HAVING THE right shoes for weightlifting, powerlifting, or recreational strength training is anything but an aesthetic choice. Picking the appropriate style for your training type and particular emphases is key for contributing to your lifting performance and keeping you protected against injury. What many people don't realize is that the type of lifting you're doing in the gym makes a big difference in what you want to look for in a shoe.

When it comes to Olympic weightlifting, we're referring to a very specific set of exercises. "The sport encompasses two events: the snatch and the clean and jerk. Both movements are complex and explosive, relying as much on power and technique as on brute physical strength," said Trevor Thieme, C.S.C.S., strength coach and former fitness editor at Men's Health.

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"Very generally speaking, weightlifting shoes are made with more restrictive material such as leather but are known for their thick, solid base of the shoe," says Men's Health Advisory Board member David Otey, C.S.C.S., an NYC-based strength coach.

The right weightlifting shoes will heel elevation to help the lifter access more efficient range of motion for loading in the various Olympic lifts.

Ultimately, their goal is to help you create more force while maintaining safe alignment.

And science backs it up. One 2012 study found that when lifters performed a one rep max barbell back squat, they were more likely to maintain proper form and reduce lower back strain while wearing weightlifting shoes versus basketball sneakers. Another more recent study similarly found that compared to more general athletic shoes, weightlifting shoes reduced ankle movement and helped lifters maintain an upright torso during squats.

"Weightlifting shoes are important for generating more force on heavy moves such as deadlifts, lunges, and squats. The goal is to have the shoe help you generate more force through a harder sole surface with manual cushioning," says Ridge Davis, CPT, owner of Ridgid Fitness in Los Angeles. "They also provide ankle stability so the knees and hips don’t compensate. General exercise sneakers and running shoes tend to have too much cushion and absorb a fair amount of force needed for weightlifting."

But most people lifting weights in the gym aren't doing Olympic lifts, are they? If you're looking for a stable, durable shoe to stand up to dynamic HIIT workouts, outdoor training or even CrossFit classes, what you really need is a strength trainer.

Which is why we've included our top picks for strength trainers in this article, too.

Strength training shoes—often branded 'cross-trainers'—are designed to be versatile in their performance, unlike weightlifting shoes. They don't feature significant heel elevation, meaning they'll be more reactive for explosive movements, but can still provide enough stability for heavy lifts. This is the type of trainer you'll benefit from if you aren't as specific in your training routine, and want to be able to transition from plyometrics to lifts in the same session without sacrificing support or bounce.

So, if you're interested in upping your weightlifting or strength training shoe game, you came to the right place. Here are 12 of the best weightlifting shoes and strength trainers of 2023, according to trainers.

nike

nike.com

$200.00

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The Romaleos 4 are the most updated version of what has been an extremely popular shoe in the Olympic weightlifting community for the past decade. This model introduces a dramatic redesign compared to former models, making them feel more airy and stable.

"These are a sturdy weightlifting shoe with strong translation to vertical force," says Otey.

This shoe has a heavy inner sole to help you ground down and stay planted while simultaneously feeling ultra lightweight, almost like you're wearing a strength trainer.

The dual strap system gives a solid hug on the foot for maximum stability, too. This shoe has a little more aggressive arch support than some other weightlifting shoes on this list, so it works well for those who need a little extra lift under the midsole.

Some buyers report the tongue is a bit too long for comfort in some angles of deeper ankle flexion like the bottom of a squat. As with most Nike models, some buyers also suggest sizing up a half size.

What do buyers say? "Great shoe. Stability is great. Made my Romaleos 3's feel like flip flops. A welcomed upgrade," said one Nike reviewer.

Read more: Best Nike Shoes for Men

NOBULL

nobullproject.com

$299.00

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Love the look of old school lifting shoes but want the innovations in comfort of newer renditions? Meet the Lifters from NOBULL. With a stacked leather heel for ultimate comfort and shock absorption, this newly reimagined model strikes a balance of athletic and old school.

