Best Women’s Weightlifting Shoes
Women's weightlifting shoes up until about ten years ago were once super hard to come by.
But;
Those days are firmly over.
The explosion in the number of women who regularly lift big weights has meant that there is also a massive increase in the range of women's weightlifting apparel and equipment.
Nothing beats feeling strong and one sure fire way to build a powerful and functional body is by training lots of different movements using either traditional weightlifting or body weight exercises.
If you are serious about smashing out a PB on any of the basic lifts then a good pair of weightlifting shoes is essential.
In terms of construction, men's and women's weightlifting shoes are usually designed and built in similar way.
However;
Men and women's feet do differ slightly in their shape.
The majority of women have smaller feet than the average man. But, they also have slightly wider feet than men.
Women's weightlifting shoes aren't mearly the men's model in different colors they actually account for the differences in the shape of the foot between the two sex's.
So what brands make the best weightlifting shoes for women?
Just like women's Crossfit Shoes, two big name manufacturers dominate the market:
- Adidas
- Reebok
However others such as Inov-8 and Pendlay have some pretty solid offerings.
Best Women’s Weightlifting Shoes
1. Adidas PowerLift Trainer
The Powerlift line of shoes from Adidas include the most popular training shoes. With its latest version, Adidas has improved the design.
Women’s Adidas Powerlift Trainer – Main Features and Details
The newer Women’s Adidas Powerlift 3 weightlifting shoes have an extra-wide design and midfoot strap for extra support. They also have a die-cut wedge for the midsole that keeps you closer to the ground.
Key Features:
- Synthetic leather upper material
- Air mesh collar, tongue and lining
- Lace closure with strap
- Rubber outsole with anti-slip grip
These shoes include optimal support and comfort. The wider design allows your feet to spread out more, which adds to the overall stability.
The selection of materials helps keep the shoes lightweight. Depending on the size, they should weigh about 15 ounces, which is just under one pound. It is a little lighter compared to most weightlifting shoes and feels more like typical training shoes.
Pros and Cons of the Women’s Adidas Powerlift Trainer Shoes
There are several advantages that help these shoes stand out. As you may expect from a major brand, they are well built and include quality materials. Besides the reliable craftsmanship, you can expect the following advantages:
- Air mesh lining provides more breathability
- Anti-slip outsole offers more traction
- Low heel-to-toe drop for lifting and squatting
- Stable platform for heavy lifts
he Women’s Adidas Powerlift Trainer Shoes are surprisingly breathable. They have air mesh lining throughout the inside of the shoe. The extra breathability helps keep your feet cool and reduces foot odor.
You also get great traction and grip. The rubber outsole helps keep your feet in place when lifting or squatting. You also get aid from the low heel-to-toe drop when performing these moves.
When lifting, you may also enjoy the stable platform. As mentioned, these shoes are a little wide. The wider platform gives you more surface area for keeping your body stable as you perform lifts.
These shoes only have a couple of minor disadvantages. One issue is the width of the shoes. These shoes are designed to allow your feet to completely spread flat, which is necessary when lifting. If you have narrow feet, you may find that the shoes are too roomy. This can take away from the stability and comfort of the shoes.
Another issue is that these shoes are not very versatile. They are well suited for weightlifting, but can quickly become uncomfortable when running or jumping. However, if you are just doing short sprints or a few jumps, this may not be an issue.
Conclusion – Why Should You Buy These Training Shoes?
The Adidas Women’s Powerlift Trainer shoes are among the most-recommended options for weightlifting. They are durable, breathable, and comfortable. Just keep in mind that they are best suited for lifting and not running or climbing.
If you want a pair of lifting shoes that you can rely on to keep your feet stable, consider getting a pair of Adidas Women’s Powerlift Training Shoes.
2. Reebok CrossFit Lifter Plus 2.0
The Reebok CrossFit Lifter Plus 2.0 is the successor to the popular CrossFit Lifter Plus. While it is called a cross-fit shoe, it is better suited for weightlifting. Check out the rest of the review to find out why.
Women’s Reebok CrossFit Lifter Plus 2.0 – Main Features and Details
The shoe was made for the lifting and cross-fit crowds. One of the only design changes from the previous version is the added metatarsal strap. Instead of one strap, you get two straps.
