Strength training UK 2021: we’ve found the best gym shoes for weight training
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Why? We aren’t being fussy, honest, it’s just incredibly important that, when weight lifting at the gym, you don shoes that will provide you with a stable base for safe and efficient strength training.
Whilst you may search for spongy-soled trainers for running, strength training requires more or less the total opposite in a pair of shoes.
Of course, the type of lifting you intend on doing (Olympic, cross-training, or powerlifting, for example) will largely determine your ideal footwear criteria, however, generally speaking the goal is to create a sturdy base for lifting as safely and efficiently as possible.
This means you most likely want a pair of shoes with a flat base for force transfer and minimal drop from the heel to the toe (though, if you’re into Olympic lifting you might prefer opting for weightlifting shoes with an elevated heel).
Always opt for a shoe with a wide toe box where possible, which allows you to better spread your toes and improve your grip (which, in turn, can help to improve your lift, since you have created a more anchored base).
Whether a supple or stiff shoe is preferable really depends on the type of lifting you intend on doing. A little give will help you perform lunges, for example, whilst a more study shoe might help you feel more supported.
Strength training shoes can be costly, and often aren’t suited to everyday activities (therefore, probably don’t wear your Metcons on a shopping trip).
So, if you’re looking for a low-cost pair or a pair that you can get maximum wear out of, your best bet is to opt for those suited to cross-training or a classic pair of Converse.
8 of the best shoes for strength training
Sizes available: 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10.5
Powerlifters, Adidas’ Powerlift 5s are for you (though, so surprises there). They have next level stability, thanks to the sturdy, flat base, an elevated heel, and an instep strap that keeps feet firmly in place throughout lifts.
The upper fabric is made from canvas – it’s lightweight, hard-wearing, and encourages airflow to keep feet as cool as possible during workouts, and the rubber outsole offers grip and anchoring for when you’re performing big lifts.
They are designed to fit fairly snuggly, so those with wider feet might not find them the most comfortable shoes to lift in. They also tend to run a little small, so we recommend upsizing by half a size or so.
We’ll be clear: if you plan on sprinting, bounding, or climbing, these probably aren’t suited to your workout style – they’re strictly for weightlifting.
Sizes available: 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12
We’ll cut to the chase: they don’t quite have the cuteness of Nike’s Metcons or Reebok’s Nanos, but you can’t fault the function of 361’s Quest TRs.
It’s a versatile shoe that can see you through sets of snatches, box jumps, kettle bell swings, and more, and is therefore a fan favourite in the CrossFit community.
It has a fairly low heel drop and a sticky sole which both help to maintain stability during lifts, whilst cushioning in the forefoot helps to lighten landings during sprints, and such. The fabric is supple and breathable, though there’s external support around the heel.
We particularly rate the mono-sock feature, which effectively gives a slightly more snug fit around the opening of the shoe, and reduces movement and prevents tongue-slips (actual – not figurative – ones) from occurring mid-workout.
Sizes available: 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14
Under Armour’s TriBase Training Shoes tick all the boxes for cross-training. A low, close-to-the-ground construction and minimal heel drop provides a stable base for power transfer, and rubber under the toe box improves floor grip.
The mesh upper allows the shoe a reasonable amount of give (so, ideal for push-ups, lunges, and so on), whilst rubber that wraps the sides and exterior sole of the shoe provides traction for rope climbs and sprints.
All in all? A quality shoe for CrossFit – and comes in a few different colours.
