If you’re serious about making strength gains, it can be useful for athletes to swap out the best cross-training shoes in their closets for a pair of weightlifting shoes. Weightlifting shoes can promote a better sense of knee and hip flexion during certain lifts, especially the squat, clean and jerk, and snatch. (1) For athletes that routinely incorporate these lifts into their regimens, the best weightlifting shoes can also promote a heightened sense of security and style.
Like any specialized footwear, though, getting your picks right from the start is more beneficial than not. You’ll need to think about the raised heel and how much elevation is in the shoes themselves, as well as your sense of traction via the outsole, and (of course) your overall comfort. To help you pinpoint your magic weightlifting slipper, we’ve gotten hands-on with a number of quality kicks and consulted with our in-house experts to determine our favorite weightlifting shoes on the market today.
The 8 Best Weightlifting Shoes of 2024
- Best Weightlifting Shoes Overall: Nike Romaleos 4
- Most Stylish Weightlifting Shoes: NOBULL Leather Lifter
- Best Weightlifting Shoes for Olympic Weightlifting: Reebok Legacy Lifter III
- Best Weightlifting Shoes for Wide Feet: TYR L-1 Lifter
- Best Weightlifting Shoes for Beginners: Nike Savaleos
- Best Weightlifting Shoes for Powerlifting: TYR DZ-1 DropZero Barefoot Trainer
- Best Budget Weightlifting Shoes: Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes
- Best Weightlifting Shoes for CrossFit: Inov-8 Fastlift 360
How We Tested and Chose the Best Weightlifting Shoes
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To make our list of the best weightlifting shoes, we got hands-on with 12 different silhouettes from top brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to determine our top picks. Below are some of the categories and components we looked at to make our list.
Heel Height and Elevation
The height of a weightlifting shoe’s heel can greatly influence the range of motion across your hip, knee, and ankle joints during barbell squats and other exercises. (2) As such, finding the ideal setup for your comfort and performance levels is key when selecting a pair of lifters for your gym bag. While some athletes may require the most support possible across the ankle, others may be able to get away with a lower setup provided it doesn’t compromise their in-lift comfort.
On average, you can expect weightlifting shoes to carry a heel height around 19 millimeters or greater, with many of the top-performing profiles in the category hovering around 20 millimeters. Of course, the presence of an elevated heel can be suitable for certain lifts and detrimental for others, so you should take into account how you plan to structure your training as well as your personal preferences when deciding between one pair of shoes over the next.
Lacing and Strapping
Your lacing system can influence how much lockdown you experience over the top of your foot, and when your workout calls for stabilizing or hoisting massive weights overhead, it can help to be secure from the ground up. The picks in this round-up include silhouettes boasting a variety of lacing structures, with some employing just a simple shoelace lattice and others adding a single- or dual-strap system for better lockdown.
Naturally, the more apparatuses at play in this area, the more secure you can feel in a given lift. However, the extra security can pose a problem in terms of unwanted pressure, which can lead to discomfort and even blistering. We did our best to include feedback on how each profile felt during trials, highlighting where a system proved beneficial and where straps or lacing structures were more overkill.
Type of Heel
Unlike some of the best running shoes on the market, you’ll want a sturdier heel that doesn’t showcase a cozy sense of compression when deciding between weightlifting shoes. This compression can actually be detrimental to your lifts, as you’ll be initially squishing through mounds of material before finding that desirable ground contact for upward motion or thrusts.
When it comes to high-quality weightlifting shoes, there are a handful of materials that can be employed for a rock-solid foundation. Below are some quick notes on some of these design elements and what you can expect from a sneaker showcasing these build qualities:
- EVA Heel: Lightweight, somewhat compressible or maneuverable, very durable
- TPU Heel: Lightweight, resistant to compression and abrasion, durable
- Stacked Leather Heel: Throwback look, platform feedback, somewhat compressible
- Wood Heel: Stable, old-school appearance, little to no compression, platform feedback
While some may think it’s profitable to opt for the heel design with the least amount of give, you need to remember that you need to actually wear these weightlifting shoes outside of the lifting platform itself. There’s no sense in wearing a wooden heel if the rest of your training session will be compromised from an uncomfortable underfoot, right? As such, we understand that every athlete can have a subjective take on which heel design is best, so we did our best to include options that cater to multiple tastes and wants in this guide.
