These Editor-Favorite Weightlifting Shoes Were Designed by Olympian Allyson Felix

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Whether you’re new to weightlifting or a seasoned pro, weightlifting shoes are an essential piece of gear for your workouts. However, these aren’t your average walking or running shoes. “They should have a flat bottom with a zero-drop heel height to perform most weightlifting moves,” Mark Mendeszoon, D.P.M., a multi-board certified podiatrist, tells Prevention.

There are also options with lifted heels. These are most beneficial “for an exercise like lifted-heel squats, where you want to bias the quads and create more range of motion at the ankle joint,” says Fiona Judd, a certified personal trainer.

Meet the experts: Mark Mendeszoon, D.P.M., a multi-board certified podiatrist; Fiona Judd, a certified personal trainer.

While there are slight exceptions to these rules based on your needs, the overall benefit of wearing weightlifting shoes is to provide enough grip and stability for lifting heavy gym equipment. Plus, there are even options in the market that work well for cross training. “These not only provide support and protection with weightlifting, but they are also designed for more maneuvers, like a jumping, lunging, or side-to-side motion,” says Mendeszoon.

Ahead, shop the best weightlifting shoes in 2024 for your fitness needs. Each pair is either recommended by the experts we interviewed or has been tested firsthand by one of our editors.

Nano X4

Prevention Digital Director Allie Early has worn Reebok’s Nano collection throughout most of her CrossFit career, however, this pair is a particular standout for weightlifting. “The Nano X4 offers support and comfort for lifting in a lightweight shoe—just know that the arch is firm, and that part might not be for everyone,” she says. “In my opinion, it’s also better as a lifter vs. cross-training shoe for that reason.”

Designed with a textile lining and insole, the Nano X4 also offers ample ventilation for feet, along with a heel clip for added stability. If you have wide feet, this pair is a great choice for weightlifting, as it has a spacious round toe box. Plus, its lace-up design can allow for a more personalized fit.

Adapt Trainer

If you’re looking for a weightlifting shoe with pure comfort in mind, consider this Flux Adapt Trainer. “It has little massaging nodes on the inside soles that massage the feet and provide extra cushion as you move,” says Judd.

Comfort aside, she also notes that this pair “hits all the bases for a good lifting shoe,” thanks to its flexible sole. It’s manufactured with patented AdaptSol technology that’s designed to stretch with the motion of your feet. Plus, it has a stylish retro design that’s well-suited for workouts or everyday wear.

One Sneaker

Created by Olympic track-and-field gold medalist Allyson Felix, the Saysh One Sneaker is an ideal weightlifting shoe for cross training. “I wear these for my bootcamp days where I’m oscillating between weightlifting and the bike,” says Prevention Deputy Editor Emily Goldman. “They are low to the ground, helping me stay stable and maintain my center of gravity through countless push presses and squats.”

These woven Jacquard and microsuede shoes are “super breathable” and “lightweight,” Goldman says, noting that they are “great for toe touches and sweat sessions in general.”

Added perk: “I also love that they have a narrow vamp and not a load of cushion, which is ideal for lifting shoes,” she adds.

Old Skool Core Classics

While Early sees a lot of people gravitating towards the Vans Skool Core Classics for their look, she says this stylish shoe is also a great pick for beginners in the weightlifting world. “The Vans Skool Core Classics offer waffle-or-diamond—style tread that offers suitable grip,” she shares.

Thanks to their flat design and minimal padding, this pair of shoes is a good fit for exercises that require lower lifting motions. “You can brace properly against the ground for movements like deadlifts,” says Early.

Since “they are also more affordable than most lifting shoes,” she adds that these are an approachable option for people starting their weightlifting journey.

L-1 Lifter

“For those who practice advanced weightlifting or powerlifting, I would recommend the TYR weightlifting shoe,” says Mendeszoon. “It has all the bells and whistles that are needed for high energy weightlifting or competitions: good support, adequate room, good cushioning, and great stability in the heel.”

In addition to its lace-up design, the L-1 Lifter boasts two adjustable double straps in the midfoot area and a flat, wide sole for added foot stability when doing heavy squats and lifts. Plus, its toe box allows for just enough roominess to let your toes spread out evenly.

Motus Strength

This Vivobarefoot Motus Strength shoe is known for its classic zero-drop design that Judd loves for weightlifting. While this style is flat with minimal cushion to keep heels even with feet, Judd notes that this particular shoe offers “added protection and durability” from its sturdy rubber sole and upper. In other words, you’ll get added grip for exercises like box jumps.

These minimalist shoes are also multi-purpose: They have high midfoot sidewalls that are designed with support for cross training motions, like lateral moves.

