Best Deadlift Shoes in 2019
Have you tried a deadlift before or are you just looking to start now? Even if you've only seen other people do it so far, you can probably already tell it's quite a technical lift.
Everything has to be done perfectly and in balance. Otherwise, you can seriously injure yourself. So, there’s a lot to think about when you first decide to do it. You’ll have to practice the position of your feet, grip, as well as proper posture.
However, the equipment you choose plays a significant role in how successful your big lift will be. The last thing you want to experience is lifting heavy weight in uncomfortable shoes. For this reason, you should consider deadlifting shoes.
As the name indicates, these are made specifically for deadlifting. Traditional athletic footwear cannot provide sufficient support and comfort, so it’s something you should take seriously.
In the article below, we’ll discuss some of the best deadlifting shoes on the market. It’s a great way to start if you’re looking for a pair to help you with your lift. All of these are reliable, durable, and of course, comfortable, allowing you to focus on what you’re doing.
Buyer’s Guide
The first thing you should remember is to avoid regular running shoes. As we mentioned, these aren’t stable enough for what you’re trying to achieve. If you’re not into deadlift footwear, you’re next best option is to go barefoot, although that’s not always allowed in gyms.
So, what kind should you look for? Deadlift shoes have a flat sole which is also the best way to differentiate them from other athletic footwear. In this case, the sole is firm, flat and low to the ground. There’s no cushioning or any kind of air heel.
Such flat position allows best posture and stability. It reduces the risk of injury while also increasing the efficiency of the lift. Look for a shoe that’s lightweight, simple and fits you well. You should also consider traction by choosing a non-slip sole.
While a combination of quality components is essential for a good pair, nothing is as crucial as the sole. It has to be low to the ground and without any cushioning since only then it can provide enough stability. With that said, you should do just fine as long as you opt for a lightweight and flat pair that’s non-slippery.
Best Deadlift Shoes
Sabo Deadlift
These are made of fabric and synthetic leather which makes them lightweight, durable and comfortable. Its anatomical last is created especially for deadlifting and other demanding sports.
The shoe features a non-marking outsole that has great traction and high-density to deliver ultimate performance. It’s about 2mm to 5mm thin which means you’ll feel the ground beneath with ease. It’s a stable construction that keeps your feet firmly to the ground.
It also has two lateral straps that allow you to customize the fit on your ankle, heel and entire foot. Sabo has a higher cut upper and such a combination of materials that provides an optimal feeling for deadlifting.
These feature side support as well allowing you to spread the floor without slipping or rolling your feet over like you would in traditional shoes or slippers.
Pros:
Reinforced side support
Completely flat
Non-slippery
Cons:
Laces are a bit short
Inov-8 Mens Fastlift 335
These synthetic shoes have a rubber sole and quite versatile. They’re lightweight and durable but as most deadlift shoes, uncomfortable outside of the gym.
They have a wide toe box allowing you to spread your toes with ease during heavy lifts. On top of that, they’re constructed to provide a stable base for heavy lifting, so you don’t have to take your shoes off anymore.
The brand included its flex groove technology in the forefoot which means easier movement and versatility. You can use them for powerlifting as well as your regular workouts.
The difference with these is in their raised heel designed. They’re not completely flat but have a slight heel lift for a mechanical advantage. Some people like the heel, claiming it allows them a better range of motion.
Pros:
Less ankle pain
Slightly raised heel
Non-slippery
Cons:
Not for wide feet
Adidas Men's Adipower
Adipower is a stylish and sleek shoe explicitly made for weightlifting. It’s made of leather and has a rubber sole for ultimate support and grip to the floor.
The shaft measures approximately low-top from arch. Another thing worth noting is the PU-coated leather upper that provides the best support during demanding lifts in the gym. Plus, the TPU midsole provides a good foothold at all times.
It also has an adjustable hook-and-loop instep strap. This detail allows rear foot integrity and a good grip. Another thing you should note is the heel overlay for stability and lightweight feeling at all times.
They come in several sizes and colors to choose from depending on your preferences and needs. They are a bit tight as well so make sure to measure your foot well before opting for a specific size.
Pros:
Non-slippery
Adjustable instep strap
Lightweight
Cons:
Require breaking in
Adidas Men's Powerlift.3.1
Powerlift.3.1 is another excellent shoe by Adidas. The brand is one of the most famous names on the market, so it’s no surprise their shoes are as widely favorite.
These are synthetic and with a synthetic sole for a good grip and overall feel during deadlifting. The shaft measures approximately low-top from arch. It’s a comfortable model that fits snuggly allowing support and mobility at all times.
The lightweight synthetic leather upper provides durability, stability, and support for the ankle. It helps with performance since you can rely on them to keep your feet in place.
Plus, the air mesh collar, tongue, and lining allow breathability at all times. This is especially convenient for people who live in warm temperatures. Another thing worth noting is the open forefoot structure and flexible toe.
Pros:
Maximum breathability
Enhanced comfort
Lightweight
Cons:
A bit narrow
Reebok Men's Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave
The Cross fit Nano 8.0 by Reebok is one of the brand’s best shoes compared with its other models in terms of fit and performance. The nanoweave is constructed for comfort and breathability at all times.
