The 11 Best Weightlifting Shoes, Tested and Trainer-Approved

Best Women's Overall

Converse Chuck Taylor

View On Amazon $75 View On Converse.com View On Nordstrom $65

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4/5
• Cushioning
  4/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Responsiveness
  4/5
• Stability
  4/5

Key Specs

Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Canvas | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 13 ounces | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They're For

Best for beginner to advanced lifters who don't need much arch support.

Why We Love Them

Converse's Chuck Taylor All Star Shoes are a classic for a reason. While this iconic sneaker is a stylish fashion staple, it's also a great option for strength training because of its stability, versatility, and comfort. The reliable shoe is made from a thick canvas upper that's machine washable. In testing, we found that the flat, firm midsole provides ample stability, while the high-top fit and strong laces offer exceptional ankle support.

We also love how the durable rubber outsole helps us feel like we're gripping the floor during workouts, which allows for better control when dealing with heavy weights. The two eyelets along each side of the shoe enhance air circulation, which we appreciate during sweaty sessions. And with dozens of colors and unisex sizing to choose from, you may even want more than one pair.

Potential Flaws

• These shoes have minimal arch support, so they may not be a great choice for those with plantar fasciitis who need more support.
  

Best Men's Overall

Under Armour TriBase Reign 4 Training Shoes

View On Amazon View On Dick's $120

Our Ratings

• Fit
  3.5/5
• Cushioning
  4.5/5
• Comfort
  4/5
• Responsiveness
  4.5/5
• Stability
  4.5/5

Key Specs

Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Mesh | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 11 ounces | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 2 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They're For

Best for exercisers looking for a shoe that can support lifting as well as light cardio.

Why We Love Them

We love Under Armour's TriBase Reign 4 Training Shoes for their versatility and durability. They're made with a full-length foam midsole that we found provides enough stability for lifting and responsiveness for cardio workouts. Plus, the strong rubber outsole extends to the side of the shoe for added durability and lateral support.

To add even more stability for explosive movements like box jumps and burpees, the external midfoot cage and heel counter keep our feet locked down. Meanwhile, a wide toe box allows our toes to spread out, improving balance during more dynamic lifts. We also appreciate the breathable mesh upper for airflow during sweaty sessions.

Also available in women's sizes at Dick's Sporting Goods.

Potential Flaws

• The laces are slick and tend to come undone over time.

Best for Crossfit

Reebok Nano X2 Training Shoes

View On Amazon $130 View On Roadrunnersports.com

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.5/5
• Cushioning
  4/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Responsiveness
  5/5
• Stability
  4.5/5

Key Specs

Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Knit | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 8.3 ounces | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They're For

Best for beginner to intermediate CrossFit participants.

Why We Love Them

CrossFit is a high-intensity workout program that requires agility, balance, and (of course) strength. We love Reebok's Nano X2 Training Shoe because it features a breathable, stretchy knit upper that we found is light enough for cardio while still providing support for quick multidirectional movements. Plus, the seven-millimeter drop delivers ideal energy return when you need it.

We loved wearing this shoe for CrossFit classes since the flexible, responsive foam midsole helps with explosive movements, like squat jumps and skaters. It also provides a stable base of support for lifting. Plus, we appreciate the durable rubber outsole's alternating lug pattern that offers reliable traction on all surfaces.

Also available in women's sizes at Amazon, Reebok, and Walmart.

Potential Flaws

• We found the shoes to run about a half-size too big, so consider sizing down if you're in between sizes.
  

Best Barefoot

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III

View On Amazon $160 View On REI $150 View On Vivobarefoot.com $170

Key Specs

Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Polyester, polyurethane | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 6.4 ounces | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They're For

Best for experienced lifters looking for a minimal-style shoe.

Why We Love Them

Barefoot-style weightlifting shoes are a solid choice for experienced weightlifters who have proper form and lift heavy every day. We like Vivobarefoot's Primus Lite III Shoes because they help us feel grounded, stable, and confident enough to safely overload. The thin midsole and durable outsole offer a close-to-ground feel and grippy traction—which is especially helpful for exercises that require you to push off the floor, like barbell squats.

We also love that these shoes feature lightweight, foam cushioning that makes it easy for us to move around between sets. Plus, the puncture-resistant sole protects your feet from sharp objects and debris without sacrificing the barefoot feel.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and Vivobarefoot.

Potential Flaws

• Since these are barefoot shoes, they don't have much cushioning at all and may not offer enough support for beginners.
• We noticed that the laces tend to come undone when walking around, but not during workouts.

Best for Cross Training

Nike Metcon 8

View On Dick's $130 View On Roadrunnersports.com View On Nordstrom $78

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Cushioning
  4.5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Responsiveness
  5/5
• Stability
  5/5

Key Specs

Closure: Lace-up | Upper Materials: Mesh | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 12.4 ounces | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They're For

Best for exercisers who need one shoe for a variety of activities.

Why We Love Them

If your exercise routine is varied, you may consider buying one shoe to cover it all—and Nike's Metcon 8 Training Shoe is a solid choice. The shoe features soft foam cushioning that delivers lightweight responsiveness for quick cardio bursts, as well as a wide and flat heel (with a built-in plate) for stability during strength training. We also love the rubber overlay that wraps the entire shoe to add durability.

On the upper, you'll find a hook-and-loop tab that keeps laces secure, which we noticed helps to add lateral stability and prevent tripping. We also appreciate that the breathable mesh upper is lightweight, hugging our feet and offering a locked-in feel. Plus, the medium-thick midsole provides excellent arch support.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon, Nike, and Dick's Sporting Goods.

