Best Weightlifting Shoes: Finding the Right Weightlifting Shoes for You
If you’re looking to take your weightlifting game up a notch, you might consider investing in a good pair of weightlifting shoes. Weightlifting shoes provide added stability and support, which can make all the difference when lifting heavier weights. In this list, we’ll take a look at some of the best weightlifting shoes and discuss some of the factors you should consider when choosing the right pair of weightlifting shoes for you.
This list of the best weightlifting shoes will highlight the top weightlifting shoe options and will allow you to find the right shoes for you. With this list, you can pick a pair of weightlifting shoes based on style, materials, brand, and more, all of which will help you improve your weightlifting experience.
As mentioned, the reason that weightlifting shoes are so important is that they provide that extra support when lifting. This allows you to step up the weight and lift it with confidence. With a new pair of weightlifting shoes, you might just break through and accomplish that new PR.
Looking for more weightlifting-related lists? If so, visit our lists of the best home exercise equipment, best bodybuilding supplements, and best activewear brands. All of these lists will help take your fitness to the next level.
Top 15 Weightlifting Shoes:
1. Adidas Adipower Weightlifting Shoes
Price: $120.00-$309.99
Highlights: Reinforced inner forefoot and heel, durable laces, and a 20.1mm heel lift.
About Shoes: The Adidas Adipower Weightlifting Shoe is a top-of-the-line choice for serious weightlifters. Originally designed for Olympic athletes, this shoe boasts a reinforced inner forefoot and heel, more padding in the rear, and durable laces.
The 20.1mm heel lift provides optimum stability and support, while the breathable design keeps your feet cool and comfortable during intense workouts. Whether you’re a professional weightlifter or just starting out, the Adidas Adipower Weightlifting Shoe is an excellent choice for anyone serious about lifting.
2. Reebok Weightlifting Shoes
Price: $97.45
Highlights: Provides 360-degree breathability, has a high-density foam collar, and a reinforced heel to midfoot.
About Shoes: These weightlifting shoes provide 360 degrees of breathability, support, and stretch. They are also comfortable and have a stable base. All of this will allow this Reebok Weightlifting Shoe to be a top pick, but it doesn’t stop there.
With a high-density foam collar and extra flexibility, this top weightlifting shoe will help incorporate faster movements into your strength workouts. The shoe also has a reinforced heel to midfoot, making it ideal for explosive exercises like squat jumps or skaters.
3. Converse Weightlifting Shoes
Price: $39.95-$188.00
Highlights: Simple rubber sole, minimalist canvas design, and priced for popular consumption.
About Shoes: If you’re looking for a solid weightlifting shoe with a minimalist design, the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers are a great option. The simple rubber sole and minimalist canvas design provide flat support that’s ideal for power squats or deadlifts.
Additionally, the shoes are priced for popular consumption, making them an affordable choice for weightlifters. So next time you hit the gym, don’t forget to lace up a pair of these iconic sneakers.
4. ALTRA Weightlifting Shoes
Price: $109.95
Highlights: Features a Fit4Her design, zero-drop rubber outsole, and is extra comfortable.
About Shoes: Are you looking for a weightlifting shoe that is specifically designed to fit a woman’s foot? Look no further than the Altra Weightlifting Shoe. This shoe features a Fit4Her design that mimics the anatomy of a woman’s foot, making it extra comfortable and allowing your feet to move more naturally.
The zero-drop outsole means your heel and forefoot sit at the same distance from the ground, which is great for strength training. The rubber outsole will also help you stick the landing of plyometric exercises and more. So if you need a wider toe box that lets your digits spread out as you train, the Altra Weightlifting Shoe is the perfect choice for you.
5. Nike Weightlifting Shoes
Price: $149.87
Highlights: Extremely breathable, keeps your feet cool, and provides stability.
About Shoes: The Nike Metcon 6 is one of the best weightlifting shoes on the market. It is extremely breathable and helps keep your feet cool during strenuous workouts. The rubber sole provides stability and durability, while the mesh upper keeps air flowing and your foot cool. This shoe is perfect for any serious weightlifter who wants a stable, breathable, and durable shoe.
6. Under Armour Weightlifting Shoes
Price: $80.00
Highlights: Excellent flexibility, has a lightweight mesh and leather upper, and features a heel cup.
About Shoes: UA training shoe doesn’t sacrifice comfort or stability. It features a lightweight mesh and leather upper to keep your foot in place, a heel cup for enhanced stability, and an outsole for traction and durability. When you need flexibility, this shoe’s flexibility allows you to move without restriction.
7. Reebok Legacy Lifter Weightlifting Shoes
Price: $116.95-$263.98
Highlights: Features an anti-microbial sock line, includes a TPU clip, and has an extra-grippy rubber outsole.
