Which weightlifting shoes

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The commonalities of weightlifting shoes appear to be growing rapidly. However, this was not always the case. Use and demand of weightlifting shoes correlates with the popularity of weightlifting and powerlifting as a sport.

In the decades that followed, athletes competed in many different shoe styles, from work boots to regular sneakers to even boxing shoes. However, as the sport began to grow and develop, lifting styles began to modify in the process. This started the requirement for elevated heels. The elevated heel was a true game changer for weightlifters, as it provided a new way to descend out from under the bar being lifted.

However, other issues soon arose, including a lack of stability and increased angle of the shin, which could cause pain and discomfort. The USSR was the first country to have their athletes exclusively use formal raised-heels in their weightlifting shoes. These lifters attached raised heels to leather shoes, providing improved mobility in the ankles when moving underneath the bar.

Soon after this, popular shoe manufacturers began developing their own takes on lifted weightlifting shoes, mirroring and improving upon the design by the Soviet Union. At this point, shoe manufacturers made the decision to remove the high-topped section from lifting shoes, and push the strap further down the shoe. It was discovered that this change provided far more ankle mobility when compared to prior high-top models. Ankle mobility is typically one of the greatest concerns with lifting heavy weights.

From here, shoe companies have continued to make improvements on this design. Weightlifting shoes, especially lifting shoes for men, are some of the most complicated shoe types around. As such, there are many different nuances that need to be addressed before settling into a purchase. Some of the most important factors that play into decision making and due diligence are: differences in heel height, securing mechanisms and straps, material composition of the heel, and the lacing system in place.

One of the most important considerations that all weightlifters should consider is the reason why lifting shoes are their own thing in the first place: heel height. Standard heel heights for weightlifting shoes is 0.

However, some models, like the Nordic Lifting Megin, reviewed above, have a higher heel height. Height also plays an important role in which heel height works best for your specific situation.

For lifters who are on the taller side, higher heels may be a better choice. This is due to taller lifters having longer legs, and needing to ensure that accommodations are made.

In terms of style of squat, the difference between a lower and higher heel changes as well. Taller heels provide athletes the ability to attain a greater range of motion in the ankles.

Lower heels are ideal for shorter limbs or those athletes preferring low-bar squats. Low bar squatting uses far more of the hip, and less on the mobility of the ankle.

Often, the three-quarter inch heel is ideal, as it is far more fluid in its usage and is cross-compatible across exercises and even sports. Another characteristic of weightlifting shoes that needs to be considered is the amount and quality of the straps and securing mechanisms of the shoe.

Many weightlifting shoes only have one strap. However, some, like the Reebok Legacy Lifter 2, will come with multiple straps. The most common location for the strap is going to be across the upper part of the tongue, which serves to provide additional stability and durability for the increased amount of ankle mobility needed with squatting. Some models of lifting shoe will feature a mid-foot or lower strap.

In this shoe, the middle part of the tongue is what is covered. If you are concerned about the security of the shoe, you will more than likely want to find one that either has two straps or one thicker strap. However, single-strapped models will also provide ample security, especially newer shoes. In this case, it truly comes down to personal preferences. Most weightlifting shoes will have a higher heel that can be made from a variety of different materials.

Which material you choose is completely up to personal preference. The most common heel base for weightlifting shoes is plastic, typically a TPU type of high-quality material. The plastic heels provide harder surfaces on which to stand, and are usually far more durable and long-lasting when compared to leather or wood soles.

Conversely, wood-based heels are geared towards weightlifters who are looking for a far more traditional, old school shoe style with a solid base. Wood heels are the most common heel type utilized by Olympic weightlifters worldwide. Much like the wooden heels, leather stacked heels also provide a more old school look and feel. While they might provide a higher-quality feel, a concern with lifting in wood and leather heels are longevity and durability.

In many cases, weightlifting shoes are going to arrive out of the box with regular shoe laces that you would find with most other sports-focused shoes. In fact, the laces found in most weightlifting shoes are almost exactly like the shoelaces that are in cross-training or tennis shoes. However, they can always be switched out for more effective laces.

There is a difference in tightening systems with a couple of the shoes that we have avoided on our list, though. This includes the adidas Leistung and the Inov-8 FastLift A BOA lacing system involves a dial that, when turned, tightens the shoe via metal wires where the laces should be.

However, issues with BOA style lacing almost always leave the shoe unable to maintain the desired level of tightness through the course of a workout, in our experience. Getting a pair of the best weightlifting shoes can make a huge difference in your most intense lifting sessions. Normal gym shoes or trainers are just not going to cut it when compared to shoes engineered and designed specifically for weightlifting.

