The Best Weightlifting Shoes of 2025, Approved by Trainers and Lifters

Why We Like It

For athletes wanting the best footwear to take their strength training to new heights, we think the fourth iteration of the Nike Romaleos lineup is the best weightlifting shoes, a decision justified by its highest cumulative score of 4.7 out of 5 during our thorough testing process. Among the best squat shoes on the market, these feature a 20-millimeter heel height, wide outsole design, and rubber tread for a stable base that can upgrade your positioning for back squats and Olympic lifts. Additionally, a dual-strap midfoot lockdown system helps ensure that you’re, well, locked in without any fear of interior foot movement during catches or cleans.

These are my preferred shoes for leg day, as I really enjoy how the higher heel allows me to move more efficiently through a squat. Plus, I prefer a heavier shoe for these movements, as it gives me a more grounded sense that my feet aren’t going anywhere on the platform before getting into a descent. I’d rate the overall design at 4 out of 5, though, because wearing these Romaleos 4s through an entire session can leave your steps feeling clunky and tired. For all-day comfort and versatility, the Reebok Nano X5s may be a better option.

From a style perspective, we score these Nike Olympic weightlifting shoes at 5 out of 5. “This brand just knows how to make a good-looking shoe,” added our tester, a certified sports nutrition coach. “I also like the small easter eggs — like the word ‘Dominate’ embedded in the heel — that give the Romaleos 4s a more premium feel.”

The lockdown in these shoes is also noteworthy thanks to their reliance on both a traditional lacing system and two midfoot straps that cinch in alternate directions. This is a definite plus, too, because of the upper’s more rigid design for better stability during lifts — you don’t want a portion of the upper digging into the top of your foot as you go for a PR snatch attempt.

Finally, while the Romaleos 4s run true to size, you should expect a tighter fit. I score the fit at 3.5 out of 5, given the narrower toe box, which is intended to squeeze your feet into position with little side-to-side give.

Good for: Athletes looking to purchase a pair of weightlifting shoes that want a high-quality design with ample performance perks.

Why We Like It

If you’re looking to invest in a pair of weightlifting shoes, they should at least be good-looking, right? With a vintage aesthetic akin to the brand’s past sneakers, the Reebok Legacy Lifter IIIs take our top spot as some of the most stylish weightlifting footwear options today. We enjoy the semi-high-top design and the unique Pump technology at the tongue — a nice touch you’d likely not expect with such a specialized pair of kicks.

I rate the appearance at 4 out of 5, too, since you can order these Reebok lifters in six different colorways. There are muted, minimalist hues along with more vibrant colors, giving a good range for different personalities.

These Reebok weightlifting shoes don’t just look good, though. I really enjoy the flat outsole that grips well across rubber gym flooring and wooden platforms alike. The traction isn’t compromised when performing more dynamic movements, like a clean and jerk, either. Accordingly, I rate the outsole at 5 out of 5.

In terms of stability, the Reebok Legacy Lifter IIIs feature a rigid, durable leather upper and tough heel counter that keeps your feet in place with ease. I also appreciate the dual lacing and midfoot strap for better lockdown. While stability earns a 5 out of 5 rating, I do note that the Pump technology — where small air chambers around your foot are filled for a snugger fit — isn’t as effective as you may think. “It provides a little more security, but not exactly a true lockdown,” says our tester. “I feel like it’s more of a style point or branded gimmick. Thankfully, the strap and lacing are more than enough to achieve that perfect fit when I’m going for a heavy set.”

As a final note, we do recommend ordering a half size up from what you’d typically wear in your normal footwear. Our tester noted, “The sizing is a little small for my liking. Granted, the snugness helps on the platform in terms of lockdown, but it’s teetering toward the point of discomfort.” For a more true to size, albeit still tight, fit, consider something like the Nike Romaleos 4 or Nike Salvaleos.

Good for: People wanting a weightlifting shoe that looks as good as it performs.

Why We Like It

Are you focused on Olympic weightlifting training with movements like the snatch or clean and jerk? A high-quality pair of weightlifting shoes can be a great addition to your ensemble thanks to their elevated heel that makes getting the proper positioning under the bar more comfortable and achievable. For athletes enthusiastic about this training discipline, we recommend the TYR TYRFORCE Elite Carbons thanks to their sky-high heel height of 25.4 millimeters along with a durable leather upper and grippy TYRTAC outsole.

