10 Best Weightlifting Shoes in 2021

If you are a regular goer at the gym and you are really into lifting weights, then you will know just how important the right shoes are for you. This is because they have a whole range of features that allow you to get to your most potential. For instance, they actually have a raised heel, which enables you to squat down into a deeper position, plus, they are also able to provide you with a whole load of ankle support, and they are a lot more stable for your feet.

This means that they can also prevent you from any injuries, so if you’re thinking about starting weightlifting, then you definitely need a pair of these. With this in mind we’ve put together a list of the best weightlifting shoes around so you won’t have to be forever searching on the internet for the perfect pair.

View the Best Weightlifting Shoes, Below.

• Nordic Lifting Powerlifting Shoes
• NOBULL Men’s Training Shoes
• New Balance Men’s Mx608v4
• adidas Performance Men’s Samba Classic
• New Balance Men’s Mx623v3
• ASICS Men’s Matflex 5 Wrestling Shoe
• Merrell Men’s Trail Glove 4 Runner
• Reebok Men’s CROSSFIT Cross Trainer
• adidas Men’s Powerlift.3.1
• Reebok Men’s Lifter Pr Cross-trainer Shoe

1. Nordic Lifting Powerlifting Shoes

These powerlifting shoes are more than perfect if you're into lifting very heavy weights. These shoes are even suitable for Olympic professionals, so they will more than likely be suitable for you too. They have very good foot support that will enable you to be able to lift heavier weights and will also allow you to have a very powerful workout. They are guaranteed to improve your lifting posture, and they even come with one year's warranty, so if you do happen to have any problems with them, you are covered. These shoes are also suitable for other sports too.

We liked these weightlifting shoes because they really do enable you to lift heavier weights and they make it seem easier.

2. NOBULL Men’s Training Shoes

These weightlifting shoes are available in a whole range of different colors, so if you like them that much, you can order them in different shades too. These shoes are actually suitable for all types of sports, like running, climbing and lifting, so they really do have a multipurpose. These shoes are made from a breathable type of super fabric that makes the shoe very long lasting, and this material is also abrasion resistant. They have actually been designed for multi-environments as well, meaning they are suitable for any type of weather or any other kind of conditions that you may be in.

We liked these shoes because you don’t just have to use them for weights, as you can also use them for any other sport too.

3. New Balance Men’s Mx608v4

These shoes will last you a lifetime as they are actually made from 100% leather, they are also water-resistant, so if you do need to use them outside, then these will be perfect for this. They have a very strong rubber sole, so you won't ever have to worry about slipping over in them. These shoes are actually perfect for weightlifting as well as other sports too. They have a lace up closure, meaning that they won’t ever fall off of your feet, and if you notice they do get a slight bit bigger over time, then you can always tighten them up.

We liked these shoes because they actually allow your feet to breath while you are wearing them, so it prevents any odors too.

4. adidas Performance Men’s Samba Classic

If you need shoes just for indoor purposes, then these will definitely suit your needs, as they are specifically designed for inside sports. One thing about these shoes is that they’re not designed to be used for outside sports; however, it is quite rare that you will be lifting weights outdoors. They come in a whole range of colors and are 100% leather, so they are able to last you a lifetime if you treat them the right way. One amazing feature about these shoes is that they have removable sock liners, so if you want to clean or even replace them, then you can easily do this.

We liked these shoes because they are very sturdy to wear and you can feel that they are made from the highest quality materials when you try them on.

5. New Balance Men’s Mx623v3

These shoes are not only suitable for weightlifting, but they are also suitable for all other types of cross training as well. The outside of the shoe is made from 100% leather, making them suitable for any type of weather that you might end up wearing them in. The inside of the shoe is actually made from molded EVA, so you will find that they are extremely comfortable to wear, even after a long period of time. They have an abzorb heel, which really makes them ideal when you’re lifting weights, and will even help you when you decide to lift heavier ones.

We liked these weightlifting shoes because they were so comfortable to wear and you can purchase them in a whole range of different colors.

