Best Olympic Weightlifting Shoes (2024) For Squats & Olympic Lifts

So you’re looking for a new pair of Olympic Weightlifting shoes and want the best. You’ve come to the right place since I’ve been snatching and jerking barbels for years and have tried almost every single model available.

The advantages of wearing weightlifting shoes extend beyond simply raising your heels. They are far more durable than running shoes, allowing you to feel more “connected” to the platform and lift bigger loads.

Before I discuss the top Olympic weightlifting shoes, there is one rule you must follow while purchasing Weightlifting shoes.

A good pair of shoes will last you a lifetime. Don’t try to save $100 on a lower-quality pair of weightlifting shoes because you’ll be replacing them anyway, and in the end, you will spend more money.

With that said, this list has something for every taste and budget, so let’s get going.

Best Olympic Weightlifting Shoe

Velaasa Strake

Feature	Value
Heel Height	0.86″
Weight Each Shoe	450 g (15.9 oz)
Heel Material	Wood
Shoe Material	Synthetic Leather
Foot Straps	One
Color	Black or White w/ Blue or Red Trimmings
Sizing	Order ½ size Up

Who Are These Best For?

• Weightlifters seeking the classic wood feel.
• Lifters who are taller or less mobile and require a higher heel.
• Weightlifters who don’t want to buy Weightlifting shoes again in 6 months because they are durable.

Who Might Not Buy These Shoes

• Those who have very wide feet.
• Lifters looking for a more robust plastic, “modern” heel.

This is my overall favorite weightlifting shoe.

With its superior construction and classic wooden heel, they outperform all other top brands and models. Wooden heels are difficult to find in modern weightlifting, with many producers opting for high-density plastic.

While the new plastic heels are more durable, the traditional wooden heel will never go out of style. Furthermore, wood has been shown to absorb part of the force and shock during weightlifting, making it slightly easier on the joints.

Wood provides better platform sensation than a synthetic heel, and the “crack” of wood on wood is unbeatable.

I don’t even need to use the foot strap because these fit my feet tightly and comfortably. I feel stable with these shoes, and I’ve carried 200 kg on my shoulders while wearing them, so you can tell they’re tough.

The soles have a thin rubber layer and a diamond-carved design to prevent slippage on the platform.

They have a slightly higher heel height than standard weightlifting shoes, measuring 0.86″ to assist you in getting into the bottom position.

Depending on how tight you want your shoes, size up half to a whole size. I usually wear a size 10, and fit perfectly in a 10.5 Velaasa Strake.

I have wide feet and cannot fit into Adidas Adipowers, and I usually prefer to wear Nike Romaleo 2s. However, I am comfortable in the Velaasa Strakes, so they are still a viable option even if you have wider feet.

Best Budget Olympic Weightlifting Shoes

Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes

Feature	Value
Heel Height	0.75″
Weight Each Shoe	510 g (18 oz)
Heel Material	TPU
Shoe Material	Synthetic Leather & Nylon Mesh
Foot Straps	Two
Color	Black & White
Sizing	True to size

Who Are These Best For?

• Weightlifters with wide feet who cannot fit into a standard weightlifting shoe.
• Someone looking for a shoe to squat in that isn’t too expensive.
• Someone is getting into weightlifting but is unsure if they will stick with it.

Who Might Not Buy These Shoes

• Weightlifters who prefer the feel of a heavier, more solid shoe.
• Those looking for a high-quality shoe that will last for years.

Do-Win is one of the oldest Weightlifting shoe brands that has evolved their styles. Old Do-Wins had wood heels, but their newer, lower-priced variant has a TPU plastic heel like Nike and Adidas.

They have a 0.75″ heel, which is standard in most Olympic weightlifting shoes, and provide adequate heel elevation. The outer layer is constructed of synthetic leather and nylon mesh and stretches around your foot.

The Do-Wins offer two-foot straps and a spacious toe box for a more secure fit. These have a similar fit to the Nike Romaleo 2s, which are the best shoes for wide feet.

You only have one design option, which is black. Make sure you size up 1/2 a size when purchasing them. Depending on the promotions, you can frequently buy these for less than $100, making them a fantastic budget Weightlifting shoe option.

Runner Up Best Olympic Weightlifting Shoes

Nike Romaleo 4

Feature	Value
Heel Height	0.75″
Weight Each Shoe	569 g (20.1 oz)
Heel Material	TPU Plastic
Shoe Material	Fabric
Foot Straps	Two
Color	Black, White, Gray
Sizing	True To size (same as other Nike Romaleos)

Who Are These Best For?

