stability
  • Sturdy incompressible platform
  • Elevated heel is perfect for squats
  • Incredibly supportive upper
  • Fantastic durability
  • Reliable grip
  • Aesthetically designed

Cons

  • Not breathable
  • Limited Velcro attachment

Audience verdict

90
Superb!

Who should buy

We believe that the Legacy Lifter II is a must to consider if you are an athlete who:

  • regularly trains with heavy weights up to 400 pounds and more
  • prefers the highest heel elevation for squats
  • takes part in weightlifting competitions

Reebok Legacy Lifter II review

Who should NOT buy

Because of its genuine leather upper, the Legacy Lifter II can get pretty toasty. The newer Legacy Lifter III has a little better breathability.

This is also not the best option for those who are just starting out with weightlifting. For your very first lifting shoe, we recommend getting a less elevated heel. The Nike Savaleos or the Adidas Powerlift 5 are more beginner-friendly and versatile with their 15-mm drop.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II lab test

Breathability

Prepare to get a little sweaty in the Legacy Lifter II. It is one of the least breathable lifting shoes in our lab.

We test each shoe's breathability by pumping smoke through its upper. The amount of smoke that passes through it allows us to rate the ventilation from 1 to 5.

It's easy to see why the Legacy Lifter II got the lowest score.

You might ask "but what about those perforations on the leather?" Well, let's have a look at them through our microscope.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II microscope perforations

And now let's compare them to the perforations on the Legacy Lifter III. Obviously, the latter got a higher breathability score from us.

Reebok Legacy Lifter III perforations

Test results
Legacy Lifter II 1
Average 2
Compared to 6 weightlifting training shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

This upper may not be airy, but boy it is sturdy!

Beating up the shoe's toebox with a Dremel for 12 seconds, we were blown away by its abrasion resistance! The damage is so small that it looks more like an accidental scuff.

It's hard to find another shoe that could compete with that! Even the acclaimed Nike Romaleos 4 was left with a glaring see-through hole.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II vs Nike Romaleos 4 toebox durability comparison

Test results
Legacy Lifter II 5
Average 3.5
Compared to 6 weightlifting training shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The heel padding also proved to be incredibly wear-resistant in our Dremel test.

After 4 seconds of drilling, the fabric was practically unscathed. We rated its durability with a maximum score of 5/5. 

Test results
Legacy Lifter II 5
Average 3.6
Compared to 5 weightlifting training shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

To assess the durability of the outsole, we measured its hardness and thickness. In our experience, these two parameters are correlated with how abrasion resistant the component is.

With a durometer reading of 80.4 HC, the shoe's rubber is a little softer than average. However, it's not enough to compromise durability.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II Outsole hardness
Test results
Legacy Lifter II 80.4 HC
Average 85.1 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 6 weightlifting training shoes
Number of shoes
79.5 HC
Outsole hardness
90.6 HC

Outsole thickness

Meanwhile, the caliper shows 3.2 mm of rubber thickness which is a little thinner than average.

We don't find this to be alarming given that this type of shoe is only used indoors.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II Outsole thickness
Test results
Legacy Lifter II 3.2 mm
Average 3.6 mm
Compared to 6 weightlifting training shoes
Number of shoes
2.1 mm
Outsole thickness
5.0 mm

Weight

Based on our lab measurements, the Legacy Lifters are among the heaviest lifting shoes.

While the Lifter II is not as heavy as the III, it is still about 3 ounces heavier than the average. The shoe tips the scale at a whopping 21.6 oz (612g)!

However, some athletes actually benefit from feeling more weight on their feet as it creates a more grounded experience.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II heel

Test results
Legacy Lifter II 21.59 oz (612g)
Average 17.53 oz (497g)
Compared to 6 weightlifting training shoes
Number of shoes
11.53 oz (327g)
Weight
22.12 oz (627g)

Platform

Heel stack

Meant for advanced athletes, the Legacy Lifters are some of the tallest lifting shoes.

Using a caliper, we measured the shoe's stack height at 34.6 mm in the heel. This is 3 mm taller than average!

Reebok Legacy Lifter II Heel stack

Higher heels are so important for heavy lifting because they put your body in a more ergonomic position for squats. They help to keep your torso upright while minimizing stress on the knees and ankles. Those with poor ankle mobility benefit a lot from having their heels elevated.

Test results
Legacy Lifter II 34.6 mm
Average 28.3 mm
Compared to 6 weightlifting training shoes
Number of shoes
12.5 mm
Heel stack
34.6 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot stack is expected to be much lower than the heel in this type of athletic shoe.

Our caliper shows 13.7 mm of stack under the toes, which is about the same as the average.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II Forefoot stack
Test results
Legacy Lifter II 13.7 mm
Average 12.9 mm
Compared to 6 weightlifting training shoes
Number of shoes
10.9 mm
Forefoot stack
14.8 mm

Drop

The difference in stack heights gives us a drop of 20.9 mm. This is a little lower than the officially stated 22 mm. We don't think it's a critical difference but it's still important to point out.