Materials
Something to be aware of are the trade-offs that come with certain types of materials. Leather, for example, looks great, but does not breathe as well as fabrics such as textile or mesh. Conversely, using a ton of breathable material can make shoes nice and lightweight with great airflow, but may impact their durability and stability.
When it comes to heels and outsoles, weightlifting shoes tend to be built for stability and traction to help you stick to the platform. They’re meant to make you feel connected to the platform, so don’t expect much forgiveness or a squishy feeling from them.
[Related: The Ultimate Guide to Lifting Shoes]
Design
Design is something that is highly subjective and we try our best not to put too much emphasis on it, but sometimes there are shoes we can all agree just look good — and we’ll point that out. Whether you’re someone who cares about the look of your shoes or simply views them as tools meant to perform a job, the design of weightlifting shoes has come a long way and there are a lot of different looks and options to choose from now.
Best Weightlifting Shoes Overall: Nike Romaleos 4
The Nike Romaleos 4 are about as pure of a weightlifting shoe as you can get. They’re designed with stability and performance in mind with dual leather lockdown straps and a unique patterned rubber sole for a better platform feel and stability.
Specs
- Price: $200
- Weight: 20.14oz
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 20mm
- Lockdown Mechanism: Lace and dual strap
- Available Sizes: 3.5-18
- Colors Available: 4
Pros
- These weightlifting shoes boast a 20-millimeter heel height for optimal ankle positioning for squats and Olympic lifts.
- A wider heel helps promote traction and stability, which can help provide a grounded setup before heavy lifts.
- The Romaleos 4s showcase a dual-strap design, which can deliver better midfoot lockdown than other sneakers featuring one or no straps.
Cons
- The narrow toe box may feel detrimental to some athletes, especially those with wider feet.
- The 20.14-ounce frame can lead to fatigue if you’re wearing these kicks for an entire gym session.
For athletes wanting the best footwear to take their strength training to new heights, we think the fourth iteration of the Nike Romaleos lineup reign supreme. These sleek squat shoes feature a 20-millimeter heel height, wide outsole design, and rubber tread for a stable base that can upgrade your positioning for back squats and Olympic lifts. Additionally, a dual-strap midfoot lockdown system helps ensure that you’re, well, locked in without any fear of interior foot movement during catches or cleans.
These are my preferred shoes for leg day, as I really feel like how the higher heel allows me to move more efficiently through a squat. Plus, I prefer a heavier shoe for these movements, as it gives me a more grounded sense that my feet aren’t going anywhere on the platform before getting into a descent. I’d rate the overall design at 4 out of 5, though, because wearing these Romaleos 4s through an entire session can leave your steps feeling clunky and tired.
[Related: 6 Reasons You Should Invest In a Pair of Weightlifting Shoes]
From a style perspective, we scored these Nike Olympic weightlifting shoes at 5 out of 5. “This brand just knows how to make a good-looking shoe,” added our tester. “I also like the small easter eggs — like the word ‘Dominate’ embedded in the heel — that give the Romaleos 4s a more premium feel.”
The lockdown in these shoes is also noteworthy thanks to their reliance on both a traditional lacing system and two midfoot straps that cinch in alternate directions. This can help you achieve that secure fit without putting unwanted pressure across a single area. This is a definite plus, too, because of the upper’s more rigid design for better stability during lifts — you don’t want a portion of the upper digging into the top of your foot as you go for a PR snatch attempt.
Finally, while the Romaleos 4s run true to size, you should expect a tighter fit. I scored the fit at 3.5 out of 5, too, given the narrower toe box, which is intended to squeeze your feet into position with little side-to-side give. You do get used to it — you’re not wearing these kicks for every lifting session — but it is a change of pace, even from the brand’s more versatile cross-trainer, the Nike Metcon 9.
