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One of the first things I learned about weightlifting is that you can't lift in running shoes. The cushion and bounce generally associated with running shoes are counterintuitive to what you need while weightlifting. What you really need is a flat and sturdy shoe, and in some cases, an elevated heel to support your lifts. Design and fit vary from brand to brand, so we've tested several so you can invest in the right weightlifting shoes to help you reach your goals in 2026 and beyond.
- We Found the Best Expert-Approved Weightlifting Shoes for 2026
- What are the best overall weightlifting shoes?
- Best weightlifting shoes of 2026
- Best beginner weightlifting shoe
- Best weightlifting shoes of 2026 compared
- How we tested weightlifting shoes
- Other weightlifting shoes we tested
- Best weightlifting shoes for women
- What are weightlifting shoes used for?
- Do you need weightlifting shoes?
- How to pick weightlifting shoes for your workout
- Factors to consider when choosing weightlifting shoes
- Weightlifting shoes FAQs
- How often should you replace weightlifting shoes?
What are the best overall weightlifting shoes?
The best weightlifting shoes for you will depend on your needs: raised heel or flat sole. We recommend the Adidas Dropset 3 for beginners or Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars as a classic go-to.
Best weightlifting shoes of 2026
Pros
- Excellent grip
- Good stability
- Mid-price point shoe at $104
Cons
- Longer socks are ideal to avoid ankle friction
- Not ideal for HIIT or prolonged cardio
Why we like it: Adidas Dropset 3 trainer is one of the newer options I tested and I liked it enough to replace the former best beginner option (the Adidas Powerlift 5 weightlifting shoe). This trainer is designed with a wide toe box and stable support ,and it’s surprisingly lightweight. This shoe held up well with deadlifts, squats and single leg exercises, which sometimes don’t feel comfortable with stiff lifting shoes. You can even use these for some HIIT exercises or your workout of the day.
Who it’s best for: If you’re a beginner to wearing weightlifting shoes or strength training, this shoe is a good starting point. It’s less expensive than other options on this list and is true to size overall. You’ll feel locked in with these flat soles during your workouts, which is important when doing strength training exercises.
Who shouldn’t get it: If you’re looking for a more versatile weightlifting shoe like the Altra’s, these may not be the right fit for you. Some people prefer a cross-training shoe over a weightlifting shoe because they can do more with it. I wouldn’t recommend running or doing cardio-intensive exercises for a prolonged period with this shoe because it lacks bounce.
One complaint I have about these shoes is that you can’t wear shorter socks with them because the shoes will rub against your ankles. Instead, I’d recommend wearing tube socks or a longer and slightly thicker sock to create a barrier.
Pros
- Stylish
- Durably made
- Versatile for weightlifting and cross-training
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn't have raised heel
- Wide feet may find the toe box snug
Why we like it: The majority of Nobull's shoes are intended for lifting or training. I tested the Outwork Edge shoe, which is designed to be used for both weightlifting and cross-training.
The shoe is stylish, true to size and snug in the toe box, but didn't feel as tight as some of the other shoes I tested. You can tell that the shoe was made to be able to handle tough workouts and won't fall apart after a few uses. I tested these during both upper-body and lower-body workouts, and my ankles and arches felt extra secure during my lifts. I felt grounded and steady during deadlifts and squats, and the shoe is flexible enough to work for single-leg exercises or plyometrics.
The rubber outsole design has a 4-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, which makes it flat all around. The upper was my favorite aspect of the shoe design. It's made up of a SuperFabric, which Nobull says is extremely durable, breathable and abrasion-resistant. There are also SuperFabric guard plates, placed on a flexible mesh base layer, that look like small dots surrounding the shoe and are intended to create a shield for rope climbs or other exercises that require an exterior grip as part of your workouts.
Who it’s best for: I'd recommend these to Converse wearers who want a casual-looking shoe that looks good in and outside of the gym. They’re also best for the lifter looking to change up their shoes for a similar yet more versatile design. This shoe comes in various colors, including a floral pattern if you prefer.
Who shouldn’t get it: If you're working on your squat depth, these shoes may not help as well as a heel-elevated lifting shoe, since the 4-millimeter heel-to-toe drop on this one is too low. If you want a more versatile shoe that allows you to also run in them, this pick may be too stiff for that type of activity.
Pros
- Made of one of the toughest materials
- Lightweight
- Good for Olympic lifting exercises and squatting
Cons
- Expensive
- Narrow toe box
Why we like it: This is a surprisingly lightweight yet strong-performing squat shoe. Inov-8 is the first brand to use graphene in its shoes. Graphene is one of the toughest materials to exist, 200 times stronger than steel. You're paying for top-quality material that is intended to be extra durable. The power heel and outsole are made of graphene rubber, which provides excellent support and stability.
