Weightlifting Shoes: What They Are, Why You Need Them and Where To Get Them Pt. II

[bango skank]

Why should weightlifting shoes top your equipment list?

Mark Rippetoe explains:

Shoes are the only piece of personal equipment that you really need to own. It only takes one set of five in a pair of squat shoes to demonstrate convincingly to anybody who has done more than one squat workout. A good pair of squat shoes adds enough to the efficiency of the movement that the cost is easily justified. For anywhere from $50 to $200 for the newest Adidas weightlifting shoes, a pair of proper shoes makes a big difference in the way a squat feels. Powerlifting squat shoes have relatively flat soles, and Olympic weightlifting shoes have a little lift in the heal that makes it easier to get the knees forward just in front of the toes. Your choice will depend on your squatting style and your flexibility. Most squat shoes have metatarsal straps to increase lateral stability and suck the foot back into the shoe to reduce intra-shoe movement.

But the main feature of a squat shoe is heel compressibility. The drive out of the bottom starts at the floor, where the feet start the kinetic chain. If the contact between the feet and the floor is the squishy gel or air cell of a running shoe, a percentage of the force of the drive will be absorbed by the compression of the cell. This compression is fine for running, but when squatting it reduces power transmission efficiency and prevents foot stability. Unstable footing interferes with the reproducibility of the movement pattern, rendering virtually every squat a whole new experience and preventing the development of good technique. Squatting in running shoes is like squatting on a bed. Many people get away with it for years, but serious lifters invest in squat shoes. They aren't that expensive, especially compared to brand new name brand athletic shoes, and they make a huge difference in the way a squat feels.

And this statement isn't limited to the squat, but applies to any standing barbell movement, be it of the Olympic or Power variety.

Hear more on weightlifting shoes from Mark Rippetoe and Lon Kilgore



These three videos demonstrate the difference a shoe can make:

Powerclean without weightlifting shoes


Powerclean with weightlifting shoes


Difference between running shoes and weightlifting shoes
An ad by VS Athletics



A Word on Size

Typically weightlifting shoes will be of a similar size to your dress shoe size or a half size to a full size smaller than your sneaker size. You want a snug fit.


The Shoes

Here's a rundown of most of the weightlifting shoes on the market. This list is not exhaustive (though it's pretty damn close), and the prices may change, but it gives you a pretty wide range of styles to choose from and a decent idea of what you may be looking to spend. Many of these shoes you'll need to drop down half a size for a snug fit. This was the case with my Do-Wins and they fit perfectly.

(Descriptions and prices quoted from merchant sites.)


Olympic Weightlifting Shoes


Leather Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes
$89.00



1.5" heel height, slightly wider width than average.
Men's sizes; women should order 1.5 size lower.
Sizes 3-1/2 to 12-1/2.

Available from Werksan


Blue Suede Do-Wins
$99.00



1.5" heel height, slightly wider width than average.
Men's sizes; women should order 1.5 size lower.
Sizes 3-1/2 to 12-1/2.

Available from Werksan


Red Suede Do-Wins
$99.00



1.5" heel height, slightly wider width than average.
Men's sizes; women should order 1.5 size lower.
Sizes 3-1/2 to 12-1/2.

Available from Werksan


Rogue Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes
$109.00



...Brand new offering.
1.5" heel height, slightly wider width than average.
Men's sizes; women should order 1.5 size lower.
Sizes 3-1/2 to 12-1/2.

Answering the call to bring style and functionality together in a single pair of weightlifting shoes, the Rogues are simply the meanest weightlifting shoes ever developed.

These have been redesigned from the ground up to offer better breathability by using mesh inserts and greater stability from two shorter velcro tarsal straps and a lower heel, when compared to the regular Do-Wins.

CAUTION: THEY WILL BUILD ABNORMAL STRENGTH AND INTENSITY TO YOUR LIFTS!

