The right footwear to wear for your workout will depend on what you're doing. Wearing the best weightlifting shoes -- also known as gym shoes or training shoes -- will make sure you're getting support where you need it and can improve your performance. A good pair of gym shoes have an elevated heel or a flat and sturdy outsole to give the most stable base possible while you lift. But designs and fit vary from brand to brand, making it important to find the right pair. If you’re ready to invest in weightlifting shoes for your weightlifting journey, we’ve tested popular styles and consulted experts to help you make the best choice. Here’s what we found.
Our Picks
What are the best overall weightlifting shoes?
The best weightlifting shoes for you will depend on your needs: raised heel or flat sole. We recommend the Adidas Powerlift 5 for beginners or Converse Chuck Taylor Low Tops as a classic go-to.
Best weightlifting shoes of 2025
Best weightlifting shoes for beginners
Pros
- Good for beginners
- Lightweight
- Made of sustainable materials
- Flexible
Cons
- Expensive
- Heel may not be high enough depending on preference
Many years ago when I bought my first pair of lifting shoes, I chose an older version of Adidas Powerlift shoes. At the time, the pair I had was stiff and heavy, and the material didn't seem to be the best. This time around, I tested the Adidas Powerlift 5 weightlifting shoes, and I'm happy to report that they've improved in more ways than one. The shoe has some weight to it, which I expected in this style, but it's lighter compared to the older version I had.
The shoes do seem to run a little on the small side, so unless you have a narrow or small foot, I'd size up for a more comfortable fit. This shoe has plenty of stability around the ankles and the profile is low, so it technically doesn't have the same high, wedged heel that many weightlifting shoes have. Instead, it has a midfoot stability wedge measuring 34 millimeters, which I think is a safe option if you aren't sure if you're ready to commit to a full heel yet. The upper and toe box is a durable and flexible canvas with mesh ventilation inserts, so it's not stiff and is breathable. A bonus is that, if you're trying to shop more sustainably, you'd be pleased to know that this shoe is made of recycled materials.
I tested this shoe during my leg day routine, which usually includes barbell back squats, split squats, deadlifts and hip thrusts. What I liked about these shoes is that they were flexible enough to use for split squats without feeling restrictive. Sometimes toe boxes on weightlifting shoes can be stiff and uncomfortable during exercises where your toes require flexing. I liked that I was able to use this shoe throughout my whole routine without hesitation. Squatting felt comfortable and more natural with a bit of a heel, and my feet felt secure, thanks to the rubber soles. If you're just getting your feet wet in weightlifting, the Adidas Powerlift 5 shoes are a good place to start.
Best versatile weightlifting shoes
Pros
- Stylish
- Durably made
- Versatile for weightlifting and cross-training
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn't have raised heel
- Wide feet may find the toe box snug
Nobull launched in 2014 and has since made a name for itself in the weightlifting community. The majority of Nobull's shoes are intended for lifting or training, and they even have lifting pairs with raised heels and running shoes. I tested the Outwork Edge shoe, which is designed to be used for both weightlifting and cross-training.
The shoe is stylish, true to size and snug in the toe box, but didn't feel as tight as some of the other shoes I tested. The rubber outsole design has a 4-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, which makes it flat all around. The upper was my favorite aspect of the shoe design. It's made up of a SuperFabric that claims to be extremely durable, breathable and abrasion-resistant. You can tell that the shoe was made to be able to handle tough workouts and won't fall apart after a few uses. There are also SuperFabric guard plates, placed on a flexible mesh base layer, that look like small dots surrounding the shoe and are intended to create a shield for rope climbs or other exercises that require an exterior grip as part of your workouts.
I tested these during both upper-body and lower-body workouts, and my ankles and arches felt extra secure during my lifts. I felt grounded and steady during deadlifts and squats, and the shoe is flexible enough to work for single-leg exercises or plyometrics. I'd recommend these to Converse wearers who are looking to change up their shoes for a similar yet more versatile design.