The advancement in features and options come with a price compared to standard training shoes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. How We Tested the Shoes Testing the best weightlifting shoes turned out to be a difficult task. Nike Romaleos 4. The Nike Romaleos excel at this type of move. They provide unmatched support, have a rock solid sole, and translate any lateral movement into downward force that goes into the floor.

Exactly what you want. For the most part, we do not prefer Olympic lifters for deadlifts. They leave us too far forward and we usually prefer something without a raised heel. However, if you do like a raised heel, this performed well. Again, this is where good weightlifting shoes make all the difference. Power clean. This is another spot where the tightness of the Rom 4 can cut both ways. You want an absolutely secure fit for this type of movement.

However, since your feet do move, the straps or sides of the shoe can dig into your foot if they are too tight. For us, getting the strapping tightness correct required a bit of trial-and-error, but still an excellent fit overall. Pros of the Nike Romaleos 4 The tough and breathable synthetic uppers ensure these have a tight, yet comfortable fit.

These are some of the most impressive weightlifting-only shoes in the market right now. Weightlifting shoes should fit tight, but some people find the Rom 4 overdoes it. They worked for us, but if you have wide feet these may not work. Luckily, Nike has a day return policy, so you can always send them back. These are top-tier for quality, but also top-tier for price. A wide base provides stability for explosive movements , and compressive insoles keep your feet secure.

If you're on the hunt for the best weightlifting shoes, you probably already know you have a lot of options. These five pairs are some of the best you can buy in You can't go wrong with Chuck Taylors -- for everyday errands or hard-core weightlifting sessions. Chuck Taylors have been around for a long time and have sold millions of pairs of shoes, so it's safe to say Converse is out there making good shoes.

Although most people wear them for street style, Chuck Taylor high-tops actually encompass everything a good lifting shoe should have. The wide toe box gives your feet room to splay and stabilize, and the extra ankle support takes some pressure off of the joint. The flat, minimally cushioned sole and rubber outsole create a balanced environment for your feet, and you can lace them up as tight or as loose as you like.

Chuck Taylor All-Stars do have some downfalls, though: They're heavy compared to other weightlifting shoes, and they might feel cumbersome for activities other than straight lifting sets.

So if you're moving from exercise to exercise quickly such as in a HIRT workout , these probably aren't the right pick for you. These shoes from Nobull are technically classified as "trainers" on the site rather than "lifters," but I'm keen on them for workouts that include both.

The Nobull Mid Trainers have many of the same qualities as the All-Stars described above -- flat sole, minimal cushion, wide toe box, ankle support -- but they're far more versatile simply because they're more durable. What makes these shoes special is the fact that you can hit a heavy set of squats and then jump right into a HIIT workout without sacrificing comfort or stability during either. Nobull has true weightlifting shoe options , too, which are worth checking out if you're interested in powerlifting or Olympic lifting.

All Nobull shoes come in men's and women's sizes. Professional trainers go back and forth about the best type of squat shoe. Minimalist trainers encourage people to squat with flat shoes or even barefoot, while other trainers encourage use of a significant heel-to-toe drop. Theoretically, we should all be able to squat with flat feet -- but we can't. According to Holly Roser, certified personal trainer and owner of Holly Roser Fitness Studios in the San Francisco area, weightlifting or training shoes are an important investment for several reasons.

Plus, many are versatile enough that you can still use them for other activities, such as indoor cycling or jumping rope, Roser said.

The Nike Metcon 7 X is a flexible, durable, and supportive option for a wide range of weightlifting and cross-training activities. The shoe offers a wide, flat heel to give you stability while moving between exercises, as well as durable rubber treads for ample traction. The lightweight mesh upper helps keep your feet cool. Featuring a wide base, a hard heel, a noticeable heel-to-toe drop, and adjustable broad straps, the Nike Romaleos 4 provides plenty of stability and support, so you can fully focus on your power cleans and snatches.

The shoe is also designed with minimal flex in the upper portion, which further contributes to a solid base for explosive lifts. Reebok Nanos were designed specifically for CrossFit , and the latest model is no exception. The Reebok Nano X1 is built to help you jump, climb, lift, and run short distances with ease — and without having to swap out your shoes. In addition to a soft and durable upper for optimal support during quick movements, the shoe provides lightweight and responsive cushioning with its Floatride Energy Foam.

As a bonus, the elevated heel makes the shoe a good fit for taller lifters with longer legs who need extra stability. The shoe is also relatively affordable without compromising the quality of your workouts, though some reviewers complain that the shoe needs to be replaced more often than more expensive options.