About Shoes: Whether you’re a seasoned weightlifter or just starting out, you need a weightlifting squat shoe that can help you perform at your best. The Reebok Legacy Lifter is designed for just that. With an anti-microbial sock liner and breathable textile upper, this shoe will keep your feet comfortable and dry even during the most intense workouts.
The TPU clip and elevated heel provide extra stability for lifting heavy weights, while the extra-grippy rubber outsole ensures you stay safe and in control. And if you like to mix things up, the flexible forefoot allows for greater versatility in other movements.
Plus, the added Achilles support helps reduce stress on your feet and legs, even when you’re putting in long hours.
8. Nordic Lifting Weightlifting Shoes
Price: $89.95
Highlights: Are built to last, include a 1-year warranty, and have an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate sole.
About Shoes: This premium weightlifting shoe is built to last, even under immense stress, and the included 1-year manufacturer’s warranty backs this up. The Ethylene Vinyl Acetate sole provides Olympic stability and good foot support to ensure a powerful workout and greater lifting gains.
The perfect choice for powerlifters and all other athletes working with heavy weights, the Nordic Lifting Weightlifting Shoe will help you improve your lifting posture.
9. Core Weightlifting Shoes
Price: $89.90-$99.90
Highlights: Extra stable design, elevated 1.2″ heel, a non-slip EVA wedge, and lace straps.
About Shoes: The Core Weightlifting Shoe is one of the best choices for serious weightlifters. Its extra stable design and comfortable fit make it perfect for CrossFit and Olympic lifting. The elevated 1.2″ heel promotes proper posture and helps you stay stable when lifting heavy weights.
The non-slip EVA wedge in the midsole provides extra support, while the lace straps keep your feet secure. With its superior design, the Core Weightlifting Shoe is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to take their lifting to the next level.
10. Otomix Weightlifting Shoes
Price: $149.00-$159.00
Highlights: Designed for weightlifting, provides comfort and support, and features the HPB system.
About Shoes: This top weightlifting shoe has been specifically designed for weightlifting and incorporates the new High-Performance Bodybuilding system. The HPB system provides a combination of comfort and support, making it a must-have for serious bodybuilders and weightlifters.
11. Inov-8 Weightlifting Shoes
Price: $127.26-$170.00
Highlights: Flexible, can be used for all types of workouts, has a nylon ripstop upper, and includes a lace-up closure.
About Shoes: This shoe is designed specifically for weightlifting but is also flexible and comfortable enough to be used for all kinds of workouts. The nylon ripstop upper is lightweight and breathable, while the lace-up closure provides a secure fit. Whether you’re hitting the gym or the weights, the Inov-8 Fastlift 335 will help you reach your fitness goals.
12. Adidas Powerlift Weightlifting Shoes
Price: $64.99-$256.79
Highlights: Durable textile upper, a die-cut wedge midsole, narrow fit, and made of recycled materials.
About Shoes: If you’re looking for a weightlifting shoe that can provide support and stability, look no further than the Adidas Powerlift 4. These shoes have a durable textile upper and a die-cut wedge midsole that will keep you stabilized during your lifts.
The narrow fit provides support, while the wide midfoot strap ensures a locked-down fit. Plus, the upper consists of recycled materials, so you can feel good knowing that you’re helping to reduce plastic waste. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned weightlifter, the Adidas Powerlift 4 is the perfect choice for your lifting needs.
13. Otomix Stingray Escape Weightlifting Shoes
Price: $129.00
Highlights: Lightweight, made of leather and synthetic materials, and features extra ankle support.
About Shoes: The Otomix Stingray Escape Weightlifting Shoe is the ideal shoe for those who are looking for a lightweight yet extremely durable option. This top weightlifting shoe is made of leather and synthetic materials, and it features extra ankle support for those who need it.
Additionally, the thin sole of this shoe provides excellent grip on any surface, making it perfect for wrestling, MMA, martial arts, weightlifting, and bodybuilding.
14. Nike Metcon Sport Lifting Shoes
Price: $109.99-$279.26
Highlights: All-mesh upper, offers excellent stability, and has a wider heel.
About Shoes: If you’re looking for a weightlifting shoe that won’t overheat your feet, the Nike Metcon Sport is a great option. It features an all-mesh upper that is both breathable and flexible, so you can move quickly and easily during your workout.
The Metcon 6 also provides excellent stability and support around the midfoot and heel. Plus, the wider heel and slight lift in the back help with deep squats and other movements. Whether you’re lifting weights, doing HIIT, or doing something else entirely, the Nike Metcon Sport is a great choice.
