You need the right gear if you plan on seriously lifting weights for your workouts. Here are the best weightlifting and powerlifting shoes you’ll need. When it comes to lifting weights for your workout, the most important thing you need to learn is to master the proper mechanics and movement for the lifts. But if you’re really serious about improving your workout performance, you’ll need the best weightlifting shoes for the job. In fact, shoes can help with your weightlifting performance regardless of your level or the amount of weight you can currently lift. The right shoes can increase your range of motion, allowing you to perform squat cleans and snatches more smoothly. The stability the shoes provide can even help you generate more power, so you can go for heavier weights. So if you really want the best weightlifting shoes, here are the footwear models you need to look at:
Top Weightlifting Shoes Reviews 2022
ASICS Men’s Lift Master Lite Cross-Trainer Shoe (Editor’s Choice)
Many people don’t just lift weights for their workouts. They often incorporate other exercises into their gym schedule. That can be a problem when it comes to your shoes, since many regular athletic shoes are unsuitable for weightlifting and shoes that are designed specifically for weightlifting are bad for anything else. But that’s why there’s this cross-trainer from Asics. This is a pair of shoes that mixes features of both lifting shoes and training shoes. Basically, if you’re a competitive lifter then this isn’t for you as you’ll need dedicated weightlifting shoes. On the other hand, if you’re just a regular weightlifter who also does other types of exercise, these shoes can help with your cross-training requirements.
Features and Specs:
- Wider midsole base platform, which is meant for enhanced stability
- Lightweight thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) heel also increases stability
- Smoother and flatter forefoot piece makes it easier for you to make the right moves, and it keeps your body properly aligned so your biomechanics are efficient and smooth
- Special Lift Master Lite upper with synthetic no-sew overlays and a lightweight mesh vamp, which is meant to provide a lightweight and also breathable feel
- Uppers mid-foot straps, which keeps your feet stabilized and secure even when you do a wide range of Olympic lift movements
- Monosock fit system keeps the shoes comfortably snug around your feet, without giving your feet too much room to wiggle which can cause you to feel unbalanced
The quality of these shoes is top notch, and they’re meant to last for a long while. They are completely seamless, so it can’t even tear at the seams (as there are none). Even those who subscribe to the vegan lifestyle can have no objections to this pair of shoes, as these shoes use synthetic materials and not real leather.
- Can be used for different exercises
- Extremely stable
- Allows you to do the moves right
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Fits snugly to your feet
- High quality and durable
- Not meant for extreme heavy duty weightlifting
- Limited color options
Inov-8 Men’s Fastlift 400 BOA Fitness Shoe
This is more of a weightlifting specialist’s pair of shoes. You can see that from its look alone, as the unique sole in the heel area and the intriguing knob in the upper make clear. The Fastlift models were also well-known as shoes that were specifically designed for weightlifting, so it shouldn’t be surprising that this version makes an appearance on our list
Features and Specs:
- This has a medial strap uses the adjustable BOA lacing system, that’s also supplemented by a more traditional lace-up closure
- Roomy toe box to offer enough space for splaying toes during lifts and squats
- Close-fitting heel section to prevent wobbling
- The outsole has a sticky rubber compound bottom for an excellent grip over a variety of floor surfaces (including wet floors
- The mostly flat outsole gives you a stable lifting platform, as the heel section strategically-placed dimples that functions like suction cups to enhance the sole’s grip
- The forefoot features a shallow “Meta-Flex” groove for greater flexibility when doing plyometric exercises (or just walking)
- Power-Truss wedge in the midsole with 8 thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) pillars to support the heel when lifting weights.
- The wedge raises the heel over the toes by 16.5 mm, to enable deeper squats without too much strain on the Achilles tendon, and to help maintain correct lifting posture
- The upper uses tightly-woven fabric for a snug fit, with polyurethane overlays for greater support and structure
- A thick synthetic overlay reinforces the toebox, with the welded bumper protecting the toes from impact during the workout
This really offers a great fit, which means you enjoy a secure lockdown for your midfoot. The flat shoelaces in the traditional lace-up closure can be adjusted easily. The BOA lacing system also lets you turn the BOA knob to tighten or loosen the fit precisely, with each click of the knob adjusting the fit by a single mm.