Key Features:
- Mesh and synthetic material
- U-form technology
- 0.75 inch heel drop
- Seven different colors available
The upper material is made from breathable synthetic material, while the toe-box is made using synthetic leather. With the added metatarsal strap, the shoes feel a little stiffer, but they are still comfortable and supportive.
The heel is made from the same hardened TPU that is used in most lifting shoes. It is stiff and not flexible, as it needs to help keep your heels planted on the ground. However, the stiffness prevents these shoes from being flexible enough for dynamic moves, such as box jumps.
Pros and Cons of the CrossFit Lifter Plus 2.0 Shoes
These shoes have become popular for weightlifting due to several of the advantages that they provide, including:
- Extra metatarsal strap
- You can mold them to your feet
- Breathable materials
3. Inov-8 FastLift 335
With the Inov-8 Fastlift 335 shoes, the designers tried to make a versatile pair of shoes that can be used for more than just weightlifting. If you want cross-trainers, you should take a closer look at these shoes.
Women’s Inov-8 Fastlift 335 – Main Features and Details
These shoes are lighter compared to most weightlifting shoes. They typically weigh about 12 ounces, which is referenced in the name of the shows. The “335” refers to the 335-gram weight. Besides the weight, you may want to examine these features:
Key Features:
- Nylon and synthetic materials
- 1.25 inch heel
- Adjustable hook-and-loop instep strap
- Mesh lining
The shoes have a platform-style heel, which is just the right height for lifting. It also helps to add more support to the outer parts of your feet.
While the back end of the shoe is stable and supportive, the upper midfoot is flexible and breathable. It includes a typical lace closure with a midfoot strap.
Pros and Cons of the Women’s Inov-8 Fastlift 335 Shoes
The Women’s Inov-8 Fastlift 335 shoes include several features that make them perfect for weightlifting. When comparing these shoes to other options, remember the following advantages:
- Breathable materials
- Padded tongue and collar
- Lots of grip on the outside
- Flexible mid-foot and toe-box
4. Adidas AdiPower Performance
The Adipower Performance shoes have a cool look and extra support for lifting. They were one of the first weightlifting shoes to include a full TPU heel. With the latest design, they have made a few more changes to help them remain one of the top pairs of lifting shoes.
Adidas Adipower Performance Shoes – Main Features and Details
With the Adidas Adipower Performance shoes, you get a quality pair of shoes designed for lifting.
Key Features:
- Textile and synthetic materials
- Rubber sole
- 0.75 inch heel
- Thick TPU heel
- One metatarsal strap
The shoes are made with PU leather throughout the upper part of the shoes. They also feature synthetic mesh in areas around the toe and heel. These materials remain durable and supportive while also providing flexibility and breathability.
They also have a rubber sole and a thick TPU heel that keeps your feet firmly on the ground when lifting. These features are great for lifting, but may become a hindrance when running or climbing.
If you want a hybrid shoe, you may need to explore other options. These are designed for lifting and may not meet the needs of a cross-fit workout.
Pros and Cons of the Adidas Adipower Performance Shoes
The Adipower is a top-selling pair of lifting shoes. In the past, these shoes were known for providing a durable platform for performing lifts.
The original Adipower includes three metatarsal straps. You now have one strap, which adds more flexibility to the shoes. Other highlights include:
- Soft lining and form-fitting upper materials
- Adjustable closure and strap
- Durable design
- Quality support and stability
The Adipower was designed for lifting. With lifting shoes, you often get a durable pair of shoes with limited flexibility. While they provide support, they do not always provide comfort. The Adipower shoes offer both.
You get a solid platform and comfortable design. The shoes include a soft lining and breathable upper materials. Your feet remain comfortable, even during a long workout.
The shoes are also incredibly durable and supportive. If you want lifting shoes that you can use for several years, these may be your best option.
Like any product, the Women’s Adidas Adipower Performance Shoes have a few complaints. Some customers found the toe-box to be a little narrow. If you have wide feet, you may not get the most comfortable fit. However, this is one of the only issues and many other customers enjoyed the fit.
Another minor issue is the flexibility of the shoes. They are flexible, but not when you first purchase them. It takes a while to break these shoes in.
