Best Weightlifting Shoes 2026: Secure Your Feet with Our Top 8 Picks

At a Glance 

• Great for squats and Olympic weightlifting
• Dual lockdown straps provide excellent stability
• The laces feel a little flimsy
• Above-average cost

The Nike Romaleos are among the most popular weightlifting shoes on the market, and the latest model, the Romaleos 4s, are the most stable ones we’ve used yet. In addition to their impressive stability, they’re a sleek pair of shoes that anyone would be proud to wear, earning 5 out of 5 stars for their appearance and design. 

As GGR founder and expert tester Cooper Mitchell says, “Nike just knows how to make a good-looking shoe.” 

Construction: 3/5

Stability: 5/5

Versatility: 3/5

Why We Like the Nike Romaleos 4

Whether you’re a competitive weightlifter, a CrossFit athlete, or a fitness enthusiast who wants to improve their performance in the squat, the Romaleos 4s are well worth considering. As someone who’s tried a pair, the stability is excellent, and your feet truly feel anchored to the ground, which is why they earn a perfect 5-out-of-5-star rating for stability and performance. 

RELATED: Benefits of Squats

“They have the perfect level of stiffness and make you feel like you can lift the world,” says Coop. “Due to the flared edges on the heel, they feel even more stable than normal, and the increased shoe weight also lends to this. I can’t think of a more stable shoe I’ve ever worn.”

Now, this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to move. Coop adds, “They are stiff enough to create lifting confidence, but can still flex enough for your back foot on a split jerk.”

They’re also moderately comfortable to wear and easy to adjust, featuring both a classic lace system, as well as dual Velcro support straps at the midfoot. Overall, we give them 4 out of 5 stars for adjustments and comfort, though we docked a point because the somewhat narrow toe box comes to a point, which can make them less accommodating for those with wider feet.

Alternatives

Even though we love the Romaleos 4s, no shoe is perfect. The main drawback here, for instance, is the versatility, which earns 3 out of 5 stars. 

If you’re squatting or performing any type of Olympic lift, these shoes can be excellent. However, they’re not specifically designed for mobility, so you won’t be able to run or jump in them; even walking around the gym can feel a little clunky. 

Coop also gave them 3 out of 5 stars for durability, expressing a few minor issues. He said, “It concerns me that Nike used a bunch of various materials to improve the breathability. What can end up happening is the shoe can wear out prematurely.”

Finally, we think the $200 price tag is worth it, but we know that’s certainly on the high end when it comes to lifting shoes. 

If you want to stay in the Nike family and prefer something a bit more affordable, you may want to consider the Nike Metcon 10s instead.

Testing Breakdown

The Romaleos 4s received high marks across the board, though they’re a little expensive and really only good for lifting with limited versatility outside of the discipline. 

Vs. The Average

The Romaleos 4s are certainly more expensive than the average lifting shoe, but they offer an impressive size range, good heel drop, and significant underfoot stability.

For more, be sure to read our complete Nike Romaleos 4 Weightlifting Shoes review.

At a Glance 

• Minimalist footwear with a wide toe box
• No midsole cushion
• Durable exterior
• Above-average warranty

If you’re a lifter who prefers to feel more connected to the ground beneath your feet without excessive cushioning or heel support, minimalist shoes can offer the best of both worlds. They provide enough traction to keep your feet covered and secure without interfering with the natural movement of your foot.

While there are plenty of options to consider, the Xero HFS II is our pick for the best minimalist shoe for weightlifting. It can be used both in and out of the gym, and earns 4.5 out of 5 stars for versatility from Ben Emminger, CNC, CSNC. He told me, “You can certainly run or walk in them (provided you’re accustomed to barefoot training) and the flat base also provides an excellent sense of grounding in the gym.”

Construction: 4/5

Stability: 3.5/5

Versatility: 4.5/5

Why We Like the Xero HFS II

While you could technically train in bare feet or your socks for a minimalist experience, we don’t recommend this, as it can create traction issues, especially if you’re lifting on a wooden platform. The HFS II’s rubber tire-tread-inspired sole provides grip and traction without interfering with the natural movement of your foot. 

