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Ultimately, they can help you feel more grounded and confident while you train.
Original images by SELF staff / Laneen Wells
Our favorites are firm, stable, and supportive, so you might focus on your repsnot your steps.
Read on to find your new go-to pair.
The low heel will help you feel more connected to the floor and maintain your balance.
But we like them for beginners who want to take their weightlifting journey nice and slow.
The shoe fits closer to your foot and is a little more streamlined, Sgobba says.
They helped me feel more stable while doing deadlifts and goblet squats.
The Core Weightlifting shoe is definitely a more specialized pick, ideal if youre working toward specific squatting goals.
But we recommend it if youre a regular lifter looking to treat yourself to some high-quality shoes.
It has attained fan-favorite status among dedicated lifters for its wide range of motion and exceedingly stable base.
These are by far the best lifters I have ever worn.
I feel extremely stable, like Im stepping on a platform, one Nike reviewer wrote.
I immediately PRed my back squat the first time I wore them, one Reebok reviewer wrote.
They make a huge difference in stability.
The Legacy Lifter uses both a midfoot strap and a set of laces to keep your foot from shifting.
Footwear made specifically for strength training is a worthy purchase for any regular gym-goer.
Which shoes should you not lift in?
Weightlifting shoes are differentfrom many running shoes, which often have a curved rocker sole.
Those bottoms are designed for forward movement, but they can throw off your balance while lifting.
Are shoes necessary for weightlifting?
While its not uncommon to see someone doing squats anddeadliftsin their bare feet, Dr. Gremillion advises against it.
Its such an individual thing, he says.
[But going shoeless] is not recommended by any means.
No surgeon would ever recommend that.
What should you look for in a weightlifting shoe?
A zero-drop (a.k.a.
Look for a shoe with mesh panels and perforations, which allow for better breathability without sacrificing structure.
Who tested these shoes?
Shes worn many of our top picks extensively, evaluating them for fit, feel, and functionality.
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