When you hit a plateau and you’re looking for something to give you that edge to take you to the next level with your dead lifting, it’s time to check your shoes. Beginners taking their sport seriously shouldn’t overlook the importance of good equipment. The right shoes will improve your posture, your technique, and your form by supporting your stability, traction, and efficiency of your movement. They can also protect you in all the right places to prevent injuries – specifically your feet, ankles, knees, and even your back will thank you. All that adds up to gains and steady improvement.
The right dead lifting shoes may sound like a simple choice, but the sheer magnitude of options makes a review like this necessary and right on point. Why so many options for a single sport? Because. So many athletes have their own style, demands, and not to mention, weirdly shaped feet, that a one-size-fits-all solution is a pipe dream. Which doesn’t have to be a drag. Think about where you’re going with your training and what you’ve learned about yourself so far to consider the features we’re about to go over in detail. By the end of this guide you will know everything you need to so the right shoes will jump out at you.
What do we mean by the right shoes? Stability, traction, and efficient movement. Barefoot lifting can only take you so far when you consider the impact these key factors have on your lifting performance. This is even more so when you add progressively more weight.
Top Deadlift Shoes Comparison Chart
Image | Product | Shoe Type | Price | Where to Buy? |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Sabo Deadlift Shoes | Deadlift | $$$ | Check Price On Amazon | |
2. Adidas Performance Crazy Power Lifting Cross Trainer Shoes | Powerlifting | $$$$ | Check Price On Amazon | |
3. Adidas Powerlift 3.1 Cross Trainer | Powerlifting | $$$ | Check Price On Amazon | |
4. Otomix Stingray Escape Weightlifting Shoe | Weightlifting | $$$$ | Check Price On Amazon | |
5. Adidas Performance Powerlift 2.0 Cross Trainers | Powerlifting | $$$ | Check Price On Amazon | |
6. Asics JB Elite V2.0 Wrestling Shoe | Wrestling | $$$ | Check Price On Amazon | |
7. Reebok Lifter PR Cross Trainer Shoe | Crossfit | $ | Check Price On Amazon | |
8. Asics Lift Master Lite Cross Trainer Shoe | Crossfit | $$$$ | Check Price On Amazon | |
9. Nordic Lifting Powerlifting Squat Shoes | Powerlifting | $$$ | Check Price On Amazon |
Stability means being solidly rooted to the ground – practically glued there. Not budging. Slipping on the floor or inside your shoes means injury under heavy weight. But more than that, even weight distribution across your muscles will take you miles further toward growing instead of hurting yourself under the crushing weight you’re trying to lift.
Traction is necessary to but slightly different than stability in that you can have stability in even weight distribution across your muscles under weight – but are your feet gripping the floor? Spreading the floor all the way down to your toes is how you do it barefoot. But a rubber sole with ridged grips might take you a little further that the soles of your feet can on their own.
Efficient movement varies between different varieties of weight lifting exercises. It has a lot to do with the range of motion you have to work with while maintaining proper posture in your stance. It also has to do with being able to direct your force from a solid foundation instead of bouncing off a cushion like a soft gym mat or padded shoe. And, how are you using the power you have? Is it making you or breaking you? To this effect, you have a shoe for just about every specific motion you can think of. In lifting, this translates to a raised heel for Olympic lifts and squats versus a flat heel for dead lifting. The way you have to use your muscles is different for these lifts so the shoe has a different job to do. You’ll see more about that as we push forward into the reviews.
This buyer’s guide and the reviews are based on the top customer rated shoes for dead lifters on Amazon. These are not just opinion – these are feedback from people using them. We also considered the different approach each brand took to filling their customers’ needs as well as who their primary customers are. I mean, who would ever think to use a wrestling shoe for dead lifting? There’s a good reason for it. So, without further ado, here are the best deadlifting shoes of 2019.
