The biggest edge that deadlift shoes have over barefoot deadlifting is the amount of support your feet get in deadlift shoes. Sufficient midfoot support helps, but it won’t eliminate it if it’s a problem for you. For that, you need to both strengthen and improve the motor control of the muscles that support a strong natural foot arch and properly aligned ankle and foot joints. That’s a different topic altogether, but a good place to start is single leg exercises. SABO Winner shoes feature a classic design and a comfortable fit with a new solid outsole. It’s also ideal for people with wider feet and the rigid construction ensures maximum support for your ankles. The quality upper is made from natural leather and the stylish double stripe design will have you looking good in the gym and on the competition floor. T wo lateral straps allowing for an individual fit and precise tuning of tightness for the foot, ankle and heel. Sneakers with a flat sole are good to deadlift in. They provide a flat, stable base that lets you transfer force into the floor as you’re lifting. Cushioned sneakers like running shoes aren’t good for deadlifts because they can make you feel unbalanced and affect your ability to push against the floor effectively. Is It Good to Deadlift in Squat Shoes?

Some people prefer to deadlift in Oly shoes, and there is no shortage of discussion about the merits of doing so. Oly shoes actually have a lot going for them in terms of using them for deadlifts, as they have the majority of the features that you’d want in deadlift shoes – super flat, thin soles; metatarsal strap for a tight, secure fit; no sole compression; and so on. The obvious difference is that the heels of Oly shoes are raised. Because NOBULL shoes were originally designed for CrossFit, you can wear them for nearly any lift type. This makes them some of the best shoes for deadlifting and squats. They’re also excellent for running and jumping workouts, making them a great all-purpose shoe.

Olympic Weightlifting Shoes (Romaleos, AdiPower, etc.)

Flanges aren’t totally necessary in a deadlift shoe. But they're a nice touch if you can find shoes that meet all the other criteria for a good deadlift shoe and have flanges. Frequently Asked Questions Are Converse Shoes the Best for Deadlifting? Running shoes are notorious for being one of the worst shoes for deadlifting. However, barefoot-style running shoes, like the Merrell Vapor Glove 5, are an excellent alternative to going completely barefooted. The difference between how much you can tighten the metatarsal strap vs. the ankle strap is night and day. Of course, you wouldn’t want to be able to tighten the ankle strap anywhere near as tight, since your feet might fall asleep from reduced circulation! I mention the difference only for comparison’s sake. Not every lifter needs a pair of super-specific deadlift shoes, which is why most of the models listed above function really well for other activities outside of deadlifts. However, there are some downsides to going barefoot. The first and most common problem is that you won’t get any ankle or midfoot support without a dedicated deadlift shoe. You’d also miss the grippy outer sole that protects you from slipping.

The SABO shoes manage to achieve their limited but nonetheless impressive amount of arch support with a combination of these design features: Unlike many shoes in the market, these are characterized by their lightweight design. While this might not be necessary for a deadlift, some users would prefer their shoes not to be super heavy on their feet. Third and lastly, the toe box in this model has a wider and more anatomical shape to it. If you have wide feet or you’re nervous about having a shoe for toe splay, I don’t think that will be a concern in the Adidas The Total. Best for Wide FeetWhile deadlifting, you need to focus on keeping the weight on your body all the time. This requires your feet to be as flat as possible. Super thin 2-5 mm sole that puts you about as close to the ground as possible while still wearing shoes. Again, a thinner shoe equates to less pulling distance. When you’re pulling a heavy weight off the ground, the first thing you can’t afford is to lose your balance.

For example, if you have a wider foot, then you may not want to opt for something like a Converse as these shoes have a slightly more narrow build.

While in the gym, you might stumble across many lifters who take their shoes off while deadlifting. So, which is better? There are plenty of lifters who prefer to squat in flat-soled shoes. Usually, that’s low bar squatters. Whereas, high bar squatters typically prefer raised heel shoes. If you’re in between, you may prefer either. Removable Insole

If you have wide feet, then the last thing you want is for your foot to feel cramped in your shoe’s toe box when deadlifting. The ability to splay the toes fully and utilize your wider base will be an asset for strong pulls. Right off the bat, these shoes look great. They’re available in multiple colors and styles to suit your workout outfits. Not only that, but they have a reputation for being an excellent fit for all sizes.

It should be noted that the ankle strap provides more subtle support compared to the metatarsal strap. For example, if you crank the metatarsal strap to its max capacity, it’ll be tight to the point of discomfort. However, if you attach the ankle strap as far as it allows, it will just be a bit snugger. It’s noticeable and does make an important difference, but it won’t make up for if you haven’t laced your shoes tight enough.