The selection of the top weightlifting shoes for women can be very limited. While women’s cross-trainers can be used for lifting, they aren’t made specifically for it. Some brands only make weightlifting-specific shoes in larger men’s sizes. In this article, we will explore the best shoes for weightlifting women in various brands for safe and comfortable lifting.
Why Do You Need Weightlifting Shoes
Weightlifting is a hard as well as dangerous activity. As a result, when performing lifts, you must take all reasonable steps to ensure your safety and improve performance. This involves putting on the right clothes and shoes. Your performance can be improved, and your training can be more effective with the right footwear. Women require lifting shoes for the following reasons.
Improved Stability
Women’s lifting shoes have a flat, non-compressible sole that keeps your balance and stability by preventing your foot from moving forward and backward or rolling from side to side. They also offer an ideal fit, preventing the foot from moving inside the shoe with the help of lacing and straps.
Power Transfer
Weightlifting shoes have hard, non-compressible materials included in the soles. The shoe’s sole is also flat at the bottom, allowing you to step down completely. Combining these features allows you to apply more force on the ground and lift heavy with stability.
Durability
Regular athletic footwear is not made to withstand the intense pressure of weightlifting. Usually, the mesh begins to separate from the base, the glue and stitching fail, the sole bends or breaks, etc. On the other hand, weightlifting shoes are made particularly to withstand these forces, making them safer to lift and a more affordable investment.
Better Posture
Numerous studies show that compared to athletic and other shoes, weightlifting shoes produce a more upright and stable posture. The results show that weightlifting footwear makes it easier to lift more weight by supporting your knees and helping you stand up straight.
Factors to Consider While Selecting Women’s Weightlifting Shoes
Overall Design
Consider whether you would prefer weightlifting shoes or cross-trainers. Cross-trainers are excellent all-around gym shoes since they are often supportive, have strong soles, and have less heel-to-toe drop so that they can be used for lifting, HIIT, agility, running, and other activities. On the other hand, shoes designed specifically for weightlifting usually have extremely firm soles and more balanced heel-to-toe drops.
Drop
The angle between your heel and toe is known as the heel-to-toe drop. A higher heel in a shoe with a higher drop can improve your ankles’ range of motion during lifting. However, some people like a grounded or barefoot feel and choose smaller drops or fully flat shoes.
Toe Box
A weightlifting shoe’s toe box needs to be broad and roomy so that your toes can stretch out and provide stability when you’re lifting. For more protection, the upper material should also be a bit stiff.
Sole
Your shoe’s outsoles should be slip-resistant and structured whether you’re lifting on a mat or on the ground. The insole must be structured. In addition, a material that is too cushiony may feel unsafe and cause you to lose your balance.
Security
Your shoe should be securely tight. Finding the proper size is the first thing to do, but it includes choosing a shoe that can be tied safely. Shoes made specifically for weightlifting usually have a strap along with the laces.
Best Weightlifting Shoes For Women
Reebok Legacy Lifter III
Heel Height: 22mm
Upper Material: Textile mesh, rubber
Sole Material: Rubber
Weight: Around 20 OZ
Sizing: True to size
The Reebok Legacy Lifter III is easily the top choice for women’s weightlifting shoes due to its classic design, rich features, and reasonable price. What makes them different from other brands is their true-to-size fit, unlike other brands that make men’s shoes in a smaller size and label it for women. The outsole remains unchanged for good reason, offering excellent grip and stability with a secure feel. These shoes stay comfortable during long training sessions thanks to their design, with airflow and anti-microbial features. Plus, they provide a snug fit with lacing and a midfoot strap, and the Reebok Pump mechanism ensures a perfect fit if needed.
Pros
- Tested and tried design
- Breathable
- Anti-microbial
- Sockliner
- Reebok Pump inflatable tongue
Cons
- Limited colours avaliable
Inov – 8
Heel Height: 22mm
Upper Material: Ripstop
Sole Material: Foam, Graphene
Weight: 13.5 OZ
Sizing: True to size
The Inov-8 is one of the brands which makes weightlifting shoes, especially for women. This shoe gives you great protection and support during lifting, and like all other weightlifting shoes, it also has a wide toe box, a security strap and an elevated heel. An exterior heel cage provides more ankle support and a sticky rubber sole for superior grip.
Pros
- Designed for women
- Sticky rubber sole and
- External heel cage
Cons
- Limited stock in certain sizes and colours
TYR L-1 Lifter
Heel Height: 21mm
Upper Material: Leather
Sole Material: Rubber
Weight: 19.5 OZ
Sizing: Wider than average
The TYR L-1 Lifter may not offer numerous features or innovative designs, but it excels at what it does. It is made from leather because leather is more durable than any other material. It offers a wider fit and a spacious patent-pending anatomical toe box for comfort and breathability. The shoe also has stylish colour options, including a captivating flower pattern. Two security straps enhance stability and allow for a secure fit. The outsole features a large suction cup in the center and a hexagonal pattern for superior grip and traction on different surfaces, ensuring safe and confident lifting.
Pros
- Unique colour choices
- Large suction cups
- Two security straps
- Patent-pending anatomical toe box
Cons
- Somewhat wide for the average women’s shoes
UnderArmour Reign Lifter
Heel Height: Around 20mm
Upper Material: Synthetic leather
Sole Material: Rubber
Weight: 28 OZ
Sizing: True to size
Under Armour Reign Lifter has emerged as a popular choice in recent times, particularly in weightlifting. Their Reign Lifter, a durable and protective lifting shoe made with premium synthetic leather, stands out as a staple. These shoes combine durability with a luxurious appearance, making them a great option for powerlifting, especially for women. The wide foot strap provides a secure lock without losing its grip over time. A fabric loop on the heel helps in easy on-and-off wear, preventing the heel tab from damage. However, these shoes may offer slightly less comfort during prolonged use due to limited breathability. The Reign Lifter’s outsole has a full-length rubber compound with a multidirectional tread pattern for reliable traction on various surfaces. Additionally, the TPU-injected heel lift promotes better posture and aids in executing more complex lifts.
Pros
- Strong synthetic leather
- Durable full-length rubber outsole
- Large security straps for extra protection
- Easy to wear
Cons
- Less breathability
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star High Top Sneaker
Heel Height: Flat
Upper Material: Canvas
Sole Material: Rubber
Weight: 10 OZ
Sizing: True to size
Be it a basketball or fashion, people have been using Converse for decades. They are considered as one of the affordable weightlifting shoes. The hightop feature supports your ankle during weightlifting. The flat sole and rubber toe box offer you great comfort and protection. They are available in several colours, and the lace-up design allows you to customize your fit without feeling too tight.
Pros
- Most affordable weightlifting shoes
- Good stability and protection
- Flat sole
Cons
- No security strap
- Not so durable
Xero Prio Shoes
Heel Height: Flat
Upper Material: Vegan leather
Sole Material: Rubber
Sizing: True to size
Weight: 7.6 OZ
Many gyms don’t allow you to lift with bare feet. But, These Xero prio shoes are designed to give a balanced, grounded and barefoot feel while lifting. Their thin sole, wide toe box and zero drop heel are responsible for a barefoot feel, and an added advantage is that we can wear these shoes with or without socks. The vegan upper and straps offer security and coverage.
Pros
- Barefoot feel
- It can be worn with or without socks
- Outermaterial is vegan
Cons
- Less support
Conclusion
In conclusion, the shoes you choose can affect any physical activity, particularly intense ones like weightlifting. In addition to providing stability and power transfer, the right pair of lifting shoes for women also promotes better posture and joint health. Regular athletic shoes lack these advantages in addition to being less durable.
