11 Best Deadlift Shoes In 2023 – Reviewed & Rated

Deadlifts are one of the most important strength training exercises you can do. Bending down and picking up a heavy weight, which is basically what deadlifting is, works virtually every muscle in your body. The deadlift is such a powerful exercise that Victorian doctors used to call it the “health lift.”

The deadlift and its close cousin the squat put a lot of extra weight on your feet, so it’s crucial to find the best shoes for squats and deadlifts. Soft, shock-absorbing running shoes will compress and deform under heavy weights, and that can lead to instability. That’s the last thing you need when doing serious strength training.

While they look quite similar, deadlifts and squats are actually very different movements. Deadlifts are more hip-dominant while squats are more knee-dominant. That doesn’t mean that one exercise is better than the other, and most people should include both these exercises in their workouts.

However, they are similar enough that the shoes you wear for deadlifts can also be worn for squats, and vice versa. However, there is an argument for wearing flat lifting shoes for deadlifts and ones with raised heels for squats. That said, unless you are lifting very heavy weights, the same shoes can be used for both exercises.

Best Deadlifting Shoes

1. Nordic Lifting Megin

Nordic Lifting Megin are a traditional-style weightlifting shoe. Made from leather and with a stable, raised heel, these shoes are ideal for squats, Olympic lifting, and serious strength training.

Key Features

• Made from hardwearing leather
• Metatarsal strap for extra stability
• 1.4” heel for increased ankle mobility
• Available in black or blue

The Nordic Lifting Megin’s are sturdy shoes for serious workouts. Made from leather and with solid rubber soles, these are strong, stable, and should last many years. However, some exercisers may find that the heel is too high for heavy deadlifts. These deadlifting shoes are definitely better suited to squats and general strength training.

Pros

• Traditional, proven design
• Budget-friendly
• Solid heel and sole
• Very supportive
• Hardwearing

Cons

• Not suitable for cardio
• Quite heavy
• No-frills design and only two shoe color options
• Will take some breaking in

The Nordic Lifting Megin are ideal for exercisers who want to lift heavy weights. They aren’t the prettiest-looking shoes, but if you value function over design, these are a good option.

2. Reebok Men’s Lifter Pr

Reebok has a reputation for making high-quality sports footwear. Reebok Men’s Lifter PR is a traditionally-designed shoe but made with high-tech materials for increased flexibility and lightness.

Key Features

• Stable, elevated heel for increased squat depth
• Stabilizing metatarsal strap
• Rubber, non-marking outsole
• Lightweight, breathable mesh and synthetic upper
• Leather toe box for increased durability

The Reebok Men’s Lifter PR’s manage to combine strength with lightness. The upper is mostly synthetic, which means they are lighter and more flexible than similar ones made from leather. They should require no breaking in but, on the downside, may not be as hardwearing or long-lasting.

Pros

• Good for increased stability during heavy workouts, and especially squats
• Very light, breathable, and comfortable
• Available in a range of colors

Cons

• Price
• Some exercisers may find that the heel is too high for deadlifts

Despite the name, Reebok Men’s Lifter PR’s are more of a weightlifting shoe than a cross-training shoe. They will be much more at home on a weightlifting platform than a treadmill! That said, if strength training is your thing, these shoes should provide plenty of stability and support.

3. Inov-8 Mens Fastlift 335

Inov-8 Fastlift 335 are a lightweight, flexible exercise shoe with an elevated heel. Ideal for Olympic weightlifting and squats, these shoes can also be used for deadlifts.

Key Features

• Modern design
• Meta-flex sole for better lightness and flexibility
• Non-marking rubber outsole
• Velcro metatarsal strap for increased stability
• Raised heel for deeper, more comfortable squats

The Inov-8 Fastlift 335’s are engineered for lightness but still provide all the support you need for serious workouts. The Inov-8 Fastlift 335 Shoe combines style with functionality.

Pros

• Good-looking shoe
• Plenty of support
• Light and flexible
• Comfortable straight out the box

Cons

• Price
• The heel may be too high for deadlifts

Made for serious strength training, these light but stable workout shoes look good and perform well. They are a little on the expensive side, but, in return, you get a shoe that is loaded with technological innovations.

4. Nike Romaleos 3

Nike Romaleos are famous in weightlifting circles. Worn by elite athletes as well as recreational exercisers, they are amongst the best weightlifting and strength training shoes you can buy.

