You've heard this before: Investing in the right fitness gear can help you stay motivated and avoid getting hurt.
So, searching for the best weightlifting shoes isn't going to waste your time at all. In fact, it's very important, especially if you want to throw around a lot of heavy weights. If you want to play any kind of sport or work out, you need the right shoes. Running shoes come in all shapes and sizes, just like lifting shoes.
Don't Wear Running Shoes When Lifting Weights
If you're really into weightlifting, you should buy a pair of shoes that are made for strength or cross-training. This is a good investment and will be better for your feet. When you lift, you don't want to have too much cushion. This could change how you move or make you more unstable, which could lead to an injury. Armchair lifters are a cheap way to get started with weightlifting shoes. Once you know what kind of training you want to do, you can spend more money on better shoes.
Look for These Things When Shopping Weightlifting Shoes
The first thing to think about is whether you want a high heel or a low heel. A lot of people love to lift in flat shoes such as Converse because they don't want to have a lot of arch support or heel lift. A hard sole will help you generate power through your heels, which will help you snap up heavy weights with more force than if you had a foamy shoe. You can put more pressure on your heels and move your whole body in a shoe with a high heel, on the other hand. This allows you to move your whole body while protecting your feet.
You might also want to look for a pair that has an adjustable midsole strap and traditional laces. This will make your shoes more snug, which will make it easier for your feet to stay in place during a rep. A shoe with mesh panels and perforation holes allows your feet to breathe while still providing the structure you need, and a stiff, flat, inflexible outsole creates a stable base. For strength training and high-impact cross-training, you don't want too much pillowy foam or cushioning in your shoes. But if you're going to be wearing these shoes for both strength training and high-impact work, a little cushion and shock absorption is fine.
Taking all of that into account, here are some great shoes to check out — from pro-level kicks to beginner weightlifting shoes.
Top Picks for Weightlifting Kicks:
-Nike Free Metcon 4
Nike's Metcon (metabolic conditioning) shoe is very stable and can be used for everything from powerlifting to high-impact cross-training. For a shoe that is strong but easy to move in, it has a wide, flat heel and a mesh upper. (Sizes 6 to 10, and 11.5 to 12)
-Adidas Adipower Weightlifting II Shoes
Olympic weightlifting shoes with a raised heel are some of the best on the market. Experts say this can help you find a more comfortable lifting position. They also have a Velcro strap across the middle of your foot to make you feel even more stable. (Sizes 5, 7, and 16)
-Nobull Black Gum Trainer
A little heel lift is good for people who like to lift on a flat surface. Besides that, they also have a rubber outsole for extra grip and a durable upper that is resistant to abrasions and can be worn down. (Sizes 5, 6, and 7 to 11)
-Converse All Star '70s High Top Sneakers
Many gym rats lift weights in Converse Chuck Taylors because they don't have a great deal of cushioning. Plus, they have a flat sole, which makes some lifters feel more connected to the floor and more stable — especially when deadlifting. Also, they have high ankle support to keep you in place through every rep. Note that these shoes are on the narrow side, though, so they may squish you if you have wide feet. (Sizes 5, 7.5, and 8.5 to 13)
-Inov-8 Fastlift 360T
This one also has a higher heel lift, which is good for lifts like barbell squats, where you need more energy in the heel). This Inov 8 shoe has a wide toe box, and most reviewers agree that they're good for people with wide feet. (Sizes 6.5, 9.5 to 10.5.)
-Reebok Nano X1 Cross Trainer
You can use these top-selling Reebok shoes to run as well as work out. This is good for people who want to do both cardio and strength work in one day, or for people who work out at gyms like Orangetheory, Barry'S, and F45. They're made of a firm foam that gives them both cushion and stability at the same time. (Sizes 5 to 12)
-Nobull Leather Lifter
For people who are really into lifting, it makes sense to spend a little more money on good shoes. These shoes were made by hand and have a leather heel that makes them look like they're from a high-end store. The toe drop is 18.5mm, while a neutral shoe has a toe drop of 0 4mm. Reviewers say the leather is buttery soft. They also like the strap at the middle of the shoe for a snug fit.
-Under Armour Project Rock BSR 2 Training Shoes
Approved by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, unisex and low profile, these beauties can also be used for high impact workouts thanks to special cushioning in the middle of the shoe that reduces the impact of the ground on your feet when you move. Plus, the soles have three types of grip so that you can stay on your feet. (Sizes 5 to 12)
-Ryka Influence Cross Trainer
If you like cushioned gym shoes for all of your workouts, these are a good choice. During heavy lifting, the grippy outsole makes sure you stay stable, and the cushioning all over gives you a lot of help. They also say that these are great shoes for people who have plantar fasciitis. (Standard sizes 6 to 11, wide sizes 6.5 to 11)
-Core Weightlifting Shoes
With a 1.2-inch heel, these Core sneakers are made for Olympic lifting and CrossFit. This makes it easier to keep your posture correct when you do back squats and other heavy lifting moves. They say that the very strong heel makes them good squat shoes, but the toe box is too small. (izes 2.5 to 15)
-Under Armour UA TriBase Reign 3 Training Shoes
These shoes have a sole with different traction patterns that make them safer than barefoot lifting. All the best weightlifting shoes have a flexible forefoot and a solid, stable heel. These shoes are the same way. It's said that they have extra padding around the heel to help keep it in place. (6.5 to 10.5)