- Precise and comfy fit
- Very stable
- Offers enough room for splaying toes
- Won’t slip on the floor
- Allows for great range of movements
- Offers nice support
- Very durable
- The heel to toe drop isn’t as steep as in other shoes
Adidas Men’s Power Perfect III Cross Trainer
The Adidas brand is obviously well-known, but at least with this particular shoe you won’t have to pay too much for the privilege of owning an Adidas. It’s affordable enough for most folks and that matches how it was designed to work with all levels of lifters from newbies to competitors. Don’t forget, though, that even though this is technically a cross trainer it’s meant specifically for weightlifting. It just means that when you shift to another exercise, you won’t have to change shoes.
Features and Specs:
- Air Mesh Collar offers breathability
- Derby construction provides lateral lockdown support
- Durable Synthetic Upper and Adiwear Outsole
- High-density, Die-Cut Wedge Midsole gives you a stable platform for lifting
- Hook-and-loop Instep Strap
- Integral Rear foot Heel Support
Basically, this provides an optimal lifting platform with terrific stability. It should suit even those who can lift heavier weights. The shoes offer surprising comfort, with good enough breathability.
- It’s an Adidas, which comes with some prestige
- Very stable lifting platform
- Unexpectedly comfortable
- Lightweight upper
- Durable outsole
- Great lateral lockdown support
- Affordable
- Nice color options
- Appropriate heel lift at ¾ of an inch
- You have to be careful about fake Adidas shoes
- Velcro strap ring is plastic, not metal
Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Power Cross-Trainer Shoe
The colorways for the Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Power Cross-Trainer Shoe may contain some “crazy” color combinations, but its overall design makes lots of sense. This shoe is for strength builders who need stability, and that’s what you get when you need shoes for lifting weights.
Features and Specs:
- Upper made from textile and synthetic materials for lighter weight and breathability, with the RPU protective cage providing enhanced durability
- Raised toe cap and wider forefoot lets your feet to splay naturally so you have a solid and stable base when you’re burdened by a heavy weight
- You get low-profile cushioning and comfy textile lining to make your feet feel comfortable while you’re lifting the weights
- The PRO MODERATORheel support provides stability for the heel
- Extra stability is also due to the low-to-the-ground 3 mm heel drop
- There’s also the TRAXION outsole giving you maximum grip in all directions
- Laces and Velcro for optimal fit and stability
- Very stable platform
- Ample room for spayed feet
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Very durable
- Removable insole
- It’s Adidas
- While good for weightlifting, it’s not all that great for running due to no enough impact protection
- Sometimes the laces get stuck in the Velcro
Nike Romaleos 2 Power Lifting Shoes
Since we’ve already listed Adidas here, let’s put in the famous Nike brand as well. It’s represented by this powerlifting shoe that’s both lightweight and flexible. It’s designed to deal well with the specific stress on footwear brought on by regular weightlifting.
Features and Specs:
- The synthetic upper has an integrated system with traditional lacing and two large hook-and-loop closures to keep the feet locked in tight when you’re lifting heavy weights
- The top of the shoe has some elastic added to it so that the shoes flex with the tendons of your feet during your lifting movements
- The contoured TPU heel wedge surrounds the heel for a very secure fit
- This has 2 insoles, with a softer one for training and the harder one for serious competition
- You have a flat rubber outsole specifically made to reduce the wear in the heel area.
- The construction design and the metatarsal strap makes it fit around your feet like a sock
- The drop is only 16mm, which works best for those who don’t want heels that are too high
- The heel area is stable and solid for weightlifting
- Attention-catching colors
- The sole won’t compress even with heavy weights
- The toe box is somewhat flexible
- The tour heel offers some nice energy returns when you lift
- The footbed molds to the arch of your feet, and it’s not too cushy to maintain stability
- It’s a Nike
- There’s now a Romaleos 3, so the Romaleos 2 may be harder to find
- You’ll need to take it off if you’re doing other exercises
Reebok Men’s Lifter Plus 2.0 Training Shoe
Reebok is no longer as famous as it once was, but it’s still a recognizable brand. The quality of their shoes can be seen this specialized cross trainer Reebok Men’s Lifter Plus 2.0 Training Shoe. It’s available in a variety of colorways, with most of them bright and cheerful. There are lots to cheer about, though, when you consider its features:
Features and Specs:
- The toe area features full grain leather for better fit and comfort
- You have 2 Velcro straps with one above and one below the traditional lace-up enclosure, and this enclosure system offers stability and responsiveness
- It has anti-friction lining to minimize the moisture and the uncomfortable build-up of heat to keep your feet comfortable and dry
- You get a custom fit (with even a real need for a break-in period) because of the heat-activated U-Form mid-foot wrap that molds itself to the shape of the feet
- The rubber outsole offers good traction and it’s resistant to abrasion
- It’s not too heavy at 1 pound and 2.5 ounces (for size 12).