If you're already familiar with NOBULL, you know they make shoes durable enough to withstand even your most violent gym sessions. Each pair is handmade from carefully selected high-grade, exceptionally strong leather. In fact, the brand reports that each heel and outsole require 2-3 hours of precise handwork to manufacture. And costing a whole three Benjamins, these have the price tag to prove it.

Craftsmanship and good looks aren't all you're paying for with these shoes, though. A stacked leather heel elevation of 18.5 mm makes them a really suitable weightlifting shoe for just about any weightlifter, as that's a true mid-range sweet spot height compared to others on the market.

We really like that they have a molded, removable sock liner, too. As with many NOBULL footwear style, the Lifters are a little lighter on arch support compared to other shoes on this list, such as the Romaleos 4.

If you like NOBULL and have a wallet big enough, you'll like these.

What do buyers say? "Actually I bought this shoes for its look, however after trying them they are simply amazing, strange mix between comfort and stability," said one NOBULL reviewer.

adidas

amazon.com

$119.95

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Reebok's Powerlift 5 is a viable option for those not looking to break the bank on a solid shoe to squat and do other Olympic lifts in. With a heel elevation of just 16 mm, they're especially great for beginners, those new to lifting in an elevated heel, or those who just prefer a lower heel elevation.

Compared to earlier Powerlift models, the 5 has a reworked upper with a perforated tongue and mesh inserts that facilitate maximal breathability. A lace and strap system combine for a more contoured hug of the mid foot, meaning added stability.

Despite the wide base, the toe box is pretty narrow, so most buyers recommend going up a half size if you're not a fan of a snug fit or have wide feet.

The sturdy bottom of the shoe, outfitted with a heavy-duty rubber outsole, high-density EVA foam, and a mid-foot wedge, helps translate the force through the ground into your main lifts. At just $120, these perform as well as a highly sturdy and durable shoe to perform Olympic lifts in.

One complaint: the tongue is not gusseted, so it tends to shift and roll during use, which can require frequent adjustments depending on your movement.

What do buyers say? "[These] shoes have improved my form due to the type of sole it has versus my previous flat converse-like workout shoes," said one Amazon reviewer.

TYR

TYR.com

$199.99

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The L-1 Lifter garnered a lot of attention when it first hit the market for its wide foot-friendly design. And it is slightly wider throughout than many other weightlifting shoes out there, but it's especially true for the toe box. Which means it's a great choice for those with wider feet or who often feel they don't have enough room to splay their toes in other weightlifting shoes.

To accommodate more width in the toe box, the front of the shoe is very square. Which can actually contribute to a wider base, and in turn, more stability. Especially in the catch phase of a lift. The inner sole of this shoe hugs up and around the mid foot and up behind the heel for added arch support. And the outer sole is made from super sticky rubber for maximal traction. A dual velcro strap system helps you lock down for added stability, too.

In addition to a roomier toe box which allows for a better grip on the floor, it's got a considerably higher heel elevation than most models (21 mm). Making it a suitable option for those who working on squat mechanics or who just prefer a bigger heel to toe drop.

The L-1 Lifter wouldn't be great for someone with a more narrow foot, as you could lose some stability by having too much width inside the shoe. Also, some buyers report the velcro strap is long, so it can get close to the ground when pulled tight on a narrow foot.

What do buyers say? "Very comfortable shoe, I'm finally able to free my toe," said one TYR reviewer.

Reebok

amazon.com

$161.89

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The Reebok Legacy Lifter II has a higher heel than some other weightlifting shoes on this list, which means it performs especially well for squats or for guys with limited lower body mobility.

Overall, the build of this shoe is really solid, with a dense and solid feel that is pleasant in weight without being too clunky. The construction and wide base work together for an extremely stable feel. The combination of laces and a well-positioned single strap allows the shoe to really hug your foot while providing sufficient mid foot support.

Plus, the redesigned toe box is narrower than the legacy lifter I (which many felt was not snug enough), but still has enough room to toe splay and grip the ground effectively. It feels elite, too.