This can create a more natural sensation underfoot, and research shows¹ that training in barefoot or minimalist footwear can strengthen muscles in the feet, promote stronger arches, and improve neuromuscular control. 

Since they’re meant to be barefoot running shoes, they’re also built to last, and earn a 4-out-of-5-star rating for construction and durability. 

“The revamped rubber outsole has held up well thus far,” says Ben. “This is a barefoot running shoe for barefoot runners, and these should suffice for plenty of miles ahead.”

If you’re looking for a minimalist training experience and don’t want to train in your socks, the Xero HFS II is an excellent choice, and they should last for quite some time. Not to mention, they’re protected by a 5,000-mile sole warranty, and if you’re primarily wearing these while lifting in the gym, it’s going to take quite some time to rack up that amount of mileage. 

While barefoot shoes can often draw unwanted attention (looking at you, Vibram FiveFingers), these shoes have a sleek, aesthetic design that earns them 3.5 out of 5 stars for the category. 

“I actually enjoy the look of these shoes, especially when it comes to the brighter Blue Iolite and Salsa Red options,” Ben said. “They stand out enough that they give my footwear a bit of flair, yet aren’t as pronounced that they distract from my overall look.”

Alternatives

The main drawback with the HFS IIs is the lack of cushioning, but that’s typically the case with any barefoot shoe. Ben gave them 3.5 out of 5 stars for comfort, but if you’re new to barefoot shoes, their lack of cushion may be surprising. 

“I’m not going to lie, these are not for the comfort-seeking athlete,” says Ben. “Thankfully, I’m accustomed to barefoot running (slightly) and don’t feel as much strain across my feet during activity. That said, there’s very little between your soles and your running pavement, meaning you’re bound to feel some impact across your feet and joints.”

In our opinion, the price point is fair for the quality, but it’s not exactly cheap. With a cost of roughly $130, this isn’t a small investment, especially if you’re new to barefoot shoes and aren’t quite sure how much you’ll like them.

For a more affordable barefoot-style shoe, we recommend the TYR DZ-1 DropZero Barefoot Trainer, which is often on sale for $60 to $70.

Testing Breakdown

We gave these shoes above-average scores in most categories, with particularly strong ratings for versatility, durability, and value. 

Vs. The Average

These lightweight shoes are more affordable than the average weightlifting shoe, while offering a wide size range and great features for the price. 

For more, be sure to read our in-depth Xero HFS II review.

At a Glance 

• Built for nearly any type of activity
• The heel is lower than a standard squat shoe
• 12+ colorways to choose from
• Lighter than previous model

For an all-purpose lifting shoe that can handle nearly any type of strength activity you enjoy, the Metcon 10 is a versatile, durable shoe that’s worthy of consideration. It can handle just about everything besides long-distance running, so while it’s not quite as supportive as a pure squat shoe (and it’s stiffer than a cushioned running shoe), it can be a good choice for someone who wants one sneaker option for all of their gym activities. 

This shoe earns 5 out of 5 stars for stability, and can be a great choice for someone looking for their first lifting shoe.

Construction: 5/5

Stability: 5/5

Versatility: 4/5

Why We Like the Nike Metcon 10

Whether you enjoy CrossFit, bodybuilding, or a variety of training styles—like our tester, Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC—the Metcon 10s can get the job done. They’ve got features specifically designed for CrossFit enthusiasts, like a durable heel clip for handstand push-ups, but offer enough flexibility for most other activities, too. We give them 4 out of 5 stars for versatility. 

“I’ve used them for HIIT-style workouts (tire flips, clean and press, etc.) as well as traditional lifts (squats, RDLs, leg press) and have felt stable throughout,” Stephen told me. “I also like the flat surface for performing heavy squats, as this is my personal preference and why I’ve always relied on Metcons as my primary training shoe.”

He also gave the shoes 5 out of 5 stars for their appearance and design, saying, “They are perfect for that athleisure aesthetic where they look like a performance shoe but still have that ‘swag’ to them. I’m a HUGE fan of the design and color I chose.”

The Metcon 10s are available in 12 colorways for men and six colorways for women, but you can also customize your own shoe for an additional cost; choose any combination of colors and patterns you like for a truly unique silhouette. 