Read our full Nike Romaleos 4 Weightlifting Shoe Review.
Most Stylish Weightlifting Shoes: NOBULL Leather Lifter
With a virtually all-leather makeup and approachable 18.5-millimeter heel height, these stylish weightlifting shoes from NOBULL can be the perfect addition to any gym bag in need of a style boost. While the leather construction does leave something to be desired in terms of breathability, they deliver a stable base that’s prime for heavy lifts.
Specs
- Price: $249
- Weight: 17.6oz
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 18.5mm
- Lockdown Mechanism: Lace and single strap
- Available Sizes: 8-18
- Colors Available: 1
Pros
- The premium-sourced leather provides a clean aesthetic that will break in and age nicely for a unique look just for your lifting wardrobe.
- These Leather Lifters also boast a stacked leather heel for improved platform feedback and a more classic look overall.
- An anatomical insole helps provide a slight sense of cushioning without compromising your pushing or pressing capabilities.
Cons
- The leather construction can run hot, especially for those wearing these squat shoes for extended periods.
- This shoe’s rubber outsole has been known to separate from the leather midsole over time.
Sometimes, the best shoes for your lifting ensemble are also the most stylish — if you feel good, you lift good. NOBULL is a brand draped in good looks, most notably from the litany of hues and designs available in the brand’s Trainer stable of training footwear. While the Leather Lifters are only available in one colorway, we still think the aesthetics at play are more than enough to boost PRs (or, at least, your confidence when stepping to the podium).
The entire silhouette features premium-sourced leather across the upper and heel. Additionally, these NOBULL kicks have a leather midsole for better platform feedback, and a stacked leather heel that can offer a nice mix of stability and comfort.
[Related: NOBULL Trainer Review]
Having lifted in these before, I enjoyed how the leather broke in after multiple uses, giving them a unique, weathered look that had a vintage vibe unique to my footprint. You can think of them as a well-worn, timeless pair of dress shoes with an added zest of strength training. As such, I rated the style at 5 out of 5.
Performance-wise, these NOBULL Leather Lifters can also be plenty stable for your traditional back squats and Olympic lifts. I’ve also found no issues with the rubber outsole in terms of grip and traction, scoring it at 4 out of 5. While the tread pattern is more simplified than other liters I’ve tested, you can still achieve a well-grounded stance atop wooden platforms or synthetic home gym flooring.
Be mindful, though, that extended use can lead to some separation between the outsole and midsole, according to some customers. While I’ve yet to experience a similar fate, I can see where the two components could be susceptible to splitting. For this reason, we rated the NOBULL Leather Lifters at 3.75 out of 5 for durability.
Naturally, an all-leather training shoe won’t be as breathable as one constructed from mesh or nylon. “I found these to run incredibly hot, especially during summer lifts or extended sessions in the gym,” added our tester, a certified personal trainer. If you’re willing to sacrifice a little sweat for a boosted sense of style, though, these NOBULL kicks should definitely be on your radar.
Read our full NOBULL Lifters Review.
Best Weightlifting Shoes for Olympic Weightlifting: Reebok Legacy Lifter III
Resembling a high-top sneaker you’d expect to see on the hardwood basketball courts of yesteryear, these Reebok lifters employ three lockdown systems for a premier fit for each lift. You get your standard shoelaces along with a singular midfoot strap, but the integrated Pump technology is also placed across the profile for a pneumatic sense of fine-tuned fitment.
Specs
- Price: $220
- Weight: 22.12oz
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 22mm
- Lockdown Mechanism: Lace, single strap, and Pump technology
- Available Sizes: 6.5-14
- Colors Available: 5
Pros
- These Reebok lifters utilize a TPU heel for added stability along with a textile upper that can better resist wear and tear from explosive Olympic lifts.
- Athletes have five colorways to choose from — a more robust variety than other squat shoes that typically offer up to four different hues.
- This Olympic weightlifting shoe uses three different components for better lockdown — standard lacing, a single midfoot strap, and the brand’s Pump technology.
