Inexpensive weightlifting shoe recommendations

violetvixen89
violetvixen89 Posts: 17 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey everyone,

Do any of you have any suggestions for inexpensive shoes to weightlift in? I've been wearing Nike Free runs and just recently read a bunch of articles about how its bad and you can't lift as much in them. I can't find my chucks so I'm wearing Vans today just to see if there's any difference.

Anyway, recommendations please and thank you! :)
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Replies

  • Sarc_Warrior
    Sarc_Warrior Posts: 430 Member
    I lift barefoot at home and use Nanos at the gym
  • jeepinshawn
    jeepinshawn Posts: 642 Member
    I can't imagine a shoe making any difference. I wear Nike free 3.0s or whatever running shoes I'm in at the time.
  • Krisfit40
    Krisfit40 Posts: 106 Member
    adidas makes an affordable flat bottom lifting shoe.. It has a good slope for squats and such.. try 6pm.com and type lifting shoes in the search bar.. they usually have good deals.. but adidas is by far the best priced that I have seen..
  • violetvixen89
    violetvixen89 Posts: 17 Member
    edited July 2016
    Thanks @Krisfit40 . I'll check that out!
  • violetvixen89
    violetvixen89 Posts: 17 Member
    edited July 2016
    I'll Google nanos. I wouldnt do barefoot because I'd probably smash my foot @indy_cruizer
  • violetvixen89
    violetvixen89 Posts: 17 Member
    @jeepinshawn all of the articles explained how running shoes are meant to absorb impact and make your run cushy so they absorb the impact from your lifts too and preventing the foot from fully absorb the impact and lifting more. I can't explain it word for word, but it was on numerous fitness mags and stuff. Check it out
  • Ultima_Morpha
    Ultima_Morpha Posts: 892 Member
    I have a pair of Columbia Sportswear shoes that I got at the outlet that I love for my Kettlebell workouts. Minimal drop, stable padding but still very comfortable.
  • jennifer_417
    jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
    I think any flat sneaker that don't have cushioned soles would work. The idea behind the flat sole is that it gives better stability, thus perhaps enabling you to life more.
  • kwtilbury
    kwtilbury Posts: 1,234 Member
    violetvixen89 wrote: »
    @jeepinshawn all of the articles explained how running shoes are meant to absorb impact and make your run cushy so they absorb the impact from your lifts too and preventing the foot from fully absorb the impact and lifting more. I can't explain it word for word, but it was on numerous fitness mags and stuff. Check it out

    That's true of most running shoes but Nike Frees are a little different. They're more on the minimalist side, meaning little of the cushioning and very little heel to toe drop.

    Depending on what your program is, the Frees may be fine.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    violetvixen89 wrote: »
    I'll Google nanos. I wouldnt do barefoot because I'd probably smash my foot @indy_cruizer

    Dropping a plate on your foot barefoot vs with Chucks vs with other lifting shoes likely won't make a big difference.

    I use Reebok Crossfit shoes for squatting and barefoot/socks for all other lower body lifting.
  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    I like Chucks
  • Chieflrg
    Chieflrg Posts: 9,097 Member
    edited July 2016
    Wrestling shoes are by far the most comfortable pairs I've worn in the past thirty-five years of lifting.

    Though Chucks or Vans are a great option.
  • curlsintherack
    curlsintherack Posts: 465 Member
    I can't see that the shoes make that much difference until you start getting up into the elite levels. spend the shoe money on a trainer that can teach you perfect form and you will benefit yourself much much further than shoes.

    I've lifted barefoot, crocks, various running shoes, and steel toed work boots and never could tell you a bit of difference.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    converse-chuck-taylor-all-stars_1.jpg
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    If you're looking for an actual weightlifting shoe with a heel, the Wei Rui is a decent price. Also the Powerlift 2.0s are much cheaper than the Romaleos and Adipowers, though the heel is not quite as high.
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    Krisfit40 wrote: »
    adidas makes an affordable flat bottom lifting shoe.. It has a good slope for squats and such.. try 6pm.com and type lifting shoes in the search bar.. they usually have good deals.. but adidas is by far the best priced that I have seen..


    You probably mean the Powerlift 2.0. The Adipowers are starting to get up there at 130-140 bucks I think.

    Oh I forgot, Reebok makes a decently priced shoe too. They're the "cross fitters".
  • AmandaHugginkiss
    AmandaHugginkiss Posts: 486 Member
    Second the Wei Rui for a real lifting shoe that is cheap. I now wear Reebok Crossfit for squats, and Vans for deadlifts and other flat foot lower body work. The crossfit has a hard bottom with a slightly lifted heel, but it isn't as heavy as some of the other lifting shoes out there. It's an excellent choice for women. For upper/bench, I wear whatever is closest to me, either my runners or Vans.
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    AmandaHugginkiss wrote: »
    Second the Wei Rui for a real lifting shoe that is cheap. I now wear Reebok Crossfit for squats, and Vans for deadlifts and other flat foot lower body work. The crossfit has a hard bottom with a slightly lifted heel, but it isn't as heavy as some of the other lifting shoes out there. It's an excellent choice for women. For upper/bench, I wear whatever is closest to me, either my runners or Vans.

