Best Deadlifting Shoes for Breaking Your Personal Record in 2023

There are several reasons why you would desire a nice shoe while trying to pull large weights on a barbell, even though many individuals prefer to deadlift while barefoot. Many commercial gyms prohibit workouts without shoes for individuals who don’t exercise at home (or perhaps you don’t trust the janitor to fully clean the flooring).

Or perhaps you would like to have something on your feet rather than nothing. Whatever the cause, we’ve discovered some of the top deadlifting shoes that will enable you to conventional or sumo deadlift successfully.

We’ll discuss our best deadlifting shoes before going into more detail about why some folks might forgo gym shoes while attempting this traditional powerlifting exercise. Additionally, we’ll discuss why a weightlifting shoe isn’t always the greatest option for deadlifts.

Our Top Picks: Best Deadlift Shoes

---

Reviews: Best Deadlift Shoes

We’ve tested dozens of shoes and are laced up for more.

Finding the ideal footwear for any situation is something we take very seriously. We’ve put up a list of the best CrossFit shoes, best weightlifting shoes, and best cross-trainers, but we’ve also included a helpful guide that explains which kind of shoe you ought to wear based on your training style.

We have a team of individuals with various requirements and interests, which is one of the reasons we can do this. We have team members that participate in Olympic lifting, CrossFit, and powerlifting as well as those who need a lot of arch support and those with broad or thin feet.

We take care to wear the shoes before writing a word about them, just as we do with anything else you’ll discover on our website. Although there are other excellent shoes available, we feel uncomfortable recommending them until we have worn them.

We gain knowledge of how the shoes feel when extracting slag iron from the depths of the abyss from those on our team who do the same.

1) Best Deadlift Shoe Overall: NOBULL High-Top Trainers

Good for: Lifters seeking a trustworthy shoe with a flat, secure platform

---

The low-top NOBULL trainers are a terrific set of shoes, and I’ve talked a lot about them and frequently suggested them. However, the topic of discussion today is high-top sneakers. Because they extend above the ankle bones, it provides a little bit of additional ankle support.

High carbon lateral and medial guards of the NOBULL High-Top Trainers keep the ankle secure during strenuous lifting and everyday use (such as walking to the gym). If you use them outdoors in bad weather or while working out, the carbon rubber outsole will shield your tendons from any harm.

In my experience, NOBULL trainers require some time for adjustment before they are comfortable shoes. The minimum heel-to-toe drop makes it ideal for deadlifts, while the reinforced heel gives those who require it more support.

People who require general ankle support and those who enjoy sumo deadlifts should both wear high-top shoes. The broader stance of sumo lifts puts a bit of extra strain on the ankles.

According to certain research, wearing high-top shoes can help prevent the foot from moving in a way that could sprain your ankle or further harm it if you’ve already done so.

Drake’s lyric “Like a sprained ankle, buddy, I ain’t nothing to play with” sums it up perfectly. With a bad ankle, you can’t do much at the gym, so be sure to take care of it.

2) Best Deadlift Shoe With Ankle Support: Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars 

Good for: Those who want extra ankle support when lifting

---

To be honest, most shoe designers should look at Chuck’s before attempting to create a weightlifting shoe. With a firm outsole, ankle support (if you’re wearing the high-top version), and a thin, flat sole, it’s no surprise that this pair of shoes has long earned cult status among lifters.

Seriously, walk into any powerlifting gym and you’ll find a lot of people wearing them on their feet. It was also the Community Choice winner in our collection of the finest cross-training sneakers.

The canvas fabric top is breathable and allows you to spread your toes to distribute weight properly over your foot. All of these elements work together to keep you balanced (I don’t believe I need to explain why this is crucial) and grounded so you can push off the floor and finish your rep.

These are at the top of the list, but if we were writing about any other aspect of training, it would be a different story. For starters, they lack the high heel required in a decent squat shoe to allow for a full range of motion. While these are suitable for running errands, they lack the cushioning required for running shoes.

Chuck Taylors, on the other hand, are the best for deadlifts (many people also choose these during bench presses, though the type of shoe you wear for that move is less important). One of the most appealing aspects of these shoes is the pricing; it’s difficult to beat $60 for a shoe that can aid you through heavy lifting while also looking terrific out on the town.

3) Most Comfortable Deadlift Shoe: Vans 

Good for: Anyone looking for a comfortable shoe for their feet.

---

When it comes to the style of shoe they require, skateboarders and powerlifters have a lot in common. Both want something with a thin sole to help them feel grounded, a snug fit without being too tight, that is breathable, and, most importantly, that feels comfortable.