Alternatives

One downside of Metcon 10s is the relatively stiff bottom. Since they’re designed for lifting, they’re not a great choice for extended cardio sessions or long walks, so they only earn 4 out of 5 stars for versatility. 

If you’re a long-distance runner who needs plenty of cushion, you’ll probably want to choose a pair of the best running shoes, instead, but Metcons can work for nearly any other type of gym activity. 

While Stephen gives these shoes high marks for durability, he noted that the rope guard is smaller than previous models, so if you’re a CrossFitter who regularly practices the rope climb, you may notice the difference. 

If you’re not a fan of all-purpose shoes and prefer something that’s specifically designed for lifting, we recommend going with the Nike Romaleos 4s, instead.

Testing Breakdown

The Metcon 10s are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and built to last, but they’re not the most comfortable shoes for long-distance running.

Vs. The Average

The Metcon 10 has a lower-than-average heel lift, as it’s meant to be a multipurpose shoe. Additionally, it comes in just a few dollars under the average cost of your typical weightlifting shoe.

We haven’t written an in-depth review of the Metcon 10 yet, but we have a detailed Nike Metcon 9 review if you want to read more about this hybrid cross-trainer.

At a Glance 

• Barefoot-style shoe
• May require an adjustment period
• Above-average durability
• Affordably priced

If you’re a powerlifter or someone who regularly practices the squat, bench, and deadlift, you may wish to avoid an elevated heel (especially for deadlifts). Excessive cushioning or an elevated heel can disrupt your mechanics, while flat-soled shoes like the TYR DZ-1 DropZero Barefoot Trainers allow you to drive through your heels without losing any stability. 

These shoes are excellent for powerlifters, and don’t let the minimalist design worry you, as they’re built to last. GGR Editor and footwear expert Ben Emminger, CNC, CSNC gave them 4.5 out of 5 stars for construction and durability.

“Having owned and trained in these sneakers for multiple years, now, I can attest to the longevity at play,” he told me. “The rubber outsole is as grippy as it was when I unboxed them, and I’ve never had a loss of traction across common gym floors and machine footplates.”

Construction: 4.5/5

Stability: 4/5

Versatility:4/5

Why We Like the TYR DZ-1 DropZero Barefoot Trainer

While a stable foundation is the key to safe lifting, we know that not all lifters prefer an elevated heel, which can throw off your balance by tilting your shins forward. While plenty of lifters train in their socks, this isn’t the safest approach, and barefoot shoes like the DZ-1s can be a great alternative for those who like to train their squats and deadlifts with no heel lift. 

Overall, we give these shoes 4 out of 5 stars for stability and performance. 

“The DZ-1s feature a more anatomical toe box that can be excellent for splaying your toes and creating that ‘grounded’ feel for heavy lifts,” adds Ben. “This plays well with the barefoot design, as you can truly achieve that rooted setup for exercises like deadlifts and squats.”

RELATED: Best Shoes for Deadlifting

Ben was also impressed with the appearance of these minimalist shoes, giving them 4 out of 5 for their appearance and design. 

“While there aren’t many colorways available in the ‘Stability Strap’ profile, I do like the look of these barefoot training shoes,” he says. “The silhouette, itself, resembles a slipper given its barefoot design and low-to-the-ground profile. Surprisingly, it doesn’t stick out too much in a gym setting, and they’re plenty comfortable when pacing around machines and free weights.”

He noted that barefoot shoes can require an adjustment period if you’re used to a more cushioned sole, but once your feet are used to them, you’re good to go. 

Alternatives

The first thing to point out is the lack of a heel lift, which really comes down to personal preference. Some enjoy squatting with a flat foot, but if you prefer a heel lift, you’ll need a pair of squat shoes, too. There’s no great all-in-one option, as you really shouldn’t be performing heavy deadlifts with an elevated heel. 

Another potential issue is the necessary adjustment period for barefoot training. The DZ-1s are versatile, sure, and still earn 4 out of 5 stars for the category, but Ben docked a point for the adjustment period that barefoot shoes require. 

“This isn’t a sneaker I’d suggest for everyone, as the lack of underfoot cushioning can take some getting used to,” he explains. “It’s less of a transition than, say, switching to zero-drop running shoes, but it can be uncomfortable, nonetheless.”