While I’m not a dedicated Olympic weightlifter, I have used these sneakers for clean sessions in my regimen. In each set, I’m able to comfortably find my footing, and there is zero compression underfoot when I get into a catch position. I attribute this to the wooden heel design as well as the carbon fiber POWERPLATE running through the midsole for extra explosiveness and power. Overall, I rate the stability at 4.5 out of 5.

The TYRFORCE Elite Carbons are made with a premium leather textile along the upper, and while this material may take longer to break in than, say, a knit textile upper, I have no hesitations in saying these weightlifting shoes are built for the long haul. Durability earns a 4.5 out of 5, as well.

When it comes to the fit and sizing of these impressive weightlifting shoes, another standout feature is the Elite Carbon’s anatomical toe box. Other weightlifting shoes I’ve owned have featured a more tapered silhouette, which does help with creating a locked-in feel yet can create discomfort and potential hot spots for blisters, especially if you wear these shoes for extended periods. There’s plenty of room to toe splay in these TYR kicks, though, and I don’t feel as if the extra room compromises my under-bar security or stability.

There is a big caveat with these weightlifting shoes, though — the price. At $350, they’re easily some of the most expensive profiles we’ve had in testing. Plus, while the elevated heel height can be great for Olympic lifting, it may be too aggressive for other training needs like squats or powerlifting. We rate the value at a modest 3.5 out of 5 and suggest athletes on a budget instead opt for something like the Nike Salvaleos.

Good for: Olympic weightlifting enthusiasts looking for weightlifting shoes with a high heel-to-toe drop.

Why We Like It

Weightlifting shoes often feature a snug fit to help ensure you aren’t fighting for foot placement when trying to focus on a movement. However, while the lockdown is improved with this setup, it can limit the footwear’s approachability for wider-footed athletes. The Nike Salvaleos, some of the best weightlifting shoes for beginners, can be a solid option for such needs thanks to a unique wide toe box that offers enough room for added comfort while still promoting a stable underfoot experience.

The ergonomics are also a positive for the Nike Savaleos. Our tester rates the shoe’s ergonomics at 4.5 out of 5 for the category thanks to their aforementioned toe box, impressive range of motion and worthwhile lockdown across the lacing system and midfoot strap. “The dual-strap system adds a nice sense of security, but it’s not the best component I’ve seen in lifters,” they add. “For less than $150, though, you can’t really expect all the bells and whistles.”

Unlike other weightlifting shoes that typically feature a heel-to-toe drop in the realm of 20 millimeters, the Savaleos instead use a 15-millimeter TPU heel for improved ankle mobility. This can be a plus for beginner athletes as the jump is less intense from your normal kicks. 

“I think those wanting the most support for ankle flexion should opt for a higher heel,” according to our tester, a former Olympian. “But for novices, it’s a great introductory shoe.”

In addition to the approachable heel height, we also rate the value of the Nike Savaleos at a perfect 5 out of 5. You can pick up a pair of these beginner-friendly lifters for roughly $125, whereas other Olympic footwear can typically cost you around $200 or more. 

Lastly, our tester had no major qualms regarding stability with these Nike shoes, but did score the Savaleos at 4.5 out of 5 for the category. This slight demerit was largely due to the insole, which felt more responsive underfoot. As a result, our tester felt like they needed to push through the foam in order to achieve a desirably grounded stance. Other lifters like the Adidas Powerlift 5 or even Nike’s Romaleos 4 may give you a better platform for bracing without unnecessary cushioning.

Good for: Athletes wanting a weightlifting shoe with a more spacious, accommodating toe box design.

Why We Like It

OK, so weightlifting shoes can be great for lifts on the platform and in the squat rack, but some athletes may need some additional versatility within their best gym bag to support a variety of different movements. As one of our favorite cross-training shoes, the Reebok Nano X5s can be perfect for those with robust training programs blending static lifts with dynamic movements.

I’ve owned the Nano X5s since their unveiling and do feel the DUALRESPONSE EVA foam midsole is multifaceted enough for regular workout wear. I score the midsole technology at 4.5 out of 5 since I’ve noticed no issues or discomfort whether tackling heavy back squats or pumping through agility drills. Naturally, the 7-millimeter heel-to-toe drop is less than that of your normal lifting shoes, though, so if you want the best support for ankle flexion, it may be best to keep a pair of lifters at the ready, like the Reebok Legacy Lifter IIIs.

