Introduction to Deadlift Shoes
You need the best deadlift shoes for three primary reasons:
#1. Deadlifts are one of the most transformational full-body exercises you will ever do.
But, they pose a higher risk of injury because of the load on the spine.
As a result, safe deadlifting requires rock-solid stability, balance, and form.
An excellent pair of deadlift shoes will improve your stability by solidifying your connection to the floor.
A stable connection allows you to exert maximum force against the ground to power your lift.
#2. The right shoes reduce the wiggle/squishy factor found in most running or gym shoes.
#3. Proper footwear will keep you as low as possible to the floor.
Staying low to the ground reduces the distance you need to deadlift the barbell to a standing position.
The Best Deadlift Shoes for Sale in 2025
Here are the best deadlift shoes on the market today:
#1. Sabo Deadlift Shoes
Sabo Deadlift Shoes are specifically for deadlifting.
They are very light and get your feet as close to the floor as possible, almost like you are indeed barefoot.
The soles of these shoes are ultra-thin, between 2 and 5 mm.
As a result of such a thin sole, you will feel grounded to the floor.
The flat sole alone will improve your deadlift because your feet are firmly planted to the floor, ensuring a more reliable foot drive to get the weight moving.
One feature Sabo has that others do not are the metatarsal straps.
These two horizontal straps allow you to achieve a stable fit for your foot, ankles, and heels.
The design helps your foot become sucked into the shoe, creating a tightness that allows you to deadlift or squat more weight.
You have little capability to move your foot inward and outward, which solidifies your ankle support.
There is extra side support for the shoe’s outer sole, which gives you more excellent traction as opposed to deadlift slippers, primarily when you ‘spread the floor’ to power a squat.
The soles are of high-quality and durable material.
The inner soles are super thin, and the shoe support lessens your chances of slipping.
As a result, these shoes provide excellent traction and ankle support, which maximizes balance and stability for both the conventional and sumo deadlift.
Pairs currently retail for around $110.
All in all, Sabo Deadlift Shoes are one of the best you can purchase and use today.
Check the current price on Amazon for Sabo Deadlift Shoes
#2. Nike Metcon 9 Men’s Workout Shoes
Nike originally developed the Metcon line for CrossFit and functional fitness, but powerlifters eventually recognized earlier models like the Metcon 4 as some of the best shoes for deadlifting.
I personally used the Nike Metcon 4 for both squats and deadlifts and eliminated constant knee pain after switching from running shoes.
That’s why I still use my Metcon 4’s and recommend the Metcon line for deadlifts and squats.
However, the Metcon 4 is no longer widely available, and today’s best alternative is the Nike Metcon 9 — a solid substitute with similar performance and an upgraded design.
While the Metcon 9 is not as flat as traditional deadlift shoes, it offers a stable and supportive platform for lifting, whether you are lifting light or heavy.
Key Features of the Nike Metcon 9:
- Stability: Features a Hyperlift heel plate that provides a firm and stable base for deadlifts, squats, and Olympic lifts.
- Durability: Built to handle tough workouts, including rope climbs and sled pushes.
- Secure Fit: Nike’s Flywire lacing system keeps your foot locked in place during multidirectional movement.
- Traction: The outsole rubber wraps up the sides to enhance grip during explosive lifts.
- Versatility: Great for strength training, HIIT, and general gym workouts.
Nike Metcon 9 Men’s Workout Shoes retail for $79.99 – $149.99 depending on size and color.
Check the current price on Amazon for Nike Metcon 9 Men’s Workout Shoes
#3. Adidas Mat Wizard 5 Wrestling Shoes
The Adidas Mat Wizard 5 Wrestling Shoe is a training shoe that is excellent for deadlifts.
These Adidas deadlift shoes feature synthetic materials that provide toughness and durability.
They have a flat sole and rubber outsoles for better grip on the floor, which is ideal for stability during heavy pulls.
While they do not have a metatarsal strap, they still offer excellent support and a snug, locked-in feel.
Because of their high-top wrestling shoe design, they also provide solid ankle support without sacrificing mobility.
It’s best to use these shoes only for deadlifting in the gym or at home and avoid wearing them outside the gym to keep the sole like new.
(That tip has kept my Metcon’s 4 in great condition for the last many years.)
They are generally preferred for deadlifts thanks to their flat base, traction, and lightweight build.
You can find Adidas Mat Wizard 5 Wrestling Shoes in various colors, and they retail for $70 and up.
Check the current price on Amazon for Adidas Mat Wizard 5 Wrestling Shoes
#4. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star High Top
This classic footgear started for football but soon found its popularity in deadlifting.
Powerlifters so often mention Chuck Taylors that it would be out of place not to include them in this deadlift shoe review.
Some of the best lifters swear these are the best lifting shoes for them.
These shoes may not seem like an obvious choice at first.
But, the truth is that they share many of the same characteristics as modern deadlifting shoes.
And they are not as expensive as the more specialized and technical lifting shoes.
Because they are more comfortable than deadlifting shoes, you can wear them all the time, even when not lifting.
Chuck Taylors are well-built, flat-soled shoes with a firm grip, no cushion support, and a stable base.
Some people criticize these shoes for their lack of side support and cushioning, but this is advantageous for deadlifting.
The canvas uppers are light and adaptable, more so than some training shoes.
They are one of the best shoes to have around because you can wear them for every type of weight training.
By far, Chuck Taylors are the most popular type of shoe for performing deadlifts.
