If you've been training for some time, you might have heard about weightlifting shoes. These have a raised heel -- or a flat sole -- to help with exercises. However, designs vary from one brand to another and so does the way the shoes will fit. To help you find the best option for your weightlifting journey, we tested popular styles and spoke with experts to learn more.So, if you've decided to put some weight into a pair of shoes, below are our top picks. Our Picks Best weightlifting shoes for beginners Adidas Powerlift 5 weightlifting shoes View details $91 at Adidas View details Best versatile weightlifting shoes Nobull Black Ivy Trainer View details $139 at Nobull View details Best weightlifting shoes for heavy squats Inov-8 Fastlift Power G 380 View details $190 at Amazon View details Best minimalist weightlifting shoes Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III View details $105 at Amazon View details Best classic weightlifting shoes Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low Tops View details $60 at Converse View details Best alternative cross-training shoes Altra Solstice XT2 View details $130 at Amazon View details Table of Contents What are the best overall weightlifting shoes?The best weightlifting shoes for you will depend on your needs: raised heel or flat sole. We recommend the Adidas Powerlift 5 for beginners or Converse Chuck Taylor Low Tops as a classic go-to.Best weightlifting shoes of 2025 Photo Gallery 1/1 $91 at Adidas Pros Good for beginners Lightweight Made of sustainable materials Flexible Cons Expensive Heel may not be high enough depending on preference Available sizes Men's 4 to 16, women's 5 to 17Heel height 34mmWeight 436gUpper Canvas with mesh ventilation insertsMidsole EVA foamTread RubberColor options 5 options $91 at Adidas Many years ago when I bought my first pair of lifting shoes, I chose an older version of Adidas Powerlift shoes. At the time, the pair I had was stiff and heavy, and the material didn't seem to be the best. This time around, I tested the Adidas Powerlift 5 weightlifting shoes, and I'm happy to report that they've improved in more ways than one. The shoe has some weight to it, which I expected in this style, but it's lighter compared to the older version I had.The shoes do seem to run a little on the small side, so unless you have a narrow or small foot, I'd size up for a more comfortable fit. This shoe has plenty of stability around the ankles and the profile is low, so it technically doesn't have the same high, wedged heel that many weightlifting shoes have. Instead, it has a midfoot stability wedge measuring 34 millimeters, which I think is a safe option if you aren't sure if you're ready to commit to a full heel yet. The upper and toe box is a durable and flexible canvas with mesh ventilation inserts, so it's not stiff and is breathable. A bonus is that, if you're trying to shop more sustainably, you'd be pleased to know that this shoe is made of recycled materials.I tested this shoe during my leg day routine, which usually includes barbell back squats, split squats, deadlifts and hip thrusts. What I liked about these shoes is that they were flexible enough to use for split squats without feeling restrictive. Sometimes toe boxes on weightlifting shoes can be stiff and uncomfortable during exercises where your toes require flexing. I liked that I was able to use this shoe throughout my whole routine without hesitation. Squatting felt comfortable and more natural with a bit of a heel, and my feet felt secure, thanks to the rubber soles. If you're just getting your feet wet in weightlifting, the Adidas Powerlift 5 shoes are a good place to start. $139 at Nobull Nobull launched in 2014 and has since made a name for itself in the weightlifting community. The majority of Nobull's shoes are intended for lifting or training, and they even have lifting pairs with raised heels and running shoes. I tested the Black Ivy Trainer, which is designed to be used for both weightlifting and cross-training.The shoe is stylish, true to size and snug in the toe box, but didn't feel as tight as some of the other shoes I tested. The rubber sole design has a 4-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, which makes it flat all around. The upper was my favorite aspect of the shoe design. It's made up of a SuperFabric that claims to be extremely durable, breathable and abrasion-resistant. You can tell that the shoe was made to be able to handle tough workouts and won't fall apart after a few uses. There are also SuperFabric guard plates, placed on a flexible mesh base layer, that look like small dots surrounding the shoe and are intended to create a shield for rope climbs or other exercises that require an exterior grip as part of your workouts.I tested these during both upper-body and lower-body workouts, and my ankles and arches felt extra secure during my lifts. I felt grounded and steady during deadlifts and squats, and the shoe is flexible enough to work for single-leg exercises or plyometrics. I'd recommend these to Converse wearers who are looking to change up their shoes for a similar yet more versatile design.