6. ASICS Men’s Matflex 5 Wrestling Shoe

If you need a pair of shoes that are going to support your feet as well as your ankles when you’re lifting weights, then these are perfect. They are made from textile and synthetic fabrics and have a very strong and sturdy rubber sole. They are also available in half sizes, making them ideal if you do have a slightly wider foot because you can just get the half size up to what your normal size is. They are extremely comfortable to wear, and it has a full-length gum outsole that is able to provide you with incredible traction.

We liked these shoes because they are able to offer you a whole range of support on your feet and on your ankles as well.

7. Merrell Men’s Trail Glove 4 Runner

These shoes are 100% textile and synthetic, plus, the outside of them are also made from water-resistant materials, so you are able to wear them in any weather condition. They are available in a whole range of colors, from bright colors to more natural ones, so if you want something that stands out or blends in then, these will suit you. These shoes are actually vegan-friendly, which will be a big bonus for some people. They are also made from breathable materials on the outside too, which prevents odor coming from your feet or from your shoes.

We liked these shoes because they are very comfortable and they are also vegan-friendly, which isn’t something that you always see.

8. Reebok Men’s CROSSFIT Cross Trainer

These shoes have a very modern and fashionable design so they will look really trendy when you are wearing them at the gym. They are also available in a range of colors. They are made from breathable synthetic materials that prevent your feet from getting odors and the shoe as well. They have a very sturdy rubber sole that will not allow you to ever slip when you’re lifting all of the heavyweights. They have a very specific heel bootie construction that provides you with extreme comfort, plus, the RopePro feature gives you maximum traction if you ever want to climb with these shoes on.

We liked these shoes because they are extremely good if you’re planning to use them for intense workouts and they will last you a long time.

9. adidas Men’s Powerlift.3.1

These shoes are very suitable for weightlifting, as they have a raised heel that will enable you to be able to lift weights easier compared to when you wear any other shoes. The outside of the shoe is made from synthetic materials, and the sole is also made from this as well. The sole of the shoe has a very strong grip, so you don't have to worry about slipping when you are lifting. They also offer you full ankle support, because of the collar that surrounds the top of the shoe and they are very lightweight to wear.

We liked this product because they are so light to wear on your feet and this makes it easier to lift weights as well.

10. Reebok Men’s Lifter Pr Cross-trainer Shoe

If you need a pair of shoes that are really stable when you're lifting weights, these are ideal. They actually have a heat activated foot wrap that actually molds to your feet, and enables you to have a customized fit. It has laces as well as a strap over the top, plus heel clips so your feet can be held into place easily when you're lifting. These shoes are even suitable for athletes so they will be more than suitable for you too. They have an anti-friction lining on the inside of the shoe so you will not feel your feet slipping from the inside either.

We liked these shoes because you can instantly tell how much time and effort has been taken into making them, as they provide you with complete stability.

Weightlifting Shoes Buyer’s Guide

When you look at the list above, of the best weightlifting shoes around, it can be quite confusing over which ones you think may be best for you. There is a whole number of different factors that you will need to take into consideration before you do decide on the exact ones you want to purchase. For instance, you will need to know what it is that you exactly want them for because some of them are in fact suitable for other sports as well. Therefore, we’ve put together a little list of the things that you do need to look out for before you go ahead and buy any weightlifting shoes.

Related: Shoes for a great CrossFit session.

Raised Heel

Buying a shoe that has a raised heel is a very important feature that you should definitely consider. This is because it will actually allow you to be able to squat a lot deeper. Therefore, you will actually increase your ankles range of motion. This means that you will actually improve your performance when you do this and it can even improve the position that you finish in as well. This is because it will make it a lot sturdier for you when you have the weight above your head. Therefore, it also means that you will be more likely to be able to hold up the weight for a longer period of time, so you will definitely increase your performance when you wear a weightlifting shoe that has a raised heel.

