6 Best Weightlifting Shoes in 2023
Also known as lifting shoes or squat shoes, weightlifting trainers come with a wide non-compressible platform, raised heel, and a strap to keep you stable under the heaviest loads.
Whether you are a competitive weightlifter or someone who does strength training, this footwear will keep you sure-footed. While they may all look similar at first glance, there are differences that make some of them better for beginners, advanced athletes, certain types of exercise.
We have tested over a dozen of lifting shoes to help you find the best option.
How we test weightlifting shoes
Every weightlifting shoe is assigned a CoreScore, which is a number from 1 to 100, which indicates the following:
- actual wearers’ opinions about the model
- the stance of expert reviewers who test and assess every shoe from top to bottom
Our ratings are updated on a regular basis, taking into account the freshest releases and reviews.
Best weightlifting shoes overall
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Phenomenal stability
- Sturdy platform and sole
- Better lockdown with two straps
- Comfortable for a lifting shoe
- True to size
- Efficient traction
- Appealing looks
Cons
- Upper lacks durability
- Not for narrow ankles
- Not breathable
Today's best price
Best low drop training shoes for weightlifting
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Great for strength training
- Good traction
- Quite stable ride
- A lot of ground feel
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Functionally spacious toebox
- Accommodates wide feet
- Fairly priced
- Streamlined look
Cons
- Has to be broken in
- Not versatile enough for non-strength exercises
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Best expensive training shoes for weightlifting
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Solid and stable base
- Improves ankle mobility
- Good forefoot flexibility
- Dynamic upper
- Great minimalist design
Cons
- Eyelet durability concerns
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Best Nike training shoes for weightlifting
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Versatile for a lifting shoe
- Superb stability
- Reasonably priced
- Secure lockdown
- Velcro doesn’t damage laces
- Excellent grip
- Visually appealing
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Not for heavy weightlifting
- Not for wide feet
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Best value
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Excellent stability
- Reliable outsole grip
- Durable
- Great breathability
- Appealing design
Cons
- Too tight
- Stiff
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Most popular shoes for weightlifting
What makes it the most popular?
Pros
- Excellent stability and support
- Comfortable footbed
- Aesthetically designed
- Superior material quality
- Worthwhile investment
- Reliable traction
Cons
- Heel slip issues
- Midfoot section discomfort
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Comparison of the 6 best weightlifting shoes
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Why get a weightlifting shoe
Many gym-goers lift weights using whatever footwear is at their disposal, be it their regular running shoes or even casual sneakers.
These pairs could suffice for very light weights but if you are lifting moderate to heavy loads on a regular basis, there are several solid reasons for considering specialized footwear.
The benefits of using weightlifting shoes |
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Secure foothold
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Raised heel
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Wide stiff platform
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If these benefits are not convincing enough, see why this type of footwear is recommended by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) or watch a weightlifting session of the Olympic Games.
Lifting shoes vs. cross-training shoes
But what if you are not aiming for the professional tournaments? You just want to incorporate some lifting into your regular gym session.
In this case, a pair of cross-trainers or CrossFit shoes may indeed be a better option. But let’s consider the pros and cons of each type:
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Lifter
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Cross-trainer
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Raised heel (15 - 22 mm) + gives an advantage for the following cases:
- will not let you do anything else at the gym; masks problems with ankle flexibility |
Flat sole (0 - 6 mm) + offers the following benefits:
- will not help you plant the heel in the squat; can feel unstable for Olympic weightlifting |
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Non-compressible + no wobbling occurs; no power is lost as you go up from the squat - has no flex or cushioning for any other activity |
Compressible + gives cushioning and flexibility needed for agile exercises - the squish will absorb part of the energy you exert when squatting and lifting |
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Rigid + tight casing made of leather and extra straps clasps the foot for stability - little to no flex makes it uncomfortable to even walk in the shoe; little breathability |
Flexible + synthetic upper readily flexes in the forefoot to accommodate burpees, planks, jumps, etc.; offers more breathability - flexibility leads to lack of stability when lifting |
Bottom line: If squats, cleans and jerks are the primary focus of your gym routine and you want maximum stability from your shoes, choose lifters. On the other hand, if you want to be more versatile, do all-around workouts, and don’t want to change footwear in the midst of a training session, go for the flat-soled CrossFit shoes.
Middle ground: A solid alternative was introduced by Nike in their flagship Metcon line. Starting from the 5th iteration and up, you get a pair of removable Hyperlift inserts along with the shoes. These firm wedges can be placed underneath the insole in the heel area to increase the heel height by 8 mm for men and by 6 mm in the women’s version. Adding firmness and heel elevation, these inserts make the Metcon come a step closer to an actual lifting shoe.
If you are also curious about how running shoes, Chuck Taylors, and being barefoot affects your weightlifting performance, see our science-backed study on lifting shoes.
Choosing the right weightlifting shoe for you
The primary parameter to consider in lifting shoes is the heel height.
Weightlifting shoes are available in several heel heights, ranging from 15 mm (0.6 inches) to 22 mm (1 inch).
The tendency for beginners is to select the lower height, while the more professional athletes choose the highest heel height.
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Lower range
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15 mm (0.6 inch) 16.5 mm (0.65 inch) |
Best for:
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Middle range
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19 mm (0.7 inch) 20 mm (0.8 inch) 20 mm (0.8 inch) |
Best for:
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Upper range
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22 mm (0.9 inch) |
Best for:
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Weightlifting shoes help you achieve the best results in what they are intended for - weightlifting.
This footwear is not meant as all-around gym footwear. That’s why it is still crucial to work on the mobility, flexibility, and strength of your feet and ankles outside of your lifting sessions. Keep your training routine versatile to succeed in sports and stay healthy.
