Looking for a comfortable, stylish pair of shoes for weightlifting and the gym?
Take a look at some of the best weightlifting shoes in the market here.
We have carefully chosen these shoes to help you make an informed buying decision, so you can pick what best suits your needs.
Our Top 3 Picks for Women’s Weightlifting Shoes…
#1. Adidas Women’s Powerlift 3
The Powerlift 3 is one of Adidas’ best-known lifting shoes. These are an excellent option for a lot of lifters.
They’re a solid build yet inexpensive compared to many other similar quality shoes. That alone makes them a good choice if you’re just starting with lifting and need to try things out.
These shoes also come with a lower heel. If you are new to weight lifting and are used to running or tennis shoes, Powerlift 3 is a good beginning.
The heel is not so high as with other lifting shoes and takes less getting used to. It is still high enough to provide support when doing squats and other lifting movements, though.
It will provide excellent stability, if not as much depth as a higher heel.
Because the Powerlift 3 is lightweight, it works well for people doing functional fitness type lifting. This same feature also helps anyone transitioning from other sports, as it doesn’t feel too heavy on foot.
The Powerlift 3 is our best overall choice because it is great to ease into lifting with. Lightweight, durable, and comfortable; these shoes have a lower heel. They’re very stable and will work well for all cross-fit and functional style lifting.
What We Love About This Shoe:
- Quality build yet inexpensive
- The anti-slip sole provides excellent grip
- High-quality materials ensure durability
- Great stability
- EVA heel is great for cross-training
What We Didn’t Like:
- The heel is not TPU, so not as resistant to abrasions and compresses slightly
- Lower heel means this is less suitable for powerlifting
- Single-strap design is not as secure as a double strap would be
Where To Buy This Shoe
#2. Reebok Women’s LegacyLifter Sneaker
If you are a more advanced weight lifter, or if you are mainly into strength training, this is a good choice. These shoes are a solid, heavy build with a TPU heel. But if you are transitioning from non-lifting shoes, these will be a dramatic change.
These are authentic weightlifting shoes, designed for Olympic weightlifting. These shoes are on the heavier side, weighing in at 20.6 ounces. The weight of these shoes gives a stable, firm connection to the floor.
It is critical for good squats. The added weight also adds sturdiness during pulls and receiving snatches, cleans and jerks.
The double strap design means the foot hardly has room to slide inside the shoe. It provides both mental and physical security when lifting.
The rubber sole is also very firm and grips well, adding to the overall sense of stability. The heel is TPU, which is the other alternative to wood.
TPU is very durable and doesn’t compress, offering great support when lifting heavier weights.
The LegacyLifter from Reebok is not designed for any other purpose than lifting. It is too heavy to be comfortable if you are doing some kind of cross-training. It also takes some getting used to if it’s your first pair of lifting shoes.
What We Love About This Shoe:
- TPU heel is durable and will not compress during heavier lifts
- Double strap secures the foot really well
- Heel height is optimal for squats
- Rubber sole provides excellent grip and stability
What We Didn’t Like:
- On the expensive side
- Heavier construction
- Not suitable for cross-training
Where To Buy This Shoe
#3. Nike Women’s Metcon 4 XD Training Shoe
It is a great choice for anyone interested in lifting as part of cross-training. Nike’s Metcon 4 XD offers excellent stability when doing compound lifts with heavy loads. The construction is stylish and reliable and will last well.
One of the features of the Metcon 4 XD that makes it great for lifters is the TPU-reinforced heel. It adds the support needed when lifting heavier loads. The shoe also sits really flat, adding to the feel of sturdiness and support when lifting.
The offset is only 4mm, so the outsole sits flat on the ground. No part of the foot feels elevated.
The rubber sole is sturdy and sticky, providing a decent grip when performing lifting exercises. The rest of the shoe is constructed from Nike’s Flywire and TPU, making it durable without being heavy.
Nike’s Metcon 4 XD is on the pricier side, but well worth it. It provides some of the best lifting stability and durability when it comes to cross-training shoes. The only real downside is that it is not as suitable for the cardio-based activity. It may feel a bit too tough on the body when doing repetitive heel strikes.
What We Love About This Shoe:
- Stable and sturdy due to small offset and TPU outer on the heel
- Durable construction
- Rubber outsole offers excellent grip and support
- Great for cross-training
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not so comfortable for cardio
- On the pricier side
- Not ideal for pure strength lifting
Where To Buy This Shoe
#4. Reebok Women’s CROSSFIT Nano 8.0 Flexweave Cross Trainer
This shoe is designed for people that want to incorporate lifting into their cross-functional training without having to change shoes in between. Lightweight to allow you to go through all your other exercises, it has useful features that support lifting too.
