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LAVERA STEWART
Editor-in-Chief of the Gym Expert
You might be wondering why even bother with workout shoes for men or women? Shoes are shoes, regardless of the type.
It may seem like it doesn’t matter, but the truth is that wearing the wrong shoes can always be dangerous. Your performance effectiveness decreases because of that, and what’s more, you are more prone to injuries when you wear the wrong shoes. And vice versa, right shoes only help you. It’s proven that wearing the right weightlifting shoes improves your form and lower back injuries when doing back squats. So as you see, if you wear, let’s say, tennis or basketball shoes when you are lifting heavy weights – that can be a problem.
Summary of Weightlifting Shoes Main Benefits
- Lower injury risk. It is easy to pick lower back injuries when weightlifting. However, wearing squat shoes can reduce that risk significantly.
- They give you maximum support for the arch, midfoot, and ankle. These three parts are vital to getting in the right posture when lifting heavyweights.
- Better stability. If you look closely at shoes for squats, you notice that they are hard and flat (except for the heels that are slightly tilted). It is not a coincidence. It helps give you more stability when squatting or deadlifting.
- Minimizing the weight ROM. ROM refers to the vertical distance the weight bar travels when you lift. A less ROM means less or no wasted effort. Also, it confirms the argument that flat shoes are great for deadlifting and squatting.
- Achieve desirable results fast. The best squat shoes increase your strength, and that is the highway to achieve impressive results quickly.
Top 6 Weightlifting Shoes
Inov-8 Men's Fastlift 335 Weightlifting Shoes
Adidas Powerlift.3.1 Shoes Men's
Reebok Men's Lifter Pr Cross-trainer Shoes
Adidas Adipower Weightlift Cross Trainer
Inov-8 Men's Fastlift 335 Weightlifting Shoes
Adidas Powerlift.3.1 Shoes Men's
Reebok Men's Lifter Pr Cross-trainer Shoes
Adidas Adipower Weightlift Cross Trainer
Best Overall: Inov-8 Men's Fastlift 335 Weightlifting Shoes Review
Inov-8 Men's Fastlift 335 Weightlifting Shoes
This best powerlifting shoe is designed specifically for weightlifting purposes. These shoes concentrate more on synthetic materials rather than pure leather. The upper part of this model has been predominantly made with synthetic materials as they are more durable. These best squat shoes can last a couple of years with ease. Furthermore, synthetic material makes sure that it is quite attractively priced for a product that has so many useful features.
Its heel, meanwhile, is made out of injected polymer and a rubber sole covers it. This makes it perfect for people with a lot of mobility due to its small size. If there is trouble with regards to achieving squats easily, this footwear may not be ideal. The same applies to going under the bar quickly. However, stability provided by this product coupled with a thin heel makes these best weightlifting shoes 2021 quite likable.
Why We Like It?
- Excellent value
- Thin heel
- Flexible and stable
- Lightweight
For Wider Fit: Adidas Powerlift.3.1 Shoes Men's Review
Adidas Powerlift.3.1 Shoes Men's
This product provides a wide fit, and it's made from high-quality materials throughout, according to this powerlifting shoes review. It is capable of being an excellent fit for most workouts by providing security, comfort, and stability. As a result, these can be the best choice for a serious weightlifter. The outsole has an essential anti-slip environment, which is very important when lifting heavy weights.
One of those critical features that have been made for weightlifters is the upper part – made of synthetic leather. Apart from a reduction in the shoe’s weight, this synthetic material increases durability quite significantly. There is also excellent ankle support from this design, and it is suitable for those who require additional reinforcement.
As expected from this brand, its price is quite high. One consolation is that these best shoes for squats come with a wide range in terms of costs.
Why We Like It?
- Synthetic leather
- Die-cut midsole wedge with high density
- Plenty of color options
- Open forefoot structure
- Flexible toe
For Secure Fit: Reebok Men's Lifter Pr Cross-trainer Shoes Review
Reebok Men's Lifter Pr Cross-trainer Shoes
Reebok is one of those best brands when it comes to making athletic gear. This footwear comes with a synthetic mesh upper along with a leather toe box for excellent build quality and breathability. These two features combine to make these best lifting shoes exceptional even when working out for long periods. Its Thermo TPU midfoot wrap along with U-form makes for a customizable and secure fit. Special anti-friction lining reduces that annoying build-up of heat and moisture, while a low-cut design provides better ankle motion.
Why We Like It?
- Laces with Velcro strap for keeping shoes tight
- Synthetic mesh upper
- Secure fit
- Less build-up of heat and moisture
For Squats: Nordic Lifting Shoes Review
Nordic Lifting Shoes
This is a product mainly meant for squatting, as it comes with an impressive 1.4 inches of heel raise. As a result, it may not be conducive for several purposes, but it's excellent at helping lift plenty of weight. Its high heel raise also provides an opportunity to improve posture. Nordic lifting footwear comes with top-quality stitching. Its 1.4 inches raised heel means that this product is excellent for squats with a weight that goes over a more substantial side. These are also excellent at improving posture.