Best weightlifting shoes for heavy squats
Pros
- Made of one of the toughest materials
- Lightweight
- Good for Olympic lifting exercises and squatting
Cons
- Expensive
- Narrow toe box
If you're an experienced powerlifter or CrossFitter, the Inov-8 Fastlift Power G 380 is calling your name. This is a surprisingly lightweight yet strong-performing squat shoe. Inov-8 is the first brand to use graphene in its shoes. Graphene is one of the toughest materials to exist, 200 times stronger than steel. It would also explain why this shoe is the most expensive on the list. You're paying for top-quality material that is intended to be extra durable. The power heel and outsole are made of graphene rubber, which provides excellent support and stability.
The toe box is made up of a flexible and breathable material, which is important as you quickly transition through exercises such as snatches or hang cleans. These squat shoes fit true to size for me, but the toe box is narrow, so I'd recommend sizing up if you have wide feet.
I tested these squat shoes while back and front squatting and was impressed at the depth I was able to hit with the assisted help. I even felt confident enough to squat heavier with the new range of motion and stability the shoes gave me. I could see taller people or those with mobility limitations benefitting from this shoe when they squat. If you're trying to hit new PRs in the weight room, then this is a solid pick to wear on your heavy-volume squat days.
Best minimalist weightlifting shoes
Pros
- Resembles barefoot training
- Ideal for wide feet
- Lightweight
- Made of recycled materials
Cons
- Lacks half sizes
- Design may not be as stylish as other shoes on the list
- Not good for Olympic lifting
- Not best style for beginners
Barefoot training has many benefits but it's not for everyone. In some cases it can put your feet at risk for injury around heavy equipment. Vivobarefoot's minimalist shoe is the closest experience to being barefoot during a workout session. Vivobarefoot's Primus Lite III was designed to be stable and flexible and to be used for all workouts, including weightlifting.
The Primus Lite III is lightweight, has a wide round toe box that perfectly fits the shape of your foot. The rubber active outsole is only 2 millimeters thick, but it provides an excellent grip on the ground. The downside to this shoe is that there are few half sizes, so I had to get the next full size up, which was slightly big for me. I would size down next time, but it would be beneficial if Vivobarefoot included more half sizes.
I'd recommend this style for experienced or intermediate lifters who are used to exercising barefoot, since this may take some adjusting for a novice lifter. I wouldn't suggest this style for Olympic lifting because it won't provide the same support an elevated shoe would for certain exercises.
This shoe felt secure and comfortable doing conventional and sumo deadlifts, and it felt natural while doing back squats and didn't feel like I needed a heel. I even used these shoes during my upper bodywork day and had no issues. The shoe is also sustainable. When you're done wearing them, send them back to Vivobarefoot to recycle into a new pair of shoes.
Best classic weightlifting shoes
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Stylish
- Excellent flat sole design
Cons
- Lacks flexibility
- Not the best option for Olympic lifting
- Can run tight for wide feet
If you want a trusty weightlifting shoe that doesn't break the bank, then the classic Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars is a solid choice. I've lifted in these for years because the flat sole and ankle support makes for a good lifting shoe. I also like that the brand offers various colors and high tops if you prefer those over low tops.
I'm able to use these shoes equally for squats and deadlifts without worrying about slipping around on the platform. I wouldn't recommend this shoe if you plan on doing Olympic lifts since you'd benefit from a more flexible shoe for those exercises. The only negative thing about Converse shoes is that the toe box may run small, so if you have a wide foot you'll want to make sure to order your shoes in a size wide. I can get away with the standard style, but there have been instances when I've felt them to be tight around my pinky toes.
If you're not looking to shell out over $100 on weightlifting shoes and only plan on doing traditional lifting, then the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star shoe is a good choice. Another trick I've learned is that if you have a smaller shoe size (like my size 6.5 foot), you can even get away with buying the shoe in a Big Kids style and paying $20 less.