Available from Rogue Fitness


White Black and Silver Do-Wins
$99.00



2008 Version of the DoWin shoe in Silver and Black.
1.5" heel height, slightly wider width than average.
Men's sizes; women should order 1.5 size lower.
Sizes 3-1/2 to 12-1/2.

Available from Werksan

Red White and Black Do-Wins
$99.00



2008 Version of the DoWin shoe in Silver, Red and Black.
1.5" heel height, slightly wider width than average.
Men's sizes; women should order 1.5 size lower.
Sizes 3-1/2 to 12-1/2.

Available from Werksan


Adidas adiStar Weightlifting
$199.00 US
?125.00 UK
164.00 EUR Germany



World-class weightlifting shoe developed and designed for the Olympic Games in Athens.

* New flexible forefoot construction for superior energy transfer
* Improved 3 hook and loop straps for firm hold
* Kangaroo leather in forefoot area for glove-like fit
* Technical carbon fibre like material for stable heel hold
* Unique outsole profile inspired by winter tyre technology
* Proven wooden heel wedge for secure stance

Available from Dynamic Fitness in the US
[url=http://www.sports-shoes.net/product.asp?sectionid=333&productid=619&catalogue= 9]Available from Specialist Sports Shoes in the UK/url]
Available from Nerlinger in Germany


Adidas adiStar Weightlifting 2008
$199.00
?145.00 UK



* 'Bird's Nest' single layer ClimaCool? mesh developed specifically for the Beijing Olympic Games.
* PU-coated leather in midfoot and forefoot areas for a durable, form-fitting hold.
* 3 stripes of welded flexible TPU provides ultimate midfoot support.
* Instep strap with hook and look fasteners for adjustable support and pressure distribution.
* Wooden heel wedge for stability and durability.
* Midfoot strap for improved performance and support.
* PU-coated leather in midfoot and forefoot areas for a durable, form-fitting hold.
* TORSION SYSTEM provides lightweight arch support while allowing the forefoot and rearfoot to move freely for surface adoption, and to stabilize the foot.

Available from Dynamic Fitness in the US
Available from Specialist Sports Shoes in the UK

[bango skank]

Adidas Ironwork II
$109.00 (Limited availability)
?80.00 UK
112.00 EUR



Attractive weightlifting specific training shoe.

* Flexible forefoot construction for improved stance
* Proven instep strap for firm hold
* Full rubber gum outsole for optimal grip
* Popular wooden heel wedge for secure stance

Available from Dynamic Fitness in the US
Available from Specialist Sports Shoes in the UK
Available from Nerlinger in Germany


Adidas Ironwork III
$149.00 US
?90.00



* Featuring an exposed wooden heel wedge for extra support.
* Instep strap with hook and look fasteners for adjustable support and pressure distribution.
* Perforated upper materials for superior breathability.
* Synthetic leather upper for lightweight and durability.
* EVA insole for comfort.
* Wooden heel wedge for stability and durability.

Available from Dynamic Fitness in the US
Available from Specialist Sports Shoes in the UK

ALL ADIDAS SHOES ARE LASTED FOR A NARROW FOOT


VS Athletics Weightlifting Shoe
$71.95



* Leather upper & sole plate w/hard rubber material on bottom of shoe.
* TWO "Hook & Loop" straps over laces for added support
* Leather reinforced flat rubber sole.
* Size 10 Heel Height = 3.3 cm (midsole = 2.8 cm, sole = .5 cm)
* Reinforced Heel Cup
* Men's sizes: 5-12, 13, 14, & 15.
* Call for team pricing.

(Just don't be looking to get any dates wearing them.)

Available from VS Athletics


VS OS Suede Weightlifting Shoe
$45.00, for a limited time! (SUGGESTED RETAIL: $89.99)



* Black Suede
* Size 10 Heel Height = 3.3 cm (midsole = 2.8 cm, sole = .5 cm)
* Suede upper w/hard rubber material on bottom of shoe.
* TWO "Hook & Loop" straps over laces for added support
* reinforced flat rubber sole.
* Reinforced Heel Cup
* Men's sizes: 5-12, 13, 14, & 15.
* Call for team pricing.

