Strength The 10 Best Weightlifting Shoes of 2023 Reebox's Nano X Shoes have a sturdy sole to support your strength training By Mallory Creveling, ACE-CPT Mallory Creveling, ACE-CPT Mallory Creveling is a health and fitness writer and ACE-certified personal trainer whose work has been published in Prevention, Runners World, and Men's Journal. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 13, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Heather Black, CPT Reviewed by Heather Black, CPT Heather Black, CPT is a NASM-certified personal trainer and owner of Heather Black Fitness & Nutrition where she offers remote and in-person training and nutrition coaching. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell / Chloe Jeong Whether you're a beginner or pro weight lifter, everyone needs weightlifting shoes. Not only do they offer support, but they keep your feet sturdy whenever you squat or deadlift. When searching for the best pair of sneakers for your strength training workouts, look for shoes that offer a strong, stable outsole, which will keep you grounded as you push and pull weight. A reinforced heel cup and/or extra support in the midfoot can also help stop your feet from shifting as you train. For those looking to nail Olympic lifts, you might also want to consider shoes that feature a higher heel, which can allow for a better range of motion through moves like squats. We researched dozens of weightlifting shoes and evaluated them for support, comfort, materials, and price. We also had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article to ensure its accuracy around the importance of proper footwear as well as stability while lifting. Here are the best weightlifting shoes on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall for Women: Reebok Nano X Women’s Training Shoes at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall for Men: Nike Romaleos 4 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget for Women: Altra Women's HIIT XT 2 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget for Men: Under Armour Charged Commit 2 Training Shoes at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Cross-Training: Nike Metcon 6 Training Shoe at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Olympic Lifting: NOBULL Leather Lifter at Nobullproject.com Jump to Review Best Low Top: NOBULL Wild Jewel Trainers at Amazon Jump to Review Best High Top: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Classic at Amazon Jump to Review Best Style: Puma Provoke XT Pearl Training Shoes at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Ryka Devotion XT Training Shoe at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall for Women Reebok Nano X Women’s Training Shoes 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Jdsports.com View On Reebok.com This shoe offers 360 degrees of breathability and gives stretch and support when you need it, which is why we chose it as our top pick. The update to the Nano in this X version brings extra comfort, too, with a high-density foam collar and a little more flexibility—perfect for those looking to incorporate faster movements into their strength workouts. Under your feet, you get reinforcement from your heel to the midfoot, providing the stable base you need for lifts. If you like to do explosive exercises like squat jumps or skaters, this shoe also provides the stability, durability, and mobility needed to crush those exercises. Price at time of publication: $130 We Tested the Best Gym Shoes for Women—Our 12 Top Picks Are Trainer-Approved Best Overall for Men Nike Romaleos 4 Nike View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Dick's You can customize the snugness of this shoe by adjusting the straps, particularly the one that runs right across the middle of your foot. Keep it tight for powerful movements like squats and presses when you need your feet to stay grounded in one place. The wide and flat outsole will also give you the stability you need to dominate heavy lifting, while the rubber traction underneath will stop you from slipping. The shoe also has an elevated heel to help you execute a full range of motion. Reviewers mention this shoe runs small, so consider sizing up when you buy. Price at time of publication: $351 The Best Nike Walking Shoes, Tested and Reviewed by Experts Best Budget for Women Altra Women's HIIT XT 2 Amazon View On Amazon If you need (or prefer) a wider toe box that lets your digits spread out as you train, this shoe is for you. Altra’s women’s line has a specific Fit4Her design that mimics the anatomy of a woman's foot, making the shoe 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. In this particular pair, you’ll experience a low-to-ground feel, which is great for strength training. The rubber outsole will also help you stick the landing of plyometric exercises and more. Price at time of publication: $61 The Best Budget Running Shoe Options, Endorsed by a Running Coach Best Budget for Men Under Armour Charged Commit 2 Training Shoes Amazon View On Amazon View On Dick's This UA training shoe doesn’t sacrifice comfort or stability for a lower price point. It features both lightweight mesh and leather up top to keep your foot in place as you step and press. The heel cup also enhances the stability factor, while the outsole provides traction and durability. When you need flexibility for takeoffs, landings, or more dynamic movements, this shoe's flexibility allows you to move without restriction. Price at time of publication: $80 Best for Cross-Training Nike Metcon 6 Training Shoe 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Flightclub.com View On Goat.com An all-mesh upper means your feet will never overheat—even if you turn up the temperature with lifts, jumps, and lateral moves. It also allows for a little more flexibility, so your shoe never holds you back from fast-paced workouts. To satisfy the stability you need through strength sessions, the Metcon 6 maintains the squeezed-in-place feeling around the midfoot and support through the heel. It also offers a wider heel and slight lift in the back so you can execute something like a deep squat. Whether you’re sticking to straight lifting, taking a HIIT class, or doing a mix of the two, this sneaker will help you crush your goals. Price at time of publication: $159 The 10 Best CrossFit Shoes for Women of 2023 Best for Olympic Lifting NOBULL Coffee Leather Lifter NOBULL View On Nobullproject.com You need strength to perform a snatch and a clean-and-jerk—and also a super stable pair of shoes. These will do the trick. The handmade NOBULL Lifters have a leather top that’s super durable and long-lasting, a strap that lets you customize how tight you want the shoe to hug your foot, and a molded and removable sock-liner. Perhaps most important for an Olympic lifter, this shoe also has an 0.72-inch drop from heel to toe for elevation that supports your range of motion. Price at time of publication: $299 Best Low Top NOBULL Wild Jewel Trainers Courtesy of NOBULL View On Amazon View On Nobullproject.com View On Roguefitness.com A shoe that