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When it comes to finding the best weightlifting shoes, you need support and reliability. Not all shoes are made alike, so it can be a challenge putting your money to good use.
Well, you can rest easy because we did the hard work for you. We’ve put together 10 of the best entries so you can buy with confidence.
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When it came down to it, New Balance’s Women’s Prevail V1 Minimus had the best overall performance of any brand of women’s weightlifting shoes. They offer fantastic support and are made with quality materials.
Not far behind was the INOV-8 Men’s Fastlift 400. If any of you men have flat feet, these may be the shoes for you. They have a unique tightening system that lets you adjust the fit to your preference.
There are eight more entries that each have their own features and functions that set them apart. Let’s have a look!
New Balance’s Prevail Minimus shoes are the perfect women’s shoes for all kinds of activity. Whether you’re lifting in the gym or getting in your cardio, you’ll have comfort and support where it matters most.
You get top-notch shock absorption, resulting in less fatigue throughout your body. A lot of the comfort you get is thanks in large part to the outsole. New Balance went to Vibram for this and it really paid off.
You not only get excellent cushioning and stability, but your traction is superb. The rubber compound used here is just right for keeping your feet planted firmly in place while you lift.
The upper is made with breathable mesh. This serves to keep your feet less sweaty and staying cool. The design choice on the Prevails is a big departure from traditional weightlifting shoes.
With the all-black design, you could wear these shoes on just about any occasion and not look out of place. The red and black ones, though? You might want to rethink that.
You’re getting a well-crafted shoe that is sturdy in all the right places. They are lightweight, too. Your feet don’t feel heavy, giving you more versatility in all you do.
When you’re lifting weights of any kind, your entire body needs to feel stable and in control. New Balance’s Prevails offer some of the best support. You can lift with confidence knowing you won’t slip or break your stance.
The toe area is nice and roomy. This may be a negative for some wearers, but I found it to be a welcomed feature. Tight, cramped toes can be a major distraction. You will experience none of that here.
Being so lightweight, you’ll have no trouble putting these shoes to the task. They are great for far more than just weightlifting, and their comfort makes them highly versatile.
While they might look like they belong with a spacesuit, Inov-8’s Fastlifts are superior weightlifting shoes. Thanks to some smart design choices, your workout routine will improve significantly.
For one, Fastlifts are made with flexible materials that provide you with comfort. Yet they are firm where necessary so you always feel confident while you lift. If you suffer from flat feet, you will feel right at home in these shoes.
Often, flat-footed people deal with pain and discomfort. Regardless of the activity, no natural arch means less support. This causes the legs and back to take more of the load, resulting in wide-spread pain throughout the body.
Fastlifts work to correct this by giving you fantastic arch support. Their flex lets you move around without strain. And the soft, cushioned insole provides your ankles and feet with unparalleled support.
Inov-8 uses dual BOA dials that help to give your feet a tighter and better fit. Think of these as Reebok Pumps for the 21st century. This technology leaves your feet feeling safe and secure. It’s one of the most customized fits you can find in weightlifting shoes.
You’ll appreciate the rubber bumper along the toe. This works wonders when you need to tighten up your stance. It’s the perfect area to give you more traction where you need it.
You will find yourself using this bumper often, as the rubber outsoles don’t have that grabby feeling you expect to find in shoes of this caliber.
You’ll need to break in the Fastlifts for a bit to achieve the grip you’re looking for. For whatever reason, the outsole just feels really smooth and slick at first.
Probably a result of factory-fresh material, but it’s hard to ignore when other shoes don’t suffer from this.
Being an excellent choice for flat feet, you’ll find the toes have ample room. This is a common issue for those with flat feet; our toes often feel cramped and strained.
If you are not flat-footed, you may find this ‘perk’ to be detrimental to your workout regimen. So proceed with caution. Definitely try these shoes on before you buy, if at all possible.
Inov-8’s customized fitting really takes these shoes up a notch. The BOA dials allow you to get a better fit than any shoe we’ve come across to date.
Reebok has taken its traditional design and added some neat touches to deliver one unique weightlifting shoe. There aren’t many shoes to compare it to, but that doesn’t detract from its performance.
Rebook went with both leather and synthetic materials on the Legacy Lifters. These shoes are better for it, giving you just the right balance.
The upper is comprised of leather while the heel area is synthetic mesh. It’s the perfect blend to give you breathability and longevity.
If your workout routine calls for a lot of squats, these may just be the shoes for you. Their midsole widens toward the bottom, giving you better stability when you need it.
Looking straight on from the back of the shoe, you’ll notice the midsole has an hourglass shape. It’s this design choice that makes such a difference in your performance.
The outsole has a simple yet effective cross-pattern that gives your stance an excellent grip. And to ensure your feet fit comfortably at all times, each shoe is equipped with dual straps. This lets you adjust your fit for each workout.
If you’re a powerlifter, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find shoes that do it better than these. Legacy Lifter’s durability with have you wearing them for every workout. And that’s the sign of a reliable shoe.
