6 Best Shoes for Weightlifting Women – Latest Review - Freaky Shoes®

6 Best Shoes for Weightlifting Women – Latest Review

The best shoes for weightlifting women give you the stability, support, and grip you need to train safely. We have understood their importance, so we took our time reviewing over two dozen shoes last year. After around 18 months, we’re now sharing which are the best women's weightlifting shoes you can buy.

Shoes for weightlifting for women

Best For

Strengths

Notable Feature

Considerations

Nike Romaleos 4

Serious weightlifting

Excellent stability and support

20 mm heel lift with dual straps

Narrow toe box and expensive

Nike Metcon 9

Cross-training and lifting

Stable heel, versatile, strong grip

Medium cushioning for mixed workouts

Not good for long runs

Adidas Powerlift 5

Beginners on a budget

Affordable and supportive

15 mm heel lift, lightweight

Basic compared to pro models

Adidas Dropset 3

Beginner-friendly lifting

Balanced and comfortable

Good all-around starter shoe

Less support for heavy lifters

Reebok Legacy Lifter III

Heavy lifting and powerlifting

Very stable with strong grip

22 mm heel for deep squats

Expensive and bulky

NOBULL Outwork

General weightlifting

Sturdy and durable

Solid all-around lifting shoe

Less advanced features

Now, the details.

Nike Romaleos 4 – Best Overall for Women

Nike Romaleos 4 – Best Overall for Women

Factor

Details

Best for?

Heavy Olympic lifting and powerlifting

Made up of which materials?

Synthetic upper with mesh panels, TPU heel, rubber outsole

Suitable for which occasions?

Gym training, competitions, Olympic lifts

Pairs Well With?

Weight belts, knee sleeves, lifting straps

The Nike Romaleos 4 is the best shoe for weightlifting for women. It’s built for lifters who want maximum stability and support. It has a raised heel for deeper squats, which we liked a lot. You’ll also praise its firm sole that doesn’t compress. Plus, there are two straps to lock your feet in place.

That’s not all. The wide base gives you a planted feel, which is essential when you’re going heavy.

When we tested them, we noticed our squats felt more controlled, and our cleans were more explosive. The heel position helped keep our chest upright, and the solid platform gave us confidence to push more weight.

Scores

  • Comfort: 4.5

  • Durability: 5

  • Breathability: 4.5

  • Versatility: 4.5

Total Score: 4.65 / 5.

Pros / Cons

Pros

Cons

Stable under heavy weight

Heavier than other lifters

Dual-strap lockdown

Not suited for cardio

Heel improves squat position


TPU heel is ultra-durable


Wide base prevents wobble


Breathable mesh panels


Premium build quality


If you need gym shoes that handle sweat and rain, check out the best waterproof shoes for women.

Nike Metcon 9 – Best for Cross-Training and Lifting

Nike Metcon 9 – Best for Cross-Training and Lifting

Factor

Details

Best for?

Cross-training with heavy lifting focus

Made up of which materials?

Breathable mesh upper, rubber outsole, rope wrap overlay

Suitable for which occasions?

Gym sessions, CrossFit, functional training

Pairs Well With?

Wrist wraps, light knee sleeves, training shorts

The Nike Metcon 9 is the most versatile choice for women who lift. It has a stable heel for squats and deadlifts, but you’ll also get enough flexibility for jumps, sprints, and circuits. The grip works well on different gym surfaces, and the wider heel helps with balance during lifts.

Scores

  • Comfort: 4.5

  • Durability: 4.5

  • Breathability: 4.5

  • Versatility: 5

Total Score: 4.6 / 5

Pros / Cons

Pros

Cons

Works for both lifting and cardio

Less rigid for max lifts

Stable heel for heavy sets

Not as specialized as pure lifters

Breathable for long sessions


Excellent grip on all surfaces


Comfortable for all-day wear


Rope wrap adds durability


Great for functional training


Adidas Powerlift 5 – Best Budget-Friendly Lifter

Adidas Powerlift 5 – Best Budget-Friendly Lifter

Factor

Details

Best for?