Shoe for Deadlifting Buying Guide
There are many different kinds of exercises in weight lifting that require specific stances, postures, and ranges of motion. This buyer’s guide will focus on dead lifting. Although athletes all have their preferences there are a few things in common you should know when shopping for the best deadlifting shoes for you. But before we begin, if you are a beginner first considering deadlifting shoes and feeling like that might be a waste (many lifters prefer to deadlift barefoot) don’t write this off. The right equipment will help you with your posture, stability, and the biomechanics of your motion that will ultimately help you pass your plateaus and make gains. Not to mention, the right shoes can help you avoid injuring your feet, ankles, knees, and lower back. Now that we’ve covered that, let’s go over a few of the fundamental features to look for in choosing the right dead lifting shoes for you.
Do You Even Need Shoes to Deadlift? Barefoot Lifting
Deadlifting requires a strong foundation to stand on and solid footing. It is common for experienced powerlifters to do their workouts barefoot because it allows the toes to spread for natural balance and there is no drop between their heel and the floor. But this is frowned upon at many gyms because of the risk of injury to the foot moving heavy weights and it’s also not the cleanest way to go for your feet. You might also hit a plateau this way because of structural limitations on your joints as you add more weight. The best way to create a solid foundation is with a thin, hard, incompressible sole with practically no distance between your foot and the gym floor. Secure footing means traction on the floor which starts with a good shoe for mat sports with straps to prevent your foot slipping inside the shoe. The rest is practically up to you.
Can You Deadlift in Wrestling Shoes?
That said, different lifters prefer shoes that meet their needs for dead lifting in different ways. Wrestling shoes, for example, are flat and have excellent traction – but you won’t find support for the ankle which could limit you as you add more weight. General weightlifting shoes have ankle protection and a stable, platformed heel to support exercises like squats and Olympic lifts which may suit you better but you will lose that flat-footed natural balance from barefoot lifting.
Some people don’t mind the heel because dead lifting isn’t all they do, but if you want something truly specialized, you will probably want to keep looking. We also reviewed a few cross training shoes but all are specifically geared toward the needs of a weight lifter and wouldn’t be recommended for any crossfit or other exercises because they just don’t have the flexibility, the padding, or the durability to handle other workouts. If you want a specialized dead lifting shoe that can help you with Sumo style lifts, scroll to the last review to check out Sabo Deadlifting Shoes.
Key Features of Great Shoes for Sumo and Conventional Deadlifting
LIfting Shoe Sole & Heel Type
The best soles for dead lifting are practically non-existent. That is, hard and flat. An incompressible sole becomes more important once you start lifting over 400 lbs as you don’t want to push against a cushion and lose force. Another concern here is durability because you don’t want the sole of the shoe slipping out from under you or separating from the rest of the shoe under weight.
Toebox
Can you imagine lifting 350 lbs in ballerina shoes with your toes pointed? Yeah. The toebox is the forefront to the tip of the shoe. The ideal shoe will fit your foot snugly up to that point. You want a wide toebox so your toes spread and keep you rooted to the ground.
Raised or Flat Heel
There may be some debate here. Squats and Olympic lifters benefit from having a raised heel that supports the depth of their squat and their speed out of the hole back to standing. But not dead lifters. So if you want a shoe that will help you do multiple kinds of lifts you may have to compromise on both with a smaller heel that gives your shoe more versatility. That said, all heels should be unpadded and fit your foot well with metatarsal straps to prevent slipping and injuries from that.
Shoe Upper
The upper fabric of the shoe. Some are more breathable and light than others. They are generally durable and not a major concern unless you know you need your shoes to breathe.
Metatarsal Velcro Straps
This is the strap that pulls over your mid-foot to secure the shoe to your foot. Some shoes have multiple straps for a tighter fit. And others are angled to pull your foot into a cup at the heel. These are a common breakage point on dead lifting shoes to watch for. Be aware if the brand you choose comes with a warranty.
Those are the core features to look out for. Some of these shoes stand out with unique features (like heated soles that mold to the shape of your foot, cupped heels and angled metatarsal straps) that still benefit stability, traction, and efficient movement.
