Usually when you shop for shoes, you look for the best aesthetics or most comfortable materials, but when it comes to weightlifting, there are other important specs to look for. Good weightlifting shoes need to meet the following criteria:

• Stability to withstand heavy weight and sharp movements
• Support to prevent injury
• Flat soles that disperse weight on your feet equally. 

In this article, we will break down the specs and qualities of the top weightlifting shoes on the market.

Under Armour Project Rock 4 Training Shoes ($150)
Under Armour's Project Rock 4 is Dwayne Johnson's weightlifting shoe model. Dwayne Johnson is known for his high intensity and heavyweight lifting routine, which requires a great deal of stability and support. His shoes reflect the high intensity aspects of The Rock's routine by featuring a medial foot strap for lockdown, an external clip that contains heel movement, HOVR cushioning for maximum comfort and responsiveness, and a UA TriBase outsole that integrates different groove patterns for stability in different parts of the foot. 

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Adidas Adipower Weightlifting II ($200)
Adidas' Adipower Weightlifting II is a model that was featured by olympic athletes in the Tokyo Olympics during the summer of 2021. Adidas' model features a variety of lace holes that users can personalize to the lockdown they find most secure, a midfoot strap for additional stability, an elevated heel to promote good posture and form during weightlifting exercises, and Primegreen recyclable upper materials to support the sustainability of the environment. The Adipower Weightlifting II model caters to the needs and routines of the world's most talented athletes, which is reflected in the design and specs of the shoe.

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Nike Metcon 7 ($130)
Nike's Metcon model has become one of the most popular Nike shoe models in recent years due to a balance of both aesthetics and performance. The seventh iteration of the Metcon line continues this combination of looks and performance by featuring key specs that enhance the weightlifting experience. The Metcon integrates a wide, flat heel that allows weight to disperse evenly, React cushioning that is responsive to explosive movements and comfortable for everyday use, and a durable rubber traction that allows sharp cuts and intense movements. The Metcon 7 is a safe and reliable option to choose when looking at weightlifting shoes due to the track record of the Metcon model and the consistently high reviews from its users.

Nike Free Metcon 4 ($120)
The Free Metcon 4 is an alternative to the classic Metcon 7 and offers more flexibility and comfort for different types of workouts. The design of the Free Metcon 4 is inspired by the classic Nike Air Huarache model that was a big hit in the ‘90s. It integrates a rubber sidewall that stabilizes your foot in the shoe, allowing for sharp lateral movements, Nike Free technology that allows for flexibility in the forefoot, and a dual cushion system that features a soft core for comfort and a firmer outer cushion built for durability. The Free Metcon 4 offers unique aspects of flexibility and comfort, which are not common in the design of weightlifting shoes, making this model appealing to some weightlifters.

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Nike Romaleos 4 ($200)
The Romaleos 4 is Nike's premium weightlifting model used by heavy weightlifters. It features wide, adjustable straps for lockdown during lifts, a rigid midsole with a lift to support explosive movements, and a wide base for stability and equal weight dispersion. This model integrates premium materials and is recommended for weightlifting purposes exclusively. Coming in at a price of $200, the Romaleos 4 is a hefty investment, but well worth the money if you spend a lot of time doing heavy, olympic-level weightlifting exercises.

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* Originally published on February 3, 2022, by Dylan Tehada