Vans excel in comfort thanks to the iconic rubber waffle outsole, which not only aids in traction but also in general comfort. This pattern, which is produced in an iron heated to over 300 degrees, contributes to the exceptional traction that Vans is known for while also making you feel supported whether you’re standing over a barbell or simply walking down the street.

The midsole is comprised of closed-cell foam, which provides some cushioning. It isn’t the best for shock absorption, so look elsewhere, but it won’t collapse under large loads.

If you wear these shoes, you’ll most likely be one of the best-dressed lifters in the gym. The classics look great on their own, but if you’re ready to spend a little more, you can get crazy fashions inspired by horror movies, horoscopes, cows, and many more.

You can get away with them if you’re only deadlifting or performing bench presses, but they’re not cross-training shoes.

4) Best Deadlift Shoe For Competitive Weightlifters: Nike Romaleos 4

Anyone who is training for or engaging in competitive weightlifting will benefit from this product.

---

If you need a shoe to assist you throughout the powerlifting Big Three and Olympic lifts, the Nike Romaleos 4 should be your go-to. But if you’ve spent any time competing in weightlifting, you’re already familiar with these. I mean, the Roms have been a classic since the amazing Romaleos 2s.

No matter how hard I’m lifting, I feel wonderfully supported and anchored when wearing these shoes. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more secure in a shoe than these. These have a bigger toe box than the previous Romaleos, flared heel edges for improved stability, and enough traction. They’re also, in my view, one of the best-looking weightlifting sneakers.

Unlike most of the other shoes on this list, the Roms may be worn for almost every lift. Do you want to do a deep squat? Roms. Trying to perfect your snatch or clean and jerk? Roms. Are you prepared to deadlift? Let us pause for a moment to consider Ro.

Do you have the ability to deadlift in the Romaleos? Sure, but when going for a large pull, you want your feet to be as flat as possible, and these shoes have a 20mm heel-to-toe drop. That’s not to say you can’t deadlift in these, but you’ll be far more comfortable in flat shoes than in these.

Competitive weightlifters, on the other hand, live in higher-heeled shoes and frequently deadlift in weightlifting shoes. They frequently execute clean

deadlifts or snatch deadlifts rather than standard deadlifts, thus wearing weightlifting shoes makes sense.

Senior Editor of Garage Gym Reviews Kate Meier is a trained weightlifter who generally deadlifts with her Romaleos on. “Deadlifts are an auxiliary lift that we practice after our training, so I don’t change my shoes for them.”

Furthermore, Starting Strength’s Mark Rippetoe suggests deadlifting with weightlifting shoes since it gives a strong base and doesn’t need a significant shift in height.

Also, these shoes aren’t cheap ($200 isn’t pocket dough). That’s why I recommend them for competitive weightlifters who can’t compete barefoot. So, if you’re looking for a quality competition shoe and don’t have a limited budget, this is my #1 option.

Check out my entire Nike Romaleos 4 review to learn more about why I adore this sneaker.

5) Best Deadlift Shoe For Wide Feet: UA Charged Commit 3

People with broader feet who seek a comfy shoe might choose them.

---

Anthony O’Reilly, one of our fitness writers, wears a size 15 4E shoe, so he knows a thing or two about big feet. He’s used these shoes for December, a month-long training program in which you deadlift every weekday in December (it’s as hard as it sounds), and discovered they provide the ideal blend of stability and comfort.

“Most shoes are either not available in my size or are cut a touch too short, which makes them unpleasant on my feet,” Anthony adds. “But they fit exactly fine and they’ve been a terrific match for my power-building sort of workout. My only complaint is that the laces aren’t the tightest and I have to re-tie them more frequently than in other shoes, but overall, I like them.

Anthony particularly enjoys the shoes’ large toe box, which not only makes it more comfortable but also allows him to set his feet in the optimum position possible before trying a deadlift. And, even though these aren’t the flattest shoes, he hasn’t had any pain or issues when lifting with them as opposed to when he goes barefoot.

The shoes have Under Armour’s unique “Charged” cushioning, which gives some comfort while still allowing you to feel the ground beneath your feet. While wearing them, Anthony has had no trouble obtaining adequate foot drive, and the breathable upper keeps him cool during his exercise.

The all-rubber outsole provides good traction, although Anthony has noted that it wears out after a few months. It’s a wonderful value for folks who have trouble finding appropriate exercise sneakers because it costs less than $100.

6) Best Budget Deadlift Shoe: Feiyue FE LO 1920

Nice for: People on a tight budget who need a good training shoe

---

These may be the only shoes in the world that are recommended by powerlifters, Shaolin monks, martial arts experts, and parkour athletes all at the same time.

