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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
Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes

VS Athletics Weightlifting Shoes II
Rebook Lifter PR II
Rebook Men’s Lifter PR
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.