Deadlift shoes are not regular trainers. They are special shoes made for the sole purpose of deadlifting. These types of shoes have flat soles with better contours than your feet. Thus, they feel like slippers when you put them on.
They are almost weightless and push your weight to your heels. Thus, your weight stays in your heels, which is the exact place your weight should be when deadlift.
The shoes help keep your glutes and hamstrings in place when you deadlift. These parts of your body aid the process when you deadlift.
They are shoes that fit these descriptions. They are some shoes that have features to support your feet when you deadlift. They are plenty of options for weightlifting shoes available in the market today. It is not easy to pick the right shoe without prior experience. This informative piece takes you through all need to know about the best deadlift shoes and how to make the right investment.
As far as most exercise buffs are concerned, the ASICS Men’s Matflex 5 Wrestling Shoe is a real winner’s choice considering its unique features and ability to support all parts of the feet and leg while deadlifting.
Best Deadlift Shoes
1. ASICS Men’s Matflex 5 Wrestling Shoe
First on the list is the Matflex 5 Wrestling Shoe. The shoe has a sleek and simple design. It offers complete packages and support for wrestlers and dead lifters. The shoe features a full rubber outsole for robust traction when you deadlift. The thoughtful ergonomics makes it easy for you to carry out extreme deadlight without slipping or dislocating your feet.
The Matflex 5 Wrestling Shoe has no heels. This is an ideal no-heel for powerlifting. The shoe is flat underneath, giving your feet better connections to the floor. It feels like you are barefoot and helps maintain the right posture when deadlifting. The shoe also grips well. You can feel your toe curl up and hold your weight down when you do some severe powerlifting.
The only drawback to the shoes is that they are usually not true to their sizes. You have to get a size bigger than your feet for you to be comfortable in them. Also, if you have a broad foot, it’s not going to be a good fit.
The shoes have narrow mid-sections that would feel too tight against your mid-foot even when you lose the lace around that part. You can go ahead and get the boots if you have a narrow mid-foot and ensure to get a size bigger than your actual size.
Pros
- The Matflex 5 Wrestling Shoe is flat and ideal for no-heel powerlifting activities;
- The shoes feature a signature rubber outsole for a comfortable grip;
- Lightweight and seamless, it feels like you are barefoot;
- The shoelaces help you adjust until your feet are comfortable;
- The shoe is best for users with a narrow fit.
Cons
- The boots are not true to sizes. You will have to get a size bigger than your actual feet size for a better fit;
- Not ideal for users with enormous feet;
- The inconsistency in sizing plus expansion will make it uncomfortable in the long run.
The ASICS Men’s Matflex 5 Wrestling Shoe is an ideal shoe for powerlifting. But, the sizing is poor, and you would need to go over your actual size to be comfortable.
2. Sabo Deadlift Shoes
Next on the list is the Sabo Deadlift Shoes. The shoe combines but fabric and synthetic leather to give a stylish yet comfortable appearance. The shoe has supportive anatomical design best for dead lifters.
The outsole does not mark and is from durable material. Its layout enhances traction and dismisses the possibility of a slip. The shoe features an ultra-thin sole of 2mm to 5mm thick.
You can adjust the fitting of the shoe using the two lateral straps on the shoe. You can change the shoe’s tightness on your heel, feet, and ankle.
The shoe also features side support on the outsole to make it better than slippers. The extra support ensures your feet make more contact with the floor.
Another useful feature of this shoe is the sizing. The shoes are right to their sizes, and you wouldn’t have to go back and forth, trying to find your size. They are ideal for both standard and power deadlift as they provide proper cushioning and support to your feet.
Pros
- Ensures your feet spread on the floor;
- Ultra-thin sole for better traction;
- The outsole is flat for the ideal barefoot feeling;
- Workable craftsmanship;
- Features reinforcements at the sides.
Cons
- The shoe is only comfortable when you are deadlifting;
- The leather material will peel after a couple of months;
- The Velcro straps are not strong enough to offer excellent retention.
The SABO Deadlift shoe is an ideal weightlifting shoe for a standard deadlift. The hard and flat outsole offers reasonable confidence when you deadlift.