A quick word on efficient movement. This will vary hugely between wrestling shoes, weight lifting shoes, and cross training shoes. Wrestling shoes are made for agile movements whereas many (but not all) weight lifting shoes feel like bricks on your feet that staple you to the floor, by comparison. Some weight lifting shoes have a grooved forefoot to support lifts where you need to press on your toes and are easier to walk around for longer workouts in the gym. You’ll find cross training shoes somewhere in the middle between these. Consider the variety of exercises you need these shoes to support as you read through these reviews to make your final decision. Ready? Here we go. Scroll down to read reviews on the very best deadlifting shoes of 2018.
Best Deadlift Shoe Reviews
Otomix Stingray Escape Weightlifting Shoe
Otomix is a big name in competitive wrestling and mixed martial arts and their shoe reflects their experience. These shoes have excellent traction, unlimited range of motion, and they’re light as a feather. With plenty of support in the ankle, you’ll have a hard time finding a single shoe better for weightlifting, MMA, and grappling for competition. Running shoes don’t even compare. It has a thin sole that grips the ground and gives you good balance as well as the ability to easily pivot. However, these shoes are definitely more oriented toward weight lifting than mixed martial arts. The insole shifts toward the big toe which lends stability for lifters that would help improve your form and lifting capacity – which, also upsets balance for martial artists who need to move freely. Otomix Stingray Escape shoes are perfect for heavy weight, low rep routines. And they may turn out to be the most comfortable shoes you own. Extremely light, super stable, and they feel like slippers. If you enjoy the stability of lifting barefoot, but it’s frowned upon at your gym or you’re tired of how unsanitary that can be, these may be just what you need. These run half a size too small, so you might find you need to order a half size up to get the perfect fit. They’re good quality and good looking weight lifting shoes that can do so much more than that – boxing, riding a bike, martial arts, mat sports, and general gym use. The Stingray Escape is another winner from Otomix!
Pros
- Versatile shoes specialized for weight lifting
- Excellent traction for mat sports
- Unlimited range of motion with ankle support
Cons
- Soles not durable when used for agile, strenuous movements
- If you order online and they don’t fit you have to pay return shipping yourself
- Weak point for breaking in the laces and eyelets
Asics JB Elite V2.0 Wrestling Shoe
Asics’ JB Elite V2.0 gets it’s name from two-time world and Olympic wrestling champion Jordan Burroughs because they are designed to his specifications. Asics improved on the original version with its new rubber-compound, split-sole design and forefoot “serradial” traction pods that are specific to wrestling for excellent flexibility and grip on the mat. The upper construction of the shoe features a fresh design of a single mesh layer for breathability, comfort, and fit. The tongue of the shoe is a thinner version of Asics integrated Lace Garage technology which conforms to tournament regulations for competition. These shoes are tough as nails and built to go the distance. They fit the foot snugly, exact to size almost like a sock, which may or may not be comfortable depending on the shape of your foot. They don’t break in easily so you may want to order a half size larger to be sure they fit. Although they are made for wrestlers, they make the perfect deadlift shoe. Given a choice in competition between a deadlift slipper with no support to be found and terrible traction, and a top of the line deadlifting shoe like Sabo or even Chucks, these are a less expensive alternative that work perfectly well. They are as flat to the ground as a shoe can get, extremely stable, with perfect traction. Customers highly recommend this shoe for competing powerlifters needing a good shoe for deadlifts specifically.
Pros
- Excellent traction and stability for deadlifting
- Designed for breathability, comfort, and fit
- Less expensive alternative for competition deadlifting
Cons
- Don’t break in so you may need to order a half-size larger
- Designed for wrestling rather than weight lifting
- Not designed to include ankle support for weight lifting
Adidas Powerlift 3.1 Cross Trainer
Adidas Powerlift 3.1s are made to snatch, jerk, and deadlift with you in your everyday weight training needs. It features a design that is extra-wide so your toes can spread for stability and natural balance. Powerlift 3.1 Cross Trainers are constructed with a lightweight, durable upper fabric that are paired with a wide strap that locks down the fit in the mid-foot. The in-sole is a high-density wedge in the midsole of the shoe that keeps you stable for better posture and, as a result, higher weight capacity. This is a quality shoe for amateur and competitive weight lifters. If you’ve been lifting seriously for a few years but never got around to buying power lifting shoes, you may find you reach a point where your form breaks down under heavier weight because of strain in your posture – ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. A lifting session with these shoes will help you come out of the hole faster, leave your ankles smiling, and your technique will be cleaner thanks to your extra mobility from the raised heel of this shoe. Ok, sometimes the velcro strap gets in the way of the laces and the laces rip from having to yank them out again. That’s aesthetic. Fundamentally, these shoes will help you become a better athlete. They create a stable foot base for weight lifting, especially heavy weights like you find in deadlifting. But they are still as comfortable as normal Adidas shoes minus the slipping you get inside the shoe when you try lifting in running shoes. These shoes shine with focus on proper movement and muscle targeting, strictly for weight lifting.
