If you’re new to buying shoes for workouts, it’s very likely you won’t see much difference between weightlifting shoes and CrossFit shoes.

At first glance, they appear to be the same thing.

However, each shoe has slight differences that accommodate the type of activity you’re about to perform.

I’ll walk you through these subtle differences and recommend my favorite training shoes available.

Best Shoes For Cross-Training

Reebok Men's Lifter Pr Cross-trainer Shoe

Reebok Men’s Lifter Pr Cross-trainer shoes are exceptionally comfortable for several workout activities, which is why we recommend them for cross-training.

With fully breathable Velcro straps on top of the lace locks, they make you feel secure and comfortable, instead of tight and constricted.

These shoes are excellent for squats and Olympic lifts, but the sole needs to be worn in when performing extremely fast movements and jumping motions.

What customers are saying

This cross-trainer shoe comes in various colors and most customers are thrilled with their purchase.

Some have even experienced an immediate improvement in their squat movements and deadlifts.

However, others have complained that they can be too narrow if you have a wide foot and they’re not very flexible.

Best Shoe For Weightlifting

Nordic Lifting Weightlifting Shoes

These weightlifting shoes are extremely durable, and you get a 1-year warranty that you won’t find with many other shoes.

They are made with durable materials and reinforced stitching that reduces wear out, even under heavy use. The best use is for free weight lifting and cross-training.

They also have a sturdy Velcro strap on the lace locks to improve your foot stability and feature an anti-slip sole for added stability and flexibility.

The design includes an open forefoot which increases airflow and makes the shoe comfortable and breathable.

What customers are saying

Customers recommend this shoe because it’s reasonably priced and provides the stability and comfort they need for weightlifting sessions.

The shoe feels comfortable even after long sessions and can endure immense stress.

They can be used for running, but are not specially designed for that purpose, so they won’t give you any additional advantage.

Instead, it is an excellent companion if you lift very heavy weights and need a pair of shoes that can resist a lot of stress.

Best Shoe For Squatting

Under Armour Men's Speedform

Squatting can be difficult if you don’t have appropriate ground contact, and not every shoe is suited for that particular function.

This Under Armour shoe is created for men who need more foot stability in order to perform squats, lunges, deadlifts, and other leg exercises where ground contact is fundamental.

The shoe is extremely comfortable and has a Micro G foam midsole to provide cushioning to your feet so you don’t feel uncomfortable in the middle of your workout session.

What customers are saying

The reviews on these shoes are amazing, especially from people who understand that this is meant for squatting and other exercises that require ground contact.

It facilitates power transfer and helps you maximize your performance.

Keep in mind this shoe is not meant for running, and may not be the best pick if you’re considering Crossfit.

Some customers also found these shoes to be hot instead of breathable, but not to an extent that significantly affects their good rating.

Ideal Shoe For Powerlifting

No products found.

No products found.

Powerlifting is one of the most challenging sports in the field of weightlifting. It involves lifting very heavy weights regularly, and not all shoes are made to accept the challenge.

This pair from Nordic Lifting is designed to give you stability, improve your posture while lifting heavy weights, and accompany your workout for as long as you want.

They have an anti-slip sole that helps you remain stable and restricts unnecessary movements on your feet that may affect your performance.

They also feature a raised heel that promotes upright posture and improves your lifting force.

The stitching, lacing, and materials are made to last, and this is made evident by the 1-year warranty the manufacturers give you after your purchase.

What customers are saying

According to customers, Nordic Lifting provides more than a solid product that improves your lifting foundations, they also provide the most amazing customer service.

It is well worth the money spent, especially if you take powerlifting seriously, or if you’re a regular bodybuilder or weightlifter that needs more foot support.

Best Sneaker For CrossFit

Reebok Men's CROSSFIT Nano 2.0

CrossFit training requires significant flexibility and stability, you won’t be safe if your footwear is slippery and cannot provide enough foot support.

These CrossFit sneakers are designed to provide a safe foundation for your CrossFit training.