If you prefer a bit more cushion but still want to avoid the steep heel lift of a traditional squat shoe, you may want to consider something like the Nike Metcon 10s. The heel lift may still be uncomfortable for deadlifts, but it’s much more versatile than a pair of pure lifting shoes. 

Testing Breakdown

The TYR DZ-1s received above-average scores in nearly every testing category, with notably high durability, comfort, and customer review scores. 

Vs. The Average

Even though the suggested retail price is $150, this shoe is regularly on sale for significantly less, often costing around $75. 

At a Glance 

• Priced under $100
• 20-mm heel drop
• 3 colorways to choose from
• Limited size options

If you’ve never tried squat shoes before and aren’t ready to spend upwards of $150 on a pair, we highly recommend the kcross Weightlifting Shoes. With a price tag of just about $69.99, these are some of the most affordable training shoes we’ve ever tested, and they’re surprisingly good for how inexpensive they are. 

They received high scores in nearly every testing category, including an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars for durability and construction, making them a fantastic choice for beginners looking for their first pair of lifting shoes or anyone shopping on a budget.

RELATED: Best Budget Home Gym Equipment

Construction: 4.5/5

Stability: 5/5

Versatility: 4/5

Why We Like the kcross Weightlifting Shoes

At such a low price point, we weren’t expecting the highest-quality shoes, but our expert tester, Emelie Wilkes, was very impressed after wearing these for a few weeks. 

The most important aspect of any squat shoe is the stability, and kcross earns 5 out of 5 stars for this category. 

“These are very solid shoes,” says Emelie. “The sole is pretty much the same as the Romaleos 4s, so you’re very stable in squats here; the 20-millimeter heel height on these is pretty typical of higher-end lifting shoes.”

Even though they’re squat shoes, they’re not unpleasant to wear, and earn a 4-out-of-5-star rating for adjustments and comfort. 

“These aren’t walking shoes, but they’re comfortable,” Emelie explains. “The dual hook-and-loop straps also helped keep my foot secure, and it’s easy to adjust the fit with those straps.”

Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1, Emelie’s husband, was also very impressed with the kcross lifters when comparing them to some of the most premium shoes on the market. 

“The kcross Weightlifting Shoes are reminiscent of the Nike Romaleos…actually, they look surprisingly similar,” he says. “I own the Nike Romaleos 4 weightlifting shoes, and I can hardly tell the difference between the outsoles.”

If you had your eye on the Romaleos 4s but don’t want to spend $200, these can be a fantastic alternative. 

Alternatives

For roughly $69, you really can’t beat the kcross shoes—as long as they have your size. At the time of writing, sizing options are limited to Men’s 6.5-12 and Women’s 8-13.5. These are common shoe sizes, but if you have larger or smaller feet, you won’t be able to wear these. 

Emelie gave these a 4 out of 5 for their appearance, as well, but noted some strange branding issues. She notes, “They look very sharp for lifters, although the branding seemed weird, and there were multiple brands displayed on the shoes.”

If you want another affordable option but prefer a flatter sole, the TYR DZ-1 DropZero Barefoot Trainer is typically on sale for a similar cost and features a minimalist profile with no heel lift. 

Testing Breakdown

Despite their budget-friendly cost, these lifters received impressive scores across the board. 

Vs. The Average

These kcross lifting shoes rival the best weightlifting shoes in nearly every way while remaining some of the most affordable squat shoes we’ve ever used.

Read more about this budget-friendly squat shoe in our full kcross Weightlifting Shoes review.

At a Glance 

• Versatile enough for most activities
• Excellent durability
• Sleek and stylish silhouette 
• Slightly narrower than previous models

If you’re looking for an all-purpose shoe that can handle nearly any type of training you throw at it, it’s hard to beat the legendary Reebok Nano. Upgraded with enhanced durability, the X5 Edge takes the classic Nano X5 and makes it just a little bit better, which is why it made our list. 

While not the cheapest shoe we’ve tested, it’s built to last and earns an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars for construction and durability. 