Pros
- Extra-wide toebox allows your foot to spread for better stability
- Lightweight, durable, no slipping inside the shoe
- Improves your posture to increase your lifting capacity for heavy lifts
Cons
- Laces catch on the velcro strap and tear
- Sizing runs small
- Don’t stretch for breaking in
Nordic Lifting Powerlifting Squat Shoes
These are shoes are designed for maximum lifting performance by Nordic Lifting, a premium weightlifting brand. They provide stability for Olympic lifts, focusing on good foot support for a powerful workout and ultimately, greater gains. These shoes are built to last you a long time because they are durable under heavy stress. They have the added bonus of being backed by warranty for 1 year – Nordic Lifting has excellent customer service and will send you replacement shoes for free whether for damage from use or size adjustments. Nordic Lifting Powerlifting Squat Shoes will improve your lifting posture, and consequently, your technique and form as well. These are perfect for use with heavy weights. Crafted with care using only premium quality materials and reinforced stitching, they feature sturdy velcro straps and a 3.5 cm raised heel for foot stability and support at the Olympic level. Powerlifters, weightlifters, bodybuilders, and all athletes training with heavy weights on a regular basis will benefit from these shoes. Professional athletes can max out their gains with quality equipment from a company that knows it’s stuff. These shoes are perfect for squats, deadlifts, Olympic clean and snatch, and leg presses in particular. You may find them too stiff for exercises like calf raises. They provide stability with a smooth, rigid anti-slip sole with a snug fit that prevents your feet from slipping inside the shoe. This is a squat shoe which means it includes a raised heel that holds your stance more upright. The result is better accuracy in how you direct your force during a lift and removing the strain from your lower extremities for fewer injuries, especially around the knees and ankles.
Pros
- Great platform to lift from and very stable
- High heel to help with upright posture
- Exemplary customer service with 1 year warranty
Cons
- Straps are a weak point for breaking
- 3.5 cm heel may be too high for certain lifts
- The insole may slide in the shoe occasionally
Adidas Performance Powerlift 2.0 Cross Trainers
This shoe is engineered for weightlifting as you can see from the high-density, midsole wedge. It lends lightweight stability to this wide-sized, comfortable, heeled powerlifting cross trainer. Adidas Performance Powerlift features a single instep strap that locks the foot down for stability in the heel on a flat-profiled out-sole. When you’re pushing for a more powerful lift, nothing is more important than your foundation. The wide base is solid with a high-density sole to support and stabilize you for the rigors of competitive lifting. At the same time it will keep your feet cool thanks to the lightweight mesh, while the power strap over the lace anchors your foot to the sole for added stability. These shoes are ideal for squats and bench. You might find the heel too thick for your liking for deadlifting as it may put your form out of position somewhat. These shoes run true to size. They have a .6 inch heel as opposed to the commonly used .75 inch heel for powerlifting shoes – if you are tall and flexible you might prefer the smaller heel for less of an angle on your knees. These shoes are light and nimble, yet stable, as compared to the brickish feeling of competing Nike Romaleos. And they have excellent traction. One important thing to note is that heels on these shoes are slightly compressible which should not be an issue if you are squatting under 450 to 500 lbs. Overall, these are great entry-level lifting shoes for advanced novices. When it’s time to choose a shoe that takes you to the next level, this is a great first pair to invest in.