The fit and look really resembles that of the Nike Romaleos 2 (an oldie crowd favorite), with a comfortable and heavy fabric upper. But the velcro strap may be limiting in size and security for some (those with high arches, especially), as it doesn't wrap that far around the shoe.

What do buyers say? 93% of Amazon buyers recommend the Reebok Legacy Lifter II with at least a 4-star rating.

nike

nike.com

$120.00

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The Nike Savaleos are an ultra-lightweight shoe great for beginners or recreational weightlifters. They have a heel elevation of just 15 mm, so they're a good model if you're new to weightlifting in general or just new to elevated heels.

Stability is solid, thanks to an outsole made with extremely sticky rubber and a unique shape that's slightly winged at the mid foot. The Savaleos are a bit narrow through the mid foot and forefoot (as are many Nike athletic shoes), so if you have wider feet you could go a half size up.

They're marketed as a more versatile weightlifting shoe, which we don't typically recommend. But because of their flexible construction and lower heel to toe drop, they're a reasonable model to play around with for more versatile or recreational training, making them slightly different than the other shoes we've included on the weightlifting shoes portion of this list.

But the strap on the Savaleos shares a similar problem as the Reebok Legacy Lifter II: The velcro is placed only on the end of the strap, leaving more potential for the strap to loosen up on you.

Overall, they're a solid shoe for beginners at an entry-level price point.

What do buyers say? "Love the stability given by these. Didn't anticipate the impact these had on my Olympic lifting. Go up half a size," said one Nike reviewer.

Converse

amazon.com

$84.81

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Some of our experts disagreed on various points—but no one chose anything other than the Converse Chuck Taylors to meet your powerlifting needs.

“From a powerlifting standpoint, they're pretty much standard,” said Caulfield.

Chucks have the necessary hard, flat rubber sole that you require for your strongest lifts, as well as some ankle support when you get the high-tops.

"The hard rubber soles make it my favorite shoe on heavy days for squats and deadlifts. They’re essentially the classic powerlifting shoe and it’s probably going to stay that way," added Davis.

For wide-stance squats (where you don’t want a heel but need to be close to the floor), deadlifts, and bench press, Chuck Taylors have remained the king for decades.

“I got Chuck Taylors as my first lifting shoe when I was like 18, and I loved them,” says Jordan Syatt, owner of Syatt Fitness and five-time powerlifting record-holder.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 9,800 reviews on Amazon, 90% of Amazon buyers recommend the Chuck Taylor All Star High Tops with at least a 4-star rating.

Vivobarefoot

vivobarefoot.com

$128.00

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The Primus Lite III is an extremely flexible, zero-drop, minimalist shoe meant to give the experience of being barefoot, while protecting from the risk of injury involved with going shoe-free. It's designed to be foot shaped—not shoe shaped—with a super wide toe box that allows your feet to move how they would without the constraints of a traditional shoe. The benefit being you can grip the ground more effectively and exercise your foot's dexterity while working out.

The concept behind barefoot shoes is that they can help your ankles and feet get stronger, thus improving overall lower body strength and stability. Strengthening the muscles in your feet can also help to protect from injuries up the chain.

It's urban-environment approved, with a 4mm sole to protect your foot from whatever may be in your path and extra lamination around the toe for an added buffer from the environment. We love that the upper is constructed of eco mesh, made from recycled plastic bottles.

Because the Primus Lite doesn't hinder your foot's natural movement, it's great for those with plantar fasciitis or flat feet. But it will take some adjusting. We recommend to give it an adjustment period by alternating with your typical trainers for a few weeks before using barefoot shoes exclusively. And to stretch your calves and achilles after each wear, too.

If you have never heard of Vivobarefoot, it wouldn't be surprising. The brand is so confident in the quality and design of its niche 'barefoot' footwear, that the label barely does any marketing at all. People who wear these say they hold up to more abuse than shoes twice their weight, and can stay in great condition no matter what you put them through.