Construction: 4.5/5

Stability: 3.5/5

Versatility: 4/5

Why We Like the Reebok Nano X5 Edge

Some gym shoes look like gym shoes, especially squat shoes, but we love the Nanos for everyday wear, too. Ben Emminger, CNC, CSNC, gives them 4 out of 5 stars for their appearance. 

“I’ve long held the belief that Nanos were the more ‘street-ready’ cross-training shoes from a design perspective, and I could see myself wearing these sneakers out for a regular errands,” Ben told me. “Reebok traditionally offers a good mix of subdued and vibrant colorways, too, and I’m happy to see that trend continue with these cross-trainers.”

We’re also extremely impressed with the construction and durability of the Nano X5 Edge and award it a strong 4.5-out-of-5-star rating for this category. 

“The Nano X5 Edge plays the hits in all the right ways,” says Ben. “In my experience, I’ve never truly worn out a pair of Nanos, but rather just swapped them out for the sake of testing the latest iteration. From what I can tell here, that looks to be the trajectory with the Nano X5 Edges. Buyers should feel confident that their footwear can withstand plenty of use and abuse.”

RELATED: Best Training Shoes

Ben also noted the wide range of activities that can be performed with the Nano X5 Edge. Unlike pure squat or deadlift shoes, they can do just about everything, and earn 4 out of 5 stars for versatility. 

“These cross-training shoes are versatile enough for plenty of in-gym workouts, and I believe the flat rubber outsole can offer sufficient traction in agility-minded movements over rubberized flooring, hardwood, and concrete,” he explains. “What I really like about the Nano X5 Edge, though, is the DualResponse midsole technology that can provide sufficient underfoot stability for resistance training yet also brings some energy return to the equation. The result? A cross-training sneaker that’s capable of (some) cardio training.”

Alternatives

Even though this is one of our favorite cross-trainers on the market, no shoe is perfect. For stability, these shoes only earn 3.5 out of 5 stars, which is still pretty good but certainly the X5 Edge’s lowest-scoring category from our testing. 

“When walking around the gym, I can feel my arch sort of landing over the midfoot last, relying solely on the upper material and synthetic overlays to keep me from rolling inward,” Ben explains. “It’s not a pronounced issue for me—I tend to roll outward (supinate) more than anything—but I could see this being a major problem for overpronators or those primarily focusing on deadlifts where flattening your feet and grounding your stance is a beneficial positioning.”

He also noted that the shoes have a narrow fit, particularly at the midfoot. If you’re coming from a previous Nano model, this may be a bit surprising, and we recommend going up half a size if you have wide feet. 

If you’re looking for another versatile cross-trainer that leans a little more toward lifting, the Nike Metcon 10 is another great choice to consider (albeit not as good for cardio activities). 

Testing Breakdown

Even though the stability isn’t perfect, the Reebok Nano X5 Edge still earns high marks in most other categories. 

Vs. The Average

The Nano X5 Edge costs slightly less than the average lifting shoe, while offering a large size range, 30-day warranty, and excellent versatility for the price. 

At a Glance 

• Very stable in use
• Fits true to size
• Above-average heel height
• Excellent traction

Since weightlifting shoes are meant to be supportive, they can sometimes feel a little bit too narrow and restrictive. If you’re someone with wider feet, you can always go up half a size, or opt for a more spacious design, like the TYR-L2 Lifters. 

They earn 4 out of 5 from Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1, who says, “I have wide feet, and I felt the toe box was just right. There’s enough room for splaying and flexing the toes, as needed.”

Construction: 5/5

Stability: 5/5

Versatility: 3/5

Why We Like the TYR L-2 Lifters

The TYR L-2s are more expensive than your average lifting shoe, but they scored highly in nearly every category, which is why they’re one of our top picks. 

To start, they’re built to last, and Caine gave them 5 out of 5 stars for durability. 

“TYR isn’t specific on its upper material, but to me it feels like faux leather,” he told me. “It has a reinforced front toe guard for a bit more durability, and the outsole is the brand’s TYRTAC outsole—feels like rubber, but is very grippy. These feel solid and have lasted well in my use, so far.”

They work well when it comes to training, too, and earn 5 out of 5 for stability. Caine says, “I squatted a new 8-rep-max personal record in these shoes on my second day using them, and never once did I feel wobbly in them.”