I tested these squat shoes while back and front squatting and was impressed at the depth I was able to hit with the assisted help. I even felt confident enough to squat heavier with the new range of motion and stability the shoes gave me.
Who it’s best for: If you're an experienced powerlifter or CrossFitter, the Inov-8 Fastlift Power G 380 is calling your name. I could see taller people or those with mobility limitations benefitting from this shoe when they squat. If you're trying to hit new PRs (personal records) in the weight room, then this is a solid pick to wear on your heavy-volume squat days.
Who shouldn’t get it: These squat shoes fit true to size for me, but the toe box is narrow, so I'd recommend sizing up if you have wide feet. I wouldn’t recommend these shoes if you're planning on doing HIIT or Workout of the Day workouts since the heel on these shoes aren’t cross-training-friendly.
Pros
- Resembles barefoot training
- Ideal for wide feet
- Lightweight
- Made of recycled materials
Cons
- Lacks half sizes
- Design may not be as stylish as other shoes on the list
- Not good for Olympic lifting
- Not best style for beginners
Why we like it: I’d previously tested the Vivo Barefoot Primus Lite III and liked it, but the Motus Strength is a step up. It's still a minimalist shoe with better traction and an ortholite insole, which offers some support. It also has a flexible upper made with breathable mesh, which you can tell was designed with high-impact workouts in mind. I used these during full-body exercises and kettlebell circuits and liked the barefoot feel while having my feet protected in the gym.
Who it’s best for: Those who are looking for a minimalist performance shoe that's sturdy enough for weight lifting and HIIT workouts. If you tend to do workouts that require shifting in different directions quickly, these shoes are ideal for those movements as well. Those who care about sustainable materials will also appreciate that it’s made out of recycled synthetic materials and is vegan.
Who shouldn’t get it: Not everyone likes the minimalist shoe feel, especially if your arches need more support. If you prefer to do Olympic lifts and are looking to squat heavy, I wouldn’t recommend this type of shoe. Instead, I would advise looking for a pair with a heel like the Inov-8 Fastlift Power G 380.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Stylish
- Excellent flat sole design
Cons
- Lacks flexibility
- Not the best option for Olympic lifting
- Can run tight for wide feet
Why we like it: If you want a trusty weightlifting shoe that doesn't break the bank, then the classic Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars is a solid choice. I've lifted in these for years because the flat sole and ankle support make for a good lifting shoe. I also like that the brand offers various colors and high tops if you prefer those over low tops. I'm able to use these shoes equally for squats and deadlifts without worrying about slipping around on the platform.
Who it’s best for: If you're not looking to shell out over $100 on weightlifting shoes and only plan on doing traditional lifting, then the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star shoe is a good choice. Another trick I've learned is that if you have a smaller shoe size (like my size 6.5 foot), you can even get away with buying the shoe in a Big Kids style and paying $20 less.
Who shouldn’t buy it: I wouldn't recommend this shoe if you plan on doing Olympic lifts since you'd benefit from a more flexible shoe for those exercises. Converse shoe toe boxes may run small, so if you have a wide foot, you'll want to make sure to order your shoes in a size wide. I can get away with the standard style, but there have been instances when I've felt them to be tight around my pinky toes.
Pros
- Good for wide feet
- Support is solid from heel to forefoot
- Materials are flexible and breathable
Cons
- Shoelaces are thin and short
- Toe box loses shape when not in use
- Expensive
Why we like it: Because weightlifting shoes run to fit your exact shoe size, I also looked for a cross-training shoe that would be comfortable for lifters with wide feet. From the ones I tested, I found the Altra Solstice XT2 (which has since been updated to the Solstice XT 3) to be the best fit. My problem with some of the cross-trainers I tested was that they were either too snug in the toe box, didn't have the right amount of grip on the sole, or were tight around the top of the foot. The Altras were that happy medium where the toes had room to spread, but also had a balanced cushion platform that supported the heel and forefoot and had ankle and arch support. I tested these shoes with squats, deadlifts and then a HIIT workout that included medicine ball throws and slams, squat jumps and jumping jacks.
Who it’s best for: If you have wide feet and have a hard time finding a stylish shoe that can be worn outside of the gym, you’ll like these shoes. The upper is made of breathable mesh that makes the shoes extra flexible and easy to transition to different exercises. So if you like combining your strength workouts with some cardio-based workouts, this shoe may be ideal for you.
