Take your game from average to oh, my God with a pair of shoes specifically designed to help you lift better!

Every gym enthusiast would know how important gym gears like belts and gloves are. But what about your shoes? Working out now has started gaining traction as more and more people are looking for the healthy way of life. We are sure that you’ve got the neon green running shoes to be the talk of the gym. But weightlifting with the wrong kind of shoes is like eating noodles with a spoon. Getting the drift?

The Basics

Just as every sports gear is designed for a specific purpose, shoes too are made keeping performance specifics in mind.

Running shoes

• Running shoes have, with time, become our go-to shoes for workouts. Some prefer it for their comfortable, soft and cushiony base while others, for their design.
• While running, we need a base to protect our feet from repeated ankle movements, which running shoes provide. But they can throw you off-balance while lifting weights.

For workout, there are lifting shoes with more rigid and sturdier soles to position ourselves better.

Lifting shoes

• Lifting shoes have a hard plastic or rubber in their sole, making it sturdier, which is ideal for heavy lifting.
• An unstable surface can increase the risk of getting injured due to lack of proper support. Shoes with sturdier base help us to focus all our power into lifting instead of stabilising our feet.
• They also tend to have raised heels as compared to running shoes, allowing us to squat deeper and better while reducing high mobility of ankle. These shoes also help in balancing the body better during exercising.

LIFTING SHOES HAVE A HARD PLASTIC OR RUBBER IN THEIR SOLE, MAKING IT STURDIER, WHICH IS IDEAL FOR HEAVY LIFTING

Barefoot Vs Lifting Shoes

• Some people lift weight barefoot as because they believe lifting barefoot provides feet with direct support from the ground.
• However, professional trainers advise not to go barefoot as it may leave your foot more prone to injuries.
• While lifting heavy weights, you need to give some kind of support to your feet and stabilise them, especially during clean-and-jerk and snatch.

You don’t have to be a professional to own a pair of lifting shoes. If you are looking to improve your performance or getting the form right, investing in a good pair of these is an ideal start.

To help you with that, here is a list of our top 5 picks that’ll help you lift right.

Adidas Powerlift 4 (INR 7,500)

Looking for lifting shoes but on a budget? Well, the most affordable shoes Adidas Powerlift 4 are here to solve your problem. An upgrade from the previous Adidas Powerlift 3.1, the shoes offer many new and improved features.

• Powerlift 4 offers a canvas outer construction as compared to the mesh and synthetic leather covering on the previous shoes. the covering is durable and lightweight.
• The 0.6in heel is made from the high-density EVA foam. So, if you are new to weight-lifting or elevated heels, then these shoes are a good start.
• Wide hook-and-loop instep strap provides plenty of security and the light construction doesn’t impact the ankle support.  

Reebok Legacy Lifter (INR 15,000)

Squatting is one of the most effective and efficient exercises. Professional trainers recommend that we should squat with flat feet, with or without shoes.

• If you are going with the first option, then what better than the Reebok Legacy Lifters! It has a 19-inch heel-to-toe drop and helps your hip to remain in place correctly even during heavy lifting.
• It maximises ankle mobility with breathable low-cut design and prevents your torso from bending forward.
• Reebok Legacy has a flat and hard sole with wide base to keep your feet stable and for optimising your squat positions.

Nike Romaleos Training Shoes (INR 15,000)

If you love to do squats and deadlift and are working on your lower body, then these are the shoes for you.

• Nike Romaleos have two nylon broad straps for securing your feet in one place, especially during intensive weight training session.
• They have heel-to-toe drop and enough wide space for your feet to stabilise during clean and jerks.
• Rubber on the bottom provides stability while lifting and landing heavy weights. The sturdy and hard sole makes you feel like you are stuck to the ground (which is good for Olympic lifting).

Adidas Performance Adi (INR 9,675)

• Adidas have been making power lifting shoes for a long time now and Adidas Performance Adi remains their bestselling product.
• And chances are that you might have seen them on weightlifters, not only during training but in competitions too.
• They have rubber soles for providing stability and TPU rubber inside the shoes which provides structure and strength. These shoes also help in stabilising your ankle while doing heavy squats.

Reebok Nano X Shoes (INR 9,750)

If you enjoy mixing your workout like strength training with cardio workouts, then look no further. This pair of versatile shoes is all you need.

• Now, you don’t need different shoes for different activities. Reebok Nano X trainers are supportive enough for the strength training and lightweight flexibility for runs and cardio drills.
• The lightweight woven textile upper provides flexibility, strength and stretch, the compressional moulded midsole gives smooth, long strides while protecting your feet.
• Not just for gym, but the modern and fresh look means you can wear it for a casual meet-up with your friends too.

Investing in lifting shoes might sound crazy at first, but once you get your feet in them, you won’t be able to go back. You’ll feel a significant difference in your techniques and abilities. And their benefits definitely exceed their costs. So, get out of your comfy shoes and start lifting better.