Nike Romaleos 4

Profile of the Nike Romaleos 4

The Romaleos belongs to the heavy-duty line of weightlifting shoes from Nike. 

Who is it for? This trainer is meant for intermediate and professional athletes who lift heavy regularly.

What is it good for? As one of the flagship weightlifting models on the market, the shoe is best for Olympic weightlifting exercises: squats, cleans, jerks, and snatches. It is not recommended to use it for cross-training, running, or walking because of the trainer’s rigid construction.

Updates: Nike Romaleos 3 vs. Romaleos 4

• Two straps. Gone is the single wide strap of the Romaloes 3. It has been replaced with two straps that close in opposing directions on the Romaleos 4. It also ditched the use of Flywire in the lacing system.
• Mesh upper. Instead of leather, the Romaleos 4 features a durable mesh upper. 
• Bigger heel cup. The TPU heel now wraps higher up the foot, cupping the bottom of the rearfoot effectively.
• Higher heel counter. The heel counter on the Romaleos 4 has also been redesigned to cover more area to steady the hindfoot.
• Heavier weight. Compared to the Romaleos 3 which was at 380 grams per shoe, the Romaleos 4 comes much heavier at 570 grams per shoe. 

Other weightlifting shoes to consider

Reebok Legacy Lifter

There are many similarities between the Legacy Lifter and the Romaleos 4, which include:

• Two straps that close in opposite directions.
• A high solid heel that cups the base of the hindfoot.
• A heel counter that prevents excessive movements of the rearfoot.

However, the upper of the Legacy Lifter is made mostly of leather, giving it that classic look.

Adidas Power Perfect 3

If the Romaleos 4 feels too stiff for your needs, another trainer that received a ton of praises is the Power Perfect 3.

• It uses a combination of leather and mesh, which is responsible for its pliability.
• Its midsole is made from EVA foam, which is less rigid than the TPU heel of the Romaleos 4.
• Unlike the Romaleos 4, the Power Perfect 3 only has a single strap placed at the top, helping secure the instep.
• The Power Perfect 3 is more suited for people who are just starting out in their weightlifting journey.