The outsole of the Nano X5s features a decoupled split at the midfoot, which gives your steps more flexibility for toe-offs and change of direction. Plus, the flat rubber provides plenty of grip across common gym flooring options like rubber, foam, and hardwood. Accordingly, I rate the outsole at 4 out of 5.

Finally, the sizing is true with these Reebok Nano X5s, so you can feel confident in ordering a pair in your typical measurements. After wearing these kicks for plenty of in-gym workouts, too, I can attest that there aren’t any pronounced hot spots or pinch points that can lead to blisters. Fit earns a 5 out of 5, in my opinion.

It should be noted that Reebok does not offer wide sizing in this particular Nano silhouette. Be sure to pay attention to the brand’s size guide if you’re in need of wider footwear.

Good for: People wanting a gym shoe that’s comfortable in multiple training disciplines.

Why We Like It

We get it — weightlifting shoes aren’t your normal pair of shoes. The heightened heel, snugger lockdown, and emphasis on stability can make them a little more intimidating than your go-to pair of gym shoes. As such, it can be beneficial to ease into this footwear category with a design that’s a step above your regular cross-trainers yet isn’t as harsh of a change to your underfoot experience. For those wanting to step into a new level of strength training, the adidas Powerlift 5 can provide a welcome introduction to specialized training footwear.

Rather than a high-pitched heel-to-toe drop that may feel uncomfortable to novices, the Powerlift 5s offer a 15-millimeter drop that can be more accommodating. Our tester, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, states, “It’s a noticeable difference when squatting. I can get deeper than I would with my normal trainers, but it’s not an aggressive switch-up that would make me feel awkward under the bar.”

Granted, more seasoned lifters, especially those involved with Olympic weightlifting, may feel the drop is too minimal, but for novices just getting their feet wet, we feel it’s a good steppingstone. We rate the performance at 5 out of 5.

In my experience with these weightlifting shoes — and other silhouettes from the adidas adipower weightlifting lineup — I do enjoy the durable textile upper that’s been able to withstand plenty of use over the years. It’s resilient and rigid enough for that added stability, earning a 4 out of 5 rating for the category. However, I do caution those with sweaty tendencies make a habit of unlacing these kicks in-between extended reps and sets. Despite the textile makeup, these weightlifting shoes aren’t very breathable. If this is a main factor in your purchasing process, I suggest opting for a more woven aesthetic with a Reebok Nano X5 for cross-training or KCross Weightlifting Shoe for specialized exercises.

Another reason we recommend this adidas silhouette for newcomers is the affordable price point. Our tester scores the value at 4 out of 5, stating, “Given the durable build quality, I’m very happy with the investment. Add in, too, that most weightlifting shoes can total over $200, and it’s practically a steal.”

Good for: Novice weightlifters making their first transition from typical gym shoes.

Why We Like It

Powerlifters can also benefit from a specialized pair of gym shoes (like flat vs. raised heel shoes) for their craft. However, while the raised heel can be beneficial for squats, the other two major lifts — the bench press and deadlift — aren’t as supported with this design. Plus, swapping shoes between lifts can be a hassle on meet days. The TYR DZ-1 DropZero Barefoot Trainers, though, showcase a flexible, barefoot profile that can be great for achieving the desired footing for heavy pulls and presses while still being comfortable enough for squat PRs.

These DZ-1s are my favorite training sneakers as of late, most notably through the TYRTAC outsole that provides excellent traction on the platform. I also feel like I can lock my feet in for better presses, and the flexibility is a major plus in finding that optimal ankle angle on a bench. Even during squats, I don’t feel any unwanted movement in my feet when pushing through the hole. Overall, I rate the stability at 4.5 out of 5.

I also liked how breathable the mesh upper is, especially when wearing these shoes for extended periods. There’s no need to swap them out for other dedicated cross-trainers (unless that’s your preference), making them an efficient addition to your gym bag, too. However, while I rate the breathability and comfort at 4 out of 5, it’s tough to look beyond that barefoot design. Olympic lifters may still desire that raised heel of the TYR L-2s or Nike Savaleos for snatches and clean and jerks, so I conservatively score the versatility at 3.75 out of 5.

