Best Olympic Weightlifting Shoes (2023 Edition)

So, you're after a new pair of Olympic Weightlifting shoes, and you want the best. You're in the right place, as I have been competing in the sport of Weightlifting for the past 20 years on the International stage.

I've worn every Weightlifting shoe imaginable, from the old Adidas Adistars everyone loves to the hard-to-find Asics TOW 727.

The benefits of wearing Weightlifting shoes go beyond just elevating your heels. They are much sturdier than running shoes, so you can feel more "connected" with the platform and lift heavier loads.

Before I list the best shoes for Olympic Weightlifting, there is one rule you must remember when buying Weightlifting shoes.

A good quality pair will last you a lifetime. Don't try and save $100 for a cheaper pair of Weightlifting shoes, as you'll be replacing them with better quality ones anyway.

Trust me. I've been through my fair share.

Best Shoe For Olympic Weightlifting

Velaasa Strake

This is my overall best Weightlifting shoe pick. You can read my full review of the Velaasa Strake here.

They beat all the other top brands and models with their quality build and retro wooden heel. Wooden heels are hard to find in modern Weightlifting, with many companies opting for high-density plastic.

While the new plastic heels are durable, the old-style wooden heel will never go out of fashion. Further, wood has been known to absorb some of the impact and shock when Weightlifting making them slightly friendlier on the joints.

Wood provides better feedback with the platform than a plastic heel, and the "crack" of wood on wood is unbeatable.

These fit so snugly and comfortably to my feet that I don't even need to use the foot strap. I feel solid in these shoes and have even handled 200 kg on my shoulders while wearing them, so you know they are sturdy.

The soles are extra grippy with a thin rubber layer and diamond engraved pattern to ensure no slipping on the platform.

They have a slightly higher heel height than typical Weightlifting shoes at 0.86” to help you get into the bottom position.

Depending on how tight you like your shoes, you will need to size up ½ to a full size. My husband is a size 10, and he fits perfectly into a 10.5, while I sized up a full size.

Further, my husband has wide feet and can't get his feet into Adidas Adipowers and instead would wear Nike Romaleo 2s. But his feet fit snugly into Velaasa Strake's, so if you have wide feet, the Velaasa's are still viable.

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Best Budget Olympic Weightlifting Shoes

Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes

Do-Win may be one of the oldest brands of Weightlifting shoes that have modernized their designs. Old Do-Wins have wood heels, but their newer, budget model uses a TPU plastic heel similar to Nike and Adidas.

They have a 0.75” heel which is standard in most Olympic Weightlifting shoes giving you enough heel elevation to hit positions easily. The outer layer is made with synthetic leather and nylon mesh, so it stretches around your foot.

The Do-Wins have two-foot straps and a wide-toe box for a more secure fit. I'd class these to a similar fit as the Nike Romaleo 2s, which are considered the GOAT for wide feet.

Regarding design, you only have one option, which is black. Make sure to size up ½ a size with these. Depending on various sales, you can often find these under $100, making them an excellent budget Weightlifting shoe option.

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Runner Up Best Olympic Weightlifting Shoes

Nike Romaleo 4

Nike has been making quality Weightlifting shoes for many years now since the release of the original Nike Romaleo.

These are no different as they’ve built on their previous three models. If you’re used to the previous models, the foot straps on the Romaleo 4 will feel quite different, with the second strap sitting a little higher up the foot.

It's an interesting change I don't think needed to be made from the Romaleo 2, but it's an improvement from the one-foot strap in the Romaleo 3s.

The bottom of the shoe looks exactly like a Romaleo 2 design with some modern, "sharper" edges for a new sleek look. The increased stability can be felt because the shoe's sole is slightly longer and wider than the shoe in some parts.

When choosing your size, the shoes run true to size and fit like the previous Romaleo models. However, they are a little thinner at the toe box than the Romaleo 2, which is considered the previous best shoe for wide feet.

If you have really wide feet, you may need to go a size up or choose a different model.

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Best Olympic Weightlifting Shoes For Wide Feet

TYR L1 Lifter

TYR has burst onto the lifting scene with their ultra-wide L1 Lifters. I've never worn a shoe that has a toe box this wide. This shoe is for you if you're a heavyweight with super wide feet. My husband has wide feet, can't fit narrow Weightlifting shoes, and prefers his Romaleo 2s.