Available from VS Athletics


VS Xplosion Weightlifting Shoe
$71.95



* Royal/white (royal patent leather)
* Size 10 Heel Height = 3.3 cm (midsole = 2.8 cm, sole = .5 cm)
* Leather upper & sole plate w/hard rubber material on bottom of shoe.
* TWO "Hook & Loop" straps over laces for added support
* Leather reinforced flat rubber sole.
* Reinforced Heel Cup
* Men's sizes: 5-12, 13, 14, & 15.
* Call for team pricing.

Available from VS Athletics


VS Dynamo Weightlifting Shoe
$79.95



* Suede upper w/hard rubber material on bottom of shoe.
* TWO "Hook & Loop" straps over laces for added support
* Leather reinforced flat rubber sole.
* Size 10 Heel Height = 3.3 cm (midsole = 2.8 cm, sole = .5 cm)
* Reinforced Heel Cup
* Men's sizes: 5-12, 13, 14, 15, 16
* Call for team pricing.

Available from VS Athletics


Werksan Red Leather Shoes
$89.00



1.125" heel, wide width.
Men's sizes; women should order 1.5 size lower.
Sizes 4.5 to 14.

Available from Werksan


Werksan Blue Suede Shoes
$99.00



1.125" heel, wide width.
Men's sizes; women should order 1.5 size lower.
Sizes 4.5 to 14.

Available from Werksan

[bango skank]

Botev Weightlifting Shoes
$120.00



...New Model...
First time offered in the USA, fresh from Bulgaria.
1.25" heel, average width.
Men's sizes; women should order 1.5 size lower.
Sizes: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8.5

Available from Werksan
(also available in Europe, email: gsisto@mit.edu, gsisto@netscape.net or bittume_32@yahoo.com)


New Botev Weightlifting Shoes
$130.00



...New Model...
First time offered in the USA, fresh from Bulgaria.
1.25" heel, average width.
Men's sizes; women should order 1.5 size lower.
Sizes: 6, 7, 8, 8.5, 9, 10, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13

Available from Werksan


Toronto Gold Cup Weightlifting Shoes
$85.00 CDN



Available from Toronto Weightlifting


Toronto Kanama Weightlifting Shoes
$129.00 CDN



Available from Toronto Weightlifting


Power Firm Weightlifting Shoes
$115.00 US
$135.00 CDN





Model A available in Blue with white trim, or Black with white trim European sizes 33-50
Model B available in Blue with white trim, or Black with white trim, US sizes 6-12

(These shoes are custom made to your specifications. You actually mail them an outline of your foot for a tailor made fit!)

Available from Power Firm


Nike Romaleos
$180 (Discontinued)





*Exclusive Nike contoured TPU heel wedge cups heel and supports foot to provide unmatched lifting stability
*Integrated lacing and double power straps lock foot firmly in place
*Supportive, durable upper materials and construction
*Outsole designed to minimize wear in the heel
*Includes both training and competition sockliners

Available at The Nike Store

How To Find The Romaleos?

A lot of people have asked me how to get these shoes now that they are no longer available on Nike.com. If you call a Nike rep, depending on who you talk to you'll get 3 answers: a) they will make more in 2009, b) they might make more in 2009 depending on demand, or, c) they will never make them again. The first place I suggest would be E-Bay. You can set up an e-mail search so that every day E-Bay will crawl their site and any matches to your description will get e-mailed to you. That is how I found mine. A second way would be to call any Nike retailers or outlets in your area, they might have an orphan pair sitting on the shelves in the storeroom somewhere. A last option would be to frequently check Nike.com; there's a slim chance that a pair will become available that has been returned or refurbished. If you keep looking though, I feel pretty confident that you will eventually find a pair as I did. As for sizing, I wear a size 9.5 in most tennis shoes, including the Nike Frees, and 9.5 fit me perfect with these as well. I would just order your regular shoe size if you somehow manage to pick up a pair. I actually compared the insole of the Romaleos to the insole of my Nike Free and they were identical. If you're unsure about what size to order, find a pair of Nike Free's that fit snugly, and that is the size you should get.