Pros
- Solid, cushionless heel
- Slight heel lift
- Comfortable to wear for long training sessions
Cons
- .6 inch heel may feel too high for strictly deadlifting
- Slightly compressible heel will lose force over 450 lbs
- Sole is a structural weakness which tends to separate
Adidas Performance Crazy Power Lifting Cross Trainer Shoes
A strong lift starts with a stable, supportive foundation for your feet. These shoes are cross trainers that are only useful for lifting because of their stable, supportive sole with no padding and a sock-like lining with a snug fit for your foot. You may prefer to order a half size larger depending on the size and shape of your foot. The wide, metatarsal strap for your forefoot is angled to secure your foot inside the shoe to minimize slipping by pulling the foot backward so your heel fits and holds better in the heel cup. Yes, anatomical heel cup not just another flat platform. These shoes are different because they incorporate grooves in the forefoot that help you naturally flex your toes. The result is they are comfortable to walk in around the gym and for longer workouts. The front is flexible, but the heel is not. The heel is very solid and incompressible. The heel height is .68 inches which is acceptable but not necessarily ideal for all but very specialized lifts. Adidas Performance Crazy Power are made for squats, cleans, snatches, over-head presses, bench presses, and deadlifts – that is, assuming you prefer a shoe with a lifted heel for those last three exercises. Even though the release of this shoe was overshadowed by Adidas Leistung II and Nike Romaleo 3, this shoe is a different breed altogether. They are better functionally than many premium fitness lifters available. No where is this more clear than in heel stability. Even though Adidas calls this a cross trainer it might be more accurate to consider this a hybrid powerlifting shoe because of the unusual, but effective, construction. There is no tongue but it uses a sock that holds the foot better than your typical athletic shoe, which may be tricky to get your foot into before you break it in.
Pros
- Anatomical heel cup for stability
- Angled metatarsal strap secures the foot against the heel
- Grooved forefoot allows flexibility and comfort for longer workouts
Cons
- Difficult to put on with tongueless construction
- Too flexible for heavy weightlifting and squats
- Run narrow and aren’t comfortable for wide feet
Reebok Lifter PR Cross Trainer Shoe
The Reebok Lifter PR Cross Trainer has a few unique features that make them worth considering for your deadlift workouts. In addition to its stable platform, it has a heat-activated foot wrap that molds to the shape of your foot for a customized fit that can only improve your balance and comfort. No need to break it in. It also has two strap closures rather than just one with heel clips that hold your foot in place inside the shoe to prevent slipping. Even though they are called cross training shoes, these are not ideal for a variety of crossfit exercises. They will help you plant your feet for squats and Olympic lifts but do not provide the padding, flexibility, or versatility that you generally find with a crossfit shoe. These run slightly large so you might be more comfortable wearing one half size smaller. They are long and have good space in the toebox to allow your toes to spread for natural balance while fitting tightly along the sides of your foot. If you’ve never used a lifting shoe before, athletes commonly find the stability and raised heel allow them to add more weight to their squats and squat deeper, more comfortably than without. They are great shoes for beginners just getting into deadlifting as well as clean and press. The wide base on the Reebok Lifter add a great deal of stability and the bottom holds the floor with great traction. It will feel easier to keep your form and you will see gains in your first weeks using them. If you are a novice lifter that’s ready to get more serious about your sport, you will see a positive difference with Reebok’s Lifter PR. The right shoes are a must for anyone spending time in the gym.