The forefoot flex grooves add to the overall flexibility to the shoe. On top of that, the high-abrasion rubber outsole enhances durability which means your shoes won’t show signs of wear as quickly. Still, they’re recommended for indoor use only.
The midsole is comfortable thanks to the molded sockliner that cushions each step. Plus, the toe part protects the area for a wide range of lifting activities. It’s a low-cut design with CMEVA midsole for ultimate comfort and mobility when deadlifting.
The shoes come in several sizes and colors to choose from depending on what your preferred style is.
Pros:
Enhanced comfort
Flexible and lightweight
Non-slippery
Cons:
Too tight
Inov-8 Mens Bare-XF 210 V2
These are synthetic and with a rubber sole for ultimate comfort, fit and durability. Keep in mind that they run a bit wide so expect a wider toe box as well. Such a design allows your toes to spread out naturally, so you’re comfortable at all times.
They’re designed to promote a stable base which means you won’t have to take off your shoes anymore when you’re lifting heavy weighs.
On top of that, the brand’s flex groove technology enhances the natural flexing in the forefoot. This allows standing calf raises with minimal resistance. Plus, the overall design makes them versatile and suitable for both indoor and outdoor training.
Keep in mind that these have almost no cushioning. Though it sounds uncomfortable, it’s far from it, and the lack of cushioning provides a tremendous next-to-the-ground feeling.
Pros:
Barefoot feeling
Indoor and outdoor
Flex groove technology
Cons:
No black-on-black color option
Vibram Men's V-Train Cross-Trainer
These are among the unique shoes on the market. They feature a five-fingers v-train design for excellent balance and foot sensory impact. On top of that, they’re protective on rough surfaces.
Another thing you might like is the 2mm polyurethane and microfiber sole for impact protection against debris and stones. This allows you to use the shoes outside the gym if you prefer outdoor workouts.
These have a sure-footed grip in all directions along with the molded tc-1 rubber in the midsole. The combination adds more to the overall protection by dispersing impact over a wide area.
They feature a polyester fabric and nylon mesh upper for better breathability and an overall fit. The Vibram fast lacing system helps with customizing the fit to the width of your feet.
Pros:
Rubber sole
Barefoot shoe
Anti-microbial sock liner
Cons:
Takes a while to put on
Reebok Men's Lifter Pr Cross-trainer
If you’re looking for a stable platform for deadlifting, you should consider these Reebok Men’s shoes. They have a synthetic and mesh upper along with a rubber sole for ultimate stability, durability, and comfort at all times.
The leather on the toe allows the best comfort and grip for this kind of exercise. Also, the heat-activated foot wrap molds to the shape of your foot providing a customizable fit. On top of that, there are two added strap closures for keeping your feet in place.
Most athletes love the anti-friction lining that helps with the overall quality of performance. Add the U-Form technology to all its other specifications, and you’ll realize why these are among the most popular deadlift shoes.
Pros:
Dual hook-and-loop closure
Flex grooved outsole
Non-slippery
Cons:
They run a bit narrow
Nordic Lifting Powerlifting
This is among the most versatile pairs on the market thanks to its overall construction and combination of materials. It’s suitable for all weightlifting as it helps to enhance your performance by providing Olympic stability.
You’ll notice the foot support it provides the second you put them on. It’s the thickness of the sole as well as the density of the material that provides stability and support against all kinds of terrain. They’re equally as suitable for outdoor as well as indoor training.
They’re built to last even on the rough surface and under immense stress. They help you with posture during deadlift training as well as all other kinds of heavy weightlifting.
However, these run a bit narrow, so it’s recommended you go a size up when ordering.
Pros:
Stable grip
For indoor and outdoor
Durable construction
Cons:
Not for wide shoes
Nike Men's Free Metcon
The Metcon by Nike is one of the best-selling models by the brand. They’re a popular choice among heavy lifters and all athletes who love training with weighs.
Its breathable mesh upper has abrasion-resistant rubber on the sides. This supports your feet and keeps them in place at all times, even during high-stress workouts. Another thing worth mentioning is the lace-up adjustability with Flywire cables.
Probably the best thing about these is that they fit like socks. They feature a cushioned insole as well as cushioning foam midsole for extra comfort. The rubber outsole serves for traction, flex, and expansion.
As usual for Nike, these come in many different colors, ranging from bright to more neutral. They also come in several sizes to choose from.
Pros:
Great traction
Suitable for indoors and outdoors
Adjustable lace-up fit
Cons:
A bit bulky
Conclusion
The first most important thing you should look for is always comfort. That’s the part you shouldn’t compromise for anything else since only a comfortable shoe is the one you’ll enjoy wearing.
Make sure to consider all the models we reviewed. These are the best of what the market has to offer, so it’s just a matter of finding the one that suits your needs and preferences the best. Think about whether you’re training inside or outside since many can only do one of the two.
Also, don’t forget to consider the stability and support of the particular model you have in mind. A good deadlift shoe has to grip your foot and offer stability at all times. It has to be comfortable as we as snug, so you’re secure when lifting heavy weights.
We advise you to take a look at all the models one more time if you’re indecisive about which to choose. They’re all great for deadlifting, but some might suit you better than others due to the difference in materials, features, and specifications.