3. adidas Performance Men’s Powerlift.3 Cross-trainer Shoe
The Adidas Performance Men’s Powerlift is a renowned weightlifting shoe for beginners and pros. With these shoes, you can go overboard. You can carry out weightlifting activities like cleans, jerks, squats, overhead squats, bench, and push presses.
Unlike most other shoes that feel awkward when you go on a high-bar squat, these shoes are comfortable. They stabilize your feet and leave you feeling rooted to the ground.
These shoes serve not for deadlifting but also work as shoes for high intensity squats. They feel different from regular trainers or chucks. The outsole offers excellent traction to keep your feet firm. The heels have a slight elevation to give you the right balance when you deadlift or squat. The shoe features a breathable mesh to keep your feet cool all through your training session.
The Velcro straps plus the laces give you better options. The strap has excellent retention and would not loosen while you deadlift. These shoes are special weightlifting shoes and will not be comfortable when you use them for any other activity.
Pros
- The Adidas Performance Men’s Powerlift is a complete weightlifting shoe;
- Flat and hard sole for better traction;
- The shoes hold down your feet when you deadlift;
- Offers both Velcro straps and laces for ideal fitting;
- Breathable mesh for better comfort when you train.
Cons
- They are for weightlifting and is not suitable for any other sports activity;
- They are not true to sizing; you may need to get a bigger size for a better fit;
- You may need to air them.
The Adidas Performance Men’s Power lift shoes are ideal for deadlifting.
You can also use them for other weightlifting activities. The shoe offers excellent quality and comfort that’s difficult to find.
4. Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Sneaker
If you are looking for not so pretty, but quality weightlifting should check out the Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Sneaker. The cross fit Nano 8.0 is a major come back from Reebok, and it is way better when it comes to performance.
The shoe is not exactly pretty but provides the right amount of stability you need for weightlifting. The shoe features the new Nano weave design that makes it very breathable. The new forefoot flex grooves keep your toes in place for better flexibility. The outsole features a robust high-abrasion rubber for a better grip when you deadlift.
Unlike most other weight lift shoes, the cross fit Nano 8.0 features a molded sock liner in the midsole to cushion your feet. The toe sections provide the right level of protection for your toe.
The comfort offered by the cross fit Nano 8.0 is difficult to come by when you check out other regular trainers. The laces allow you to adjust the shoe from your toe area to past your midfoot. Thus, you can adjust the shoes to suit the contours of your feet.
Aside from being breathable, the shoes are light. It feels like you are wearing nothing when you deadlift. With better rooms for your toes, you can flex them when you work out. The materials used in these shoes are way better than most shoes in the same range. The design may not be breath-taking, but the quality is ideal for weightlifters.
Pros
- The shoe is completely breathable;
- The mesh material makes it lightweight;
- Robust toe compartment for you to flex your toes;
- Quality materials;
- The midsole has a molded sock liner for better comfort.
Cons
- The shoes do not look good;
- You may have to get a size bigger than your actual size;
- The shoe will expand and become loose, not ideal if you have very narrow feet.
The cross fit Nano 8.0 is a fantastic weight lift shoes suitable for all weightlifting activities. The quality is superb, and it offers good comfort to your feet.
5. adidas Men’s Adipower Weightlift Shoes
Next on the list is the Adidas Men’s Adipower Weightlift Shoes. This shoe has a specific design that makes it ideal for weightlifting activities. The Adidas Men’s Adipower Weightlift Shoes has a sleek ergonomics to keep your feet flat on the ground.
The shoes come with a sleek mesh tongue in the upper area that makes it breathable. The leathered uppers have an instep strap to help secure your feet. The uppers also have an engineered chassis for better balance.
The shoes feel good from the first time you put your legs in them. You can do extreme squats and heavyweight deadlift. The heels hold will hold down your feet to keep you steady when you deadlift.
You may notice that the box or toe compartment will feel too tight. This will occur when you have a broad foot. You can fix this by walking around with the shoes for a while before you deadlift with them. They will stretch out after a few times, and you would no longer feel the pains in your toes.
Another useful feature of this shoe is that it is true to its size. You can order your size and would not have to get a size bigger like most deadlift shoes.
Pros
- The Adidas Men’s Adipower Weightlift Shoes offers better stability for deadlifting;
- The sizing is accurate, and you wouldn’t need to get a bigger size;
- The sleek mesh upper makes it very breathable;
- The leathered uppers make the shoes stylish;
- You can use the shoes for heavy deadlift and squats.