But first, consider why someone trying to improve their deadlift may want to try these dirt-cheap sneakers. For starters, it has limited padding, which only a barefoot-style shoe or deadlift slipper will have. These were created to educate your feet on how to move naturally rather than relying on the shoe to do it for you. You will feel pretty much everything under your feet when wearing them.

Furthermore, the all-rubber outsole is extremely gripping, and the heel height is practically nothing (so don’t choose these for squatting or running). The toe box isn’t the broadest, but they’re incredibly flexible, so you should be able to stretch out comfortably.

If you require more support, the insoles are detachable and may be replaced with those provided by Feiyue or another brand of your choosing.

We believe that “you get what you pay for,” but when it comes to these sneakers, you get a lot more for a very low price. The one area where this may not be true is in terms of durability, particularly if you want to wear these daily.

But you could get five or six of them for the price of typical athletic shoes, so it’s really up to you if you believe changing your shoes every few months is worth it. I’ve been wearing them for years and prefer them to some of the more well-known brands.

What You Should Know About Barefoot Deadlifting

And now for the footwear. Many individuals believe that the best deadlift is none. There are several barefoot aficionados on our team and the Home Gym Community Facebook page (feel free to join us), especially when it comes to the deadlift.

And there are several compelling reasons why people could do so. Going barefoot, for example, puts your body in a more natural posture to carry large weights. Certain shoes, particularly ones with a high heel, tilt your torso forward, and you’ll need to correct your posture before attempting the lift to avoid injury.

This is particularly crucial because if your balance is incorrect during a heavy action like the deadlift, some muscles won’t be able to operate as efficiently as they should, and other muscles may have to take over. This might end in an accident or a failed public relations attempt.

Driving your feet into the ground to generate the optimum force transfer is a key aspect of deadlifting. Consider when you were a kid and jumped on beds (or maybe you still do…we won’t tell). Because you could launch off of a firmer mattress, you could typically leap higher. The deadlift follows a similar logic. When you’re barefoot, you can generate greater power from the ground and resist gravity’s attempt to maintain the barbell on the platform.

So, why did we spend so much time writing about deadlift shoes? As previously stated, certain gyms prohibit barefoot lifting. Professional powerlifters aren’t permitted to compete without shoes, so they should practice with them to get a sense of how they’ll feel during competition.

Shoes have one benefit over bare feet in that they are more gripping than your feet. A rubber sole is more likely to cling to the ground than moist feet or socks, lowering your chances of sliding.

People may also require additional ankle support or simply like to have something on their feet.

As we like to say, there is no right or wrong solution, and you should do what seems right to you. We’re just here to educate you on the benefits and drawbacks of various designs.

Deadlift Shoes Vs. Weightlifting Shoes

Let’s compare and contrast a deadlift shoe with a weightlifting shoe.

For starters, there’s the issue of padding. Assume you’re attempting to leap on an extremely soft mattress. You might be able to achieve a fair leap, but you’ll probably sink into the bed and won’t get as high as you would with a firmer mattress. A softer surface also makes it more difficult to maintain a firm foothold.

Most weightlifting shoes will not be as soft as a running shoe, but they will be softer than something like Chucks or Vans, which approximate the barefoot feeling desired by powerlifters.

Weightlifting shoes also feature a higher heel, which is ideal for squat depth but puts your body in an awkward posture for deadlifts. You’ll need flat shoes with a thin soles.

Other Deadlifting Shoes We Investigated

Believe it or not, there are certain fitness goods that we have yet to try (but we are working hard to acquire them all). Here are some well-acclaimed deadlift shoes that you might want to consider.

Sabo Deadlift Shoes

We’ve heard a lot about the Sabo deadlift shoes, and they sound fantastic. They’re flat, with a thin outsole, and velcro straps to hold you in place, and wrap around your ankle. They appear to be one of the trendiest deadlift shoes on the market (at least, that’s what the internet claims, but we know better than to trust everything we read on the internet…except for this site, of course).

Deadlift Slippers

Similarly, I have some experience with deadlift slippers, but not enough to include them on this list. If you’re unfamiliar with them, they’re just a thin piece of cloth that you slide over your foot, much like a sock rather than a slipper. They’re ideal for folks who train out in a gym where barefoot lifting is not permitted.

Asics Matflex Wrestling Shoes

Wrestling shoes (not WWE) are flat shoes that simulate barefoot sensation, provide amazing ankle mobility, and have little to no padding, which is why they’re so popular among powerlifters. Asics’ Matflex is regarded as one of the finest, but none of us have had the opportunity to try these minimalist shoes.