The best part about them is that they are durable and affordable, ranging from 40 to 70 dollars in low and high-top designs.
If you have a high-top model, you may want to leave the top unlaced for greater freedom of movement.
Check the current price on Amazon for Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star High Top
#5. Asics Men’s Split Elite Wrestling Shoes
The Asics JB Elite V2.0 Wrestling Shoe is similar to the Sabo. Intended mainly for wrestling, this type of footwear is excellent for deadlifting, as well.
The rubber sole keeps you firmly planted and flat against the floor, and they are lightweight at 6.8 oz and offer a comfortable, supportive fit.
Also, they are easy to use for basic weight training as well.
However, they miss the metatarsal strap, which some do prefer not to have attached since they do not use it.
Asics JB Elite V2.0 Wrestling Shoes come in a vast range of colors, making no difference in performance, but there is nothing wrong with looking good in the gym!
You can find this type of deadlift shoe for 60 to 100 dollars.
Check the current price on Amazon for Asics Men’s Split Elite Wrestling Shoes
These are the reasons for deadlifting using:
- squat and deadlift shoes, or
- with deadlift slippers,
- or in socks only
Nowadays, though, it is also not unusual to see people train squat and deadlift barefoot, without shoes.
But, not wearing shoes is unsafe because of a lack of traction and protection for the foot itself.
Also, powerlifting shoes are mandatory in competitions to promote safety and hygiene.
Therefore, a great pair of shoes will simulate deadlifting barefoot while providing all the benefits of using footwear, such as better grip, support, and stability.
Note: All IPF-approved deadlift shoes must have an elevated heel height of less than 5cm.
What are the most critical features of good deadlift shoes?
The features most critical for learning, injury prevention, and mastering the deadlift are:
- Lightweight construction with a thin, flat sole
- Stability
- Excellent grip and connection to the floor
Typical running shoes have a cushioned structure that is not suitable for lifting.
Their compressible design does not give you the stability you need for strong deadlift support and performance.
Also, running shoes do not have flat, thin soles like deadlift shoes.
A flat bottom helps you connect best to the floor and feel grounded.
You must push against the ground to power your lift as if you are doing a vertical leg press.
Instead, running shoes absorb the force you exert against the floor, and that limits your deadlift performance.
On the other hand, the thin and hard rubber sole of a deadlift shoe solves this problem.
The perfect deadlift shoe provides an excellent grip on the floor.
Therefore, the best deadlift footwear will help reduce knee or ankle injuries.
If you want to master the deadlift, you have to train safely and smartly.
For these reasons, completely flat shoes for the deadlift are the only way to go.
Watch the video below from Strongman Alan Thrall on how to deadlift.
You will see that the first issue he addresses for the novice lifter is proper shoes for deadlifting.
That’s how vital deadlift shoes are for beginners!
Common Questions
#1. Are weightlifting shoes good for deadlifts?
Yes, you can use weightlifting shoes to deadlift.
However, make sure that they have flat, thin soles, as explained above.
#2. What about deadlifting in Oly shoes?
Olympic weightlifting shoes are for Olympic-style weightlifting, which is also known as Oly-lifting.
There are two lifts performed in Olympic weightlifting:
An Olympic shoe has a higher heel, which puts you in a better position for these lifts.
But, deadlifting in heeled lifting shoes is not a good idea for a few reasons:
- An elevated heel increases the distance you have to pull the weight.
- The raised heel compromises your foot stability, which increases the chances of injury.
- A heeled shoe is more likely to cause balance issues, especially if you are a beginner.
#3. Deadlifting in squat shoes
You can use squat shoes for deadlifting because they have stable soles.
Like Oly shoes, the raised heel of a squat shoe is of no benefit for deadlifting.
Except in the case where you want more stress on your quadriceps than on your hamstrings.
Generally speaking, squat shoes are best for squats, which require more ankle flexion and mobility.
For deadlifting, it is ideal you get shoes that have a flat sole.
However, you can wear one pair of shoes for squats and deadlifts.
#4. Can you squat in deadlift shoes?
Yes, for example, you can use Nike Metcon 4 for both squats and deadlifts.
Flat soles are essential for squats, mainly to prevent the lateral movement of running shoes.
Comfortable running shoes are excellent for running but dangerous for squats, especially as the load increases.
You want your legs and knees to have the most robust support possible.
This video will give you more insight into the importance of proper footwear:
Best Deadlift Shoes – Wrapping Up
The deadlift is a mighty full-body compound exercise that can dramatically transform your body.
But, it has one of the highest risks of injuries if not done correctly.
A slight mishap in balance can result in a leg, knee, elbow, or back injury.
So, there is little room for error when deadlifting.
You can improve your form by using the best gear.
And when it comes to deadlifting, a great pair of shoes is a critical piece of equipment.
You will perform the deadlift more efficiently with any of the shoes reviewed above.
The type that you want depends on which shoes are most comfortable for you.
Deadlifts are already a great exercise to perform for your body, regardless of strength, muscle, or even both.
The shoes make them a bit easier to deadlift, especially as the resistance gets heavier.
Execute these exercises safer with this great variety of deadlift shoes.
What’s Next
Now that you have the best deadlift shoes, all you need is an excellent pair of deadlift shin guards and a great beginner deadlift workout routine to get started.
However, if you need to lose weight before starting a deadlift program, use this free guide to lose 20 pounds in 3 months.
Related Posts:
hashimashi.com (Article Sourced Website)
#Deadlift #Shoes #Market #Today