Best alternative cross-training shoes
Pros
- Good for wide feet
- Support is solid from heel to forefoot
- Materials are flexible and breathable
Cons
- Shoelaces are thin and short
- Toe box loses shape when not in use
- Expensive
Because weightlifting shoes run to fit your exact shoe size, I also looked for a cross-training shoe that would be comfortable for lifters with wide feet. From the ones I tested, I found the Altra Solstice XT2 to be the best fit. My problem with some of the cross-trainers I tested was that they were either too snug in the toe box, didn't have the right amount of grip on the sole, or were tight around the top of the foot. The Altras were that happy medium where the toes had room to spread but also had a balanced cushion platform that supported the heel and forefoot and had ankle and arch support. The upper is made up of a breathable mesh that makes the shoes extra flexible and easy to transition to different exercises.
It doesn't hurt that it's a stylish shoe so it can be worn outside of the gym as well. I tested these shoes with squats, deadlifts and then a HIIT workout that included medicine ball throws and slams, squat jumps and jumping jacks. My only problem with these shoes is that the laces seem to be on the thin and short side, which causes them to untie easily so you have to make sure to double-knot them. Another aspect I noticed was that the mesh on the toe box tends to lose shape when it's not in use. I'd recommend keeping the tissue paper that lines the shoe to help keep the shape in check. Otherwise, if you're looking for an alternative cross-trainer that is wide-foot friendly, the Altras are a good place to start.
How we tested weightlifting shoes
Comfort: Weightlifting shoes usually have a snug fit, so we made sure our feet still felt comfortable.
Shoe type: We tested weightlifting shoes that are heeled, flat-soled or a cross-training style to see which worked best for weightlifting.
Support: We looked at how supportive the shoe is around the ankles, whether or not the sole has a good grip and the shoe's flexibility.
Function: We tested while doing traditional weightlifting exercises to determine if the shoe functions as promised.
Other weightlifting shoes we tested
Reebok Legacy Lifter II Women's Weightlifting Shoes: Of all the heeled weightlifting shoes I tried, this style felt the least comfortable. It could use more toe room because it's a narrow shoe and would not work for someone with wide feet. The insole on my left foot kept digging into my arch, which I thought might be due to a design defect or a sizing problem. Even though the shoes worked for squatting, it was the highest-heeled and heaviest shoes I tested, which some people may not like. The material also didn't seem as durable or flexible as the Inov-8 or Adidas Powerlift.
Under Armour UA HOVR Omnia: Compared to the other weightlifting and cross-training shoes tested, the Under Armour UA HOVR Omnia felt smaller in the toe box and the upper felt tight. This shoe also had more cushioning, which works for other forms of cross-training exercises but doesn't lend itself to weightlifting.
Under Armour UA TriBase Reign 4 Training Shoes: I questioned the durability of this shoe because of the design on the upper. It's made of a lightweight, breathable mesh, but it looks delicate and the holes on the design are slightly large, which makes me question how easily it might get snagged on something. Another negative was that the grip on the sole wasn't the best and I could feel my feet slipping while going heavier on the leg press and doing chest-supported rows. If you opt for this style, I'd only recommend it for lightweight lifting.
Best weightlifting shoes for women
Other than the sizing, all of the above shoes are the same whether for men or women. So really, there is no one weightlifting shoe that is specifically best for women. Just make sure to follow the sizing chart and exchange your weightlifting shoes until you feel you have a snug, supportive fit.
What are weightlifting shoes used for?
Certain weightlifting shoes have a raised heel that increases your ankles' range of motion, helping with weightlifting positions such as squats and snatches. The heel also keeps your torso upright, allowing you to get into a deep squat and maintain your balance. Plus, since the heel is firm, it prevents the force you're using to lift from being absorbed into the shoe.
Do you need weightlifting shoes?
Weightlifting shoes are not essential, especially if you are just starting out and are not sure if this type of exercise is right for you. However, If you've been lifting regularly and want to step up your cross-training and lifting sessions, a versatile shoe may help you get closer to your goals. Check out our top picks to find the perfect pair for your next weightlifting session.