Who shouldn’t get it: My only problem with these shoes is that the laces seem to be on the thin and short side, which causes them to untie easily so you have to make sure to double-knot them. Another aspect I noticed was that the mesh on the toe box tends to lose shape when it's not in use. I'd recommend keeping the tissue paper that lines the shoe to help keep the shape in check. Otherwise, if you're looking for an alternative cross-trainer that is wide-foot friendly, the Altras are a good place to start.
| Sizes | Heel Height | Weight | Upper | Midsole | Tread | Price |
| Men’s 4/W5 to W18/M19 and Women’s 5 to14 | 6 mm | 13 oz | Knitted mesh with HEAT.RDY | dual-density foam | 20% recycled materials | $104 |
| Men's 8 to 18, women's 5 to 11 | 4 mm | 311.8 g | SuperFabric | Phylon (EVA) | Carbon rubber | $149 |
| 4.5 to 11 | Zero-drop | 301 g | Collar Knit (RPET 84%, Roica Elastane 16%), KPU overlay (58% Bio Base, 42% PU), Vamp Mesh (100% RPET), Counter Wing (57 % Bio Base Carbon, 43% TPU) | N/A | 1.5 mm lugs | $200 |
| Men's 7 to 14, women's 5.5 to 11 | 22 mm | 380 g | Synthetic | EVA Foam | Rubber | $190 |
| Men's 3 to 16, women's 5 to 18 | Flat | 405 g | Canvas | Gum | Rubber | $44 |
| Men's 7 to 15, women's 5.5 to 12 | 23 mm | 237 g | Mesh | high-abrasion AVA | Rubber | $104 |
Comfort: Weightlifting shoes usually have a snug fit, 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, whether or not the sole has a good grip and the shoe's flexibility.
Function: We tested while doing traditional weightlifting exercises to determine if the shoe functions as promised.
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 a sizing problem. Even though the shoes worked for squatting, it was the highest-heeled and heaviest shoes 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.
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. If you opt for this style, I'd only recommend it for lightweight lifting.
Other than the sizing, all of the above shoes are the same whether for men or women. So really, there is no one weightlifting shoe that is specifically best for women. Just make sure to follow the sizing chart and exchange your weightlifting shoes until you feel you have a snug, supportive fit.
Certain weightlifting shoes have a raised heel that increases your ankles' range of motion, helping with weightlifting positions such as squats and snatches. The heel also keeps your torso upright, allowing you to get into a deep squat and maintain your balance. Plus, since the heel is firm, it prevents the force you're using to lift from being absorbed into the shoe.
Weightlifting shoes are not essential, especially if you are just starting out and are not sure if this type of exercise is right for you. However, If you've been lifting regularly and want to step up your cross-training and lifting sessions, a versatile shoe may help you get closer to your goals. Check out our top picks to find the perfect pair for your next weightlifting session.
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 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," Scarfo says.
Phung 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. Keep in mind when shopping for weightlifting shoes that comfort and stability are key.
Raised-heel shoes: One of the styles of weightlifting shoes you'll come across has 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 weightlifting 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.
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," Tran says. 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," Scarfo says. This doesn't mean it's impossible to have the proper ankle flexion needed to squat without heels.
Scarfo 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. Below are factors to consider when shopping for this shoe style.
Type: There are weightlifting shoes with a raised heel, which 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, a flat-sole shoe may be a better pick. A bonus is that many of these can be used for other activities as well.
Fit: You want to make sure the shoe fits true to size and not too snug or big. This will keep your foot stable and supported while lifting.
Versatility: You may want to choose a shoe that allows you to do different types of weightlifting. Instead of having a specific pair for Olympic lifting and conventional lifting, you can choose a shoe that works for both.
Why should I buy weightlifting shoes?
Weightlifting shoes can help improve your mobility and give you better support and traction when performing exercises. Overall, the correct training shoe can improve your lifting performance while keeping you safe. And I can personally say they'll even provide light protection from falling weights.
How much do weightlifting shoes cost?
Weightlifting shoes can cost as little as $60 for a traditional pair of low-top Converse or upward of $100, depending on the brand.
Why should I use flat shoes for lifting?
Using flat shoes -- for example, Converse Chuck Taylor's -- will provide better stability and grip on the floor during deadlifts and other similar exercises where you need to stay well grounded. They allow you to feel more in contact with the floor during these lifts and minimize any opportunity for your ankle to tilt. That’s why the general advice is to avoid lifting in heavily cushioned shoes, like running shoes.
Why do weightlifting shoes have a heel?
Some weightlifting shoes have a raised heel because it helps with your ankles' range of motion when getting into certain positions such as squats, overhead squats and snatches. The heeled shoe also helps keep your torso upright to get into a deep squat.
How often should you replace weightlifting shoes?
How often you need to replace your weightlifting shoes will depend on your lifting routine. You should plan to replace your lifting shoes every six to twelve months. Heavier usage with more frequent lifting workouts may result in your shoes wearing more quickly.
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