The first several times that you wear them, they may seem too rigid. However, after a few uses, they should start to feel more comfortable and flexible.
Conclusion – Should You Start Wearing These Adidas Shoes?
With these training shoes, you are purchasing a pair of shoes from a popular brand. These Adidas shoes feature quality design, construction, and comfort. They are also very supportive without giving up too much flexibility.
5. Pendlay Women's Lifting Shoes
Pendlay is a company that most people are likely unfamiliar with. They are a UK-based company that is making a name for themselves with their lifting shoes.
Pendlay Weightlifting Shoes – Main Features and Details
With the Pendlay Women’s Weightlifting Shoes, you get a great value shoe with top notch performance.
Key Features:
- Synthetic leather with nylon mesh
- Four inch heel
- Wide toe-box design
- Two Velcro metatarsal straps
With the synthetic material and wide toe box, you get a comfortable pair of shoes. The wider toe box helps you spread your feet flat when you plant your feet before lifting or squatting.
When you first examine the shoes, you may assume that they are rigid and not very flexible. They have two large Velcro metatarsal straps. If you put them on, you can quickly tell that these straps do not limit the flexibility. The shoes remain easy to move in, allowing you to use them for more than just squats and lifts.
The shoes also have a high, flat heel with a standard heel-to-toe drop. They are perfectly balanced for lifting and squats, yet still flexible enough for light running or short climbs.
Pros and Cons of the Pendlay Women’s Weightlifting Shoes
Pendlay Women’s Weightlifting Shoes offer a combination of advantages and disadvantages. As mentioned, they are flexible and have a wide toe box. However, there are benefits to consider:
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Easy to secure
- True to size
6. NOBULL Women's Training Shoes
NOBULL has received a lot of attention for their no-frills training shoes. These shoes are versatile, durable, and flexible. However, they also have a divided reaction. Some customers had a few complaints. Before purchasing a pair, you should explore their pros, cons, and main features.
NOBULL Women’s Training Shoes – Main Features and Details
With the NOBULL Women’s Training Shoes, you get a lightweight pair of shoes that are suitable for a wide range of activities. This makes them true cross-training shoes. You can use them for climbing, lifting, and running.
Key Features:
- Simple design and handmade construction
- Upper features one-piece construction
- SuperFabric guard plates
- Lace closure with one metatarsal strap
- Stacked leather heel
Instead of featuring a patchwork of different pieces stitched together, the upper material on the NOBULL shoes is made with a single piece of fabric. This one-piece construction increases the durability of the shoes.
They are also handmade, which is something you will not find with other pairs of lifting shoes. The handmade construction helps to minimize defects, ensuring that every customer gets the same quality pair of shoes.
Instead of a TPU heel, these shoes feature a stacked leather heel. The stacked leather adds more flexibility to the heel, which is necessary for a hybrid shoe. It takes away some of the support needed for lifting while adding flexibility for climbing or running.
Pros and Cons of the NOBULL Women’s Training Shoes
Why do people love these shoes? Here are the top advantages:
- Accurate sizing
- Durable construction
- Versatility
- Comfortable shoe and toe box
As mentioned, these shoes include a one-piece construction for the upper part of the shoes. The design helps to increase the durability of the shoes, ensuring that they last through more workouts compared to other options. They also tend to fit true to size.
The stacked leather heel, flexible upper material, and roomy toe box help make these shoes more versatile. You can use them for a wide range of activities. Besides lifting and squats, they are well-suited for box jumps, rope climbs, and other cross-fit exercises.
Some people choose to wear these shoes everywhere. They are flexible, soft, and breathable, which allows you to wear them throughout the day.
While most people that purchase these shoes love them, some customers were not as impressed. One of the complaints is that they are not comfortable. However, customers seem to be divided on this issue. Many customers wear these as their everyday shoes.
Conclusion – Why Should You Consider Getting These Shoes?
If you want a pair of shoes that you can count on to hold up through multiple workouts, this is the right pair for you. The NOBULL Women’s Training Shoes are built to last.
They are also more versatile compared to most lifting shoes. You can use them as a hybrid pair of shoes for performing cross-training exercises.
Just keep in mind that some customers find them extremely comfortable while others thought that they did not offer enough comfort. You may need to try them for yourself to decide which customers are right.