15. WHITIN Weightlifting Shoes
Price: $41.99-$44.99
Highlights: Affordable, anatomical shape, and includes a thin and firm sole.
About Shoes: This is one of the best weightlifting shoes for those who want a top barefoot trainer shoe at an affordable price. The anatomical shape and wide toe box create a comfortable, durable, and flexible shoe that will help you achieve better balance while lifting weights. Additionally, the thin and firm sole provides great feedback to help you improve your movements and lifts.
Editor’s Picks for the Best Weightlifting Shoes for Stability and Power
🥇 Best Overall Performance
Adidas Adipower Weightlifting Shoes
Engineered with Olympic-grade technology, the Adipower offers outstanding heel support, breathability, and reinforced structure. It’s ideal for lifters seeking precision and power in their squats and clean and jerks.
🔒 Most Stable Weightlifting Shoes
Reebok Legacy Lifter Weightlifting Shoes
With a TPU heel, anti-slip outsole, and Achilles support, the Legacy Lifter is built for maximum stability under heavy loads. It’s perfect for athletes who prioritize technique and safety during lifts.
🏋️♂️ Best Budget-Friendly Lifting Shoe
WHITIN Weightlifting Shoes
If you want a quality barefoot-style shoe on a budget, this minimalist trainer delivers. The flat, thin sole and wide toe box provide excellent ground feedback and natural movement support.
👟 Most Versatile Lifting Shoe
Nike Metcon 6 Weightlifting Shoes
From Olympic lifts to dynamic workouts, the Metcon 6 handles it all with a breathable upper, firm heel, and traction-ready sole. It’s perfect for lifters who mix strength with cross-training.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weightlifting Shoes
Why do I need weightlifting shoes for training?
Weightlifting shoes are designed with a raised heel and rigid sole to improve posture, balance, and stability during lifts. These features help activate proper muscle engagement and reduce the risk of injury during compound movements like squats and deadlifts.
What’s the ideal heel height for lifting shoes?
Most lifters benefit from a heel height between 0.6” and 1” (15mm–25mm). Taller heels support deeper squats and help maintain an upright torso. However, athletes with good mobility may prefer flatter shoes or even zero-drop designs for certain lifts.
Can I use running shoes for weightlifting?
No—running shoes are made for forward motion and shock absorption, which creates instability under load. Weightlifting shoes have firm, flat soles that provide a solid base for pressing through the floor and maintaining alignment during heavy lifts.
Are flat shoes like Converse good for deadlifting?
Yes—flat shoes like Converse offer minimal heel height and a firm sole, which is ideal for deadlifts. They keep you close to the ground, helping with leverage and reducing the distance the bar must travel.
How long do weightlifting shoes last?
A high-quality pair of weightlifting shoes can last 1–3 years or more, depending on how often you train and how well you maintain them. Avoid using them for cardio or outdoor training to extend their lifespan.
Tips for Choosing the Best Weightlifting Shoes for Your Needs
1. Choose the Right Heel Height for Your Mobility
If you struggle with ankle mobility or need help achieving depth in squats, a raised heel (around 0.75″) can be a game-changer. Those with natural flexibility may prefer a flatter shoe or even a barefoot-style trainer for better ground connection.
2. Prioritize Stability and Traction
Look for shoes with rigid midsoles, TPU or EVA wedges, and rubber outsoles. These features reduce wobbling and keep you secure during lifts. Extra grip is especially important for exercises like clean and press or snatch.
3. Consider Foot Shape and Fit
A narrow fit offers a locked-in feel, while a wide toe box allows natural toe splay and better balance. Brands like Altra and WHITIN cater to lifters needing more space in the forefoot.
4. Match the Shoe to Your Workout Style
If your sessions combine lifting and CrossFit-style training, go with hybrid shoes like the Nike Metcon. For pure powerlifting or Olympic lifting, stick with dedicated weightlifting models with stiff soles and elevated heels.
5. Think About Durability and Value
Higher-end shoes use premium materials that last through years of squats and lifts. However, affordable models like Converse and WHITIN can still offer excellent value for recreational or beginner lifters.
Best Weightlifting Shoes Conclusion
Having the right pair of shoes will provide the needed support and balance to lift heavier weights and help you perform at a higher level. This will lead to new PRs and will help you smash your fitness goals.
And while it doesn’t all come down to your shoes, there is a reason the top weight lifters in the industry use a lot of the shoes on this list. So set yourself up for success and begin to lift heavier and become stronger.
And, of course, a big part of lifting weights is what you put into your body. So make sure to visit our lists of the best protein powders, best BCAA’s, and best pre-workout supplements. These lists will help bring the best out of you when you lift and train.
After you try out one of these weightlifting shoes, make sure to come back and let us know how much they helped in the comments below.