Pros
- Great first lifting shoes for beginners getting into deadlifts
- Heat-activated foot wrap custom fits your foot
- Fits wide feet comfortably
Cons
- Not actually a crossfit shoe
- Stiff and uncomfortable to longer workouts and walking
- Runs slightly larger than expected and you may need to order a half size down
Asics Lift Master Lite Cross Trainer Shoe
The Lift Master Lite defines the power lifting category for the Asics brand. They are built for body alignment and efficient biomechanics. It is built with a wide, midsole base platform and TPU heel that ultimately leads to fantastic stability. They’ve integrated a smoother and flatter forefoot piece for ease of movement that aligns the body for more effective movement with heavy weight lifts. The upper is a synthetic overlay that’s durable because of its no-sew construction that features a breathable mesh vamp for an overall lightweight feel. The mid-foot strap secures and stabilizes the foot inside the shoe for the full gamut of Olympic-style lifts. They may be called cross trainers, but you’ll want to bring another pair of shoes for walking, running, and any other exercise that isn’t weight lifting. They are so stable you will feel like you’re glued to the floor. They give you rock solid landings in snatch and cleans and a secure feeling under heavy squats. Asics Lift Master Lites are excellent for squats and Olympic lifts but maybe not ideal for deadlifts. They run true to size and fit comfortably for a normal to wide foot. The toe is quite long. It has a very high heel lift at 1.25” which may help you hit your depth easier in squats but may be too high to comfortably deadlift, especially if you’re tall. If you have poor ankle mobility the extra raise in the heel will go miles in helping you maintain proper form. This is a super solid shoe made to take the brunt of heavy lifting so your joints don’t have to – you’ll be hard pressed to find a more stable shoe.
Pros
- So stable you’ll feel glued to the floor and rock solid
- Perfect for Olympic lifts and heavy squats
- 1.25” heel lift for structural support for your posture under heavy weight
Cons
- High heel may create an uncomfortable angle if you’re tall
- High heel may not necessarily the best option for deadlifting
- May be too narrow for very wide feet
Sabo Deadlift Shoes
Sabo has been making athletic shoes specialized for athletes for over a decade. Their designs are unique, innovative, and their shoes are some of the most durable available on the market. The new anatomical design on these Sabos was created especially for deadlifting. The soles are ultra-flat at 2mm to 5mm and are made of hard high-density material with a special non-marking design for traction. It features two lateral straps for a precise, individualized fit for tightness in the foot, ankle, and heel. The upper is high-cut for ankle support. And side support on the out-sole lets your feet spread on the floor while preventing your foot from rolling over, solving the problem of slippers. These shoes are fantastic for Sumo and standard deadlifts. The reinforced sides feel strong when spreading the floor. You can perform squats as well but there are better dedicated options that feature a raised heel. Deadlifters like lifting barefoot but that’s not always all right in the gym and it’s dangerous around the weights. Now you don’t have to. Heavy deadlifters wear Sabo. They’ll help you push beyond your plateau. The traction is excellent as well as the ankle support. The straps are snug and tight. These are not meant for cross fit – they are a dead lifters shoe and they do it well.
Pros
- Great traction on the ground
- Flat, hard soles for connection to the ground
- Excellent ankle support and fit with straps
Cons
- No heel support for other kinds of lifts like squats and Olympic
- Tight fit may be uncomfortable around the ankle
- Russian sizing may be difficult to match your normal sizing
Final Thoughts & Conclusion
Now you know the state of the best dead lifter’s shoes of 2018 from actual athletes like you who care about their gains, and what you know what these shoes can really do and what they can’t. No mumbo jumbo just facts from guys in the gym and the brands who built the crowd favorite shoes in the game. We looked at how each brand made sure their shoe is constructed a little differently to get you where you’re going. We also looked at whose wearing those shoes and so you can see if you’re trying to go to the same place. In other words, yes you can use those light, comfy wrestling shoes with fantastic traction for dead lifting – but will you still have ankles? Probably not after 350 lbs. You know the details on which shoes everyone else says are the best and by now one should be jumping out at you based on your needs for stability, traction, and efficiency of motion.
Every shoe offers stability, but do they do to give you an edge over the others? Those Asic Lift Master Lites are rock solid and can give you better posture for Olympic lifts. And Samo Deadlift Shoes are the shoe of choice with their reinforced sides for Sumos. If you know what you’re looking for in your exercises it’s easier to pick the shoe that fits from the crowd.
There may be nothing better than a wrestling shoe for traction and, for a dead lifter, zero drop from heel to floor. But the next best choice that takes your ankles into consideration may be Adidas Powerlift 3.1 or Nordic Lifting Powerlifting Squat shoes, depending on how much heel you want.