If you can find these shoes get them! Get two!

Will They Be Brought Back?

If you have any interest in seeing these shoes continue I encourage you all to contact Nike and DEMAND (read: beg) that they produce more for 2009. You can contact them here: https://nike-store.custhelp.com/cgi-...nduser/ask.php (wfs) And you have to hit the "submit" button twice before it'll go through.

[bango skank]

Powerlifting Shoes


The Contender by Safe USA
$169.95



Designed & manufactured exclusively for powerlifting. Features: A split grain leather with Cambrelle lining, wedge arch support, flat crepe sole for maximum weight disbursement and slippage resistance, Hi-density molded sockliner, molded heel counter, lateral strap, Avg. width & 7/8 inch standard heel.

Available from LiftingLarge.com


SST Pro Series Powerlifting Shoe by Safe USA
$189.95



The ultimate powerlifting shoe! Every shoe features: Wedge arch support. Totally flat crepe sole from heel to toe for maximum weight disbursement and slippage resistance. Full grain leather construction with Cambrelle lining
Hi-density molded sockliner. Fiberboard heel counter to prevent "roll over"
Velcro lateral strap for fine tuning adjustments. American made from American leather. 7/8 inch heel.

Available from LiftingLarge.com


Genesis Power Shoes
$115.00



*Wedge Heel
*Wrap Around Style for Incredible Support
*Cowhide Outer for Stiffness
*Pigskin Inner for Comfort
*2 Velcro Straps for Support

(Possibly the ugliest shoe ever conceived, but at least you'll be left to yourself.)

Available from Crain's Muscle World


The Inzer Pillar
$125.00



The Pillar will increase the poundage you can lift through several key designs built in. Feel the super support and power on your feet and in your lifting with this outstanding power shoe.

Available from Inzer


Otomix Powerlifting Shoes
$99.00



Designed for the rigors of extreme sports. The OM4000 incorporates extra protection and support for the most demanding powerlifting workouts. This is one of the most popular models in the Otomix line. A great cross-trainer for all sports. Available in Black and White with Black trim.

Available from Otomix


and last, but not least...

The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars
$42.00



(An oldie, but still a goodie.)

Available from Zappos.com

More Merchants

Iran: http://www.pishkooh.com

[bango skank]

...room to grow on...

[bango skank]

...more room to grow on...

[Bensauce]

Very nice thread.

Personally, I use the Nike Romaleos. They are my very first weightlifting shoes so I can't exactly compare them to other brands. The support and stability it gives is excellent. Hopefully Nike will continue to make weightlifting shoes

[tattoojay]

part deux is part one with...more shooz?

[bango skank]

part deux is part one with...more shooz?

More shoes, updated prices, fixed links, more reliable vendors, and... more shooz!

[samsuperjew5]

i just ordered the power shoe from here:

http://crainsmuscleworld.com/shoes.html

i'm very happy with it, very thin sole ( i can feel the cracks between tiles) and awesome ankle support, and, as a self concious teen..... they look decent as well

[tattoojay]

More shoes, updated prices, fixed links, more reliable vendors, and... more shooz!

lol more reps for that comment? you know, i must admit, you seem to create quite a few threads or mention things that i inadvertently buy not too long after you bring them up. you should be in marketing

[Carlito99]

How do I determine if I should get a powerlifting shoe or an olympic weight lifting shoe?

Also, for the Chuck Taylors... do they have to be the high top version, or would any Chuck Taylor All Star shoe work? There seems to be a lot of different All Star types on the website

[bango skank]

How do I determine if I should get a powerlifting shoe or an olympic weight lifting shoe?

Also, for the Chuck Taylors... do they have to be the high top version, or would any Chuck Taylor All Star shoe work? There seems to be a lot of different All Star types on the website

Well, the easy answer is that the Oly lifting shoes will translate well into power lifting, but the power lifting shoes won't work so great for Oly lifting. So the Oly shoes are more versatile (and generally look cooler ).

