Best Weightlifting Shoes for 2024

Comfort: Weightlifting shoes are usually snug, 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, if the sole has a good grip, and flexibility. 

Function: We tested while doing traditional weightlifting exercises to determine if the shoe functions as promised.

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. Therefore, if you opt for this style, I'd only recommend it for light weightlifting. 

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 could be a sizing problem. And even though the shoes worked for squatting, it was the highest-heeled and heaviest shoe 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. 

Hylete Circuit II Cross-Training: This style was noticeably spacious in the toe box and more flexible, which can be a good thing for those with wider feet, but I found it to be distracting while exercising. This shoe in particular is unique because it comes with three insoles that you can switch out for different types of activities, such as lifting, cross training and running. The shoe was decent for lifting and cross-training, but I also tested it for running and found it would not be suitable for all runners. The insole lacked support and felt uneven, but could be improved with extra insoles to fit different foot arches. 

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 in order 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," says Scarfo. 

Phung D. 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. So keep in mind when shopping for weightlifting shoes that comfort and stability is key.

Raised-heel shoes: One of the styles of weightlifting shoes you'll come across have 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 lifting 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. 

But 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," says Tran. 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," says Scarfo. But this doesn't mean it's impossible to have the proper ankle flexion needed to squat without heels. He 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.

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.

Additionally, the types of weightlifting you're going to be doing will determine the right style for you. Raised-heel shoes 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, then a flat-sole shoe may be a better pick. A bonus is that many of these can be used for other activities as well.