    Do you actually have the Wei Rui and chose the Reebok over them? Just curious because I think the Wei Rui actually has a full .75in heel.

    I've been benching in my Nike Romaleos. At first I preferred my chucks for bench but I've gotten used to the heel. Plus they are so darn expensive, if I can use them for two lifts that'd be nice.
  • darrensurrey
    darrensurrey Posts: 3,942 Member
    I wear the cheapest trainer I can find as (1) the sole isn't very cushioning (2) the sole is quite thin/flat.

    The first time I did heavy Bulgarian squats in Adidas running shoes, I panicked as I felt myself sink into them at an awkward angle. :D
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    arditarose wrote: »
    AmandaHugginkiss wrote: »
    Second the Wei Rui for a real lifting shoe that is cheap. I now wear Reebok Crossfit for squats, and Vans for deadlifts and other flat foot lower body work. The crossfit has a hard bottom with a slightly lifted heel, but it isn't as heavy as some of the other lifting shoes out there. It's an excellent choice for women. For upper/bench, I wear whatever is closest to me, either my runners or Vans.

    Do you actually have the Wei Rui and chose the Reebok over them? Just curious because I think the Wei Rui actually has a full .75in heel.

    I've been benching in my Nike Romaleos. At first I preferred my chucks for bench but I've gotten used to the heel. Plus they are so darn expensive, if I can use them for two lifts that'd be nice.

    I think the Reebok have a .75in heel too. (Or did you mean Wei Ruis are same height but cheaper?) I love my Reeboks. I think they are super ugly, reminding me of orthopedic bowling shoes, but they are comfortable and help me a lot with squatting.
  • violetvixen89
    violetvixen89 Posts: 17 Member
    Thanks everyone! I'm gonna use all of your suggestions and see what works for me. I wore vans today and felt a difference, but I did better squats with my chucks in the past. I must have read over a hundred articles about the importance of good shoes and just wanted real people opinions to back up some of what I read.

    As for the trainer, i worked with a trainer when I first started weightlifting two years ago in order to make sure my form was perfect. So I've already got that down. Im just looking into better shoes now that won't be too uncomfy because I do have a foot and knee injury that I have to be careful about.

    Thanks again everyone! :):)
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    jemhh wrote: »
    arditarose wrote: »
    AmandaHugginkiss wrote: »
    Second the Wei Rui for a real lifting shoe that is cheap. I now wear Reebok Crossfit for squats, and Vans for deadlifts and other flat foot lower body work. The crossfit has a hard bottom with a slightly lifted heel, but it isn't as heavy as some of the other lifting shoes out there. It's an excellent choice for women. For upper/bench, I wear whatever is closest to me, either my runners or Vans.

    Do you actually have the Wei Rui and chose the Reebok over them? Just curious because I think the Wei Rui actually has a full .75in heel.

    I've been benching in my Nike Romaleos. At first I preferred my chucks for bench but I've gotten used to the heel. Plus they are so darn expensive, if I can use them for two lifts that'd be nice.

    I think the Reebok have a .75in heel too. (Or did you mean Wei Ruis are same height but cheaper?) I love my Reeboks. I think they are super ugly, reminding me of orthopedic bowling shoes, but they are comfortable and help me a lot with squatting.

    I'm like 95% sure the Reebok don't have the full .75 heel. Lemme check.
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    jemhh wrote: »
    arditarose wrote: »
    AmandaHugginkiss wrote: »
    Second the Wei Rui for a real lifting shoe that is cheap. I now wear Reebok Crossfit for squats, and Vans for deadlifts and other flat foot lower body work. The crossfit has a hard bottom with a slightly lifted heel, but it isn't as heavy as some of the other lifting shoes out there. It's an excellent choice for women. For upper/bench, I wear whatever is closest to me, either my runners or Vans.

    Do you actually have the Wei Rui and chose the Reebok over them? Just curious because I think the Wei Rui actually has a full .75in heel.

    I've been benching in my Nike Romaleos. At first I preferred my chucks for bench but I've gotten used to the heel. Plus they are so darn expensive, if I can use them for two lifts that'd be nice.

    I think the Reebok have a .75in heel too. (Or did you mean Wei Ruis are same height but cheaper?) I love my Reeboks. I think they are super ugly, reminding me of orthopedic bowling shoes, but they are comfortable and help me a lot with squatting.


    Oh yeah I'm confusing the Reebok with the Powerlifts.