The only downside we could find with the Legacy Lifter was its weight. They make your feet heavier than other entries by several ounces. After a while, this extra weight can take a toll on your performance. We were quick to kick these off after use to give our feet a rest.
While they work wonders for your workout, you won’t want to wear them for anything else. The Legacy Lifter’s unique shape makes your feet feel awkward when doing other activities.
Adidas PowerLift 4s may look simplistic, but their performance tells a different story. The perfect blend of materials gives you a weightlifting shoe that is lightweight and supportive.
You’ll be able to take these shoes out of the weight room and on the track for some cardio exercise. Their versatility makes them great for numerous activities.
Adidas opted to use synthetics instead of leather. Going this route means you get shoes that are lightweight and easy on your feet. Yet they provide you with excellent stability at the same time.
If you’re looking for flexibility in your weightlifting shoes, Adidas definitely delivers. The PowerLift 4s don’t need a whole lot of breaking in, as their soft construction moves well from the start.
They are highly breathable, too. Your feet stay cool and dry as you move. The lace closure has straps that lock in your feet for the perfect fit without feeling constricted.
We really liked the heel wedge on these shoes. It is thin, yet sturdy. You get a great deal of flex here that allows you to move freely without unwanted pressure on your feet.
The insole is padded nicely, as well. This means less fatigue on your legs and body as you lift, run, or jump.
The outsoles have a honeycomb texture that seems to provide better grip than other designs. Whether you are squatting or jogging, you never feel like you’re going to lose traction. The heel is pretty low compared to other shoes in this category, but it didn’t make much of a difference in our testing.
Perhaps best of all, the price of these shoes is a fraction of other brands and styles. You get the same level of support and balance, making them a great choice for those on a budget. You can get these shoes in a variety of colors, too.
As some of the lightest among our rankings, you’ll feel the freedom that few shoes can give. The flexible nature of the materials used gives you great control in all your activities.
Inov-8 may not have the name recognition found in their competitors, but that could quickly change. Their top-of-the-line shoes are fast becoming one of the leading brands for weightlifters.
Thanks to smart design choices and unique styles, more people are giving Inov-8 a try. Their F-Lite 300 models are made of synthetics and mesh. This blend of materials makes the shoes versatile and light.
If you have been involved with physical exercise for any amount of time, you are no doubt familiar with rubber outsoles. This has long been the best choice in giving athletes a great grip and lots of traction.
Inov-8 thinks it is high time this area was improved. That’s why they went with a graphene outsole instead of the traditional rubber.
Graphene gives the wearer even more grip and stability. Since it is less likely to corrode, you get a longer-lasting shoe that is both tough and flexible.
The lightweight construction throughout the shoe ensures you are less fatigued. You can work harder, longer, and safer thanks to this design choice.
Normally, mesh tends to wear down and tear after extended use. But the clever and top-notch craftsmanship that went into these shoes changed that for the better.
The knitted upper and 360-degree ROPE-TEC protection gives these shoes a level of durability not typically found in weightlifting shoes. Your feet feel stable at all times, whether you’re squatting or running.
Running can wear down a shoe quicker than anything. But the tough, solid construction found on the F-Lite Alphas means your shoes will hold up and take a beating. And, your ankles are nicely supported thanks to well-padded insoles.
Durable and lightweight, you’ll have no problems running these shoes through their paces. They are made to last and should hold up throughout vigorous activities.
Adidas went with a leather upper this time around. While you would think this would cause your feet to get hot and sweaty, there are enough synthetics to balance it out.
This results in a durable weightlifting shoe that’s made for extended use. You should have no trouble transitioning to workouts in and out of the gym, either.
The midsole is fairly low-profile, so you won’t have to switch shoes when you’re finished lifting. They aren’t uncomfortable to use in other activities, as long as you keep them to a minimum.
And just make sure you don’t run in them. They are fine for walking and doing some cardio, but you’ll likely wear out your feet if you try anything more strenuous.
The support and shock absorption found here are amazing. This is due largely to the heel. It is injected with polymers to keep your feet feeling bouncy and comfy.
Speaking of which, the AdiPower IIs are lined with cushioning all over. This makes your feet feel snug and secure. To aid in this, there are straps you can tighten to ensure your feet stay housed tightly at all times.
You can tell a lot of dedication went into crafting these shoes. They are well-made all over, from the outsole to tongue. They look sharp and yet they aren’t too flashy or colorful.
The soft cushioning and quality construction make these the perfect shoes for extended use. They may take some breaking in, but they will withstand the toughest of regimens.
If you’re looking for a pair of weightlifting shoes that keep your feet snug, look no further. Nike’s Romaleos 3s offer some of the best-fitting shoes you can find. This is thanks to Nike’s use of Flywire technology.
You can get a perfect fit for every workout. Just tighten the straps to your preference and your feet stay locked in place. It’s not too tight, either. When combined with the soft lining, you get the perfect blend of comfort and balance.
Nike opted to go the synthetic route this time around, and it pays off. You get shoes that are durable and should last as long as or longer than leather.
There is nice padding along the insole that keeps your feet and ankles firmly supported at all times. This makes a huge difference during lifting because your legs are less likely to become fatigued.