Chuck Taylor All Star Hi Sneakers

With a supportive low-top design and affordable price point, Dr. Mendeszoon calls these Chuck Taylor sneakers a practical shoe for most lifters. “Those who are generally lifting can do very well with the Converse shoes, as they are flat, have a nice rubber bottom, and are comfortable to perform lower leg lifting,” he says.

Their classic lace-up design can help you create a secure fit as you exercise. The manufacturer does note that converse tend to run a half size large, so you should consider sizing down as you shop.

Free Metcon 5

A perfect pick for those with wide feet, these Nike Free Metcon 5 sneakers are defined by their wide internal webbing to spread pressure around your midfoot for quick movement changes. Bonus: Their wide heel establishes a strong foundation for lifting.

These are also Mendeszoon’s go-to shoes with weightlifting and hybrid cross training in mind. “It’s based on a running shoe platform with cushion, but yet offers support and provides excellent lateral stability,” he says. “For those who are mixing up [agility] and lifting routines, this would be a good shoe to start with.”

Primus Lite Knit

While going barefoot isn’t encouraged for safety and sanitary reasons (especially in a public gym), Judd recommends these Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Knit shoes if you’re looking for a barely-there feel. It is a zero-drop style like the other Vivobarefoot on our list, but it also has a thinner sole to give your feet a closer feel to the ground. Plus, its wide design and flexibility helps toes splay and move naturally in the shoe.

Why should you buy weightlifting shoes?

“Weightlifting shoes help you feel the floor, have better grip and control, are flexible for greater range of motion through the foot, and enable the toes to splay out naturally for healthy foot placement,” says Judd. “They will give you a more stable base of support to help you lift heavier and avoid falls or injuries.”

What to look for in the best weightlifting shoes:

Fit: Mendeszoon notes that the best weightlifting shoes should fit comfortably and snuggly. Plus, the laces shouldn’t be too tight. “They should be laced up properly so there’s a little motion, but yet enough room so you don’t cut off the circulation to your toes,” he adds.

Material: Weightlifting shoes tend to made of a canvas or a mixture of materials that offer ventilation, support for lateral movements, and heel support, says Mendeszoon.

Sole: Mendeszoon says that weightlifting shoes should have a “nice rubber sole bottom to provide just enough friction and grip, but also allow for movements to allow the foot to slide.” Plus, ensure that the sole is flexible. “Your foot needs to be able to move through its full range of motion and bend at the toe for things like lunges and calf raises,” adds Judd.

Toe Box: A wide toe box is essential to allow toes to spread naturally, as this helps reduce foot injuries like bunions, says Judd.

Can you use cross-training shoes for weightlifting?

In short, yes. However, our experts say that cross-training shoes are best for weightlifters doing basic lift maneuvers—not exercises for leg day. “Flat sole, wide toe box shoes are the way to go for the most power in your lower body exercises,” says Judd. “If you’re doing a mixed-format workout with cardio and strength training combined, a cross trainer can be beneficial. But for heavy lifting, stick with a lifting shoe.”

Is it better to lift weights barefoot or with shoes?

“From a safety standpoint, it is always better to lift with shoes on,” says Mendeszoon. Going barefoot could cause injury risks from falling weights or slipping.

Also, it’s more hygienic to wear shoes. He explains that there’s a higher risk of developing dermatitis, athletes foot, plantar wart viruses, and bacterial infections when weightlifting barefoot, especially in public gyms.

Why do weightlifting shoes have a heel?

Mendeszoon explains that raised shoes typically have a 4 to 12 millimeter heel or more. The general recommendation is to use a zero-drop or flat sole shoe to give you best grounding. However, it can be helpful to wear weightlifting shoes with a heel for exercises that require squatting or lunging to give the ankle joint more flexibility.

Why are flat shoes beneficial for lifting?

“Flat sole shoes, also called ‘zero-drop’ shoes, allow the weight to stay back over the heel and ball of the foot, rather than pitching it forward into the toes,” says Judd. “Having the weight more forward into the toes will interfere with the normal weight distribution over the foot.”

Further, pushing through the heels during weightlifting allows you to have maximum force and power while maintaining balance and stability, she adds.

How we chose the best weightlifting shoes:

We interviewed Fiona Judd, a certified personal trainer, and Mark Mendeszoon, D.P.M., a multi-board certified podiatrist in Chardon, OH specializing in sports medicine, diabetic foot and ankle conditions, and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. The experts shared their favorite weightlifting shoes and what to look for when shopping.

We also included picks that have been tested by Prevention editors and conducted our own research by reading countless customer reviews.

Why trust us?

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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