For the best efficiency of motion you want the shoe most specialized to your lift of choice. For a dead lifting shoe that considers nothing else, I have to come back to Samo Deadlift Shoes for efficiency of motion. If you won’t be lifting too heavy or you’re coming right out of lifting barefoot you might also want to check out Otomix Stingray Escape Wrestling shoes.
You probably already have a good idea of which shoes are right for you by now. The right combination of stability, traction, and efficiency of motion will be a little different for everyone. But these particular brands did a great job of bringing all the possibilities together into a handful of useful options with something special for everyone. With the right pair, you’ll notice improvements right away and you can expect to see gains in several weeks. As you add more weight you will also reduce your chance of injury.
When you started out all of this probably sounded simple and then BAM! You hit a page stuffed with shoes with nothing standing out in particular. Good thing you found this review and now that you’re here you have a much better understanding of what makes a good deadlifting shoe and what doesn’t. Not only that, you have a direction to move forward in based on your style, training needs, and the weird shape of your feet. There is no one-size-fits-all solution and that’s a good thing. Your choice sets you apart from other athletes as an amateur as well as give you an edge in competition. So, based on where you’re going with your training and where you’ve been, which shoes have the best combination of features for you?
Say goodbye to that plateau and hello to your new pair of dead lifting training partners. Whether you’re an advanced beginner or more experienced and looking for an upgrade you can’t underestimate the importance of your gear. Any of the shoes in the reviews above will improve your posture, your technique, and your form thanks to added stability, traction, and efficiency of movement. They will shield you from injuring your feet, ankles, knees, and lower back. And you’ll be a stronger athlete for it. Pick your favorite and take your workout to the next level now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deadlifting Shoes
It is Worth it for a Beginner to Invest in Expensive Deadlifting Shoes?
Deadlift shoes are worth it to progress to more weight. Even not lifting huge amounts of weight right off can leave you with injuries and posture adjustments to less than ideal conditions that impact your form. If you want to continue deadlifting and push yourself to greater gains the shoes are definitely worth it. At that weight, you have more options because the ankle support doesn’t have to be huge. Running shoes are your worst option for lifting and barefoot is better. But better than barefoot? Have a look at Otomix Stingray Escape Weightlifting Shoe or Asics JB Elite V2.0 Wrestling Shoe. They’ll give you fantastic traction on the ground, have practically zero drop between your foot and the ground for that barefoot feeling, and they are an agile shoe that could be flexible for other workouts. They do not have the padding for cardio but you’ll get much more lightness and flexibility than your typical weight lifting shoe. If you want something just for deadlifts, definitely look at Sabo Deadlift Shoes.
Are there Different Shoes for Sumo & Conventional Deadlifts? Flat Slippers or Wrestling Shoes?
Definitely go with the wrestling shoes. You’ll get a flat platform with the slippers and that’s it. Not traction or ankle support. There are tons of options to get you there. The only shoes made specifically for Sumo lifts are Sabo Deadlift Shoes. They’ve got the high-top design and reinforced sides that give you better stability and sure-footedness (plus they’ll protect your ankle from rolling).
Are Powerlifting Shoes the Same as Deadlift Shoes?
No, it’s better not to use weightlifting shoes for deadlifts. You want to drive your heel into the ground. So it’s better to have as flat a sole as possible. Weightlifting shoes, by comparison, have a raised heel that gives your torso a more vertical, upright position which is great for squats and Olympic lifts. For that flat heel some people lift barefoot and others go with a flat soled, normal shoe like Converse. But ultimately, for the support and traction you need, a shoe made for deadlifting would be better. Look at Sabo Deadlift Shoes or one of the better wrestling shoes like Otomix Stingray Escape Weightlifting Shoe or Asics JB Elite V2.0 Wrestling Shoe. Wrestling shoes will give you traction and a nice flat sole. If you need shoes for a variety of lifts look at Adidas Performance Powerlift 2.0 Cross Trainers which has a raised heel at .6 inches which is a bit smaller than your average powerlifting shoe (generally .75 inches plus) because it may be a more flexible option for you to mix powerlifts and squats.