Reebok used its signature flex weave material to make this shoe. This material is tough and resilient, and will not tear or fray when performing rope climbs, for example. It is also very flexible and breathable, making the shoe comfortable on foot.
Another exciting feature with the Nano 8.0 is its removable booties. They are entirely independent of the outer shoe construction and are removable. They feel soft, flexible, and comfortable, to the point that you can wear these shoes without socks.
Having said that, some people may not like this amount of flexibility, feeling that the foot is not secure enough. But it is all about personal preferences in the end, especially with cross-training shoes.
The Nano 8 comes with a plastic heel cup and a good, hard sole. These provide the stability and grip needed when performing the lifting portion of your workout. The toe box has the right width and allows the toes to flex and grip when lifting also.
If you prefer a shoe that offers maximum tightness and stiffness, this is not what you should go for. But if you’re looking for a lightweight shoe with excellent support while still getting some flexibility, this is a good choice.
What We Love About This Shoe:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Soft, removable bootie
- Flexweave material makes it durable and breathable
- Very flexible
- Breathable
What We Didn’t Like:
- Isn’t stiff enough for some
- Not ideal for pure strength lifting
- Removable booties may feel insecure.
Where To Buy This Shoe
#5. Inov-8 Women’s Fastlift 325 Cross-Trainer Shoe
Inov is a less-known company in the world of lifting shoes. Nevertheless, the Inov-8 Fastlift 325 is well worth considering.
It is a pair of shoes that will take you through your weightlifting, cross-fit, and even some running with grace.
It is an incredibly lightweight shoe, weighing in at just 335 grams. This weight will compete easily with topnotch running shoes. At the same time, it has excellent flexibility in the toe-box area.
You will easily be able to perform dynamic lifting movements like snatches and cleans and jerks. Crossfit moves like jumping and climbing ropes are also comfortable.
The Fastlift 325 comes with a very stiff, flat sole and a weight distribution plate.
The sole is rigid enough to take your weight evenly everywhere, not just in the center and sides. Being flat, it will support lifts well, not letting you rock backward. This shoe has a single-strap design, but it feels more solid than many other brands and offers secure support.
Inov’s Powertruss technology was used to make the heel on this shoe. At 0.65 inches, it is high enough to provide the support for functional lifting but not so high that it hinders other activities at the gym. The material used makes sure the heel is lightweight yet strong and durable.
What We Love About This Shoe:
- Very lightweight
- Surprisingly durable
- Great for crossfit
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive
- Not the best for pure weightlifting
Where To Buy This Shoe
#6. Reebok Women’s Crossfit Lifter 2.0 Training Shoe
These crossfit shoes from Reebok achieve a pretty good balance between providing mobility, flexibility, and the support needed for lifting. They will perform a WOD gracefully with no noticeable discomfort or a feeling that you need to change shoes somewhere.
The upper is 100% synthetic mesh and very breathable. The backside is made from synthetic leather. While not the material of choice in a pure lifting shoe, it is better for crossfit as it’s more flexible. Overall, the shoe is flexible and lightweight.
The heel is made from PEBAX TPU, which is softer than the TPU used in the Lifter models.
It will compress slightly, but again, this is a requirement for crossfit, as opposed to lifting only. The sole is rubber, and hard and flat enough to offer excellent support when lifting. Combined with the single strap system, the foot is left feeling firm and secure, with no slippage.
What We Love About This Shoe:
- Lightweight and flexible
- Optimal heel height for crossfit
- Durable
- Very breathable
What We Didn’t Like:
- On the expensive side
- Not ideal for pure Olympic lifting
- Single strap, so not as secure as a double strap setup would be
Where To Buy This Shoe
#7. Pendlay Women’s 15PFUSSIL
These shoes from Pendlay are designed to offer maximum support when lifting heavier loads, but will still work for cross-functional training. The design is very flashy and is perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea. Looks aside, however, this shoe is worth considering.
The nylon and leather upper are made to be very breathable and are soft enough to be comfortable on foot. The shoe is overall lightweight, so you can also use it for other cross-fit activities in the gym.
The Pendlay Women’s 15PFUSSIL has a heel 0.75 inches tall. It is just enough height to provide support and balance when doing squats and lifts. It also features a double-strap design, which gives the foot maximum security when lifting. The toe box is wide and allows the toes to spread for support as needed.