It is a need of avoiding slip when handling heavy weights, and a sole with anti-slip provides a safe environment for users. Despite being priced attractively, these best shoes for lifting come with a one-year warranty. A lack of color choices should not be a deterrent factor in picking up this product.
Pros
- Improves lifting posture
- Snug fit
- Anti-slip sole
- One-year warranty
- Perfect for Squats
Cons
- Not ideal for deadlifts
- Lack of many color choices
For Stability: Nike Romaleos 3 Review
Nike Romaleos 3
This is an excellent option for buyers looking to get a lot of stability when lifting heavyweights. It is also possible to lock feet securely in the middle of these sessions. Their soles are interchangeable, and they can be convenient when trying to switch between a firm or soft support – as dictated by your workout program. Heel raise has been provided to Olympic standards at 0.75 inches, as seen by lifting shoes reviews. It makes this footwear excellent for those in the world of competitive weightlifting.
Their sole has been made from hard plastic material, which can be bad for the movement. However, it manages to keep your foot in one place. In order to prevent any bad action, Velcro snaps are offered. This lifting shoes review has noticed that high heels, coupled with this shoe being heavy in nature, make it ideal for standing and lifting weights.
Pros
- Stability
- Olympic standard heel raise
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Very expensive
- For lifting purposes alone
For Durability: Adidas Adipower Weightlift Cross Trainer Review
Adidas Adipower Weightlift Cross Trainer
These are best shoes for weightlifting that come with a durable TPU heel, which is rather lightweight and require minimal maintenance. There is excellent ankle support provided with their upper tongue strap, while their mesh construction reduces the build-up of heat inside. Even though it is a soft shoe, it has a decent amount of stiffness to be able to provide excellent support when lifting weights. This product has been able to withstand time, and it’s one of those perfect choices around with a 0.75-inch heel raise. The use of injected polymer chassis helps to provide an excellent support irrespective of the task being performed, which can be snatches, high bar squats, or any pull.
Finally, this footwear can be used for cross-training purposes, but it certainly the best when it comes to weightlifting.
Pros
- Excellent for weightlifting
- Ability to last several years
- Breathable
Cons
- Expensive
- Colour choice is not so great
- Not great for running
Choosing Shoes for Lifting Weights: Buyer’s Guide
What goes into choosing the best deadlift shoes? To answer this question we have to consider a plethora of factors. There are must-have features for a shoe to be considered perfect for both squats and deadlifts.
So, according to a lot of shoes for squats and deadlifts reviews, here is what you need to consider when you want to choose the best option.
Heel: flat vs raised
The most important thing you need to remember is that raised heels are a big plus for weight lifting shoes. The heels help the body lean forwards to find balance and support. Therefore, you should go for squat shoes with raised heels. Notably, the heels should only be slightly raised to keep your balance and support close to the ground.
Sole: thickness, materials, flexibility
Soles for the best shoes for squats and deadlifts are made from a range of materials. The bottom line is that the material should be sturdy and yet flexible for comfort and support. Wood and plastic would the perfect materials, but they are not comfortable on your feet. Rubber is considered the best material over the likes of EVA and foam since it is easy to compress and offers adequate support to your feet.
Upper & straps
The upper and straps of your squatting shoes help keep your feet compact, stable, and in the right position as you lift. Both the ankle and the metatarsal play a crucial role in weightlifting; thus, you need your feet steady. It is the work of straps and upper to give you that stability.
Ankle Support
The right shoes for squats and deadlifts allow only minimal outside and inside movement. This is necessary to prevent ankle injury. The ideal shoes for deadlifting should have high collars and straps running across the front.
FAQ for the Best Shoes for Squats and Deadlifts
Can You Use Regular Shoes for Weightlifting?
You can, but it’s not advisable and even potentially dangerous. All the best weightlifting shoes are designed specifically for this activity – they have a good grip that allows you to stay stable and secure. Safe from any injuries. So it’s a better idea to use specific shoes for weightlifting, both for your comfort and safety.
Can You Use Squat Shoes for Deadlift?
It’s a bad idea to do that since squat shoes have elevated heels, this will make the lifting harder and dangerous.
No. In fact, when you’re barefoot you are close to the ground, and your ROM is lower. However, it is not advisable to be barefoot in a gym where you expose yourself to injury from falling items. What’s more, the gyms have a lot of germs and potential illnesses. So for your own health, it’s best not to go there barefoot, or even in socks.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, our article was helpful, and now you will have an easier time making a good choice. In addition, we at gym-expert.com researched and chose the shoes, that can be considered the best shoes for squats and deadlifts 2021. While all the models are impressive, we believe that this title should go to Inov-8 Men’s Fastlift 335 Weightlifting Shoes. Because it’s a really good model – premium quality, good price and, what’s more, it has a lot of positive feedback from customers. So whether you choose this model or some other, we’re certain that you will not regret purchasing some of the best shoes for squat and deadlift shoes, since they will make your fitness journey a lot easier and comfortable!