GYMCADDY™ Recommend Powerlifting Shoes

Powerlifting shoes, do you need them? Some people don't even know what powerlifting shoes are or why they matter. We think that if you're truly dedicated to Powerlifting then you should invest in a good pair of Powerlifting shoes. The GYMCADDY™ team is here to explain exactly what powerlifting shoes do, why they matter, and give you a few recommendations that will meet an budget. Remember to pick up your GYMCADDY™ HERE. 

What Do Powerlifting Shoes Do?

Powerlifting Shoes / Weightlifting shoes have a vey basic but very important job. They have a very stiff sole that give you a solid platform to push off of and prevent your feet from rolling inwards. They also elevate your heel so that your foot is at the most ergonomically correct position for maximum pushing. And lastly, they give you crucial ankle support. Weightlifting / Powerlifting Shoes are highly specialized and are different from CrossFit Shoes. Click Here For Our Reebok CrossFit Nano 6 Review and Click Here For Our Nike Metcon 2 Review. (Spoiler... We Prefer The Nano's)

Why Do Powerlifting Shoes Matter? 

Weightlifting Shoes matter because they have a very stiff sole that isn't found on normal shoes. When you squat or deadlift in normal sneakers the soft sole which was initially designed to support you while you run will cause your form to suffer. The soft sole will allow your feet to roll inward which will then cause your knees to buckle inward, which will then cause your hips to roll forward (AKA cause an anterior roll of your hips) and ultimately cause you to lean forwards. This poor form will put you at risk of injury and will prevent you from lifting heavier weights. We have even seen clients suffer from constant neck pain due to poor form as well. Just keep in mind Powerlifting shoes won't fix your form by themselves, if your form is sub par you will need to work on correcting it regardless. 

Which Weightlifting Shoes Are Right For Me?

If you're new to powerlifting and you're just starting to Squat and Deadlift we recommend you first go barefoot. Going barefoot is a great starting point to learn and work on your form when you first start off. Its cheap and accessible to everyone. But we also know going barefoot might not be an option to some people due to hygiene concerns or gym rules. And thats fine, thats why we also recommend you try lifting in a pair of classic Converse Chuck Taylor's. Chuck Taylor's are a great entry point for any new lifter considering getting weightlifting shoes or any lifter on a budget. The stiff sole will prevent you from rolling your feet inward and promote good posture. The drawback here is your heel won't be raised like in a proper pair of power lifting shoes, but its a good start.  

Mid Market Powerlifting Shoes

If you're looking to get a pair of afforable powerlifting shoes then we recommend the Adidas Powerlift.3 shoes. These are considered mid market and are made pretty well. They give you the support you need and the stiff platform you're looking for in a weight lifting shoe. The drawback here is that your heel won't be elevated as much in other more expensive shoes. The material quality is ok, but we have seen better. 

High End Weightlifting Shoes

If you want to get the best Weightlifting Shoes out there you have 2 options. You can either get the Adidas AdiPower Weightlifting Shoes or the Nike Romaleos 2 Weightlifting Shoes. Both are great options but do have their differences. The AdiPowers are made of mostly leather and feature the first all plastic heel. The Romaleos on the other hand are a mix of leather and mesh, and feature Nike's Power Bridge. The Power Bridge offers good support and gets the job done, but the team prefers adiPower's all plastic heal. They also have different fits, the adiPower's do run a little small and do favor a tighter fit. The Nike Romaleos on the other hand are a little wider and are a good option for anyone with wide feet.  

If You're New To The Gym And Want To Learn How And What Supplements You Should Checkout Our What Supplements Should I Take Article

If You Want To Know The Difference Between Bodybuilding And Powerlifting Read Our Bodybuilding vs Powerlifting Article 

If You're Still Learning About Power Lifting Checkout Our Powerlifting 101 Article