• Weightlifters looking for the most stable Weightlifting shoes on the market.
• Those looking for a TPU plastic heel, which is one of the most durable materials.
• Lifters seeking a standard heel height.
• Weightlifters hunting for their final pair of footwear because these are durable.

Who Might Not Buy These Shoes

• Those with extremely wide feet.
• Lifters looking for a vintage wooden heel.
• Weightlifters looking for a lighter shoe.

Since launching the original Nike Romaleo many years ago, Nike has been producing high-quality weightlifting shoes.

These are no exception, based on their prior three models. If you’ve worn prior Romaleo models, only the foot straps of the Romaleo 4 will feel different, with the second strap sitting slightly higher up the foot.

It’s an interesting alteration I don’t think was necessary from the Romaleo 2, but it’s an upgrade over the Romaleo 3s’ one-foot strap.

The bottom of the shoe is identical to the Romaleo 2 design but with some modern, “sharper” edges for a sleeker aesthetic. The greater stability can be felt because the shoe’s sole is a bit longer and wider in some areas than the shoe itself.

Regarding sizing, the shoes run true to size and fit similarly to prior Romaleo models. However, they are a little thinner in the toe box than the Romaleo 2, formerly regarded as the greatest shoe for wide feet.

You may need to go up a size or select a different model if you have particularly wide feet.

Best Olympic Weightlifting Shoes For Wide Feet

TYR L1 Lifter

Feature	Value
Heel Height	0.82”
Weight Each Shoe	600 g (21 oz)
Heel Material	TPU Plastic
Shoe Material	Synthetic Leather & Nylon Mesh
Foot Straps	Two
Color	Black, & Gold, Black, White, Floral
Sizing	True To Size

Who Are These Best For?

• Weightlifters with wide feet who want to be able to move their toes.
• Athletes with limited ankle mobility.

Who Might Not Buy These Shoes

• Lifters looking for a firmer heel of wood.
• Lifters looking for a tighter performance shoe.

TYR has made a name for itself in the lifting industry with their ultra-wide L1 Lifters. I’ve never worn a shoe with such a huge toe box. If you’re a heavyweight with wide feet, this shoe is for you. I often have problems with narrow toe boxes and love my Romaleo 2s.

But even the TYR L-1 Lifters are too wide for me, which is a testament to their dimensions. These aren’t performance Weightlifting shoes for me because there’s excessive space. The heel is made from TPU plastic, which is strong but not as rigid as wood.

They have a higher heel at 0.82″, which is ideal for smoothly transitioning into the bottom position. Because the shoe is so wide, they include two-foot straps for security. They fit true to size, so order your regular shoe size.

Best Olympic Weightlifting Shoes For Bad Knees

Inov8 Fastlift 360

Feature	Value
Heel Height	0.65”
Weight Each Shoe	400g / 14.1oz
Heel Material	TPU Plastic
Shoe Material	Synthetic and Mesh
Foot Straps	Two
Color	Purple, Black, Khaki, White
Sizing	True To Size

Who Are These Best For?

• Weightlifters with wide feet who cannot fit into a standard weightlifting shoe.
• Those who do not wish to go around with blocks on their feet.
• Lifters who seek a lower heel to ease knee pain.
• Those with solid mobility.

Who Might Not Buy These Shoes

• Weightlifters who prefer the feel of a heavier, more solid shoe.
• Those who have problems with mobility and require a higher heel.

These weightlifting shoes serve two functions. They have a wide construction and toe box perfect for people with wide feet.

Furthermore, they offer one of the lowest heel heights at 0.65″, which is quite beneficial for those with compromised knees.

Lower heel height indicates less knee flexion, which means less load on the quads and less forward knee movement.

I had been using and competing in the previous Inov8 Fastlift 370 BOA for two and a half years, and my shoes had taken a pounding from all of the training, traveling in my hand luggage, and competing. My shoes, including the two BOAs, are still in excellent shape.

Best Beginner Olympic Weightlifting Shoes

Reebok Lifter PR III

Feature	Value
Heel Height	0.70”
Weight Each Shoe	250 g/ 8.8oz
Heel Material	EVA Foam
Shoe Material	Synthetic and Mesh
Foot Straps	One
Color	Black, White
Sizing	True To Size

Who Are These Best For?

• Someone looking for a shoe to squat in that isn’t too expensive.
• Someone is getting into weightlifting but is unsure if they will remain with it.
• A lifter who wishes to complete the majority of a CrossFit class without changing shoes.

Who Might Not Buy These Shoes

• Weightlifters seeking the feel of a heavier, sturdy shoe.
• Those seeking high-quality footwear that will last for years.
• Lifters who prefer a tougher TPU or wood heel.

You won’t find premium weightlifting shoes in Reebok’s catalog. However, as a beginning, you are not interested in premium. You’re seeking a shoe that will do the job without breaking the bank, and the Reebok Lifter PR III is ideal for the role.

They cost slightly more than $100 and include the most crucial qualities of a weightlifting shoe. They feature a slightly lower heel height than standard Weightlifting shoes, at 0.70″; however, this elevation is sufficient to allow easier hitting depth.

This model has a lower heel height than Reebok’s previous one. They use an EVA foam heel, which is not as dense as a TPU or wood heel and will not perform as well. However, it is strong enough for a starting weightlifter.

It has a rubber outer layer on the sole for traction and a one-foot strap for a better fit. They are available in black or white and are an excellent place to begin as your first Weightlifting shoe.

Best Weightlifting Shoes For CrossFit

Nike Savaleos

Feature	Value
Heel Height	0.75”
Weight Each Shoe	218 g/ 7.7oz
Heel Material	TPU Plastic
Shoe Material	Synthetic and Mesh
Foot Straps	One
Color	Black, White
Sizing	True To Size

Who Are These Best For?

• CrossFitters who do a variety of exercises, such as Olympic lifts and WODs.
• Lifters seeking a lower heel to alleviate knee pain.

Who Might Not Buy These Shoes

• Lifters who like a TPU or wood heel.
• Weightlifters who just do snatch and clean and jerk will not be doing CrossFit.

Nike Savaleos are a flexible Weightlifting shoe that is also a fantastic CrossFit alternative.

It’s lightweight with a 0.6″ heel, making it ideal for easing into Weightlifting shoes, training Olympic lifts, and crushing barbell WODs. Keep in mind that If you have limited mobility in the bottom position, consider a shoe with at least a 0.75″ heel.

The Savaleos feature a roomy toe box and rubber soles. On the other hand, the heel and sole are significantly softer than in high-end Weightlifting shoes.

This slightly softer sole may be preferable for CrossFit, especially if your WOD incorporates box jumps or similar movements. These are one-foot strapped and run true to size.

Best Olympic Weightlifting Shoe For Narrow Feet

Adidas Adipower III

Feature	Value
Heel Height	0.86”
Weight Each Shoe	250 g/ 8.8oz
Heel Material	TPU Plastic
Shoe Material	Synthetic and Mesh
Foot Straps	One
Color	Black, White, Red
Sizing	True To Size

Who Are These Best For?

• Lifters with narrow feet in need of a fitting shoe.
• Weightlifters looking for superior quality shoes.

Who Might Not Buy These Shoes

• Lifters with large feet.
• Weightlifters on a tight budget may choose a less expensive choice.
• CrossFit practitioners in need of a hybrid shoe.

The Adidas Adipower III is a premium weightlifting shoe. They are built for performance with a 0.86″ heel height, a high-density TPU midsole, and heel that does not compress or shift, lateral support, and a rubber outsole for traction.

However, Adidas Adipowers are notoriously narrow. Look at how they compare to the Velaasa Strake’s, which aren’t known for being particularly wide.

My feet are big, and I can’t ever squeeze into Aidipowers, so this point is crucial to have in mind if your feet aren’t narrow. But if you do, you won’t find a better model than these.

What To Look For In The Best Olympic Weightlifting Shoe

Whether you’re in the market for a new pair of Olympic weightlifting shoes or have already worn out your old ones and are wondering if it’s typical for them to wear out after not so many uses (pro tip: it’s not, weightlifting shoes can last for years), this guide should be helpful deciding on your next pair of lifters.

Heel Height

This is one of the most significant qualities to look for when purchasing a weightlifting shoe. When it comes to lifting, some people prefer taller heels, while others prefer shorter heels. It generally boils down to personal preference or the shape of your body.

I prefer a standard or lower heel because I am shorter and have no ankle mobility issues. I know some weightlifters who have extended an extra 12 inches to their heel by nailing an additional piece to the bottom of the sole.

If in doubt, go with the conventional heel size of 0.75″. A lower heel height is an option if you have a history of knee difficulties or can easily sit in a perfect squat barefoot.

If you have trouble sitting in a barefoot squat or are a tall lifter, choose a higher heel height.

Heel Construction

While less significant than heel height, the material of the heel can influence your choice. Wooden heels have a high durometer rating, so they won’t deform and provide that nostalgic, old-school feel with superior “feedback” from the platform.

TPU plastic is the other key material used in most modern weightlifting shoes and has a longer lifespan than wood. It is lighter than wood or leather but offers excellent stability and durability. It is not, however, as solid or rigid as wood.

Because it is less rigid, EVA foam is utilized in low-cost weightlifting shoes and does not give the same amount of stability and force transfer. It absorbs shock instead and is more suited for CrossFit-style workouts.

If weightlifting performance is your goal, a wood or TPU heel is required. If you want a hybrid shoe, EVA foam is a good choice.

Toe Box Width

This is the second most important attribute to look for in an Olympic Weightlifting shoe. I, for example, have what some might call unnaturally wide feet.

I wear a size 10 Nike Romaleo 2 (the best shoe for wide feet) and can’t squeeze my foot inside a size 10 Adidas Adipowers.

Some shoes are simply not designed to accommodate bigger feet. Adidas is notorious for poorly fitting wide feet. So, if you have wider feet, you can rule those out. Nike is often the right brand for people with large feet, but their latest models are becoming narrower.

Shoes with a snug toe box, such as the Velaasa Strake, are intended to transfer as much force as possible from the floor to the bar.

Foot Straps

Foot straps are another factor to consider. These aren’t going to make or break your Weightlifting shoe purchase, but are worth thinking about. Personally, I don’t use my foot straps therefore it doesn’t matter how many or where they are put.

The majority of weightlifting shoes contain one or two straps. If you want greater security in your shoe, get a shoe with two straps.

To be honest, if you tie your laces tight enough, you won’t notice a difference between doing a workout with or without foot straps.

Price

Now, I’ve added pricing as a consideration while purchasing Weightlifting shoes, not because of financial concerns, but because the price of them usually indicates their quality.

Expect to invest roughly $200 for the top-quality Weightlifting shoe. Weightlifting shoes in the second class usually cost around $100. Half the price sounds appealing, but I guarantee you’ll have to replace them sooner than you would’ve liked to.

Shoes with rubber soles and heels are the worst, and buying those for weightlifting is a waste of money. Your shoes will last you for decades if you spend an extra $100. Whether you’re a beginner or not, it’s worth the price to have them for a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Weightlifting Shoe Questions

What Shoes Do Olympic Weightlifters Wear?

Olympic weightlifters wear weightlifting shoes with a higher heel. A good example is the Velaasa Strake, which I recommend as the best Olympic weightlifting shoe on the market.

On the other hand, weightlifters have their preferences and are frequently spotted wearing Nike Romaleos, Adidas Adipowers or Adistars, Velaasa Strakes, and even Anta’s from the Chinese Olympic team.

Should I Wear Olympic Weightlifting Shoes?

Wearing specific weightlifting shoes is essential if you intend to participate in Olympic weightlifting competitions or engage in intense weightlifting training.

If you do weightlifting exercises for general sports performance, dedicated shoes are not necessary but can still be beneficial.

Can You Deadlift In Olympic Weightlifting Shoes?

It is possible to deadlift in Olympic weightlifting shoes, although it is not recommended. The elevated heel increases the distance required to draw the bar and decreases hamstring involvement. When deadlifting, you must be able to recruit the posterior chain as much as possible.

Why Do Weightlifting Shoes Have A Raised Heel?

The elevated heel allows you to take a more upright position at the bottom of the snatch and clean & jerk. This is critical for success in these lifts.

When to Use Weightlifting Shoes

Weightlifting shoes aid in Olympic lifts such as snatch and clean and jerk. The shoes aid in the bottom position in these lifts. The other exercises that benefit from special shoes are squats.

So, any time you train any of the three, you should wear weightlifting shoes. Then weightlifting shoes are mandatory in competition if you want the best results.

How Long Do Olympic Weightlifting Shoes Last?

Your shoes may last from a couple of years to a decade, depending on what you buy. Shoes with TPU heels generally last the longest, followed by wooden ones, and the least durable are shoes with foam heels.

Summary

Premium weightlifting shoes are expensive but are worth it because they will last for many years. The Velaasa Strakes are my favorite, and I consider them top-tier because of their high-quality manufacturing and classic wooden heel.

TPU plastic shoes are also excellent, but nothing rivals the feel of wood on wood. Even though I’ve offered beginners and budget Weightlifting shoes in this article, I recommend opting for a premium shoe that will last.

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