Best weightlifting shoes of 2025

Since weightlifting shoes are a unique type of shoe, we got feedback from experts on what qualities we should look for when shopping for these shoes.

Correct size: Weightlifting shoes tend to be sized to fit your exact foot measurements. “This is because you don’t want to move inside the shoe at all when squatting or lifting Olympic weights, as the shoe has to move solidly with you during the lift,” explains Matt Scarfo, a National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified personal trainer.

In addition, you need to make sure that the shoe is stable and supportive. “They shouldn’t be too comfortable for walking around, because the platform of the shoe needs to be solid so you can put all your force through the shoe onto the ground,” says Scarfo.

Phong TranIf you have wide feet, it’s perfectly acceptable to go up half a size so the shoe sits more comfortably, adds the American College of Sports Medicine-certified exercise physiologist. “Also keep in mind that weightlifting shoes don’t help with flat feet very much, because they don’t provide cushion for the sole of the foot,” Tran explains, adding: “It’s up to you to do exercises to improve the strength of your arch and calf muscles.”

“Don’t shop by brand, shop by size, because you need to try shoes from a variety of brands to see which ones fit you,” says Tran. “It doesn’t matter how cool a shoe looks or how many high-tech features it has, because if it’s not comfortable, your workouts will become a struggle,” she points out. Keep in mind when shopping for weightlifting shoes that comfort and stability are key.

High heel shoes: One of the styles of weightlifting shoes you’ll find features a high heel. These shoes usually have laces and Velcro on the top to keep your feet more secure. These shoes are best if you are doing Olympic lifting exercises that involve deadlifts or snatches. It’s also useful if you’re doing exercises like squats and trying to get deeper into the squat position.

“High-heeled weightlifting shoes help those with limited ankle mobility by raising the heel and reducing the angle between the leg and the top of the foot, which improves squat depth,” explains Scarfo. He says you should only use these shoes for squats and Olympic lifting because they provide a stable base for landing in the squat position and engaging the hamstrings to get out of it.

That’s all they’re good for. “You definitely don’t want to use high-heeled weightlifting shoes for your deadlift, because these shoes can shift your center of gravity forward, making you use too much of your back in the deadlift, and increasing your risk of injury.”

Flat sole shoes: There are also weightlifting shoes that fall into the category of flat or minimalist sole shoes. These shoes are solid, flat, and have a non-sag sole, which means there is no difference in height between heel and toe. “Look for good ankle support, excellent grip and a flexible sole if you choose a minimalist training shoe,” says Tran. The flexible sole will help improve performance in everything from plyometrics to heavy lifting.

This style tends to be more versatile because, unlike a heeled weightlifting shoe, it can be used for all lifts and even cardio. “However, these exercises won’t help you do a squat without doing some stretching,” Scarfo says. This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get proper ankle flexion for a heelless squat.

Scarfo suggests foam rolling, calf stretches, and doing plenty of ankle extensions to prepare the Achilles tendon before lifting sessions. This should also include a long warm-up, so your body is prepared to stabilize your ankles during these exercises.