Key Features

• Raised heel for increased squat depth
• Metatarsal strap for increased stability
• Light, breathable synthetic upper
• Interchangeable insoles for a customized fit
• Stylish, modern design

A lot of weightlifting shoes look like they were designed back in the days of the Cold War. While they are functional, they lack style. Nike Romaleos buck that trend and look as good as they perform. If you want to train hard and look good doing it, these shoes are for you!

Pros

• Attractive design
• Very stable
• Light and flexible
• Customizable fit
• Ideal for squats, and general strength training

Cons

• Cost
• The raised heel could make deadlifts more difficult

Nike Romaleos are light, stable, and look good too. If you want a shoe that looks as good, feels good, and boosts workout performance, and you don’t mind paying for the privilege, these shoes are an excellent choice.

5. Adidas Performance Men’s Powerlift.3

This is the third incarnation of Adidas’s very popular Powerlift weightlifting shoe. Light but stable, this is a nice shoe that is suitable for all strength training and weightlifting workouts.

Key Features

• Elevated heel for deeper squats
• Metatarsal strap for increased stability and a secure fit
• Solid but lightweight sole and heel
• Synthetic, breathable upper

If you want a light but stable shoe for squats and other strength training exercises, Adidas Performance Men’s Powerlift.3 Cross-trainer shoes are a good choice. They are flexible enough to be comfortable and versatile, but solid enough to withstand tough workouts. However, contrary to the name, these are not cross-training shoes and are not suitable for cardio.

Pros

• Light and flexible
• Solid and supportive
• Ideal for squats and other Olympic lifting and strength training exercises

Cons

• Quite a narrow fit
• Some users report that these shoes come up a little small

Discussions about how these shoes fit aside, Adidas Performance Men’s Powerlift.3 are light, flexible, and suitable for even the heaviest workouts. But, to ensure they fit correctly, make sure you try before you buy.

6. Otomix Men’s Carbonite

The Otomix Carbonite’s are synonymous with bodybuilding and strength training. The Otomix Men’s Carbonite Shoe has high ankles and a flat sole making them very stable, supportive, and ideal for deadlifts.

Key Features

• High ankles for increased lateral support
• Flat soles for stability
• Hardwearing leather uppers
• Non-marking rubber outsoles
• Speed-lacing system for easy fitting and quick removal

If you want a workout shoe that provides lots of ankle support but is also flexible enough for squats, deadlifts, and all other gym-based exercises, Otomix Men’s Carbonite Ultimate Trainer Bodybuilding Weightlifting Shoes are a good choice. They are not subtle, and wearing them makes a real statement of intent, but these classic shoes perform very well.

Pros

• Strong base for all strength training exercises
• Great ankle support
• Available in four different colorways

Cons

• Could cause your feet to overheat
• High ankles could limit mobility for some exercises

Otomix Men’s Carbonite’s look a little like wrestling boots, but that’s no bad thing. A lot of serious strength trainers wear wrestling shoes for their workouts, especially deadlifts. These flat lifting shoes are an excellent alternative to weightlifting shoes.

7. Otomix Men’s Stingray

Otomix Stingray Escape bodybuilding and weightlifting shoes are iconic. The high ankle design and flat soles make them stable and ideal for a range of strength training exercises, and that includes squats and deadlifts.

Key Features

• Ultra-light design
• Flexible suede uppers and rubber soles
• Zero drop from heel to toe
• Supportive ankles
• Available in a wide range of eye-catching designs

Otomix Stingray Escape bodybuilding and weightlifting shoes have flat soles and no elevated heel. This makes them perfect for deadlifts, where a raised heel is not always the best option. The extra ankle support increases stability without affecting the range of motion. These shoes feature a glued-and-sewn construction to make them even more hardwearing.

Pros

• Lightweight and hardwearing materials
• Suitable for a wide range of exercises and workouts
• Flat lifting shoes that are ideal for deadlifts
• Iconic design

Cons

• High ankles could limit mobility for some exercises
• Could make your feet feel hot

Light, flexible, and supportive, Otomix Stingray Escape bodybuilding and weightlifting shoes are tailor-made for serious strength training. Not everyone likes to wear high-ankle shoes for deadlifts and squats but, if you want some extra support, these dramatic-looking shoes could be a good option. They are amongst the best shoes for deadlifting.

8. adidas Men’s Powerlift 4

The Adidas Men’s Powerlift 4 are the newest incarnation of this very popular strength training shoe. With their traditional but good-looking design, these shoes will make your workouts more comfortable and productive.