performs as good as it looks, this NOBULL trainer comes in several colors, but each one features a seamless upper that allows for ample airflow—great for when you turn up the heat during your workouts. The lugs on the outsole also mean you can train both inside and outside without worrying about slipping or sliding. Use these low-cut shoes to do anything from lifting heavy to walking, running, or jumping around. Best High Top Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Classic 4.3 Converse View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Converse.com Once a staple on the basketball court and now better known as fashionable footwear, the iconic Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers are actually a great option for weight lifters. Priced for popular consumption, these shoes are an affordable option for weightlifters who don’t want to shell out the big bucks for specialty footwear from top names. The simple rubber sole, which features less arch support, is ideal for power squats or deadlifts where you’re transferring your energy through the foot and want flat support. Additionally, the minimalist canvas design provides a lightweight and secure fit that isn’t going anywhere and helps you avoid tripping. These shoes come in many colors and designs and are available in unisex as well as in men's and women’s lines. Price at time of publication: $105 Best Style Puma Provoke XT Pearl Training Shoes Amazon View On Amazon A shoe that’ll have you looking seriously chic on the streets, this Puma pick feels lightweight but still gives you support as you go through strength moves. The reinforced midfoot and heel keep your feet in position as you move, while the foam midsole gives you cushioning and lots of comfort. While you probably wouldn’t lace these up for Olympic lifts, they’ll support you from sweat sessions to running errands—in other words, you’ll want to wear them everywhere. Price at time of publication: $90 We Tested the Best Walking Shoes—These 10 Will Keep You Comfortable All Day Long Best for Plantar Fasciitis Ryka Devotion XT Training Shoe Amazon View On Amazon View On Ryka.com If you’re prone to plantar fasciitis, you'll want both arch support and heel stability, and this shoe checks both boxes. Designed specifically for women, the construction feels super comfortable underfoot, like it was made for your shape. You get flexibility under the forefoot, too, so you can move with ease. It’ll also support you through lateral movements, twists, and turns for those workouts that make you move in all planes of motion. To top it off, the shoe also features an antimicrobial footbed. Price at time of publication: $100 Final Verdict The Nike Romaleos 4 and Reebok Nano X both offer the stability and support you want from a weightlifting shoe while allowing you to feel the surface beneath your feet. This helps you perform lifts with precision. Comfort is always key, so make sure you find a shoe that feels right for you. What to Look for in Weightlifting Shoes Stability In order to lift heavy weights, you need a shoe that stays put. Those with a firm outsole will do just that. Reinforcements in the heel and midfoot can help you stay on your feet—no shifting around in your shoes. They'll also help you push through your legs with precision, no matter how heavy the weight you’re lifting. Comfort To avoid a shoe that holds you back from reaching peak performance, it’s crucial to wear a pair that feels good on your feet. It’s always a good idea to try shoes on in-store so you can see what they’re like before you buy. And if you wear insoles for flat feet, bring them along with you to try in the shoes you're considering. You shouldn’t feel restricted in your movements or experience any discomfort as you squat, lunge, or do other weight training exercises. Durability For a shoe that lasts through all your lifting, you also want a durable outsole and upper. Those with rubber should keep you steady through plenty of workouts, while a well-constructed upper will move with you for years. Frequently Asked Questions How important are your shoes when you are weightlifting? Weightlifting-specific shoes are important if you perform highly technical and heavy compound exercises such as barbell squats, clean and jerks, or deadlifts. Your foot positioning and ability to stabilize and brace properly are essential for ensuring correct form and preventing injuries. For light, circuit-style training, or isolation exercises, the type of shoe you wear is less important. Most athletic shoes should work provided they are stable and fit appropriately. What are the benefits of weightlifting shoes? The benefits of weightlifting shoes are more support and better form, especially if your anatomy prevents you from squatting as deep as you prefer. Slight heel lifts in weightlifting shoes can help you maintain a more upright posture and prevent butt wink due to better knee and hip flexion. A raised heel can significantly protect lifters against back injury if their anatomy limits their mobility. Learn More: How to Prevent Butt Wink, a Form Defect of the Squat How can you make sure your weightlifting shoes fit? If you are choosing weightlifting shoes online without trying them on first, check the website's size guide for measurements. Many people wear the wrong size shoes, so it's essential to measure. Measure your feet carefully, checking both your right and left as feet can be different sizes. Use the larger size to determine your ideal shoe size with the brand you choose. Be sure to look for a width that suits you as well if you have wide feet. This is often indicated with a W. And if you're buying online, choose a retailer that offers a generous return policy. Can you wear weightlifting shoes outside? You can wear weightlifting shoes outside but you likely will not be comfortable using them as walking shoes due to their stiffness and support structure. As well, most gyms do not allow outdoor shoes to be worn inside, so consider your gym's policies before wearing your weightlifting shoes outside. Why Trust Verywell Fit? Mallory Creveling, a certified personal trainer and fitness reporter, has been covering workout gear for over a decade. In addition to testing shoes on her own, she has also scoured reviews to find the best sneakers for her clients' strength training workouts. 3 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Legg HS, Glaister M, Cleather DJ, Goodwin JE. The effect of weightlifting shoes on the kinetics and kinematics of the back squat. J Sports Sci. 2017;35(5):508-515. doi:10.1080/02640414.2016.1175652 Lee SP, Gillis CB, Ibarra JJ, Oldroyd DF, Zane RS. Heel-raised foot posture does not affect trunk and lower extremity biomechanics during a barbell back squat in recreational weight lifters. J Strength Cond Res. 2019;33(3):606-614. doi:10.1519/jsc.0000000000001938 Buldt AK, Menz HB. Incorrectly fitted footwear, foot pain and foot disorders: a systematic search and narrative review of the literature. J Foot Ankle Res. 2018;11:43. doi:10.1186/s13047-018-0284-z See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit