Best Women’s Weightlifting Shoes in 2023

Whether you’re a seasoned gym rat or are a beginner to working out, it’s vital to find the best weightlifting shoes. Unfortunately, this task is even more difficult for women – due to the fact that a lot of weightlifting gear isn’t tailored towards women and women’s shoe inventory is already limited. Therefore, follow along for the best women’s weightlifting shoes so you can feel empowered and strong! 

If you want to read up on the Best Ankle Weights for Working Out – click here.

Best Overall – Reebok Legacy Lifter II 

Best Cross Trainer – Adidas Powerlift 4

The Best for Technologically-Advanced – Inov 8 Fastlift 360

Best for Support – Adidas Adipower Weightlifting II 

Best for Unisex – Nike Romaleos 4 

The Best for High-End – NOBULL Women’s Lifter

Best for Budget-Friendly – Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars

 

What do women’s weightlifting shoes do? 

It’s common for a lot of people to think they can wear regular athletic shoes (such as running shoes) when getting into weight training. So, while this is doable, it definitely isn’t ideal. There are actually types of shoes made specifically for lifting weights. These shoes enhance your stability and allow your body weight to stay perpendicular to the ground. Therefore, let’s discuss some of the benefits of a women’s weightlifting shoes. 

Firstly, as mentioned above, lifting shoes are designed with the needs of lifters in mind. Therefore, lifting shoes allow you to push through the floor much easier. This then produces more force and strength during a lift. Often, when you’re lifting, you’re doing leg exercises where you are driving your heels. Therefore, you need a sole that supports this. 

Secondly, lifting shoes can help you feel sturdier when doing compound movements such as squats or deadlifts. With running shoes, it can be harder to feel and think about putting more weight in your heels. With lifting shoes, you can feel this weight shift better and in turn, be more stable. 

Thirdly, lifting shoes increase your range of motion and mobility, especially in your ankles. The elevated heel that is featured in lifting shoes helps you go deeper into your squats while also preventing injury. While this raised heel may feel a little different at first, it’s super helpful for lifting heavy weights. 

What is the purpose of women’s weightlifting shoes? 

The main focus of a women’s weightlifting shoe is to enhance your stability by allowing your force to stay perpendicular to the ground. This in turn helps you lift heavier, lift with better form, and protect yourself from injury. 

Additionally, because of the elevated heel, you can feel your feet and legs better. This helps you when performing compound lifts such as a deadlift or squat. How? It drives power from your feet and through your legs. This in turn allows you to get that weight up. 

Who makes the best weightlifting shoes for women? 

There are a few companies that elevate the women’s weightlifting shoe game. Reebok has always been up there, especially because they specifically design their shoes for Olympic lifting. Additionally, NOBULL shoes have always stood out in the lifting world. Otherwise, I know some people who really swear by Adidas training shoes. 

All of these listed above are great brands, it really depends on what you’re looking for in the right shoes – heel height, flat soles, etc. 

What are the qualities of a good pair of weightlifting shoes? 

Firstly, think about what kind of workouts you’re going to be doing. If you’re doing Olympic lifts, then it’s vital you find a shoe with a metatarsal strap with tight Velcro so your feet are as stable as possible. If you’re mainly going to be doing HIIT workouts, you may want to ditch the lifting shoes and invest in a pair of Nike workout shoes. Or, maybe you’re going to be focusing on basic compound lifts and superset exercises. Therefore, if this is the case, a pair of Converse will provide you will much needed balance due to their minimal cushioning and flat heel. 

Secondly, make sure you find a good fit! For instance, find a pair that are snug but not too tight. On the other hand, want your shoes to be breathable, but not super loose. 

Thirdly, think about the drop height you want. For instance, think about the types of lifts you’ll be performing and how much extra stability you’ll be needed. 

Lastly, think about your budget! So I won’t lie, weightlifting shoes can be pretty expensive. If you’re not a die hard lifter, sometimes buying a pair of Chuck’s is the smartest option. Therefore, it all depends on your needs! 

So, on the best women’s weightlifting shoes…

Best Overall – Reebok Legacy Lifter II 

Okay, it may take some time to get over the look of these shoes. Not ideal, I know. However, these shoes have elevated heels tailored for both Olympic lifting and powerlifting. For example, they feature high-abrasion rubber outsoles and reinforced toe straps so you can maintain structure. 

Best Cross Trainer – Adidas Powerlift 4

Whether you’re doing step ups or front squats, the Powerlift will show up for you! For instance, the heel wedge of this shoe is quite low, which improves the range of motion in other exercises besides lifting. So if you’re looking for a rubber sole that will work for cross-training, this is your shoe! 

Best for Technologically-Advanced – Inov 8 Fastlift 360

The Inov 8 are not only great for lifting, but have been found to help plantar fasciitis and flat feet. Similarly, these shoes have a rubber toe bumper that provides enhanced grip during heavy lifts, as well as a flexible forefront toe area, which improves versatility into other training activities, such as crossfit. 

Best for Support – Adidas Adipower Weightlifting II

These shoes feature both laces and a midfoot strap to ensure you’re completely stable when performing your lifts. Although it’s one of the few weightlifting shoes that has a full textile upper, Adidas has made sure to ensure the same durability you’d get with synthetic shoes. 

For Unisex –