While at first glance these shoes look like any other tennis shoe, it’s important that you limit them strictly to weightlifting. They feature a TPU plate that can hurt your feet if used for more physically-demanding activities.
Lifting is much easier on your body thanks to these shoes. Your body feels much better-supported thanks to the soft insole lining.
Reebok’s Crossfit Lites are sure to improve your regimen thanks to their wider toe area. This provides you with a better stance while you lift.
Your ankles will love the soft yet supportive lining found in the insoles. You’ll feel less strain and pressure while your legs get better stability.
The outsoles have an excellent texture that ensures you get an excellent base while lifting. You need not worry about slipping due to the grippy design.
And by using breathable microfibers, your feet stay free from sweat and feel cool during your workout.
Reebok went with the DuraGrip toe cap here. This provides your feet with even more protection thanks to an anti-friction lining that reduces the build-up of heat.
These shoes have dropped significantly in recent years due to the production of newer styles. If you’re able, take advantage of this while they’re still on the market.
A great shoe for those who need more room. Since there’s less constriction on your feet, you’ll be able to workout more comfortably.
At first glance, VS Athletics’ Weightlifting Shoe II may look boring and uninspiring. Upon closer inspection, there are some unique aspects that make them worthy of use.
The first thing you’ll notice is the midsole. The wild design lends to fantastic cushioning and stability. When you’re lifting, your legs get quite a bit of support.
It would have been nice to have seen better arch support this time around. The heels are raised well, but your feet experience quite a bit of sloping. Some weightlifters like this, but it’s certainly not for everyone.
You do get to adjust your fit thanks to the double Velcro straps, which is a nice plus. There is pretty decent padding along the insole, too.
VS Athletics used leather and fabric materials in the shoe’s construction. You can rest assured this will last longer than mesh-based materials any day of the week.
If you have wide feet, you may want to order the next size up. These shoes tend to run a bit small as they are, so make your purchase accordingly.
Great for every occasion, Converse’s Chuck Taylor All-Stars are legendary in their versatility.
Unlike most other weightlifting shoes, these are inexpensive and they work perfectly. It’s no wonder more weightlifters turn to these when they need quality shoes on the cheap.
You get a much better range of motion compared to other entries. And they are extremely flexible. You can get these shoes in a variety of colors and designs, too.
They offer great support and control for weightlifting and running, as well. Whatever your workout calls for, Chuck Taylor All-Stars fit the bill.
Being so lightweight and flexible, you’ll have no trouble putting these to use. They serve all kinds of purposes and are easy to replace when the canvas wears out.
Buying new powerlifting shoes can become a hassle if you don’t know what to look for. There are a few factors that you need to be aware of before you can make a smart decision.
The problem is that the Internet is filled with tons of info, and it would take you a long time to sift through it. Fortunately, we have done all of the necessary research to save you time.
Not all of the weightlifting shoes are created equal. Some of them can be a good fit for one physical activity, but bad for another one. Before you can choose weightlifting shoes that fit your needs, you need to know how you will be using them.
These weightlifting shoes provide the most stability for heavy lifting. Most of the times they have a high heel and thick, flat soles.
Olympic lifting shoes are a good choice if your exercise focus is on clean and jerk lifts. They work on refining your posture and provide you with a deeper squat. The only downside to these shoes is that they are the most expensive weightlifting shoes. But, if you can settle only for the best, then Olympic lifting shoes might be what you need.
Squatting shoes give you the leverage to avoid falling forward during a squat. They do it by providing you with a middle-ground elevation that is advantageous during lifting.
You will notice that most of the squatting shoes come with wooden heels. Wooden heels give you stability. Squatting shoes provide you with flexibility, which is great if you have long legs. These shoes also make sure that you don’t suffer knee injuries or ankle trauma.
While some models come with a wooden heel, you shouldn’t expect the heel to be higher than one centimeter. Most of the time, squatting shoes are flat.
Powerlifting shoes come with a slight incline, but it is not as big as the one in Olympic shoes.
These shoes can be a good choice if you lift faster and frequently. They provide you with low back squat advantage, without sacrificing your posture. Powerlifting shoes hold your joints, which can prevent you from falling over when lifting.
Powerlifting shoes won’t give you the maximum support like Olympic and powerlifting shoes do. But, they might be a great choice if you are looking for a middle ground.
Crossfit shoes, also known as multi-training shoes, give you some of the support you can find in other shoes. In addition, they also give more flexibility.
If you expect yourself to run and jump, and then do some lifting, then Crossfit shoes might be the correct choice. But, bear in mind that Crossfit shoes are not running shoes. These shoes are versatile and most often have a low-medium level heel.
Before you can buy a pair of weightlifting shoes that will satisfy your needs, you need to know more about a few useful features. Always keep the following things in your mind, and your next purchase will be an educated one.
Besides the features that we have mentioned, there are a couple more, but the only one worth mentioning is – vegan shoes. Yes, if you are a vegan, you can find vegan-friendly weightlifting shoes, but it won’t be easy. It is hard to find weightlifting shoes not made from leather, but it is doable!