They have a comfortable anti-slip design that is perfect for jumping, running short distances, weight-lifting, and more.

What customers are saying

There are many ratings for this product, and the majority are fantastic.

The shoes are very firm and comfortable. They look great and give you sufficient stability for demanding CrossFit training.

They do seem narrow, but some customers with wide feet have reported that they still feel fine and completely comfortable, despite the narrow look.

Best Gym Shoe Brands

You have probably seen many sneakers and sports shoes on the market, but not all of them are appropriate for weightlifting and gym activities.

If you’re specifically looking for gym shoes, we recommend considering these top shoe brands:

Nordic Lifting

Nordic Lifting definitely isn’t as popular as the other brands on this list, but that’s only because they don’t have as many years in the market as the others.

They’ve been around since 2013, and we consider this one a top brand for gym shoes because unlike other brands they’re dedicated to manufacturing quality shoes for weightlifting and similar gym activities.

Nordic lifting offers a great price for a high-quality product, and their customer service is excellent.

Reebok

Many people think Reebok only manufactures running shoes, but the Reebok Nano on this list proves otherwise. Some Reebok shoes are tailored for gym use and weightlifting.

These shoes maintain the superior quality everyone expects from Reebok but they can be a little pricey compared to others.

Still, many customers say they are worth it, and we agree.

Nike

This is probably one of the most popular brands in gym clothing and gear.

They sell gym shoes and offer exceptional quality with a firm commitment to creating the best products in the market.

Their designs vary, and their prices aren’t always high. They actually have a wide range of prices, from $90 to over $300.

Under Armour

This has become a favorite brand for many of us who want high-quality gym apparel and shoes.

They can be very affordable compared to Reebok and Nike, offering impressive quality and durability in each of their models.

They manufacture excellent running shoes and offer some remarkable technologies in their upper range.

Under Armour provides gym shoes with the durability and support you need for your daily workouts.

Other Recommended Training Shoes

Adidas Performance Men's Powerlift.2 Trainer Shoe

Adidas is a leading brand in training shoes, and they’ve created this one especially for weightlifters or anyone who needs a very strong foundation for lifting.

These shoes have a high-density midsole designed with competitive weightlifting in mind plus a breathable manufacture and rubber sole that keeps your feet cool at all times.

What customers are saying

Customer experiences are great, and some reviews report a significant improvement in knee pain and discomfort, as well as workout performance boosts after using this shoe.

It works for beginner and advanced weightlifters and comes in a variety of colors with a bit of a retro appearance.

Nike Men's Metcon 4 XD Training Shoe

This is a very durable model from Nike, created especially for weightlifting. It combines a drop-in midsole and haptic print to give stability to your movements.

It also helps you keep your feet on the ground while performing exercises that require sufficient ground control.

The heel counter technology on this shoe is perfect for lateral movements and was made with shuttle drills and side lunges in mind.

What customers are saying

Customers love this shoe and say that it’s great for improving squats and deadlifts because of the stability you feel when lifting.

The design is very eye-catching and even though they are not designed for running, they’re still comfortable enough to use them for that purpose.

Otomix Men's Stingray Bodybuilding, MMA, & Wrestling Shoes

One feature you can immediately see with these shoes is the extra ankle support that you could use during leg day.

It is an excellent training shoe, but it’s also designed for wrestling and martial arts.

The shoe is manufactured with synthetic material and leather, it’s very lightweight, and provides superior stability and support for your deadlifts and squats.

What customers are saying

Customers say that these shoes are definitely comfortable and can be very durable for weightlifting.

However, if you’re looking for wrestling shoes, they may not last for long, especially if you have intense workouts.

Inov-8 Men's FastLift 335 Cross-Training Shoe

This is a 100% synthetic training shoe with a breathable mesh lining, a combination of shoelaces, and an overlapped strap for stability.

The heel structure is designed to be flexible and provide support for cross-training and weightlifting.