If you never have any intention of ever doing any Oly type lifting, then go for the pl shoes, but if you're going to be doing any OLing, get an OL shoe.

Any variety of Chuck Taylor's will work. Except for the pink ones with the hearts. Those only work if they match your dumbbells.

[bango skank]

lol more reps for that comment? you know, i must admit, you seem to create quite a few threads or mention things that i inadvertently buy not too long after you bring them up. you should be in marketing

Lol, you might be right. Too bad the things I'd be good at selling hardly anyone has any interest in buying.

[Carlito99]

Well, the easy answer is that the Oly lifting shoes will translate well into power lifting, but the power lifting shoes won't work so great for Oly lifting. So the Oly shoes are more versatile (and generally look cooler ).

If you never have any intention of ever doing any Oly type lifting, then go for the pl shoes, but if you're going to be doing any OLing, get an OL shoe.

Any variety of Chuck Taylor's will work. Except for the pink ones with the hearts. Those only work if they match your dumbbells.

The only exercises I do that would require a specific lifting shoe would probably be squats and deadlifts... No cleans, jerks, or any of that stuff

I guess Chuck Taylor's would be just fine for that? And if I don't want those, any of the powerlifting shoes you posted would be my best choice?

[bango skank]

Very nice thread.

Personally, I use the Nike Romaleos. They are my very first weightlifting shoes so I can't exactly compare them to other brands. The support and stability it gives is excellent. Hopefully Nike will continue to make weightlifting shoes

You should post some pics if you can. I have a deep affinity for the Romaleos.

[bango skank]

The only exercises I do that would require a specific lifting shoe would probably be squats and deadlifts... No cleans, jerks, or any of that stuff

I guess Chuck Taylor's would be just fine for that? And if I don't want those, any of the powerlifting shoes you posted would be my best choice?

OL/PL Shoes > Chuck's > Tennis shoes

Chuck's are great because they're very stable shoes, but the wedge on an OL/PL shoe will make a very noticeable difference in how you squat. If you're squatting more than once a week, it's absolutely worth the investment.

[Carlito99]

OL/PL Shoes > Chuck's > Tennis shoes

Chuck's are great because they're very stable shoes, but the wedge on an OL/PL shoe will make a very noticeable difference in how you squat. If you're squatting more than once a week, it's absolutely worth the investment.

Ah... I usually squat/dead once/week.. I've always used just regular running shoes, so I guess Chucks would still be a huge improvement. Maybe I'll try those out first and then go for lifting shoes later on...

Any clue as to why everyone always uses the Chucks that you posted a pic of? There are so many better looking ones IMO. If you say that any Chuck Taylor All Star's will work, I wonder why people don't go for those! Like the low versions in white leather or something instead of the fabric with the white rubber at the end

[bango skank]

Any clue as to why everyone always uses the Chucks that you posted a pic of? There are so many better looking ones IMO. If you say that any Chuck Taylor All Star's will work, I wonder why people don't go for those! Like the low versions in white leather or something instead of the fabric with the white rubber at the end

Hey, the classics look good!

Well, from a practical standpoint canvas breathes better than leather... and a high top will had a bit of stability to the ankle... but it really isn't enough to make the difference between success and failure. Truth is, if you have a really nice pair of Chuck's you should be wearing them out on the town and not in the gym. You can scuff up, beat and batter a pair of old school Chuck's and not feel too bad about it.

[Carlito99]

Hey, the classics look good!

Well, from a practical standpoint canvas breathes better than leather... and a high top will had a bit of stability to the ankle... but it really isn't enough to make the difference between success and failure. Truth is, if you have a really nice pair of Chuck's you should be wearing them out on the town and not in the gym. You can scuff up, beat and batter a pair of old school Chuck's and not feel too bad about it.