Cons
- Not the ideal footwear for men with broad foot;
- The toe compartment is tight and uncomfortable;
- You may have to break them in before you enjoy the shoes.
The Adidas Men’s Adipower Weightlift Shoes is the ideal shoe for heavy deadlifting sessions. The shoes are lightweight and flexible.
6. Adidas Men’s HVC Wrestling Shoe
The last on the list of the best shoes for deadlifting is the Adidas Men’s HVC Wrestling Shoe. Like the Adipower, the Men’s HVC Wrestling Shoe is an ideal shoe for heavy weight lifting sessions.
The shoes have a full toe box that allows you enough room to spread out your toes. It comes with an elastic strap to give you a full fitting option. The shoes have flat, sticky outsole to ensure you have a firm grip on the ground when you deadlift. They are nothing like regular weight lifting shoes. The materials and stitching are perfect for heavy users.
The uppers are breathable. The shoes are light enough to make you feel comfortable. But, the high-top uppers limit the use to the gym.
The only drawback to this particular Adidas product is the high number of fake sellers on the internet. You must ensure you verify your retailer before you buy this shoe online or buy them from a store.
Also, the shoes will feel too big for users with a narrow and small fit. If you have a small, narrow foot, then you should go for a size lesser than your actual size. You can break them in before hitting the gym with the shoes.
Pros
- The shoes are comfortable;
- Best for big-footed males;
- Have a robust outsole made from rubber;
- The upper mesh is breathable for better comfort;
- The elastic straps do not lose its elasticity and serve better for a proper fit.
Cons
- Too big for men with a smaller foot;
- You will have to break them in before you wear them to the gym;
- There are lots of fake sellers on the internet.
The Adidas Men’s HVC Wrestling Shoe is the ideal shoe for heavy weight lifters. The only drawback is the plenty of counterfeit sellers on the internet.
7. Inov-8 Men’s Fastlift 325 Cross-Trainer Shoe
The new Inov-8 Men’s Fastlift 325 Cross-Trainer Shoe features the latest meta-flex technology. The technology ensures you can move around in the shoes. The Inov-8 Men’s Fastlift 325 Cross-Trainer Shoe is not a deadlifting shoe; it’s an all-round training shoe.
The sturdy rubber soles ensure you reach stability when you deadlift. The shoes feature a reliable external heel cage to give the ideal lifting. The heel cage has this power-truss technology for better lateral stability.
The Inov-8 Men’s Fastlift 325 Cross-Trainer Shoe is lightweight. The flat sole gives a better grip, making it feel like you are barefoot.
The shoe comes with the met-cradle strap and lacing system. This ensures your feet are stable throughout your lifting sessions.
The outsole has a distinctive herringbone pattern to ensure the grip is solid. The rubber outsole is sticky to enhance the grip.
The Inov-8 Men’s Fastlift 325 Cross-Trainer Shoe is not lightweight; they are also fashionable. You have different color options to choose from if you are keen on that. The shoes have a good outlook. The materials and stitching are durable too.
Unlike most Inov-8 Men’s Fastlift 325 Cross-Trainer Shoe is not too rigid. You wear the shoe around and not feel pain from its rigidity.
Pros
- The Inov-8 Men’s Fastlift 325 Cross-Trainer-Shoes are comfortable;
- They offer better stability;
- The materials and stitches are durable;
- The Inov-8 Men’s Fastlift 325 Cross-Trainer Shoe has enough heel height;
- You have plenty of style and color options.
Cons
- Offers lesser stability when compared to heavy-duty lift shoes;
- The heel cup will get in the way of some of your lifting activities;
- You may have to get a size larger than your actual size for a better fit.
If you are out for an affordable weightlifting shoe, then you should check out the Inov-8 Men’s Fastlift 325 Cross-Trainer Shoe.
Similar: The 7 Excellent Shoes for HIIT Workouts and Cross Training to Look Upon
Consideration Before Buying Deadlift Shoes
Now you have an idea of some of the best deadlift shoes in the market, here are essential factors you must consider before you settle with a deadlift shoe.
Materials
The materials used for a deadlift shoe is an essential factor you must consider before you buy. The outsoles of shoes are usually rubber. Most designers use a distinct pattern on the rubber to provide better traction.
