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When it comes to what items are important in a lifting session, we often hear things like gloves, headphones, belts, or wraps. Although some of these items are good to have in the gym bag with you, lifters often underestimate or forget about lifting shoes.
Lifting shoes are great, as they provide better stability than running shoes, and also because they increase mobility in your ankles and hips. This will allow you to move the weight more efficiently and feel sturdier while performing a lift.
If you decide to get a pair of lifting shoes, you are probably a big fan of Olympic lifts and squats. For the first option, increased stability and mobility are the main reasons to switch from running shoes to lifting shoes.
For movements like the snatch, the type of shoes you wear can have a big impact on your performance. You don’t want to do this kind of exercise wearing something with a soft sole, because it will feel like you are lifting weights while sitting on a pile of marshmallows.
On the other hand, lifting shoes come with an elevated hill and a hard, non-compressible sole, which allows the transfer of a greater force to the ground. This design allows you to be more efficient due to a more upright position.
How To Pick A Good Pair Of Lifting Shoes
Now that we know what lifting shoes are used for, let’s see how we can choose a good pair.
Heel Height – The elevation of the heel can vary quite a lot. Most pairs on the market have a heel height of 0.6 to 1 inch, but the choice depends on your preferences. Shoes with a higher heel are usually more efficient for squats, but a medium or lower heel will make the shoes more versatile.
Materials – Like any other pair of shoes, you do not want to buy a cheap product with a poor design and zero breathability. In this regard, the material is very important, but you can also look for air holes on the back or near the laces.
Stiff & Non-compressible Sole – The whole science of lifting shoes is based on this feature, so it’s really important.
Mid-foot Strap – Most pairs have one or more straps that tighten over the laces, adding a second layer of hold.
Best Lifting Shoes On A Tight Budget
So far, you should be able to choose a good pair of shoes yourself. But there is another problem, these items are usually quite expensive. To help you in this regard, we have compiled a list of 5 items that have all the qualities of a good pair of shoes but are quite affordable.
Here is the list of the best lifting shoes on a tight budget.
Adidas Powerlift 4
Compared to the previous model from Adidas, the Powerlift 4 model comes with a full canvas material, which ensures good breathability, although you won’t find air holes.
The new material makes the shoes very durable, a quality that their predecessors also had. The sole is about the same size as the 3.1 model, but the quality does not disappoint.
They come with a slip-resistant rubber outsole, which ensures good stability and can make a difference while lifting. The narrower fit can be problematic for those with wider feet, but if that’s not your case, buying them true to size is the best option. The $100 price is totally fair for what you’ll get, and you can not really go wrong with this Adidas shoe. On top of that, they really stand out from other shoes with the combination of green and black. Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes
Compared to the Adidas Powerlift 4, this model comes with a wider profile. The shoes feature a 0.75’’ hard plastic heel, which is the most common size and can be considered an average size. The upper is made of synthetic leather and nylon mesh, which allows good flexibility and breathability, but this combination of materials will make the shoes quite durable. On top of that, the single sole construction ensures good durability for the bottom.
Given the $ 105 price tag and quality materials, this is probably one of the best options for athletes with wider feet. For the most effective fit, it’s recommended that you select this pair ½ size smaller than your running shoes. VS Athletics Weightlifting Shoes II
The second model by VS Athletics is an improved version of the first one that had some complaints about the design, although, in general, the shoes were appreciated for their functionality.
The pair have a fabric and leather upper construction, and a hard rubber material on the bottom. Air holes are placed on the toebox, but they are the main problem with these shoes because they seem quite small. They also have two additional straps that tighten over the laces for extra support and come with a free VS shoe bag.
Overall, this is another great option on a tight budget, especially if you want something focused on functionality. Unfortunately, they only come in one color. Rebook Lifter PR II
A great choice for beginners, the PR II model by Rebook comes with a breathable textile upper and a new EVA foam midsole. The flexible toebox makes them a great choice for those who want a comfortable upper material, but the high heel can help you improve your squat and feel more stable. These Rebook shoes also have a dual hook-and-loop closure, as well as a durable outer sole.
Available in 6 colors, these shoes are great if you decide to take lifting more seriously, as they are quite versatile and flexible, but offer good stability and allow you to be more efficient and have a more upright position while lifting. They are also quite affordable as you can get a pair for about $100. Rebook Men’s Lifter PR
Another great Rebook shoe, the original PR model is quite different from the second one, because the toebox is made of full-grain leather, while in the back we can find synthetic leather.
Once again, this pair is on the narrower side, most likely due to the toebox design, but also due to the leather, which is stiffer than synthetics materials. The height of the heel is debatable, but after some research, it seems that we are talking about a heel of 0.6 ”.
Aesthetically, they look really good and have a premium feel, although they are considered “entry-level shoes”. How To Pick The Right Size
First of all, there should be no more than ⅛’’ of space between your toes and the end of the shoe. To make sure that they don’t cause any discomfort, try taking a few steps and even doing some bodyweight squats. Keep in mind that, depending on the material, they will stretch on their own over time. When trying them on, don’t forget the mid-foot straps, as they will make the shoes tighter.
On the other hand, be sure that there is not enough space for your feet to slide around, as this is not optimal while lifting.
Final Thoughts
Lifting shoes are often overlooked, although they are a great investment if you want to take your lifting experience to the next level. However, their price can be quite high, but this doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to find quality shoes on a tight budget.
