If you want to spot a seasoned weightlifter in the gym, skip the biceps and check out their feet. Novices might sport old trainers or tennis shoes, but the serious lifters have upgraded to a crucial piece of gear – weightlifting shoes. Just as you wouldn't play football in anything but football boots, or go hiking without proper walking boots, when it comes to lifting, it's time to invest in the best specialist lifting shoes. While great gym training shoes are fine for casual workouts, those committed to serious lifting know the importance of dedicated footwear for optimal performance and increased gains.
You've probably encountered weightlifting shoes before, whether at the Olympics, during a CrossFit competition, or in the gym. Designed to enhance safety and reliability during compound and Olympic lifts, these shoes are made to provide support, prevent injuries, and ensure stability.
The popularity of weightlifting shoes stems from their specific advantages. While your general trainers might take you from the treadmill to various gym stations, their design can hinder your performance when handling a barbell. Ordinary trainers with soft soles can absorb the energy needed for an effective upward force during lifts, and they may also cause ankle instability due to uneven weight distribution, putting you at risk of injury. This is where a pair of high-quality Do-Win or Adidas weightlifting shoes proves their worth, providing a dependable and injury-resistant foundation for clean deadlifts and snatches.
Key elements of the best weightlifting shoes:
Heel
The heel is the most distinguishing feature of a weightlifting shoe, typically elevated around 16mm from the ground, catering to various lifting styles and body proportions. This elevation, ranging from 0mm to 22mm, allows users to comfortably reach the bottom position of a squat, enhancing force generation while ensuring stability and mobility throughout the lift. This design eliminates restrictions from the ankles and hips during the full range of motion. Modern lifting shoe heels commonly utilise EVA or TPU, combining lightweight properties with exceptional durability.
Straps
The fastening system of weightlifting shoes plays a crucial role, with variations including thick Velcro straps and multi-strap fastenings for a secure fit. When lifting heavy weights in a snatch or clean and jerk, a secure foothold is essential. The Do-Wins' dual-strap system delivers superior lockdown, outperforming the Powerlift 5's single strap, which, although secure, offers less overall rigidity.
Types
There are different types of weightlifting shoes designed for specific purposes:
Olympic Weightlifting Shoes (22mm): These shoes are specifically crafted for Olympic weightlifting. They feature a substantial heel elevation of 22mm (typically), offering lifters crucial support and ensuring an optimal posture is maintained throughout various lifts.
Gym Weightlifting Shoes (16mm): Gym weightlifting shoes are versatile and suitable for a variety of strength training exercises. They have a moderate heel elevation of 16mm, providing stability and support for activities like squats.
Deadlift Shoes (0mm): Deadlift shoes are flat with no heel elevation (0mm). These shoes offer a stable and close-to-the-ground feel, allowing lifters to maximise contact with the floor during deadlifts, enhancing balance and power. Choosing the right type of weightlifting shoe depends on the specific requirements of your training regimen and the exercises you engage in regularly.
| Olympic Weightlifting Shoes | General Gym Use | Deadlift Shoes |
|
Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes |
Adidas Powerlift 5 | Adidas The Total Shoe |
| Adidas Adipower Weightlifting III | Adidas Havoc Deadlift Boots | |
| Adidas Power Perfect III |
Best Weightlifting Shoes at a glance
Best Weightlifting Shoes for Squats: Adidas Power Perfect III
Best Weightlifting Shoes for Deadlifts: Adidas Havoc Deadlift Boots
Best Weightlifting Shoes for Weightlifting: Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes
Best Weightlifting Shoes for Powerlifting: Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes
Best Budget Weightlifting Shoes: Adidas Powerlift 5
Best weightlifting Shoes for Squats:
Squat shoes offer several advantages over regular footwear, including enhanced mobility, improved technique, increased stability, and a stronger connection with the lifting surface. These advantages together improve performance, making investing in a pair of squat shoes highly worthwhile. Choosing the right squat shoes can be tricky due to the variations in design, heel heights, closure mechanisms, and materials used by different brands.
Choose the Adidas Power Perfect III if:
- You have narrower feet or prefer a snugger, more "locked-in" feel.
- You have poor ankle mobility and find a higher heel lift improves your squat depth and form.
- You want a shoe that is stable for lifting but still relatively lightweight and has some forefoot flexibility.
- You are a beginner or intermediate lifter who wants a versatile shoe for both classic lifts and some accessory movements.
Choose the Do-Win Weightlifting Shoe if:
- You have wider feet and need a shoe with a more generous fit.
- You prefer a very rigid, non-compressible feel underfoot, similar to older-style lifters.
- You want the added security of two lockdown straps over the midfoot.
