WearTesters is reader-supported. When you make purchases using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Why trust us?

11 Best Weightlifting Shoes 2024

Best Weightlifting Shoes

Weightlifting is an essential part of any training regiment, and powerlifting has been gaining popularity in recent years. For example, the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal was brought home in 2022 by female powerlifter Hidilyn Diaz, and the sport has exploded in popularity ever since. As important as weightlifting is to any sport, it can be hazardous without the proper gear, and arguably the most important piece of gear is footwear. To lift weights safely you will need a stable base, and to be as close to the ground as possible. With that in mind, we present the Best Weightlifting Shoes available today.

If your weightlifting shoe has too much cushion or is too plush, it will create an unstable foundation for you to stand on while lifting heavy objects. That’s not good. It’s why shoes for weightlifting should be flat, stable and have minimal cushioning, with a wide toe box to allow your toes to splay out. Safety first people.

At WearTesters, we test hundreds of sneakers each year. To put together this list, we found outstanding weightlifting performers that can offer what you need in the gym. We chose highly stable shoes that can grip the floor like no one’s business and remain supportive throughout all lifts. Weightlifting is no easy task for one shoe, but we think you’ll enjoy our picks for the best weightlifting shoes.

Categories are used below so you can easily find what’s important to you. If you know what you need, you can simply click the category link. If not, feel free to browse the whole list.

Updated: 03.17.2024

Best Weightlifting Shoes 2024

goruck ballistic trainer

GORUCK Ballistic Trainer

The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer’s upper uses a ballistic Cordura mesh which is soft and flexible. The Ballistic Trainer features Gradient Density EVA foam for the cushion, which means the shoe is more cushioned in the forefoot. At the same time, the heel is more dense and stiff, creating a stable platform while lifting. The traction is also a highlight. The outsole uses three different rubbers. Remember, the GORUCK Ballistic Trainer fits longer than other training shoes, so make sure to go down half a size from your typical shoe size. Read the full review. Price: $125

9.5/10
Total Score
Buy GORUCK Ballistic Trainer

TYR CXT-1 Trainer

TYR CXT-1

The TYR CXT-1 is in the top tier of weightlifting shoes and one of the better cross training options on the market. The upper is basic but built well for comfort. Cardio could be better but it can handle jumping rope and sprinting without issue. The real star of the CXT-1 is the stability. It has an impressive ability to be a strong base for heavy lifts, one legged movements, and other exercises requiring multiple foot positions. See the full review. Price: $140

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's TYR CXT-1 Buy Women's TYR CXT-1

Reebok Nano X4

Reebok Nano X4

The Reebok Nano X4 is an excellent performer on all lifts, offering great stability in all situations, and an extremely comfortable Flexweave upper. It’s our favorite Reebok Nano to date and one of the best training shoes of the year.

It’s not great for cardio but it can handle enough plyometrics and sprinting to work well for CrossFit. It’s a versatile shoe that’s dependable and should be on the short list for any hard-charging gym goer. See the full review. Price: $140

9/10
Total Score
Buy Reebok Nano X4

Under Armour Reign 6

The Under Armour Reign 6 is an under the radar top tier weightlifting cross trainer. The TriBase system keeps feet glued to the floor and provides ultimate stability. Running doesn’t feel very good but jump rope, rowing, and other non-running cardio works. The WARP upper is snug and secure with plenty of comfortable padding while the fit is true to size with room to wiggle your toes. And with a price point below the norm, the Reign 6 deserves your attention. Read the full review. Price: $130

Reasons to buy: Stability, comfy WARP upper, price point

Reasons not to buy: Running feels clompy, laces

8/10
Total Score
Buy Men's at Under Armour Buy Women's at Under Armour

RAD One

RAD One

The RAD One uses nicer than average materials, has a stable base with impeccable traction, and can handle any type of weight room exercise you throw at it. Running in the RAD One isn’t ideal, but it can handle everything else you want to do. It’s a great-looking but super functional weightlifting and cross training shoe that provides enough old-school shoe vibes to be different than what anyone else is wearing at your gym. Read the full review. Price: $150