Cons
- Admittedly, the Pump technology provides little to your interior lockdown and is more fashionable than functional.
- According to our tester, sizing does run small, so you may be best with ordering a half size up from your normal cross-trainers.
For athletes involved in Olympic weightlifting, a pure pair of Olympic weightlifting shoes are practically a must for your gym bag. With a heavy 22.12-ounce profile, lightweight yet durable 22-millimeter TPU heel, and a sturdy textile upper that can withstand the rigors of these explosive exercises, the Legacy Lifter IIIs from Reebok are our top pick for this specialized training discipline.
Reebok’s Legacy Lifter lineup has been a mainstay in Olympic weight rooms for years thanks to the brand’s attention to detail, but the third iteration has quickly won us over given how rock solid the underfoot is via the compression-resistant heel and tacky rubber outsole for improved grip.
We rated the stability at 5 out of 5, too, given the multiple lockdown mechanisms over the top of the foot. You have your standard laces in addition to a single midfoot strap, along with Reebok’s Pump technology that can inflate the midfoot for a comfortable sense of pressure in key areas.
[Related: Reebok Legacy Lifters Review]
However, we wouldn’t rely on the Pump tech as a sole means of achieving that locked-in fit needed for heavy Olympic lifting. “It provides a little more security, but not exactly a true lockdown,” says our tester. “I feel like it’s more of a style point or branded gimmick. Thankfully, the strap and lacing are more than enough to achieve that perfect fit when I’m going for a heavy set.”
The durability of the Legacy Lifter IIIs also scored highly in testing at a perfect 5 out of 5. The textile upper proved to be plenty resilient when taking it through the wringer of our typical Olympic regimens.
Additionally, I’ve owned my personal pair of Legacy Lifter IIIs and they look as good as the day I received them. I wouldn’t expect any blowout or unwanted compression from these shoes in the future, which we hope can provide peace of mind to those wary of the $220 price tag.
When ordering these Reebok lifters, you have five colorways to choose from — a slightly larger offering than other weightlifting shoes. While color choice is subjective, we do recommend ordering a half size up from what you’d typically wear in your normal footwear. Our tester noted that the sizing runs small, which can be a detriment when you’re already expecting a snug fit on the platform.
[Related: 4 Signs You Need a New Pair of Weightlifting Shoes]
Best Weightlifting Shoes for Wide Feet: TYR L-1 Lifter
Boasting an anatomical toe box design, the L-1 Lifters from TYR can be a beacon of hope for wide-footed athletes interested in Olympic weightlifting. A multi-patterned outsole tread and aggressive 21-millimeter heel height can also be fortuitous, giving athletes all the tools needed for stable, effective dynamic movements in training.
Specs
- Price: $200
- Weight: 19.2oz
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 21mm
- Lockdown Mechanism: Lace and dual strap
- Available Sizes: 4.5-14
- Colors Available: 9
Pros
- An anatomical toe box provides more interior room for your feet while also giving space for effective toe splaying.
- The L-1s boast a dual-strap midfoot for improved lockdown and stability.
- The upper features a lasered hole pattern for better breathability — a definite perk given the perforated faux leather textile.
Cons
- When cinched down, the straps can fall over the shoe excessively and potentially end up underneath your step.
- Narrow-footed athletes may be left with more room than desired in the wide toe box, especially during dynamic lifts like the clean and jerk.
Weightlifting shoes often feature a snug fit so as to help ensure you aren’t fighting for foot placement when trying to focus on a movement. However, while the lockdown is improved with this setup, it can limit the footwear’s approachability for wider-footed athletes. The TYR L-1 Lifters, on the other hand can be a solid option for such needs thanks to a unique anatomically designed toe box that offers enough room for added comfort while still promoting a stable underfoot experience.
I’ve trained in these L-1s before and appreciate the unique sensation across my toes. While I don’t have wide feet, I still enjoyed the extra space that allowed for effective toe splaying during heavy squats. Additionally, we rated the stability at 4 out of 5 given the inclusion of a dual-strap midfoot makeup allowing for that premier sense of lockdown.