Otomix Stingray Deadlift Shoes

Another set of shoes we have yet to try on, but based on internet recommendations, they appear to be a lock for best deadlifting shoes. The thin sole of these shoes appears to be popular among reviewers, and the design places you in an ideal position for a deadlift. We plan to try them out shortly.

The Advantages of Deadlift Shoes

So, why would someone put on a pair of deadlift shoes? We’ll go through some of the benefits of these shoes over standard weightlifting shoes or no shoes at all.

Ankle Support: A well-made deadlift shoe will wrap around the ankle to limit its range of motion, holding it in place and limiting damage to this important joint. This is especially critical for people who have already had ankle problems.

Better Body Position: Because your feet serve as the basis for the rest of your body, how you place them will influence your lift. Regular shoes with a raised heel may tip you over the bar.

No Bounce: The deadlift is not an exercise that requires a lot of range of motion, and the firm sole and narrow design of deadlift shoes avoids any bounce during pulls. You will remain steady and balanced throughout.

Reduces Range of Motion: Everyday training shoes increase the distance the bar needs to travel from the bottom to the peak of the lift, whereas deadlift shoes alleviate this issue.

Value: If a shoe is a bit more expensive, it had better be worth it. Shoes that cost more should feel and function significantly better than those that are less expensive. If the low-cost options are just as excellent, I won’t spend my money on the high-priced option.

How We Chosen And Tested

We did deadlifts in these shoes, which should go without saying. A lot of deadlifts, for example. We weren’t simply interested in how they felt when we went for our monthly 1,000-pound deadlift (just kidding…or am I?). Here’s a peek at some of the other things we considered.

Durability:  We’re not made of money, and you probably aren’t either. That’s why, when we put money down, we want to be sure we’re receiving our money’s worth. We wanted to make certain that these sneakers would not degrade after a few weeks.

Value: If a shoe is a bit more expensive, it had better be worth it. Shoes that cost more should feel and function significantly better than those that are less expensive. If the low-cost options are just as excellent, I won’t spend my money on the high-priced option.

Aesthetics: It’s not necessary, but you don’t want an unsightly shoe in your closet.

Comfort: They have to feel fantastic when we’re lifting and heading into the gym.

What Should You Look For in a Deadlift Shoe?

Here are a few things to consider while shopping for the finest deadlifting shoe.

Flat And Thin

We’ve said numerous times throughout this article that a decent deadlift shoe is one with a flat sole and a thin sole so you can make full contact with the ground. There should be little if any, padding.

Closure Mechanism

You want to ensure sure your deadlift shoes don’t fall off while you’re wearing them, just like any other shoe. The majority of our best selections have laces. To be honest, it doesn’t matter which one you choose as long as it seems like your foot will stay in the shoe and not jump out.

Slip Resistance

When picking up anything, let alone a heavy barbell, the last thing you want to do is slide and maybe fall or lose whatever you’re carrying on your feet. When using deadlift shoes, you shouldn’t feel like you’re skating, so look for ones with a gripping outsole. Rubber is typically the best material.

Hard Outsole Material

In comparison to a more pillow-like basis, a firmer outsole will provide a more sturdy footing to begin your deadlift.

Ankle Support 

 This is optional, however, it is important for persons who have had ankle issues in the past or like to lift sumo. Or perhaps you simply want to take care of your joints. If you fall into any of these categories, choose a high-top shoe over a low-top shoe since the former wrap over your ankle bones and do a fantastic job of minimizing the range of motion and holding them in place.

Toe Box

Of course, the size of your foot will determine this, but in general, you want a bigger toe box so you can spread your feet out for greater balance and force transmission.

FAQs about Best Deadlift Shoes

What Should I Wear for Deadlifting?

Shoes for deadlifting should be flat, have a thin sole, provide adequate traction, and, if necessary, provide ankle support. Chucks and Vans are excellent examples of deadlift shoes.

Is it necessary to wear flat shoes when deadlifting?

Do you require them? No, however, they are superior to shoes with elevated heels because they place your body in a more natural position. As a result, they are desired but not required.

Are Lifting Shoes Appropriate for Deadlifts?

In a nutshell, no. That’s not to say you can’t, but lifting shoes are better suited for squats and Olympic lifts due to the larger heel-to-toe drop, which pushes your body to lean forward during deadlifts (which you don’t want).

Is It Harmful to Deadlift in Shoes?

Some individuals like to do deadlifts barefoot, but as long as you wear the proper footwear, there’s nothing wrong with doing them in shoes. That is unless you’re talking about formal shoes.