But even the TYR L-1 Lifters are too wide for his feet which is a testament to how wide they are. For me, these aren't a performance Weightlifting shoes as there's too much space in the shoe. The heel is made from TPU plastic which is sturdy but not as rigid as wood.

They have a higher heel at 0.82”, which is great for seamlessly getting into the bottom position. As the shoe is so wide, they have two-foot straps for security. They fit true to size, so you can order your regular shoe size.

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Best Olympic Weightlifting Shoes For Bad Knees

Inov8 Fastlift 370 BOA

These Weightlifting shoes serve a dual purpose in my books. They have a wide construction and toe box to accommodate those with wide feet.

Further, they have one of the lowest heel heights at 0.65", which is highly beneficial for those suffering from bad knees.

The lower heel height means less knee flexion resulting in slightly less stress on the quads and less forward travel of the knee.

I have been using and competing in the previous Inov8 Fastlift 370 BOA for two and a half years, and my shoes have taken a beating from all the training, traveling in my hand luggage, and competing. My shoes are still in great working condition, including the two BOAs.

You can read my full breakdown in my Inov8 Fastlift 370 BOA review.

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Best Beginner Olympic Weightlifting Shoes

Reebok Lifter PR III

By no means does Reebok make premium Weightlifting shoes. But as a beginner, you're not after premium. You're looking for a shoe to get the job done that doesn't cost a fortune. Reebok Lifter PR III fits that role perfectly.

They are priced slightly over $100 and give you the most important features of a Weightlifting shoe. They have a slightly lower heel height than typical Weightlifting shoes at 0.70", but this elevation is enough to make hitting depth easier.

This is a lower heel height than their previous model. They use an EVA foam heel which isn’t as dense as a TPU or wood heel and won’t provide the same level of performance. But it’s sturdy enough for a beginner Weightlifter.

It has an outer layer of rubber on the sole for grip and a one-foot strap for a better fit. They come in black or white and make a good place to start as your first Weightlifting shoe.

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Best Weightlifting Shoes For CrossFit

Nike Savaleos

Nike Savaleos are a versatile Weightlifting shoe making it an excellent option for CrossFit. It's lightweight with a lower heel of 0.6", making it perfect for easing into Weightlifting shoes, training the Olympic lifts, and smashing barbell WODs.

If you lack mobility in the bottom position, you may opt for a shoe with at least a 0.75” heel. They have a wide-toe box and rubber soles. However, the heel and sole are much softer than premium Weightlifting shoes.

However, for the purpose of CrossFit, a slightly softer sole may be better, especially if your WOD includes box jumps or similar. They have a one-foot strap and fit true to size.

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Best Olympic Weightlifting Shoe For Narrow Feet

Adidas Adipower III

Adidas Adipower III’s are in the premium class of Weightlifting shoes. A 0.86" heel height, high-density TPU midsole and heel that doesn't compress or move, lateral support, and a rubber outsole for grip means they are built for performance.

But Adidas Adipower's are notoriously narrow. Just see how they compare in the picture below to the Velaasa Strake's, which aren't known as a wide shoe.

My husband can't get his feet into Adipowers, so bear that in mind if you have wide feet. If you have narrow feet, these are the perfect shoes for you. They'll be snug and not allow your feet to slip.

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What To Look For In The Best Olympic Weightlifting Shoe

If you’re looking at buying your first pair of Olympic Weightlifting shoes or you’ve worn through your first pair wondering if it’s normal for them not to last (pro tip: it's not normal, and Weightlifting shoes should last you decades), then here is a little guide to help you when deciding on your next pair of lifters.

Heel Height

In my opinion, this is one of the most important features you should look for when buying a Weightlifting shoe. Some prefer higher, and some prefer lower heels when lifting. It often comes down to personal preference or how your body is built.

I prefer a standard or lower heel as I am shorter and don't have ankle mobility restrictions. I know some Weightlifters that have even added an extra ½ inch to their heel with an additional piece nailed to the bottom of the sole.