How to pick weightlifting shoes for your workout
Because weightlifting shoes are a unique type of footwear, we got feedback from experts on the qualities we should be looking for when shopping for these shoes.
They are true to size: Weightlifting shoes tend to run true to size to fit your exact foot measurements. "This is because you don't want to move around inside the shoe at all when squatting or Olympic lifting, since the shoe should solidly move with you through your lift," explains Matt Scarfo, a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer.
Additionally, you want to make sure the shoe is stable and supportive. "They shouldn't be too comfortable to walk around in, because the platform of the shoe should be rigid so you can put all your force through the shoe into the floor," Scarfo says.
Phung Tran, an American College of Sports Medicine certified exercise physiologist, adds that if you have wide feet, it is completely OK to go up half a size so the shoe sits more comfortably. "Also keep in mind, weightlifting shoes do not help with flat feet as much, since they provide no cushion for the soles," Tran explains, adding, "It's up to you to do exercises to improve your arch and calf muscles' strength."
"Don't shop by brand; shop by fit, because you need to try on shoes from a variety of brands to see which ones feel the best to you," says Tran. "It doesn't matter how cool the shoe looks or how many high-tech features it has, because if they aren't comfortable, your workouts will become a struggle," she points out. Keep in mind when shopping for weightlifting shoes that comfort and stability are key.
Raised-heel shoes: One of the styles of weightlifting shoes you'll come across has a raised heel. These usually have laces and a Velcro strap across the top to keep your feet extra secure. These shoes are best if you practice Olympic weightlifting exercises that include clean-and-jerks or snatches. It's also beneficial if you're doing exercises like squatting and trying to get deeper in your squat.
"Heeled weightlifting shoes help those with limited ankle mobility by elevating the heels and decreasing the angle between the shin and the top of the foot, improving squat depth," explains Scarfo. He says you should only use these shoes for squatting and Olympic lifting as they provide a stable base for dropping into a squat and engaging the hamstrings to lift out of it.
That's all they're good for. "You absolutely do not want to use heeled weightlifting shoes for deadlifting, because these shoes can move your center-of-gravity forward, causing you to use too much of your back to deadlift, and increasing risk of injury," he warns.
Flat-sole shoes: There also are weightlifting shoes that fall under the flat-sole or minimalist shoe category. These are solid, flat and have a zero-drop sole, which means there is no height difference between the heel and toe. "Look for good ankle support, excellent grip and a flexible sole if you opt for a minimalist training shoe," Tran says. The flexible sole will help optimize performance in everything from plyometrics to heavy lifts.
This style tends to be more versatile because, unlike the heeled weightlifting shoe, it can be used for all your lifts and even cardio exercises. "However, these won't help you drop into a squat without a little stretching," Scarfo says. This doesn't mean it's impossible to have the proper ankle flexion needed to squat without heels.
Scarfo suggests foam rolling, stretching your calves and doing plenty of ankle stretches to prepare your Achilles tendon ahead of your lifting sessions. This should also include a long warmup, so your body is prepared to stabilize your ankles during these workouts.
Factors to consider when choosing weightlifting shoes
Consider going to a shoe store first and getting professionally measured to make sure you're getting the best fit and style to suit your needs. Weightlifting shoes can be expensive, especially with brand names that are well known to specifically design them. You could easily shell out over $100 on a pair of shoes, but they'll last you a long time. Below are factors to consider when shopping for this shoe style.
Type: There are weightlifting shoes with a raised heel, which may work best if you're a CrossFitter trying to perfect your barbell snatches or squat past parallel, but they may limit any other form of lifting. If you aren't a serious weightlifter and just want to have a better shoe for your strength training sessions, a flat-sole shoe may be a better pick. A bonus is that many of these can be used for other activities as well.
Fit: You want to make sure the shoe fits true to size and not too snug or big. This will keep your foot stable and supported while lifting.
Versatility: You may want to choose a shoe that allows you to do different types of weightlifting. Instead of having a specific pair for Olympic lifting and conventional lifting, you can choose a shoe that works for both.