Sticky rubber soles are also ideal for better stability while you deadlift. Although they are not used like other training shoes, they should last for at least 6 months.
The uppers are usually meshed materials or leather. A complete mesh upper allows the movement of air for better comfort.
There are deadlift shoes with leather uppers too. Your choice should depend on your weightlifting activities and fashion sense.
Support
The need for you to get a unique weightlifting shoe is to support your fit while you deadlift. Your choice of deadlift shoe should offer the right support to your foot. The right deadlift shoe should have a heel cup to ensure your weight distributes across your feet. Also, ensure to get a shoe with enough toe box space so you can spread out your toes.
Zero Drop
The right deadlift shoes should have a heel that’s the same height with the ball of the foot. This way, you feel like you are standing on your barefoot. The height of the ball of the foot and the heel height is essential when you consider the stability of your feet. Zero drop shoes help keep you balanced when you carry out high-intensity workout sessions.
Comfort
The idea of getting a deadlift shoe rather than use your bare feet is to be more comfortable. Your choice of the shoe should fit and not itch or compress any part of your feet. You should have room to flex your feet and grip when you deadlight. Ensure your choice of deadlift shoe is breathable.
Do not settle for a shoe you don’t feel comfortable with, or else you won’t enjoy your lifting sessions.
Weight
Deadlift shoes are lightweight, so they don’t add nor pull you back when lifting. Your choice of footwear should be thin and not feel too bulky.
Durability
The stitches and finishes on a deadlift shoe should be able to last long and withstand heavy use. Most poor-quality deadlift shoes break even after a couple of use. The durability depends on your maintenance routine. These shoes are some of the most durable footwear you can find. Make sure you get a shoe with a good reputation, so you don’t end up losing your investment.
Regular Shoes vs. Deadlift Shoes
Deadlift shoes are different from all other regular shoes. The characteristic qualities of shoes are the breathable upper and soft, sticky rubber soles. These shoes have a heel height of around 10mm to keep your feet in the best position to deadlift. The rubber soles ensure you have a good grip on all kinds of floors.
Unlike most training shoes, the soles are completely flat. Hence, your feet have a better surface area that’s in contact with the floor. This ensures you are completely stable while lifting.
Another outstanding feature of a deadlift shoe is the thin soles. The lightweight rubber soles bring your feet close to the ground. With a deadlift shoe, you don’t have to lift the bar too far. It feels like lifting with only in your socks or barefoot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Check out some frequently asked questions about deadlift shoes to help you make the right choice when you hit the market for a deadlift shoe.
Q. Why do I need a deadlift shoe?
A. While it’s possible to deadlift with your bare feet or with socks, you should get a deadlift shoe for a better experience. They are also breathable. Thus, they are good comfort shoes for weightlifters with sweaty feet.
Q. When should I use a deadlift shoe?
A. Lifting environment may not allow their users to lift without a shoe. If you are also going for as lifting competition, you should consider getting yourself a lifting shoe.
Q. Why are the outsoles of deadlift shoes too thin?
A. The outsoles of shoes are usually thin to increase the contact area between your feet and the floor. This gives you a better balance when you lift.
Q. Can I use my deadlift shoes for other work out activities?
A. You can use a deadlift shoe for all weight lifting activities. Aside from deadlifting, you can use the shoes for squat, presses, and bench presses.
Q. Why do deadlift shoes have heels?
A. The raised heel in weight lifting shoes is an advantage. The heels ensure you have a deeper squat position owing to the inclined position of the ankles. The heels add extra stability not to your underfoot but to all-round your legs.
Summing It Up
You can improve your lifting experience with the right pair of high intensity workout shoes. Deadlift shoes have features that can help you lift better. The raised heels improve your squat positions by letting them sit upright. The heels ensure you can better put your musculature to good use.
Best deadlift shoes bring better stability to your lifting sessions. You may feel comfortable lifting with your barefoot or socks, but a deadlift shoe keeps your underfoot and other areas stable. It offers a robust base for you to fall back on. It increases your performance and eliminates any chance of foot injury when you weight lift.
The above information will help you get a reliable deadlift shoe for your lifting sessions. The right deadlift shoe will prove to be a good investment in the long run.
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