If you're unsure, stick with the standard heel size of 0.75". If you have a history of knee problems or can sit in a perfect squat barefoot, you can opt for a lower heel height.

If you struggle to sit in a barefoot squat or are a tall lifter, opt for a higher heel height.

Heel Construction

While less important than heel height, the material of the heel can play a small role in your decision. Wooden heels provide that retro, old-style feel with better "feedback" from the platform and have a high durometer rating, so they won't deform, allowing maximum force transfer.

TPU plastic is the other main material used in most modern Weightlifting shoes and tends to last longer than wood. It's lighter than wood or leather but offers excellent stability and durability. However, it is not as dense and rigid as wood.

EVA foam is used in budget Weightlifting shoes and doesn't provide the same level of stability and force transfer as it's not as rigid. Instead, it absorbs shock and is better suited for CrossFit-style workouts.

If Weightlifting performance is your goal, you need a wood or TPU heel. EVA foam is a good option if you're after a hybrid shoe.

Toe Box Width

This is the second most important feature to look for in an Olympic Weightlifting shoe, in my opinion. My husband, James, co-founder of Lift Big Eat Big, has some of the widest feet I’ve seen.

He has size 10 Nike Romaleo 2’s (the GOAT shoe for wide feet) and can’t even fit his foot inside the same size Adidas Adipowers.

Some shoes just aren't made for wider feet. Adidas are notoriously known to not fit wide feet. So if you have wider feet, you can rule those out, most likely. Nike is usually a great brand for wide feet, but their newer models are getting slimmer.

Shoes like the Velaasa Strake’s are designed to have a snug toe box to channel as much force as possible from the floor to the bar.

Foot Straps

Another consideration is the foot straps. These aren't going to make or break your Weightlifting shoe decision, but they are something to consider. Personally, I don't even use my foot straps, so I don't mind how many there are or where they are placed.

Most Weightlifting shoes have either one or two straps. If you're after extra security in your shoe, go with a shoe with two straps.

Honestly, when you tie your laces tight enough, you often won’t feel the difference if you performed a session with or without your foot straps on.

Price

Now, I've added price as something to look for when buying Weightlifting shoes. Not because of budget constraints but because price tends to be synonymous with the quality of Weightlifting shoes.

If you're after the best quality Weightlifting shoe, be prepared to pay around $200. The second tier Weightlifting shoes generally cost around $100. Half the price sounds great, but I guarantee you will replace them sooner rather than later.

Especially shoes that have rubber soles and heels. Please stop buying those for Weightlifting. By spending an extra $100, your shoes will last you decades. No matter if you're a beginner or not, it is worth the investment to have them for a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Weightlifting Shoe Questions

What Shoes Do Olympic Weightlifters Wear?

Olympic Weightlifters wear Weightlifting shoes that have a raised heel. For example, the Velaasa Strake, which I recommend as the best Olympic Weightlifting shoes on the market.

But Weightlifters have their preferences and will often be seen wearing Nike Romaleos, Adidas Adipowers or Adistars, Velaasa Strakes, and even Anta's from the Chinese Olympic team.

Should I Wear Olympic Weightlifting Shoes?

If your goal is to compete in Olympic Weightlifting or do any serious Weightlifting training, you should wear Weightlifting shoes. If you perform some of the Weightlifting movements for sports performance, they are not necessary but can be helpful.

Can You Deadlift In Olympic Weightlifting Shoes?

You can deadlift in Olympic Weightlifting shoes, but it is not advised. The raised heel increases the distance you need to pull the bar and reduces the involvement of the hamstrings. You need to be able to maximally recruit the posterior chain when deadlifting.

Why Do Weightlifting Shoes Have A Raised Heel?

The raised heel allows you to assume a more upright position in the bottom of the snatch and clean & jerk. This is vitally important for succeeding in these lifts.

Summary

Premium Weightlifting shoes come at a cost, but it's worthwhile to pay as they'll last many years. The Velaasa Strakes are my favorite which I consider top-tier because of their high-quality construction and retro wooden heel.

TPU plastic shoes are also great, but nothing beats the feel of wood on wood. Even though I’ve provided beginner and budget Weightlifting shoes in this article, I recommend going straight for a premium shoe that will last.