Key Features

• Raised, solid heels for deeper, more stable squats
• Velcro metatarsal strap
• Lightweight, flexible, breathable synthetic uppers
• Non-marking rubber sole

Where a lot of traditionally-designed weightlifting shoes are made of leather, the Adidas Men’s Powerlift 4 shoe has 100% synthetic uppers for reduced weight, more comfort, and increased flexibility. They might not be as hardwearing as leather weightlifting shoes, but they should be comfortable right out of the box.

Pros

• Supportive but comfortable
• Lightweight
• Suitable for a wide range of strength training activities
• Available in five colorways

Cons

• Not suitable for cardio activities
• Price

Adidas makes great weightlifting shoes, and their Men’s Powerlift 4 are no exception. If you want a traditional-looking shoe made with modern materials, these shoes are an excellent choice.

9. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star

The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star are very popular in powerlifting circles, especially for deadlifting. They are flat, supportive, and well-priced. Best of all, their classic design means they look cool too!

Key Features

• Zero drop from heel to forefoot
• Mid-high for added ankle support
• Breathable, natural canvas upper
• Non-marking rubber sole

Because they are flat and have thin soles, Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Classic High-Top Sneakers are one of the best shoes for deadlifts. Unlike weightlifting shoes with raised heels, Chucks allow you to keep your weight on your heels for increased strength and stability.

They are also suitable for wide-stance squats. However, for narrower squats and Olympic lifting, weightlifting shoes may be a better choice.

Pros

• Flat and stable for deadlifting
• Widely available
• Good ankle support
• Price

Cons

• Not made for weightlifting
• No arch support

The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star are standard footwear in powerlifting gyms all around the world. That’s because lifters love to wear them for deadlifts. They aren’t fancy, and they aren’t high-tech, but they are great for heavy deadlifts and wide-stance squats.

10. ASICS JB Elite V2.0

The ASICS JB Elite V2.0’s are one of the best for deadlifting as they’re almost completely flat.

Key Features

• Bullet
• Points
• Please

A lot of powerlifters use wrestling shoes for deadlifts. That’s because they are entirely flat. This allows for a more heels-down stance which is very advantageous during heavy deadlifts.

ASICS Men’s JB Elite V2.0’s are not deadlift-specific, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t well-suited to the job. Flat and supportive, these are good shoes for deadlifting.

Pros

• Flat soles
• Strong and supportive
• Light and flexible
• Non-slip sole
• Available in a wide range of colorways
• Mid-height for added ankle support

Cons

• Narrow fitting
• Less suitable for squats and other strength training exercises

If you want a dedicated deadlift shoe, ASICS Men’s JB Elite V2.0 are a good choice. Harder wearing and more supportive than Chuck Taylors, these shoes should help boost your deadlift performance. If you want shoes for squats, you may prefer an Olympic lifting shoe with raised heels.

11. Sabo Deadlift Shoes

As their name implies, these shoes are designed specifically for deadlifting. If you are a powerlifter or simply like doing heavy deadlifts, Sabo Deadlift Shoes are the right shoes for the job.

Key Features

• Very thin, flat soles
• Two lateral straps for increased stability
• Leather reinforced at common wear points
• Non-slip rubber sole
• Mid-height for added ankle support

Sabo Deadlift Shoes are specialist shoes designed to provide a stable base for heavy deadlifts. With their flat, thin soles, they make you feel connected to the ground and won’t distort or collapse under even the heaviest weights. If you are or want to be a deadlift specialist, these shoes will help.

Pros

• Suitable for all styles of deadlift
• Worn by competitive powerlifters
• Hardwearing

Cons

• Not suitable for running, jumping, or other types of training

These by Sabo are one of the best shoes for deadlifting. They are flat lifting shoes which allow you to distribute your weight correctly for deadlifts. If deadlifts are “your thing,” these shoes are for you!

Bottom Line

If you are a casual exerciser, you can wear almost any kind of sports footwear for deadlifts and squats. But, as you get stronger and your weights increase, you could find your footwear ends up holding you back. But what are the best shoes for squats and deadlifts?

If you want to squat more than deadlift, weightlifting shoes with a raised heel are an excellent option. However, that heel will push you forward onto your toes which can cause problems for very heavy deadlifts.

Also, the thicker soles mean you’ll have to bend over more to grab the bar, and you’ll also have to lift the weight further to complete each lift. We’re only talking about an inch or two but, when you are lifting heavy weights, every little bit counts!

If you want to deadlift more seriously, flat lifting shoes are your best bet. With no heel lift, you’ll be able to sit back and use your powerful hips more effectively, translating into a bigger lift.

Still not sure? Consider buying different shoes for deadlifts and squats. All of the shoes reviewed will last for many years, and that way you won’t need to compromise your performance in either exercise.

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