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Buying the wrong weightlifting shoes can be disastrous for training and one's wallet. They're a significant investment, so the best weightlifting shoes are important for training - whether you're an elite weightlifter or beginner powerlifter.
Weightlifting shoes have several benefits over average sports shoes, including greater stability, better position for mobility, and better "feel" for the surface you're lifting on (enhanced body awareness).
Weightlifting shoes aren't necessary if users primarily lift with machines, as the machines themselves provide stability. Weightlifting shoes, when used correctly, can help with mobility and form while performing strength training movements like squats, presses, cleans, and snatches.
Benefits of Wearing the Right Weightlifting Shoes
Here're a few benefits:
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#1 Hypertrophy increases
The enlargement of an organ or muscle tissue caused by an increase in cell size is known as hypertrophy. It essentially means the muscle will appear larger. Weightlifting shoes allow users to lift heavier loads safely, resulting in increased hypertrophy.
#2 Squats with greater depth
The shoe's elevated heel may appear odd, but it serves an important purpose. The heel — anywhere from half an inch to an inch or more — allows users to better utilize every aspect of their muscle strength.
#3 Pattern of Movement
Just as there's a pattern of movement that occurs in the body when preparing to throw a football or swing a bat, there's a pattern of movement that occurs when performing various techniques within a weightlifting regimen. When lifting, a great deal of force is exerted on the body, all of which is supported by the feet.
Best Weightlifting Shoes
Here're five such shoes:
(Please note: Sportskeeda does not get paid for these reviews. All opinions expressed are those of the author.)
1) Reebok Legacy Lifter II
The anatomical shape of the Reebok Legacy Lifter II naturally natural curves the foot for extra support. That also aids in achieving maximum power output, as energy transfer is more effective.
The collar is raised around the ankle for additional stability. The Achilles pad is ETC covered to reduce friction and abrasions, particularly when wearing low-cut socks.
The lockdown strap is wider than in previous versions, providing more stability and drawing the shoe closer to your foot, creating a more contoured feel. The raised heel is also taller than most other shoes, measuring 22 mm or 0.86 inches.
2) Nike Romaleos 4
Nike has long been known for producing the best squatting shoes. These shoes have numerous features that enhance comfort, performance, and stability. The Romaleos, the fourth iteration of Nike's iconic weightlifting shoes, is a pure weightlifting shoe of the highest quality everyone has come to expect from Nike.
These shoes have a 20 mm (0.78 inch) heel to aid in placement, in addition to dual lockdown straps. To provide the most support all around the foot, the forefoot strap wraps all the way through and beneath the shoe, through the sole. The Romaleos 4 have such a wide, flat outsole for stability. The stiff midsole is designed to improve power transfer during concussive lifting.
3) Adipower III by Adidas
Adidas' new Adipower III is a long-awaited update to the company's hottest lifting shoes. Although visually similar to the previous iteration, Adidas discovered a way to enhance on an already excellent shoe. The 20.1 mm (0.79 inch) heel height on these shoes aids in positioning during squats, cleans, and snatches.
The average heel-to-toe drop is about three-quarters of an inch, so these heels are slightly higher than average. These shoes are unique in that they're unisex, but the sizing is provided in men's sizes. Unfortunately, people with large or small feet may be out of luck, as these are only available in sizes six through thirteen.
4) Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes
The Do-Win Lifting shoes have a 0.75-inch hard plastic heel, which is standard for weightlifting shoes.
The shoe's leather top is offset by an absorbent fabric and single-sole construction, which contributes to the shoe's durability and flexibility. Dual tibial straps allow the user to adjust the tightening and versatility of the shoes.
5) Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
This very affordable option comes with a simple rubber sole with less arch support and is ideal for deadlifts where they provide flat support and transfer your energy through the foot.
They're also one of the best squatting shoes on the market. Furthermore, the minimalist canvas design provides a lightweight and secure fit which won't move and keeps users from tripping.
These shoes are available in a variety of colors and patterns, as well as unisex, men's, and women's lines.
Takeaway
The greatest lifting shoes are the Reebok Legacy Lifter: they provide the best balance of quality and price, allowing more people to participate in lifts - or simply heavy squats - with the best equipment. Users can now get so many outcomes for less money.
Alternatives such as the Adidas Adipower weightlifting shoes and the Nike Romaleos can be utilized for super-premium training, but they don't provide much more than Legacy lifters.
Keep your training requirements and style in thought, and always consider what you're getting for your money.