- You are an intermediate or advanced lifter who wants a sturdy, reliable Olympic weightlifting shoe.
Best weightlifting shoes for deadlifts:
When it comes to deadlifting, beginners using old Converse shoes is a common sight, but for the best performance, we recommend considering more specialised options: Adidas Havoc Deadlift Boots - While not technically classified as weightlifting shoes, these boots are ideal for deadlifts due to their grippy flat soles and excellent ankle support - crucial for maintaining the right posture and start position during deadlifts.
Looking for a more budget-friendly option? Titan Deadlift Slippers for Men and Titan Deadlift Slippers for Women are suitable for conventional deadlifts. However, they are not recommended for sumo stance deadlifts as they lack ankle support and may result in foot slippage, compromising your power off the floor.
Best weightlifting shoes for Olympic weightlifting:
For dedicated weightlifters and powerlifters seeking maximum stability and a classic feel, Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes are the best choice. The dual straps ensure stability, while the higher and stiffer TPU heel promotes perfect lifting posture and a solid foundation. This design particularly benefits weightlifters who struggle with ankle mobility issues.
Best weightlifting shoes for Powerlifting:
For the squat portion of powerlifting, Do-Win weightlifting shoes are an exceptional choice, rivalling more expensive brands in terms of stability and features. However, when it comes to the deadlift, a flat-soled shoe is a better option. Many serious powerlifters opt for different shoes for squats and deadlifts to optimise their performance for each specific lift.
The Adidas Powerlift 5 earns our recommendation for Best Budget Weightlifting Shoes. With a modest heel elevation (16 mm), these shoes strike a balance between stability and support, making them ideal for beginners getting used to heel elevation while embarking on their lifting journey. Despite being affordably priced and lightweight, they pack substantial features that not only aids in squatting and lifting but also adds versatility, allowing users to engage in a variety of gym exercises.
Best Weightlifting Shoes UK: Q&A
Do I need to wear weightlifting shoes when lifting weights?
While many individuals may lift weights using everyday footwear, those consistently lifting moderate to heavy loads will find specialised weightlifting shoes offer distinct advantages. These shoes prioritise a secure foothold with extra-sturdy materials, often incorporating features like wide Velcro straps for adjustable and secure fits. A firm heel counter stabilises the rearfoot area, ensuring stability during lifts. The shoes provide a wide and stiff platform, enhancing stability with a non-compressible sole unit reinforced by a slip-resistant rubber outsole. The raised heel, ranging from 16mm to 22mm, enables deeper squats without stressing the ankle. Endorsed by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), these shoes are the preferred choice in elite weightlifting competitions, emphasising their efficacy and performance benefits.
Are weightlifting shoes worth it?
Weightlifting shoes offer several key benefits:
Elevated Heel: The raised heel in weightlifting shoes facilitates maintaining proper postures during compound and Olympic lifts. Finding the right heel height is crucial for getting into the power position with ease and maintaining leverage.
Solid Base: Weightlifting shoes provide a sturdy foundation for catching weight, typically made of hard materials like plastic or wood. This stable base enhances security throughout the lift, supporting the lifter in maintaining necessary postures.
Ankle Support: Crafted from materials like leather or rubber, weightlifting shoes offer additional ankle and foot support. Some designs incorporate extra straps for enhanced support, contributing to a secure feeling and more efficient power development.
Improved Mobility: The combination of elevated heel, solid base, and ankle support contributes to improved mobility in the ankle, knee, and hip. Enhanced mobility is crucial for proper power production and posture maintenance, especially in complex lifts like squats and Olympic movements.
Improved Safety: Heavy and complex lifts increase the risk of injury, weightlifting shoes act as a preventive measure. Shoes providing support and a stable base can decrease this risk by helping the body maintain proper positions. Conversely, shoes with rubber, unstable bases and insufficient support may lead to poor positioning and an increased risk of injury.
What shoes should I deadlift in?
When deadlifting, opt for shoes with a flat profile, a thin sole for better ground feel, reliable traction, and sufficient ankle support. Our top recommendation for deadlifting is the Adidas Havoc Deadlift Boots.
What are the best shoes for gym training?
The ideal shoes for general training in the gym should offer breathability and light support. These features allow for better grip on the floor, promoting balance during various strength and conditioning exercises. Additionally, these versatile shoes are suitable for a wide range of gym activities.
Best weightlifting shoes for wide feet?
Do-Wins' wide profile offers athletes with wider feet greater comfort and stability, reducing the likelihood of discomfort, blisters, and fatigue that can hinder their overall performance.
If you need further help choosing Weightlifting shoes, please contact us. We'll be happy to help.