For anybody just starting out with lifting and not sure they want to commit a fortune buying shoes, this could be a could choice. These will take you through your lifting and other training at the gym with ease.
What We Love About This Shoe:
- Very breathable
- Inexpensive
- Can be used for cross-training too
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not the most durable
- The design doesn’t appeal to everyone.
Where To Buy This Shoe
#8. NoBull Trainer
The Trainer is what NoBull is best known for. While the look of a NoBull may not be for everyone, plenty of people love it. Once you find your size, you’ll love the feel of the shoes on your feet.
They’re very comfortable and don’t scrape on the inside. You’ll find yourself using them as much outside of the gym as in it.
The construction of the Trainer is simple but very tough. The SuperFabric upper is lightweight and extremely durable and will stand up to much abuse before showing any signs of wear or tear.
The sole is also good and doesn’t wear out too quickly.
Designed for cross-functional training, this shoe stands up to the task. Its design offers the foot a wide base for splaying the toes when performing multiple types of lifts.
It holds up well with other cross-functional activities too. Perhaps the only problem is rope-climbing. The soft upper doesn’t offer much support here, and neither does the sole.
Light and flexible, the NoBull Trainer is a great crossfit shoe that will still provide a good, stable base for your squats. There is nothing fancy about it. Designed to be simple and straightforward, it will give your foot ultimate comfort while doing what it’s meant to do.
What We Love About This Shoe:
- Very comfortable
- Lightweight and flexible
- Great for cross-functional training
What We Didn’t Like:
- Design is not everyone’s cup of tea
- Expensive
- Not ideal for Olympic lifting
Where To Buy This Shoe
#9. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
The outer look and construction of the Chuck Taylor has remained unchanged for years. It attests to the shoe’s immense popularity. Originally designed for anything and everything but the gym, it has instead become one of the most popular gym shoes ever.
The Chuck Taylor has a firm, flat outsole, which is great for foot positioning in squats. It will also help to limit the range of motion when doing a deadlift. Stable and supportive, this is always a good choice for lifting.
The upper is light, breathable, and flexible. Overall, this is a very lightweight shoe. You’ll be just as comfortable using it outside of the gym as in it.
On top of being comfortable, Chuck Taylors are inexpensive. People have been using them for years for recreational and powerlifting. They may not last as long as purpose-built lifting shoes if you do a lot of heavy work, but the price makes them worth it.
What We Love About This Shoe:
- Very affordable
- Proven over the years
- Comfortable
- Great with deadlifts and squats
- Plenty of colors to choose from
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not as durable
- Not as versatile as purpose-made crossfit shoes
Where To Buy This Shoe
What To Look For When Buying Lifting Shoes
The first thing to ask yourself is what kind of training you’re planning on doing.
Are you going into Olympic lifting? Or are you more of a cross-fit person?
This is what will largely determine the kind of lifting shoes that will work best for you. Of course, price and whether you’re willing to change shoes during a workout or not will also play a role.
Here are a few features to look out for:
- Heel Height: A lower heel will make the shoe more suitable for cross-training. Conversely, if you’re doing Olympic lifting, a high heel is better.
- Heel Material: TPU heels are stronger and more durable than EVA heels and don’t compress at all. It makes them great for lifting heavy loads, but not so great for cardio movement.
- Offset: The smaller the offset, the flatter the outsole will sit on the ground. A small offset provides excellent stability when lifting. A less flat outsole will work better for more cardio-based activities, though.
- Weight: Shoes designed purely for lifting will be heavier to offer a better connection to the ground. If you’re thinking to cross-train, a lightweight shoe is a better choice.
- Price: Good training shoes cost money. If you’re on a budget and don’t want a separate pair of shoes for every activity, a cross-training allrounder might be your best bet. But if you’re very serious with your training and want to get the most out of it, consider specialized shoes for each part of it.
Why Adidas Women’s Powerlift 3 Is Our #1
If your main focus is lifting and training in the gym, these shoes are a good pick. They are relatively affordable and durable, making them worth the investment.
They’re also very comfortable to wear, an important aspect of any kind of training.
These shoes have a lower heel. While they may not be the best for powerlifting, they offer great support when performing squats.
The same lower heel also makes them easier to transition to if you’re new to weightlifting. The EVA heel (as opposed to TPU) also means you can use these shoes for some cross-training too, not just lifting.
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