[Related: How to Do the Back Squat: Learn Form, Variations, and Benefits]
In my experience, though, it’s best to get your fitment via the lacing system as much as possible. There can be some overhang along the straps that can potentially end up under your outsole when walking around the gym or walking out a loaded barbell.
The construction of this L-1 Lifter was also appealing thanks to its perforated faux leather profile. Not only did this thicker textile provide a heightened sense of rigidity, but it also proved to be plenty durable for extended use.
Additionally, we like how TYR included a lasered hole pattern across the toe box, which can help with breathability. Otherwise, these would be rather hot kicks that could leave you with sweat-soaked socks and potential blisters.
We rated the construction at 4 out of 5 given the TPU heel design. At 21 millimeters, it provided a good sense of heel elevation for better dorsiflexion and hinging through our squats and cleans. Plus, the 19.2-ounce shoe weight provided that grounded feeling you desire when stepping onto a platform, and the multiple tread patterns across the outsole gave each stance ample traction and grip.
While I could see the wider toe box interfering with narrow-footed athletes — there may be too much room for stability across dynamic lifts — this TYR L-1 is still a favorite silhouette of mine.
[Related: Should Non-Olympic Weightlifters Wear Weightlifting Shoes?]
Best Weightlifting Shoes for Beginners: Nike Savaleos
The Nike Savaleos bridge the gap between trainers and weightlifting shoes very well. They offer support and stability while still being flexible enough to support the rest of your workout. Nike made these shoes comfortable and functional for all your lifting needs.
Specs
- Price: $125
- Weight: 14.82oz
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 15mm
- Lockdown Mechanism: Lace and single strap
- Available Sizes: 5-18
- Colors Available: 4
Pros
- With a 15-millimeter heel height, the Savaleos can be a great introduction to this underfoot experience for improved ankle mobility and flexion.
- The pricing can be more approachable for novice athletes — $125 as opposed to the common $200 cost of other premium weightlifting shoes.
- There are a wide range of sizes available in this Nike profile.
Cons
- Athletes looking for better ankle support may want to opt for a higher heel-to-toe drop.
- Our tester noted that the insole is more responsive, meaning they struggled at times to achieve a grounded, secure stance for specific lifts.
We get it — weightlifting shoes aren’t your normal pair of shoes. The heightened heel, more snug lockdown, and emphasis on stability can make them a little more intimidating than your go-to pair of gym shoes. As such, it can be beneficial to ease into this footwear category with a design that’s a step above your regular cross-trainers yet isn’t as harsh of a change to your underfoot experience. The Savaleos from Nike, in our opinion, are the perfect starter pair for athletes thanks to a less aggressive heel height and a budget-friendly price point.
Unlike other weightlifting shoes that can typically feature a heel-to-toe drop in the realm of 20 millimeters, the Savaleos instead use a 15-millimeter TPU heel for improved ankle mobility. This can be a plus for beginner athletes as the jump is less intense from your normal kicks.
“I think those wanting the most support for ankle flexion should opt for a higher heel,” according to our tester, a former Olympian. “But for novices, it’s a great introductory shoe.”
[Related: Best Weightlifting Shoes for Beginners]
In addition to the approachable heel height, we also rated the value of the Nike Savaleos at a perfect 5 out of 5. You can pick up a pair of these beginner-friendly lifters for roughly $125, whereas other Olympic footwear can typically cost you around $200 or more.
The ergonomics are also a positive for the Nike Savaleos. Our tester rated the shoes at 4.5 out of 5 for the category thanks to their impressive range of motion and worthwhile lockdown across the lacing system and midfoot strap. While they were quick to note that a dual-strap system can provide more security, you can’t expect all the bells and whistles when the pair comes in below $150.
Lastly, our tester had no major qualms regarding stability with these Nike shoes, but did score the Savaleos at 4.5 out of 5 for the category. This slight demerit was largely due to the insole, which felt more responsive underfoot. As a result, our tester felt like they needed to push through the foam in order to achieve a desirably grounded stance.
Read our full Nike Savaleos Weightlifting Shoe Review.