They have a stiff heel that adds to your foot support and ground control, a feature that makes it inappropriate if you’re also considering running as a part of your workout.

What customers are saying

Most customers are extremely satisfied, especially after feeling how the power transfer is maximized by an increase in ground contact.

However, some customers have reported feeling concerned about the weak appearance of the Velcro strap, and some have already had problems with it.

Adidas Men's Leistung.16 II Cross-Trainer Shoe

This is a great training shoe from Adidas, designed with weightlifting in mind.

It has a flexible forefoot, designed to support your heel and transfer power from the ground during those key movements in your leg day.

Another interesting feature is the micro-adjustable boa closure system, a completely new way to secure your footwear.

What customers are saying

According to customer reviews, this model is particularly recommended for tall athletes, especially intermediate or advanced weightlifters.

They are fantastic for Olympic lifts, squats, pistols, and many other exercises that are done on leg day.

Some customers say the heel feels a bit high, but it is a minor detail, and it just takes a bit of time to get used to.

Nike Romaleos 3 Men’s Weightlifting Shoes

This is probably one of the best models Nike has for weightlifters. It provides great stability and a locked-in fit you need for those challenging exercises at the gym.

This shoe also includes an interchangeable in-sole. One that is softer to give your feet more cushioning, the other which is firm and somewhat stiff to increase your support and stability.

What customers are saying

Customers say it feels secure and compact.

Plus, even though they are pricey compared to others, they are worth it for the “secure feel” they give you and the performance improvement you can experience.

Common questions

If you thought that sport shoes were all the same, this article may have already proven the opposite. There are unique features in shoes for each sporting activity.

Should you lift in running shoes?

Running shoes are not made for lifting. When you’re running, your feet are constantly moving.

Instead of ground contact, running shoes are designed to give you an extra impulse that speeds up the pace.

If you’re a serious lifter, you will need ground control and stability that only lifting shoes will give you, especially if you use very large weights.

What is a weightlifting shoe?

A weightlifting shoe is a sports shoe that is specialized in helping weightlifters maintain their posture and form during the most intense exercises.

They are manufactured with robust materials to be more durable and provide support and stability.

What are the advantages of a training shoe?

When your shoes are adapted to your type of training, they will give you an edge in what you’re doing.

For example, weightlifting shoes are more supportive and give you ankle support or more ground contact, two fundamental features to improve physical performance.

Are weightlifting shoes good for CrossFit?

It is possible to use your weightlifting shoes for CrossFit. However, it is not ideal.

CrossFit shoes should be more stable, and they have minimal cushioning and a wide flat sole for increased contact.

Olympic lifting shoes have a raised heel, which improves your lifting capacity but may cause some instability if you’re practicing CrossFit.

Can you deadlift without shoes?

Yes, you can be barefoot or use minimal footwear when you deadlift. The heel lift is reduced, and you will be closer to the ground.

Also, the weight won’t shift to your toes, and it will be easier to engage your glutes and hamstrings to complete deadlift movements.

Shoe Features To Consider

You will come across many options, but not all of them are appropriate for you. Here’s a list of features to consider before making your purchase:

Types of weightlifting shoes

Some weightlifting shoes are more cushioned than others, and this is a great feature sometimes.

However, too much cushioning can also compromise your form when your lifting heavier.

Other types of weightlifting shoes have increased ground contact, which is appropriate for leg day but may not be useful if you’re combining weightlifting with cardio or CrossFit workouts.

Raised heels

Heel raise is an important feature in weightlifting shoes, especially if you’re planning to practice powerlifting.

Heel elevation of 3’’ to 1’’ is usually enough to anchor your feet and provide extra ground contact if you’re lifting heavy.

Stability

Stability is essential when you’re lifting. If you can’t hold your position, you can compromise your technique.

This can be dangerous if you’re lifting a very heavy weight. Thus, your shoes should provide stability.

Wedge features, ankle support, and insole materials are responsible for stability in weightlifting shoes.