    You like them? Mark Bell is always raving about them but he is sponsored by Reebok so..
  • louvig
    louvig Posts: 15 Member
    I use Inov-8 Fastlift shoes I purchased from Amazon. The heals are raised and are solid. They added a lot of stability to my deadlifts and especially my squats. Love them and did not know what I was missing when I using running shoes.
  • AmandaHugginkiss
    AmandaHugginkiss Posts: 486 Member
    arditarose wrote: »
    AmandaHugginkiss wrote: »
    Second the Wei Rui for a real lifting shoe that is cheap. I now wear Reebok Crossfit for squats, and Vans for deadlifts and other flat foot lower body work. The crossfit has a hard bottom with a slightly lifted heel, but it isn't as heavy as some of the other lifting shoes out there. It's an excellent choice for women. For upper/bench, I wear whatever is closest to me, either my runners or Vans.

    Do you actually have the Wei Rui and chose the Reebok over them? Just curious because I think the Wei Rui actually has a full .75in heel.

    I've been benching in my Nike Romaleos. At first I preferred my chucks for bench but I've gotten used to the heel. Plus they are so darn expensive, if I can use them for two lifts that'd be nice.

    I wore the Wei Rui for 2 years and replaced them with the Crossfit. The heel height is the same. The difference is in the more flexible toe box in the Crossfit. The Wei Rui feels more like wood from heel to toe where the Crossfit is a hard composite plastic with a bend at the ball of the foot. But the heel height is 3/4". The color combo makes it look shorter, but it is the same as the Wei Rui, when held up to each other.

    I don't regulation bench, but prefer the very flat heel that I can press into when I bench. Everyone has different body mechanics, and if I paid for Romaleos, I'd probably want to wear them for more than just squats.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    arditarose wrote: »
    jemhh wrote: »
    arditarose wrote: »
    AmandaHugginkiss wrote: »
    Second the Wei Rui for a real lifting shoe that is cheap. I now wear Reebok Crossfit for squats, and Vans for deadlifts and other flat foot lower body work. The crossfit has a hard bottom with a slightly lifted heel, but it isn't as heavy as some of the other lifting shoes out there. It's an excellent choice for women. For upper/bench, I wear whatever is closest to me, either my runners or Vans.

    Do you actually have the Wei Rui and chose the Reebok over them? Just curious because I think the Wei Rui actually has a full .75in heel.

    I've been benching in my Nike Romaleos. At first I preferred my chucks for bench but I've gotten used to the heel. Plus they are so darn expensive, if I can use them for two lifts that'd be nice.

    I think the Reebok have a .75in heel too. (Or did you mean Wei Ruis are same height but cheaper?) I love my Reeboks. I think they are super ugly, reminding me of orthopedic bowling shoes, but they are comfortable and help me a lot with squatting.


    Oh yeah I'm confusing the Reebok with the Powerlifts.

    You like them? Mark Bell is always raving about them but he is sponsored by Reebok so..

    I do. Just to be clear, I'm talking about the Crossfit Lifter 2.0 . Keep in mind that squatting is my most difficult lift so any little thing that helps, I'll take it.
  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    (1) for squats and oly lifts try Wei Rui. They're around $65 and work fine. I still have my old pair. They're not great but do the job.
    (2) Chucks are fine for deadlifts and other lifts where you need flat contact with the ground. I find them far from ideal, though, and wrestling shoes or barefoot work just as well if not better for me.
    (3) Quality weightlifting shoes will last years. I own a pair of Adipowers that I use for squats, cleans and atlas stone work, and I love them.
  • cgvet37
    cgvet37 Posts: 1,189 Member
    I like Skechers. Best gym shoes I have bought, and I have been through my fair share.
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    AmandaHugginkiss wrote: »
    arditarose wrote: »
    AmandaHugginkiss wrote: »
    Second the Wei Rui for a real lifting shoe that is cheap. I now wear Reebok Crossfit for squats, and Vans for deadlifts and other flat foot lower body work. The crossfit has a hard bottom with a slightly lifted heel, but it isn't as heavy as some of the other lifting shoes out there. It's an excellent choice for women. For upper/bench, I wear whatever is closest to me, either my runners or Vans.

    Do you actually have the Wei Rui and chose the Reebok over them? Just curious because I think the Wei Rui actually has a full .75in heel.

    I've been benching in my Nike Romaleos. At first I preferred my chucks for bench but I've gotten used to the heel. Plus they are so darn expensive, if I can use them for two lifts that'd be nice.

    I wore the Wei Rui for 2 years and replaced them with the Crossfit. The heel height is the same. The difference is in the more flexible toe box in the Crossfit. The Wei Rui feels more like wood from heel to toe where the Crossfit is a hard composite plastic with a bend at the ball of the foot. But the heel height is 3/4". The color combo makes it look shorter, but it is the same as the Wei Rui, when held up to each other.

    I don't regulation bench, but prefer the very flat heel that I can press into when I bench. Everyone has different body mechanics, and if I paid for Romaleos, I'd probably want to wear them for more than just squats.

    Thank you for that. You don't get to try on a lot of these shoes so it's nice to hear the comparison. I was luckily able to try on the Adipowers before I made my decision. Really disliked them so had to go with the more expensive Nikes. My squats will never be the same. They are a dream.

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