In terms of sizing, I recommend opting for a half-size smaller than your typical footwear. This can help you achieve a more snug yet efficient fit that can be ideal when trying to push your PRs to new heights. You don’t want a lot of slop or space, especially when dealing with a shoe profile as flexible as this one.

Finally, the dual Velcro strap system is the lone lockdown mechanism across this TYR profile. While other weightlifting shoes can offer similar structures with the addition of a lacing system, I don’t feel it hinders the DZ-1s. After all, a lacing system would only add to the overall weight, and thus, impact the versatility of these impressive additions to the training footwear landscape.

Good for: Powerlifters less focused on a raised heel height.

Why We Like It

Given their specialized nature, weightlifting shoes can be more expensive than your typical trainers, similar to how marathon race shoes differ from the best running shoes in terms of price. However, there are some wallet-friendly picks within the category, including the KCross Weightlifting Shoes. Available on Amazon for roughly $69.99, they are far more affordable than the $170 average we’ve found in other weightlifting sneakers.

While the price point may have you believe these shoes are ill-equipped and less durable, our tester, a competitive weightlifter, rates the KCross shoes at 4 out of 5. “The nylon upper is similar to my typical lifting shoes, and there’s a sense of rigidity and toughness that I feel will sustain some extended use,” they note. “I can’t say with certainty — I’ve only trained in them for a few weeks — but all signs point to a high-value investment.”

Speaking of value, these Amazon weightlifting shoes score a 5 out of 5 rating given the sub-$100 price point. Plus, you can take advantage of fast shipping rates through the third-party retailer. That said, though, our tester did point out that branding can be somewhat confusing. “The marketed brand is KCross, but you’ll find other stamps and labels across the design. It can be a little off-putting as you wonder whether these shoes are legit, but they function as promised.”

If you’d rather forgo this design style, there are plenty of reputable silhouettes to choose from, such as the Nike Romaleos 4 and adidas Powerlift 5.

Another caveat we found with these KCross Weightlifting Shoes is the size range, which we rate at 4 out of 5. Men’s sizes are only available from 6.5 to 12, which can leave larger-footed athletes searching for a fitting solution. At less than $75, though, did you think everyone would be able to snag such an impressive deal?

Good for: Budget-minded individuals looking for high-quality weightlifting shoes under the $100 threshold.

Why We Like It

If your training routine involves an abundance of functional fitness with you hopping between circuits, you’re likely to feel weighed down by a normal pair of weightlifting shoes. As a foundational CrossFit brand, NOBULL offers a high-quality solution in the form of the Outwork Edge series trainers. Previously marketed as the Impact series, these shoes are available with an upgraded herringbone outsole for added traction and can be purchased in a low- or high-top cut, depending on your desired ankle support.

I’ve previously trained in these NOBULL profiles and do believe they’re a noticeable upgrade over the original NOBULL Trainer (now labeled as the Outwork series). The Superfabric upper is plenty durable for regular weight training and dynamic movements alike, and I’m a big fan of the more rugged outsole, which I rate at 4.5 out of 5. The deeper lugs are tacky enough for weightlifting platforms and rubberized gym flooring yet can retain your underfoot stability across looser terrain like artificial turf.

I also rate the durability of these sneakers at a perfect 5 out of 5 thanks to the aforementioned Superfabric upper. I’ve had no issues with sliding through multidirectional drills or roughing up the textile with some (unsuccessful) box jumps. That said, the Outwork Edge series does earn a 3-out-of-5 rating for breathability — a tough exterior can help keep rips and tears at bay but doesn’t leave much room for sweat dissipation. I’d suggest opting for a cross-trainer like the Reebok Nano X5 if your feet are regularly drenched after a workout.

The NOBULL Outwork Edge series is available in 10 different colorways, perfect for finding a hue to match your personality. The brand also offers a unique high-top profile, but the higher heel counter can make getting into and out of these kicks more of a chore. If you’re less adamant about untying your shoes after each session, consider sticking with the low-top cut.

Finally, it goes without saying that these sneakers are more of a CrossFit shoe than a dedicated weightlifting clog. As such, those wanting that elevated heel for back squats and Olympic lifts may want to keep these as a transitional pair for workouts involving exercises beyond the platform.

Good for: CrossFit athletes wanting a comfortable, durable sneaker to support their HIIT workouts.