UnderArmour

underarmour.com

$150.00

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The newest iteration of UA's Project Rock training shoe is a solid pick for workout sessions where you're blending lifting with plyometrics. It has an 8 mm heel elevation, which is higher than most comparable training shoes. So while it won't articulate as well as shoes with a thinner sole, you'll get an edge of added stability.

These shoes are made to keep up with heavy lifting, accessory exercises, and explosive training in the same session. UA's TriBase outsole design helps to maximize contact with the ground and provide traction when you need it. And you'll also get nice reactivity from the hover mid sole. The molded TPU heel-to-mid foot strap will help your feet feel locked-down, too (and it will prevent breakdown the back of the shoe). As a result, they'll feel good across different training verticals.

Bonus: they're comfortable as hell. The upper is constructed with lightweight, breathable mesh that stretches to your foot's unique anatomy. A sock-like fit gives added ankle support.

What do buyers say? "I've had at least 2/3 pairs of each of the PR's over the years. These are the best yet," said one UA reviewer.

nike

nike.com

$130.00

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These are such a dynamic shoe for all facets of what your workout may entail, but especially strength training. The Metcon 8s are extremely lightweight and breathable, making them comfortable for even your sweatiest sessions.

We love that it has really a grippy outsole for great traction, as well as solid mid foot support, making it functional for heavy lifts in all planes of motion, accessory movements, etc. It's also surprisingly flexible, so it's great for short bursts of cardio work.

“It's flat, and it's very sticky on the bottom, which is perfect,” Syatt says. “And it's also very athletic.”

We especially like that Metcon models come with a pair of removable Nike Hyperlift inserts, which allow you to increase the heel elevation to 8mm.

The best all-around CrossFit shoes should have tons of dynamism to them—for lifting, running, box jumps, or whatever your WOD may contain. The Metcon 8 brings all of that to the table.

Reebok

reebok.com

$150.00

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The Reebok Nano X3 is a great lightweight material shoe with a softer cushion for maximal shock absorption when you need it. From outdoor training to training in the platform, these shoes are highly versatile.

The midsole fit really helps lock your foot down so you don't feel like your foot is swimming in the toe box when you're working through dynamic movements. The lift-and-run chassis system is a subtle change from earlier models, but contributes greatly to the reactive-yet-stable boot construction. The Flexweave® woven fabric upper really hugs the foot for an athletic feel.

"This shoe is great for more agile and dynamic weightlifting because of the combo of soft cushioning and stable ankle support," said Davis.

There's plenty of cushioning under the heel for a comfortable strike when running, thanks to a proprietary foam padding. One downside: the laces can run a bit long if your foot is narrow and you have to tighten your shoe a ton. It also tends to run a little bit stiff, so don't expect a ton of articulation right out of the box.

What do buyers say? "Very light on the feet. Good for running and very stable for lifting. Love!" said one Reebok reviewer.

PUMA

amazon.com

$104.50

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If you're looking for a serious shoe to deadlift in or wear for long runs, this won't be your best option, but the Puma Fuse 2.0 is suitable for almost everything in between.

A lateral outsole and medial wrap (like the Metcon 8) adds plenty of stability to the midfoot. The mesh and synthetic overlay throughout the upper and toe box makes it great for withstanding wear and tear of rope climbs. Synthetic overlay around the toe box, specifically, indicates it will stand up to a lot of wear and tear.

This is another trainer we love for its wide toe box, which allows you to grip the floor during recreational lifting. There's a TPU clip and a rigid cup on the heel to really hug your heel and help you ground down, too.

The shoe itself is super flexible, it's the dense and solid insole of the Fuse models that gives the shoe the responsiveness and comfort of a great trainer. If you're looking for something more flexible, buying the Fuse 2.0 and swapping the removable insole for something more malleable could be a good solution.

The Fuse 2.0 retails at a lower price point than other comparable models, but maintain a level of integrity when it comes to construction and durability that goes far above the budget-friendly price tag.