Potential Flaws

• This shoe is not very flexible, which may cause slight discomfort for some users.

Best for Powerlifting

Reebok Lifter PR II Cross Trainer

View On Amazon $100 View On Zappos $154 View On Roadrunnersports.com

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.5/5
• Cushioning
  4/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Responsiveness
  4/5
• Stability
  5/5

Key Specs

Closure: Lace-up, hook-and-loop strap | Upper Materials: Nylon | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 13.6 ounces | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 18 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They're For

Best for beginner to intermediate powerlifters.

Why We Love Them

Built for powerlifting and weightlifting sports, Reebok's Lifter PR II Cross Trainers feature a supportive, firm midsole and breathable nylon upper. They feel stiffer compared to other options, which we found helps with even more balance and stability needed for lifting heavy. Plus, the durable rubber outsole delivers excellent traction on slick gym floors.

The high-density foam cushioning is lightweight and minimal, which helps us feel grounded. Plus, the hook-and-loop power strap provides a secure, locked-in feel for safe lifting. And while the heel is raised, it's lower to the ground than other options we tested, making it a great choice for beginner to intermediate lifters.

Potential Flaws

• Lower heel height may not be enough for more experienced or taller lifters who need more range of motion.

Bonus Favorites

Although we didn’t test these weightlifting shoes ourselves, we still think they’re worth considering. They have materials, features, and prices that are comparable to many models we did test.

Best Budget for Women

Core Weightlifting Shoes

View On Amazon $90

Key Specs

Closure: Lace-up, hook and loop strap | Upper Materials: Mesh with plastic overlay | Cushioning: EVA foam | Weight: Not listed | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 32 millimeters

Who They're For

Best for lifters who need posture support at a budget-friendly price.

Why We Love Them

Want a high-quality weightlifting shoe at a budget-friendly price? Core's Weightlifting Shoes are a great choice. They have a 1.2-inch raised heel that promotes proper lifting posture and safely increases your ankle range of motion—which is beneficial for exercises like squats. There's also a non-slip wedge in the midsole that further promotes proper posture, balance, and stability.

These shoes have a rigid, anti-slip outsole that keeps your foot grounded for a solid stance. We love that they feature a classic lace-up closer, as well as an added hook-and-loop strap for a tight, dialed-in fit. While these shoes are designed for traditional lifting, they can also be worn for lower-impact training. We like that they offer unisex sizing and a sleek design with clean lines.

Potential Flaws

• These shoes are only available in black and white.
• Durability may be an issue with long-term use as some users report the shoes start to fall apart after too many wears.

Best Budget for Men

Nordic Lifting Powerlifting Shoes

View On Amazon $100 View On Nordiclifting.com

Key Specs

Closure: Lace-up, hook-and-loop strap | Upper Materials: Mesh | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 14 ounces | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 23 millimeters

Who They're For

Best for beginner to intermediate lifters who need added posture support from a raised heel.

Why We Love Them

Sneakers with a raised heel, like Nordic Lifting's Megin Weightlifting Shoes, help promote an upright posture for standing exercises like squats. Not only does this help with proper form, but it can also reduce knee strain. At a budget-friendly price, we think this pair is a good choice for beginner and intermediate lifters. It has a long-lasting, durable construction and a streamlined, sleek look.

The rigid, anti-slip sole provides plenty of stability for heavy lifts, and the hook-and-loop power strap across the top offers a snug fit that reduces unnecessary foot movement. We also like that they have a removable insole in case you want to use custom inserts or orthotics. This pair is available in unisex sizing.

Potential Flaws

• We wish that these shoes came in more than two colors.

Best for Olympic Lifting

NOBULL Leather Lifter

View On Nobullproject.com $249

Key Specs

Closure: Lace-up, hook-and-loop strap | Upper Materials: Leather | Cushioning: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 18.5 millimeters

Who They're For

Best for Olympic lifters who need a durable shoe.

Why We Love Them

You need muscle strength to perform a snatch and power clean—and you also need a super stable pair of shoes. We think NoBull's Women's Leather Lifters will do the trick. These traditional, handmade weightlifting shoes feature a durable leather upper that's incredibly protective and long-lasting.

They also have a top strap that lets you customize how tight you want the shoe to hug your foot. Plus, we love the molded, removable sock liner for even more adjustability. Perhaps most important for an Olympic lifter, this shoe also has a 0.72-inch heel-to-toe drop for elevation that supports your ankle range of motion.

Also available in men's sizes at NoBull.

Potential Flaws

• These shoes are designed for lots of heavy lifting, so they likely can't handle cardio or rope climbs.
  

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

Ryka Devotion XT Mid Top

View On Amazon $70 View On Zappos $80 View On Walmart $70

Key Specs

Closure: Lace-up, hook-and-loop strap | Upper Materials: Mesh, faux leather | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 10 ounces | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 millimeters

Who They're For

Best for exercisers who need extra support to combat plantar fasciitis.

Why We Love Them

If you’re prone to plantar fasciitis, you'll want both arch support and heel stability—Ryka's Devotion XT Training Shoes check those boxes and more. Designed specifically for women, they feature an anatomically shaped constriction that feels comfortable underfoot. They are also built with a narrower heel that, along with the high-top fit, provides snug support for safer lateral moves, twists, and turns.

You also get great flexibility under the forefoot, due to lightweight cushioning and flex grooves in the sole. Plus, we like that the midsole features antimicrobial properties to fight stink after especially sweaty workouts.

Potential Flaws

• Some wearers have noted that durability seems to be an issue with extended use.