Materials

What the shoes are made out of is very important. This is because it will tell you how reliable the shoe is and even how long it may last. For instance, if it is made out of more robust and sturdy materials, then it is likely that they will be able to last you a lot longer compared to a weightlifting shoe that is made out of cheaper materials. Also, it is very important that your feet are not able to slip from the inside and the outside when you’re wearing them. This is because you really don’t want your feet slipping when you have a heavy weight in your hands.

Sometimes this may happen if your feet become a little bit too sweaty after you have been wearing weightlifting shoes for a while. Therefore it’s very important that there is some way that they are able to breathe, and this tends to be from the material that they are made of – or the socks that you choose for sweaty feet. If they are made from a breathable material then it will stop the moisture from forming between your foot and the shoe, plus, it will also prevent odors from forming when you’re wearing them.

Suitable for Multiple Sports

You may have noticed in the list above that there are some shoes that are suitable for weights and for other sports as well. This is a very good feature to have if you really need a pair of shoes that you can use for multiple things. However, there is a slight disadvantage to this feature, and that’s the fact that they won’t be as specific as some other weightlifting sneakers. This is because the designer would have been trying to focus on other features for other sports as well. For instance, they might not have as much of a raised heel compared to a pair of shoes that are specifically designed for weightlifting only.

However, these types of shoes would more likely to be of a cheaper and more practical choice to choose if you do need them for multiple things. Even though they don’t specialize precisely in weightlifting, they are still able to do a very good job and can benefit you massively.

Cushioning

Although you may want your feet to feel very comfortable when you’re lifting weights, and you may want your pair of weightlifting shoes to have the most comfort possible. However, it is also important to get shoes that have either a very little amount or even no padding in them. This is because you will be able to use more of your force when you are squatting down, as you will be transmitting more of your force up from the ground and through our body, which means you will then be able to move the weight more easily.

What are Weightlifting Shoes?

Weightlifting shoes are a type of sneaker that are made specifically for people that lift weights. There’s a reason why weightlifters have to use shoes that are specifically designed for this type of sport and that is that the shoes need to be completely stable and safe for them to use. This is due to the amount of weight that they are actually going to be lifting. You do not want shoes that you can easily slip in when you’re lifting something extremely heavy because this can actually cause you an injury.

Why use Weightlifting Shoes?

If you lift weights, then you will definitely want to use weightlifting shoes. This is because not only can they help you lift the actual weight they can also prevent you from causing yourself an injury. You will need a type of shoe that can help you use the force that is produced by your body, so you will then be able to lift the weight easier.

Most weightlifting shoes will have a raised heel, and this is because it will allow you to be able to squat deeper. Therefore, you will be able to significantly improve your position when the weight is over your head. Not only this, but you will definitely want a shoe that is a lot more stable. This is so it can increase your performance and prevent any injuries.

How Tight Should Weightlifting Shoes Be?

One rule to always follow is that you should be able to fit your finger between your heel and the shoe. If you cannot do this, then this will probably indicate that they are too small for you. Another way to tell if they are too small is if your toes are touching the tip of the shoe, this is a sign that they definitely do not fit you. I’m sure you’ll be able to tell if they are a little too big for you, because your feet may fall out of them a bit.

Conclusion

Overall there are hundreds of weightlifting shoes all over the internet, and there are also hundreds of different ones in stores as well. If you’re planning on starting to weightlift, then you definitely need to invest in a pair before you do start. This is because it can help you be successful in the sport and more importantly it can prevent you from causing any injury to yourself. If you’re already into lifting weights then you will know how important it is for this specific shoes to have particular features, for instance, they should have a raised heel, and they should also be able to support your feet and ankles.

Plus, they should provide you with maximum traction. It can be quite difficult to decide which ones will suit you best. However, it is important that you check the description of the shoes before you buy them. This is because you may notice that they are also suitable for other sports as well.

Expert Tip

It is very important that you get the right pair of weightlifting shoes and you should always make sure that they fit you correctly. This is because they can actually determine how successful you can be when you’re lifting.

Did you know?

Weightlifting shoes that have a raised heel were originally designed in the 1960s before this, weightlifters tended to use boxing shoes, sneakers or even work boots.