RELATED: 21 Best Squat Variations

Finally, the TYR L-2s are available in 12 colorways, which is more than we typically see with lifting shoes. 

“I’d never wear a lifting shoe outside of the gym, but I got the White/Gum colorway, and I think if you didn’t know, these shoes could be passable as everyday wear, along with their Black/Gum shoes,” Caine told me. “Half are more neutral, and the other half have brighter, bolder colors. There’s something here for everyone.”

Alternatives

The main drawback with a specialized lifting shoe is the limited versatility. While the shoes are fantastic for squatting and Olympic lifting, they’re not going to work for running, jumping, or anything outside of lifting, really. As such, we give them 3 out of 5 stars for versatility. 

Caine also noted the limited cushioning throughout the shoe, saying, “My feet feel comfortable in these shoes, but there’s very little cushioning in the midsole, as it’s supposed to be a lifting shoe with a stable base.”

Again, this is to be expected from this type of footwear, but it’s worth pointing out. 

If you want a great lifting shoe that offers enough versatility for a variety of exercises, we recommend the Reebok Nano X5 Edge, instead.

Testing Breakdown

While the versatility is a bit lacking, the L-2s received high scores in every other category. 

Vs. The Average

Compared to the average lifting shoe, the L-2 has a higher price tag, but it’s a sturdier shoe and has a higher-than-average heel height. 

At a Glance 

• More flex in the sole than other shoes
• Insole offers arch support
• Not as stable as other lifting shoes
• Traction may be an issue

If you have flat feet that tend to collapse inward, a supportive shoe can be a great idea, as it can help you maintain proper foot positioning throughout your lifts. Plenty of weightlifting shoes are designed to keep your entire foot secure, but having too much arch support can be a little painful if you don’t have a natural arch. 

Our tester, Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1 gave the Adipower IIIs 4 out of 5 stars for stability, and added, “The insole has a bit of an arch, but honestly, it’s slight in comparison to other lifting shoes I’ve used and probably good for someone with flatter feet.”

Construction: 5/5

Stability: 4/5

Versatility: 2/5

Why We Like the adidas Adipower III

The Adipower IIIs features adidas’ signature three stripes on a clean silhouette, and we give them 5 out of 5 stars for their appearance. 

“There are six colorways that are mostly neutral with bright highlights, but the three stripes of the adidas logo really stand out on the side of the shoe,” Caine told me. “It’s a sharp-looking shoe and most colorways will match athletic wear fine, but I’d never wear lifting shoes out and about.”

Caine also gave the shoes 5 out of 5 stars for construction and durability, noting that the base feels very solid and the upper is made of flexible textile with one hook-and-loop strap to secure your foot. 

He also noted that the sole is a little more flexible than most lifting shoes, which can be both good and bad. The flexibility means you can perform other movements in these shoes, which some will love, but that slightly decreases the feeling of stability in use.

“Because of the flexibility, these aren’t the most stable lifters I’ve used,” Caine told me. “Many lifting shoes use two straps, and the one strap makes me feel a little less secure while lifting or doing split jerks. I still squatted in them fine, though.”

If you enjoy the flexibility, you’ll probably love these shoes as they offer more versatility than most other options that aren’t hybrid shoes. 

Alternatives

Our biggest concern is the traction, which is important for any lifter, but especially those who train on wooden lifting and deadlift platforms. 

“After a week of heavy lifting, I didn’t notice any issues, but the rubber outsole already seems slick out of the box” says Caine. “That makes me worry about how soon the tread may wear off. Still, it’s built well.”

At $230, these shoes are among the most expensive lifting shoes on the market. We don’t have any concerns about the durability of the upper materials, but the traction isn’t great, and we wish it was better at this price point. 

For another high-end lifting shoe that has excellent traction and stability, we recommend the Nike Romaleos 4.

Testing Breakdown

While they’re not the most versatile shoes, similar to most other squat shoes, the Adipower IIIs still receive high scores in most other categories. 

Vs. The Average

The Adipower III has a higher-than-average cost, but also features a wider size range, higher heel, and it’s slightly heavier than most.

For more, read our complete adidas Adipower III review.