I want a nice balance of good for lifting with a bit of style . I just really dislike the classic ones lol

I'll see what I can find for a good price though . I just prefer low shoes, but we'll see!

Thanks for the help

[bango skank]

There are currently some affordable priced Romaleos on Ebay, sized 8.5, 9, 9.5:
http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trk...&_nkw=romaleos

[Govithoy]

I think the heel compressibility is a bigger factor than the heel lift, to be honest. I started using Vibram 5 Finger shoes for running and recently tried them with my o-lifting. There's no heel lift whatsoever, but the sole is only a couple mm of rubber thick so there's no compressibility. I found doing cleans in them no problem whatsoever. The grippy, tacky rubber sole also helped a lot during jerks.

Previous to this I was using Nike Frees, they had a slight heel lift and a bit of compressibility. The Vibrams have definitely made a positive difference in my o-lifting.

[ILIFT!]

The only exercises I do that would require a specific lifting shoe would probably be squats and deadlifts... No cleans, jerks, or any of that stuff

I guess Chuck Taylor's would be just fine for that? And if I don't want those, any of the powerlifting shoes you posted would be my best choice?

From personal experience, I would not recommend O Lifting shoes for deadlifting. The elevated heel screws up your leverages and puts your weight forward which is awful for deadlifting. Many powerlifters deadlift without shoes for that reason.

[Govithoy]

From personal experience, I would not recommend O Lifting shoes for deadlifting. The elevated heel screws up your leverages and puts your weight forward which is awful for deadlifting. Many powerlifters deadlift without shoes for that reason.

PLers deadlift with the flat sole because it shortens the ROM. The elevated heel puts the knee at a different angle which allows one to engage the quads more, which is more applicable to o-lifting. However I read a recent interview on EliteFTS where they (?? can't remember who, my gut says Rippetoe) suggested to use o-lifting shoes with a very slight heel to engage the quadriceps during the first phase of the lift.

[someonefat]

http://gwenweightlifting.blogspot.com/ Add these to the OP, they make custom made lifting shoes, any color design heel size w/e.

[ILIFT!]

PLers deadlift with the flat sole because it shortens the ROM. The elevated heel puts the knee at a different angle which allows one to engage the quads more, which is more applicable to o-lifting. However I read a recent interview on EliteFTS where they (?? can't remember who, my gut says Rippetoe) suggested to use o-lifting shoes with a very slight heel to engage the quadriceps during the first phase of the lift.

you're gonna have to show me that interview cause I'm gonna call BS. Just from personal experience, I went from DLing with no shoes to O-Lifting shoes, it felt way heavier when I started DLing with O-Lifting shoes. But to be fair everyone's leverages are built differently.

[warren555]

you're gonna have to show me that interview cause I'm gonna call BS. Just from personal experience, I went from DLing with no shoes to O-Lifting shoes, it felt way heavier when I started DLing with O-Lifting shoes. But to be fair everyone's leverages are built differently.

I just read the same interview yesterday, it was an interview with Rippetoe. He said that he recommends trying it because he likes it better and he hit his deadlift PR wearing Oly shoes. He says that's probably not true for Sumo style, but he has no idea since he never lifts that way.

[steventheisen]

I got the 08 adidas adistar weightlifting they are amazing for squats, push jerks, and deadlifts. They are worth their weight in gold on the oly lifts. You feel some much more confident in these it's unreal. I did have to bail once when I lost my balance on a 275 pound clean and dropped it from shoulder height lets just say the entire gym looked at me like holy **** this dumbass but it's whatever I kept going and I completed the other reps of it. I have only seen two other people do oly lifts at my gym and that it's only been when I was doing them.
EDIT They also look pimp so I can't complain on the looks of the shoes.

I got my shoes from dynamic-eleiko.com they will take care of you and are very informed about there products. Like already said these shoes are about the same size as your leather dress shoe.

[IGF-WON]

new shoes i found in case anyone is wondering

apparently theyre customizable (color/heel size...)

http://gwenweightlifting.blogspot.com/

[IronAbrams]

bumpin