Beginner to intermediate lifters

Made up of which materials?

Canvas upper, rubber outsole, EVA wedge

Suitable for which occasions?

Weight training, squats, casual gym sessions

Pairs Well With?

Lifting belt, basic knee sleeves

The Adidas Powerlift 5 is a budget-friendly lifter with solid performance. It has a lower heel than high-end models, making it easier to adapt for beginners. The canvas upper is breathable, and the single strap is quick to adjust.

When we used them for squats, they felt light but still supportive. They aren’t as rigid as Romaleos, but for moderate weights, they do the job well.

Scores

  • Comfort: 4

  • Durability: 4

  • Breathability: 4.5

  • Versatility: 4

Total Score: 4.1 / 5

Pros / Cons

Pros

Cons

Affordable for new lifters

Less stable for heavy lifts

Lightweight and breathable

Narrow fit may not suit all feet

Comfortable for long use


Lower heel helps beginners adapt


Good traction on gym floors


Strong for the price


Easy strap adjustment


Adidas Dropset 3 – Best Beginner-Friendly Hybrid Lifter

Adidas Dropset 3 – Best Beginner-Friendly Hybrid Lifter

Factor

Details

Best for?

Beginner lifters and hybrid training

Made up of which materials?

Mesh and synthetic upper, rubber outsole, dual-density midsole

Suitable for which occasions?

Weight training, light cardio, functional fitness

Pairs Well With?

Light lifting belt, resistance bands, training leggings

The Adidas Dropset 3 is a great entry-level choice for women who want stability for lifting. It offers a flat yet stable base for squats and presses, with a little more cushioning than traditional lifters.

When we tried them for a mixed training day, the Dropset 3 felt stable under the bar. But the best part is that it also feels comfortable during light cardio. If you like mixing lifting with cardio, you’ll want to see these top cross-training shoes for women.

Scores

  • Comfort: 4.5

  • Durability: 4

  • Breathability: 4.5

  • Versatility: 4.5

Total Score: 4.3 / 5

Pros / Cons

Pros

Cons

Great for both lifting and general workouts

Not ideal for max heavy lifts

Comfortable for beginners

Less heel lift than Olympic lifters

Breathable and lightweight


Affordable for its features


Versatile for different gym activities


Wide base for stability


Supportive without being restrictive


Reebok Legacy Lifter III – Best for Advanced Lifters

Reebok Legacy Lifter III – Best for Advanced Lifters

Factor

Details

Best for?

Olympic lifting and advanced strength training

Made up of which materials?

Synthetic leather upper, TPU heel, rubber outsole

Suitable for which occasions?

Squats, clean and jerks, snatches, competition lifts

Pairs Well With?

Heavy-duty lifting belt, knee wraps, chalk

The Reebok Legacy Lifter III is a high-performance shoe for experienced lifters. It has a tall, solid heel and a rigid sole for maximum power transfer. The design keeps your foot completely secure, which is vital for technical lifts like the clean and jerk.

When we wore them on a heavy squat day, we felt fully supported from the ground up. The heel height helped us stay upright. Plus, the lockdown fit made every rep feel controlled. This is the kind of shoe you buy when lifting is your main focus.

Scores

  • Comfort: 4.5

  • Durability: 5

  • Breathability: 4

  • Versatility: 3.5

Total Score: 4.2 / 5

Pros / Cons

Pros

Cons

Ultra-stable under heavy loads

Heavy for non-lifting use

High heel improves squat depth

Less versatile for mixed workouts

Durable build for years of use


Contoured fit for maximum support


Strong outsole grip


Excellent for competition lifts


Comfortable for long training sessions


NOBULL Outwork – Best Minimalist Lifting Trainer

NOBULL Outwork – Best Minimalist Lifting Trainer

Factor

Details

Best for?

