Want to know what to look for in the best weightlifting shoes? Because FYI, the shoes that best support your body for strength training are far from the best running trainers. (opens in a new tab)
Why? Well, because when doing strength training, you’ll need a flat, solid sole, unlike sneakers designed for cardio which are often cushioned and bouncy.
Wearing the right sneaker is important because? Well, as you want your feet, arches and heels to be able to expand and grip, in turn providing a solid base to push and pull on. All of the weight on the bar or dumbbell will move first and foremost through your feet – and in turn, your shoes.
“Being asked about the best weightlifting shoes is one of the most common things I hear as a trainer,” says Jess Rosart, gym manager and trainer at WIT Fitness. “In my opinion, this is one of the most important pieces of equipment to invest in.”
Reebok research shows that 71% of women weight train in their running shoes, while 65% run in their gym trainers. Other studies show that squatting in running sneakers reduces knee flexion — meaning you don’t squat as deeply — and leads to a less upright posture.
So where do you start with so many options? Know that if you can’t afford new shoes right now, barefoot training has many benefits. Plus, you’ll likely see the pros practicing heavy, heavy lifts in shoes with a slight heel lift as well.
But when it comes to the best weightlifting shoes for recreational movers, we’ve got you covered. Below, Ally Head, United KingdomHealth and sustainability editor, offers a controversial favorite that saw her through strength training, freelance writer and fitness trainer Chloe Gray shares the shoes that took her to through her PBs, alongside CrossFit athlete and 2022 Fittest Women In The World winner, Lucy Campbell and Crossfit athlete Aimee Cringle (opens in a new tab), sharing their favorites. Go on! Go on! Go on.
What should you look for to find the best weightlifting shoes?
- The sole : it’s goodbye to cushioning and cushioning and hello to minimal insoles that keep you feeling grounded and spreading your feet apart.
- The sole: Think flat shoes, with each corner in contact with the ground at all times (unlike running sneakers which are often rolled up at the toes). Also look for an adherent base.
- Ankle: like in running, you have to protect your ankles when you lift. Make sure your shoes are sturdy around the joint while still allowing plenty of room for freedom of movement.
- The price: it goes without saying that you have to shop within your budget. Luckily, some of the best weightlifting shoes are surprisingly affordable.
8 Best Weightlifting Shoes, According to Experts
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Although she prefers high-heeled weightlifting shoes, Lucy Campbell, CrossFit athlete and 2022 Fittest Women In The World winner, still squats in her Metcons.
Advantages: “I find they provide good stability, which is great when you need to lift weights in a workout,” says Lucy.
The inconvenients: Lucy says that if you struggle with your mobility and have stiff ankles (poor dorsiflexion), a higher-heeled shoe may work better for you as it will allow you to enter the bottom of a squat more easily.
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I bet you didn’t expect to see a conversation on this list, did you? If you’re looking for a flat, supportive sole, you don’t need to look much further than your beloved Converse, says Health Editor Ally Head.
Advantages: They’re aesthetically universal – meaning you can wear them anywhere and don’t spend a lot on a shoe option you’ll only wear for working out. They last forever (I’ve had mine for almost ten years) and they’re good for deadlifts, dumbbell hip thrusts, etc.
The inconvenients: They aren’t great for anything other than your daily activities and weight lifting – don’t, I repeat, don’t! – wear these for HIIT exercises, as you will give yourself shin splints pretty quickly.
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These are Lululemon’s go-to shoes, and they’re a great option if you’re looking for a pair of weightlifting shoes you can also do HIIT in, says Ally Head. She’s worn them for weight training classes, workouts, and more, and they also support and keep your ankle stable.
Advantages: They keep you stable for squatting, but are also springy enough for things like high knees and jumping lunges. They also have a flexible yet super charged outsole that supports both strength training and HIIT session.
The inconvenients: The double logo is quite visible, and if you don’t like shoes that are too marked, you will notice it. Also, take a half size up because they run small.
For Aimee Cringle, one of the most talked about British female athletes on the European CrossFit scene is Nike Romaleos for bodybuilding.
Advantages: “This is an incredibly stable shoe that you want to lift and has an adjustable midfoot strap to provide extra support,” she says.
The inconvenients: The heel is on the wider end of the weightlifting shoe spectrum, which might not suit everyone, but does work for Aimee due to her longer than average quads.
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Another hybrid shoe, the Nano is strong and flat enough to use for weightlifting, but also offers a bit of bounce in case you want to end your workout with a sweaty HIIT circuit, says Chloe.
Advantages: A wide, flat base lets you spread your feet out and feel grounded. There are so many versions of the shoe that you can find the style that best suits your feet and your color scheme. They are also super grippy on the bottom for added security.
The inconvenients: The latest versions aren’t as flat as the original Nano Xs, IMO.
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Yes, another one Lululemon recommendation. What can we say? They know what they are doing. As for Strongfeel, the shoe is specifically designed to, well, feel strong – and that involves lifting weights. Since trying them on, Chloe Gray hasn’t worn anything else to the gym on leg day.
Advantages: The flat base provides plenty of space for foot splay but doesn’t feel too harsh underfoot, which is nicer if you’re spending time at the gym. They also look good for everyday use and are sturdy enough to be used for functional fitness that includes explosive movements.
The inconvenients: The only downside is that they’re not exactly cheap – but compared to other lifting shoes and the cost per wear, they’re worth it.
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Lightweight and sturdy aren’t two things that usually go together, but somehow these UnderArmour shoes have pulled off the impossible. Their unique “TriBase” design maximizes ground contact so you can push every corner of your feet.
Advantages: Chloé found them breathable and light while being strong and supportive. They have low-profile soles to encourage connection to the ground – essentially helping your feet and ankles do what they need to do, only better.
The inconvenients: They have a pretty solid design, so it might not be to everyone’s taste, but if you like them, we’d say you can’t do better.
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VivoBarefoot Primus Lite II
If you feel weird about taking your shoes off in the gym for a barefoot workout (look, we get it), try these shoes designed not to look like shoes. They’re foot-shaped rather than shoe-shaped, so your feet can spread very thinly to allow you to get feedback from the ground below.
Advantages: Eco-friendly credentials and a 4mm sole really put you back in touch with nature, Chloe shares. They are also incredibly flexible shoes (you can roll them into a ball), which makes them easy to transport but, above all, they will accompany you wherever and however you want.
The inconvenients: The USP of this show is that everything about it is different than what we’re used to. It’s fine in the long run, but it takes some getting used to.
Why buy weightlifting shoes?
Short answer – because it’s essential not only to improve your gains, but also to protect your posture.
“The most important thing to remember is that your foot is supposed to have all of its toes completely flat on the floor when doing strength training and weightlifting,” says Jess Rosart, gym manager and trainer at WIT Fitness. . “Your toes anchor your entire foot and improve stability. Think about when you squat or deadlift – you want to feel as stable as possible. If your feet are able to grip the ground, that will provide stability for the whole body, putting you in the best possible position for your lifts.”
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