- Colorful
- Lightweight
- Fits very well
- Locks down the feet nicely
- Tough outsole offers nice grip
- Not really meant for running
- Those who prefer more subdued colors will be out of luck
Nike Men’s Metcon 2
It can be annoying when you have only a few colorways to choose from when it comes to your sneakers. At least this one offers at least 39 different color schemes so you can pick your favorite. Of course, the colors aren’t the real reason why you’d pick the Nike Men’s Metcon 2. It’s a cross trainer that you can use for lifting weights. Now you have a pair of shoes that you can use for weightlifting, jumping, and climbing.
Features and Specs:
- Firmer heel sole provides greater stability with lifts
- Heel sock liner offers better resistance to slipping
- The coating on the outer material of the toe box adds to grip and durability
- Arch overlay material to help with grip during rope climbs
- Plastic heel clip to protect from heel separation due to rubbing on the walls
- Great support and traction for multi-axis movement
- Solid arch support
- Stable
- Durable
- Flexible
- Not for running
- Very noisy
Reebok Men’s Legacy Lifter Cross Trainer
These are among the most expensive shoes on this list, but then it does have a lot to offer. It’s among the most popular training shoes that Reebok has to offer. It was designed with the help of CJ Cummings to come up with a truly technical Olympic lifting shoe.
Features and Specs:
- Uses perforated synthetic leather upper with mesh for increased breathability
- It has an anatomical shape and uses double upper straps for a customized, locked-in feel
- The grip rubber gives you traction and durability
- TPU heel piece in the midsole for stability and control
- You have the Exoframe technology in the heel for added support
- 22mm Drop (¾”) with a weight of 20.3 ounces
- The collar comes with a full foam lining with an Achilles pad for added comfort
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Great support for the heels
- Durable
- Excellent traction
- Perfect fit
- Designed for weightlifting and powerlifting
- You can’t use this for anything else, as even walking with these feels strange
- Straps seem a bit flimsy
Adidas Men’s Leistung 16 Weightlifting Shoes
This checks out all the appropriate boxes that you need when you’re looking for the right shoes for weightlifting. It carries all the hallmarks of exacting German engineering, giving you the shoes that get the job done.
Features and Specs:
- Completely synthetic
- The Heel Lift is at 24.8 mm with the Heel Height at 37.8 mm
- The upper comes with the triaxial design, which helps with the great fit
- The micro-adjusting Boa Closure System gives you that consistently perfect hold
- The flat flexible forefoot enables better transmission of power
- The chassis is designed specifically for weightlifting, with lightweight injected polymer for strengthening the structure
- The rearfoot cradle ensures stability with lockdown
- The outsole is flat to maximize contact and grip with the floor
- Offers secure traction
- Stable
- Strong structure
- Perfect fit
- Allows for power transmission during lifts
- It’s Adidas
- Hard to find
- Now has a 2.0 version that’s extremely expensive
Nordic Lifting Powerlifting Shoes for Heavy Weightlifting
Annoyingly, it’s only available in black or blue. But this is a specifically designed powerlifting pair of shoes that has helped quite a few folks. It’s even reasonably priced. Numerous people have attested to its quality, and even the Nordic customer support is excellent.
Features and Specs:
- Heel height is 1.4″ while it’s 0.47″ on the toes
- The smooth and rigid anti-slip sole offers constant stability
- The snug fit prevents your feet from moving unnecessarily
- The squat shoes feature a raised heel to help you stand more upright, so you’re able to lift more weight
- The sturdy Velcro strap, excellent stitching and lacing can deal well with the tremendous stress for extended periods of weightlifting
- The raised heel gives you proper foot stability and support
- Allows you to lift more weight
- You’re stable at all stages of your workout
- This won’t wear down easily
- It fits very well
- Fantastic customer support
- The metatarsal strap quality isn’t as good as the other components
- Not for walking around
- The high heel may be too high for deadlift
Conclusion
It would have been nice to have a buying guide for factors to consider when buying the best weightlifting shoes. But most experts agree that determining the best shoes for weightlifting and powerlifting for you is by simple trial and error. So try any of our recommendations, and concentrate on how they feel and move when you use them. See if you feel that you’re stable and comfortable, while your shoes offer proper traction and support. If it’s helping you improve with your workout, then it may be the best weightlifting shoes for you.