Flat, stable base for strength-focused training

Made up of which materials?

SuperFabric® upper, rubber outsole, EVA midsole

Suitable for which occasions?

Powerlifting, strength training, gym sessions

Pairs Well With?

Lifting straps, flat lifting belt, chalk ball

The NOBULL Outwork is a minimalist shoe with a completely flat, firm sole. In our opinion, this makes it a great option for deadlifts, presses, and general lifting sessions. The SuperFabric® upper is highly durable, and the low-profile design keeps you close to the ground for stability.

When we tested them for deadlifts, the flat base helped us generate more power without losing balance. They’re not as cushioned as cross-trainers, but that’s the point. These are made to be stable, not soft.

Scores

  • Comfort: 4

  • Durability: 5

  • Breathability: 4

  • Versatility: 4

Total Score: 4.2 / 5

Pros / Cons

Pros

Cons

Flat base ideal for deadlifts

Not designed for running

Extremely durable upper

Less cushioning for long cardio sessions

Lightweight and flexible


Good grip on any surface


Wide toe box for comfort


Breathable material


Simple, stylish design


Looking for versatile footwear? These are the best women’s walking shoes for travel, especially if you’re on your feet all day.

How We Selected the Best Shoes for Weightlifting Women

We chose the best shoes for weightlifting women by testing them the same way you would in real workouts. We put them through heavy squats and explosive Olympic lifts. We also did long training sessions to see how they actually perform.

That’s not it.

We also looked at what other experienced lifters had to say.

Here’s what else we did to make sure you get the right picks:

  • Paid attention to comfort when wearing them for hours.

  • Checked real lifter reviews so you get honest feedback.

  • Compared build quality so you don’t waste money.

  • Looked at versatility so you can choose one that fits your training style.

Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Shoes for Weightlifting Women

Before you buy your lifting shoes, you need to know what’s going to help you lift more safely and more comfortably. Here’s what you should think about before making your choice.

Factor

What It Means

Heel height

If you squat deep or have ankle issues, a higher heel helps.

Sole rigidity

A firm sole gives better power transfer and stability.

Fit and stability

Your foot should not slide around while lifting.

Upper material

Choose something tough but breathable to prevent overheating.

Outsole grip

Strong traction keeps you planted during heavy lifts.

Weight

Heavy shoes keep you grounded, light shoes allow faster movement.

Purpose

For pure lifting choose lifters, for mixed training choose hybrids.

Want more than just lifting support? These CrossFit shoes handle it all—lifting included.

Final Verdict

The best lifting shoe for women depends on what you need and how much experience you have. If you are just starting out, the Adidas Powerlift 5 and Adidas Dropset 3 are both good choices. Why? Well, they are easy to wear and give you the support you need.

If you are lifting heavier weights, the Nike Romaleos 4 and Reebok Legacy Lifter III are excellent. We’ve found that they keep you steady and help with deep squats.

If you want a shoe that you can use for both lifting and other gym workouts, the Nike Metcon 9 is a smart pick.

The NOBULL Outwork is another strong option if you want something tough and reliable.

Just remember: Each of these shoes can help you train better!

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Freaky Shoes®

www.FreakyShoes.com

Freaky Shoes® is the ultimate destination for individuals who dare to stand out from the crowd. We believe that your shoes should be a reflection of your personality, style, and individuality. That's why we have created a revolutionary 3D Shoe Design Platform that allows you to unleash your creativity and design your very own custom shoes with just a few clicks. Whether you want to showcase your favorite logo, display striking images, or make a bold statement with personalized text, Freaky Shoes® empowers you to express yourself through your footwear like never before.

1 of 3

No time to design? No problem! We’ll craft your custom shoes — fast, FREE, and effortless.

Just send us your high-resolution logo or image, your color scheme, and the shoe model you like — and we’ll create a FREE professional mockup for you to review before you buy.