10 of the Best Shoes For Weightlifting

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Wearing running shoes to weight lift is dangerous, but many gym-goers still hit the weight racks entirely unawares. Besides, it can be confusing to find the right sneaker for the right activity — how do you choose the right shoe for pumping iron, and what are you supposed to look for?

"When lifting, look for shoes that provide stability and space for your foot to be as close to barefoot as possible," said personal trainer and injury prevention specialist Liz Letchford, MS, ATC. "Traditional lifting shoes have a slight heel lift to allow a greater range of motion in your lower body lifts, especially if you don't have ideal range of motion in your ankles."

While she notes that the lifted heel is "an acceptable shoe option," she says she prefers "improving my clients' ankle mobility instead of providing a crutch." In these cases, she encourages her clients to find a more neutral shoe without a lift — going back to her point about being as close to barefoot as possible.

The following shoes are "the next best thing to lifting barefoot," as Liz puts it. Check out some of our favorite weightlifting shoes that'll keep you safe and injury-free.

Nike Free TR 7

Nike Free TR 7

Liz approves of the Nike Free TR 7 ($100) as it gives a barefoot feel but is created for lateral movement as well.

Reebok CrossFit Nano 6.0 Training Sneaker

Reebok CrossFit Nano 6.0 Training Sneaker

The Reebok CrossFit Nano 7 Weave ($130) has been a fan favorite for quite some time — POPSUGAR editor Jenny Sugar swears by these for CrossFit and lifting.

Adidas Powerlift 3.1

Adidas Powerlift 3.1

What's in a name? Everything, with these Adidas Powerlift 3.1 ($81, originally $90) sneakers. They're flat, stable, secure, and ready for heavier barbells.

Converse Chuck II Low Top

Converse Chuck II Low Top

Did you know that Converse make a great lifting shoe? The Converse Chuck II Low Top ($55, originally $70) has cushioned Nike soles, too. Liz approves: "Converse fit all of the requirements for lifting — they allow the foot to spread naturally within the shoe and they have a flat sole," she said. "Ideally you would lift barefoot, but if this isn't possible for you or your gym rules, this may be the next best thing."

Inov-8 FastLift! 370

Inov-8 FastLift! 370

Try the Inov-8 FastLift! 370 ($65, originally $200) with a lifted heel if you have limited mobility (like tight ankles and hips) and need extra support.

Nike Metcon 3

Nike Metcon 3

Another favorite across the board, the Nike Metcon 3 ($100-$130) is a weightlifting-specific shoe that'll keep you grounded, stable, and supported while you increase your reps.

Reebok CrossFit Speed TR

Reebok CrossFit Speed TR

A slightly flared outsole on the Reebok CrossFit Speed TR ($80, originally $100) keeps your feet — and thus, your legs — nice and stable as you take on heavier and heavier weights.

Reebok Crossfit Lifter Plus 2.0

Reebok Crossfit Lifter Plus 2.0

Squat a little deeper in the Reebok Crossfit Lifter Plus 2.0 ($100), with a mobility-enhancing heel and slip-proof straps.

Nike Free TR Flyknit 2

Nike Free TR Flyknit 2

Get the sole of the Free TR 7 but the snug, sock-like Flyknit upper in the Nike Free TR Flyknit 2 ($120) for the ultimate barefoot feel.

Pendlay Weightlifting Shoes

Pendlay Weightlifting Shoes

Another option with a lifted heel is the Pendlay Weightlifting Shoe ($120, originally $160), which features a strapped upper to keep you in place.