This is the highest heel elevation among lifting shoes and is most suitable for seasoned athletes. Beginners may find it too tall for their needs and we recommend that they start with a lower drop of 15 mm instead. The Adidas Powerlift 5 and the Nike Savaleos are both a better starting point.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II Drop
Test results
Legacy Lifter II 20.9 mm
Average 15.4 mm
Compared to 6 weightlifting training shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Drop
20.9 mm

Platform firmness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

A squishy sole is the last thing you want to experience when lifting a heavy barbell above your head.

But you don't even have to worry about it with the rock-hard platform of the Reebok Legacy Lifter II. Pressing a durometer against the shoe's wedge, we got a reading of 95.6 HA which is among the firmest we've ever seen in our lab.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II Midsole softness
Test results
Legacy Lifter II 95.6 HA
Average 69.2 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 6 weightlifting training shoes
Number of shoes
36.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
97.0 HA

Insole thickness

The shoe comes with a padded insole which is 6.7 mm thick, based on our caliper measurement. This is a typical insole thickness of a lifting shoe.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II Insole thickness
Test results
Legacy Lifter II 6.7 mm
Average 5.9 mm
Compared to 6 weightlifting training shoes
Number of shoes
3.6 mm
Insole thickness
8.3 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

No matter how wobbly your ankles may get when lifting, the Legacy Lifter II has got your back.

This shoe is the epitome of stability.

Torsional rigidity

Attempting to twist the Legacy Lifter II sideways gave zero results. It is stiff as concrete! Not only is the platform itself very stiff but it's also reinforced with TPU sidewalls for added support.

Needless to say that the shoe got the highest score for torsional rigidity. Phenomenal stability!

Test results
Legacy Lifter II 5
Average 4.3
Compared to 6 weightlifting training shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The heel counter follows suit by being extraordinarily stiff too. We felt a very secure heel clutch while wearing the shoe, with zero change of rolling our ankles.

Pushing and squeezing it reveals how much structure there is to this part of the shoe. Another 5 out of 5 goes to the Legacy Lifter II's stability.

Test results
Legacy Lifter II 5
Average 4.8
Compared to 6 weightlifting training shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

What's curious is that the platform of the Legacy Lifter II is actually not the widest.

We measured 102.7 mm in the widest part of the forefoot which is about 4 mm narrower than the average. However, we must add that it never felt that way training in the Lifter II.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Legacy Lifter II 102.7 mm
Average 107.7 mm
Compared to 6 weightlifting training shoes
Number of shoes
102.0 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
116.0 mm

Midsole width in the heel

In the widest part of the heel, we got a measurement of 86.6 mm. This is about the same as the average of lifting shoes.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Legacy Lifter II 86.6 mm
Average 86.7 mm
Compared to 6 weightlifting training shoes
Number of shoes
77.1 mm
Midsole width in the heel
94.2 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

The Legacy Lifter II is not very easy to bend in the forefoot either. This makes the already stable platform feel even more planted.

It took 25.3N of force to bend the shoe to a 90-degree angle, based on our gauge tool. This is the same as it took other lifting shoes on average.

Of course, walking in this Reebok lifter is not the comfiest experience but that's the price to pay for its incredible stability.

Test results
Legacy Lifter II 25.3N
Average 23.5N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 6 weightlifting training shoes
Number of shoes
10.7N
Stiffness
40.4N

Grip / Traction

The ribbed full-length outsole of the Legacy Lifter does a fantastic job biting the floor, be it a wooden platform, a carpet, or a rubber mat.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II outsole

Size and fit

Toebox width at the widest part

Just like most lifting shoes, the Legacy Lifter II has a pretty snug, one-to-one fit. Measuring the widest part of the upper with a caliper, we found that it is 97 mm wide, which is about the same as the average.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II Toebox width at the widest part

But do keep in mind that the leather upper has zero give to it.

Test results
Legacy Lifter II 97.0 mm
Average 99.9 mm
Compared to 6 weightlifting training shoes
Number of shoes
95.2 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
104.9 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

The shoe also narrows down towards the front.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II fit

We measured the toebox width at the big-toe point to see how tapered it is. The caliper shows 73.7 mm which is the same as the other lifting shoes we've measured.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II Toebox width at the big toe

Tongue: gusset type

The shoe features a layered bootie-like upper to create a very secure foot containment. As a result, we experienced zero foot shifting inside the shoe.

If you are someone with narrow or low-volume feet, you may prefer the Legacy Lifter III. It comes with a nostalgic fit-regulation technology called Pump. Pressing it inflates the tongue to fill up all the access space you may have left inside the shoe.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Legacy Lifter II Bootie

Comfort

Tongue padding

The tongue is amply padded too. Our caliper shows that it is 4.7 mm thick, which is about the same as the average.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II Tongue padding
Test results
Legacy Lifter II 4.7 mm
Average 5.0 mm
Compared to 6 weightlifting training shoes
Number of shoes
1.9 mm
Tongue padding
7.4 mm

Heel tab

The shoe doesn't have a pull tab so you will have to unlace it more or use a shoehorn for a quick on-and-off.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II Heel tab
Test results
Legacy Lifter II None

Removable insole

In case you need to use custom orthotics, the Legacy Lifter II comes with a removable insole.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II Removable insole
Test results
Legacy Lifter II Yes