Reasons to buy: Herringbone traction, high-quality materials

Reasons not to buy: Running in it feels clunky

9/10
Total Score
Buy at RAD

Converse All Star

Converse All Star

The Converse All-Star is a timeless piece of footwear history. It started as basketball shoes in the era of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain and has evolved into an everyday casual shoe. What a lot of people have discovered, however, is that they’re great for weightlifting. The flat base and lack of cushion make these shoes as stable as any shoe. You should be fine if you don’t mind the hard-toe cap. Price: $60

7/10
Total Score
Buy Converse All Star

Nike Blazer Mid 77 Vintage

Nike Blazer

The Nike Blazer looks similar to the shoe just above, but there are key differences. One of the most obvious ones is the material used for the upper. Most pairs are made of leather, which is more durable and supportive. There are also suede hits on some colorways. The cushion is the same as the All-Star: none. It’s as flat as a shoe can get. Regardless, you’ll find it being used in gyms all over the world for its mix of style and ground feel. Price: $105

7.5/10
Total Score
Buy Nike Blazer

Best Budget Weightlifting Shoes

Puma Fuse 3.0

Puma Fuse 3.0

The Puma Fuse 3.0 is a minimalist cross training shoe that’s ultra-stable and packs insane traction. Where does the insane grip come from? Puma Grip. It’s Puma’s proprietary rubber compound that’s best in class. It sticks to the ground, so you won’t slide or shift during lifts.

The stability is also top of the line as the outrigger at the lateral forefoot, raised midfoot sidewalls, and a beefy TPU heel counter combine to keep the foot in place no matter how much weight you’re slinging. The cushion is super thin (don’t run in them), so some people may get too much ground feel for their liking. But for those lifting weights, you can spread your toes inside the roomy toebox and press into the ground, and generate extra force.

The mesh and fuse upper is surprisingly comfy in large part thanks to the comfy padded tongue. You’re unlikely to find a better weightlifting shoe at this price. Read full review. Price: $120

8/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Puma Fuse 3.0 Buy Women's Puma Fuse 3.0

Best Weightlifting Shoes Now on Sale

Reebok Nano X3

Reebok Nano X3

The Reebok Nano X3 is a return to form for the greatest training shoe line of all time. It’s been a long time since we enjoyed a Nano this much. And while it isn’t the perfect shoe, we’re confident any typical gym goer that purchases it will have a great experience. The fit is great (though some people experienced heel slippage), and the new LAR Chassis system combined with Floatride feels bouncy but stable underfoot.

You’re also getting a long-lasting shoe that, after a break-in period, is one of the most comfortable Nanos ever. True, $150 feels steep for a cross training shoe, but by the end of 2023 most high end cross trainers will be clustered right around that price point. See the full review. Price: $150

9/10
Total Score
Buy Reebok Nano X3

Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best weightlifting shoes list? We’d also like to hear your thoughts on this list and see your best weightlifting shoes list in the comments. Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.

3 comments
  1. no Romaleo? no Asics? maybe time to stick to running and bball lists… this is actually watering down the weartesters brand for clicks

    1. Clicks don’t matter to us. Our website is not ad-supported. People only click our affiliate links if they find the information we provide valuable so that’s our focus. Our viewpoint for all of our reviews and lists is that of the former basketball players we are. Even our running shoe reviews are colored by this previous experience. Some weightlifters will likely prefer other more focused sites with more weightlifting experience. That said, we know our audience and what makes a good shoe so we bring a lot to the table.

      The Romaleos 4 is on our list to test (we don’t add anything to our lists till one of our team members rigorously tests it). That will be an interesting one because of its high price and only being usable for lifting. Most of our audience does a lot in gym other than squats, deadlifts, snatch, or clean and jerk. So a focused shoe like that may make the list, but with distinct caveats.

      Does Asics make training shoes in the US or do you lift in their wrestling shoes?

Add a Comment

Related Posts