Best weightlifting shoes UK 2022: Are Olympic strength shoes worth it? Adidas, Nike Metcons, Reebok reviewed
The best shoes to provide you with a secure and stable base for strength training, Olympic weightlifting and CrossFit
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If until now you have been casually carrying your runners to deadlift and squat – STOP NOW, we urge you.
Why? We’re not picky, honestly, it’s just extremely important that when you lift you put on shoes that will provide you with a stable base for safe and effective strength training.
Buying athletic shoes is a minefield, we know, so we’ve broken down exactly what you should look for in a pair of weight training shoes.
How to buy the best shoes for strength training
While you can look for spongy-soled sneakers for running, strength training requires more or less the opposite in a pair of shoes.
Of course, the type of lifting you intend to do (Olympic, cross-training or powerlifting, for example) will largely determine your ideal shoe criteria, however, generally speaking the goal is to create a solid base to lift just as safely and efficiently. as possible.
This means that you most likely want a pair of shoes with a flat base for power transfer and minimal heel-to-toe drop (however, if you like weightlifting, you might prefer to opt for shoes with a flat base). lifting with a raised heel).
Always go for a shoe with a wide toe when possible, which allows you to spread your toes better and improve your grip (which, in turn, can help improve your lift, since you’ve created a base more entrenched).
Choosing a soft or hard shoe really depends on the type of lifting you intend to do. A little donation will help you perform lunges, for example, while a more polished shoe might help you feel more supported.
Weight training shoes can be expensive and often aren’t suitable for everyday activities (so probably don’t wear your Metcons on a shopping trip).
So if you’re looking for a low-cost pair or a pair that you can use to the fullest, your best bet is to go for the ones suitable for cross-training or a classic pair of Converse.
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Nike Metcon 7
Sizes available: 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14
The Metcon 7 from Nike is a solid shoe choice for weight lifting and cross training.
A firm, wide, flat base provides stability for heavy lifts, and a rigid frame provides support for many different types of movement (think: quick direction changes, jumps, lunges, etc.).
The forefoot is cushioned for high-impact exercises, and rubber tread on the sole and sides of the shoe provides grip for pushing sledging and rope climbing (if that’s your thing). , of cours).
They’re available in a range of colors and patterns – you can even customize them to create a pair that’s completely unique to you – and a lightweight mesh helps promote airflow and keep feet cool.
Something to note: The Metcon 7s aren’t made for running, so if you’re someone who likes to hit the treadmill once in a while, you’ll need a separate pair of shoes.
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Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III
Sizes available: 3, 3.5, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8.5, 9, 10, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
Barefoot shoes aren’t for everyone (as some need more support), but the benefits, if you can hack them, could include increased foot strength.
Vivobarefoot’s Primus Lite III are a good shoe for lifting and running, although not the best option for Olympic lifting.
They’re completely flat, with zero drop and a generously wide toe box for exceptional grip (crucial for performing big lifts) and stability, and they’re flexible to allow mobility.
They are incredibly light and have what is called an active sole which, although super thin at 4mm, provides traction both indoors and out.
They are vegan and are available in five colors.
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Adidas Powerlift 4 Shoes
Sizes available: 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10.5
Powerlifters, the Powerlift 4 from Adidas are for you (however, there are some surprises there). They have next-level stability, thanks to the flat, sturdy base, raised heel, and instep strap that keeps feet firmly in place throughout lifts.
The upper fabric is canvas – it’s lightweight, durable and promotes airflow to keep feet as cool as possible during workouts, and the rubber outsole provides grip and grounding when performing big lifts .
They’re designed to fit quite comfortably, so those with wider feet might not find them the most comfortable shoes to lift. They also tend to run a little small, so we recommend going up about half a size.
We’ll be clear: if you plan on sprinting, bouncing or climbing, these probably aren’t suited to your training style – they’re strictly for weightlifting.
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No Bull Trainer – Unisex
Sizes available: 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
Championed by Crossfit, well, champions, No Bull Trainers were designed with classic Crossfit WODs (or, workouts of the day, for you and us) in mind. This means you can comfortably lift, sprint, jump, climb and more.
The slight heel-to-toe drop (4mm) and wide toe box means they’re sturdy and provide stability for big lifts, and the sole has been created to withstand – and provide superior grip – both indoor and outdoor training.
The upper fabric is durable and breathable, and online reviews are full of fit people raving about the shoes’ next-level comfort (“Nike who?” says one satisfied customer). They come in a range of colors and are also available with high tops.
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Chuck Taylor All Star Classic Unite
Sizes available: 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14, 16
What makes Converse’s Chuck Taylor All Star Classics (perhaps oddly enough) a great choice for strength training — and, in particular, weightlifting — is their flat, supportive base.
Their rigidity and absence of an instep contribute to stability, while the small eyelets promote breathability.
Interestingly, the Chuck Taylor All Star Classics were created over 100 years ago, and the design hasn’t deviated much from the original in the years since.
The canvas provides comfort, while the OrthoLite sockliner provides cushioning. And, best of all? They are also perfect for everyday use.
We probably don’t need to tell you that they’re available in a wide range of colors and designs (you can also create your own), and with tops or bottoms.
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Reebok Nano X1 Shoes
Sizes available: 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13
There’s a reason Reebok’s Nanos are rated by weightlifters.
Featuring a low heel-to-toe drop and a soft, breathable and flexible upper, they’re ideal for jumping, lifting and sprinting, and the grippy rubber sole also provides traction for rock climbing and sledding .
They’re lightweight, but don’t lack stability, thanks to a heel clip that provides anchorage and allows for quick changes of direction, and forefoot cushioning helps soften landings when plyometrics.
They’re nice to look at (and can be personalized if you like to wear your name on your shoes) and come in a wide range of colors.
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Under Armor TriBase Reign 3 Training Shoes
Sizes available: 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14
Under Armor’s TriBase training shoes tick all the boxes for cross training. A low, low-profile construction and minimal heel drop provide a stable base for power transfer, and rubber under the toe box improves grip on the ground.
The mesh upper allows the shoe a reasonable amount of flexibility (so ideal for push-ups, lunges, etc.), while the rubber that wraps around the sides and outsole of the shoe provides traction for hill climbs. rope and sprints.
In all? A quality shoe for CrossFit – and available in several different colors.
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361 TR quest
Available sizes: 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12
We’ll cut to the chase: they don’t quite have the cuteness of Nike’s Metcons or Reebok’s Nanos, but you can’t fault the function of 361’s Quest TRs.
It’s a versatile shoe that can take you through sets of snatches, box jumps, kettle bell swings, and more, and is therefore a fan favorite in the CrossFit community.
It has a fairly low heel drop and a sticky sole that helps maintain stability during lifts, while the forefoot cushioning helps lighten landings during sprints etc. The fabric is flexible and breathable, although there is external support around the heel.
We particularly like the single-sock feature, which provides a slightly more snug fit around the opening of the shoe, reduces movement, and prevents (real – not figurative) tongue slips from occurring mid-workout.
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