There is a range of specialized deadlift shoes that you can pick from. But another option is to wear deadlift slippers: minimalist footwear with only a thin piece of rubber between your foot and the ground. As the name suggests, they are not traditional shoes with laces and ankle support but rather slippers.
So are deadlift slippers worth it? Deadlift slippers are best for conventional deadlifting as they offer the least distance between your foot and the surface you’re pushing against. This reduces the range you have to lift the barbell and optimizes force transfer. Modern slippers with sidewall support are also now excellent for sumo deadlifting.
As the Head Coach for Team Canada Powerlifting, I’m tasked with giving my athletes the best recommendations for their gear. In this article, I’ll outline the benefits of wearing deadlifting slippers, my top picks for 2026, and situations where I think deadlift slippers don’t work.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Deadlift Slipper Recommendations
If you’re in a hurry and want my quick deadlift slipper recommendations, check out these models:
- Notorious Lift (NLG) – Best Overall (The Gold Standard)
- LiftingLarge Deadlift Slippers – Best “Old School” Strapped Slipper
- FitKicks Deadlift Slippers – Best Budget Pick
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The Best Deadlift Slippers Ranked
| Product | Best For | Sole Type | Sumo Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notorious Lift | Overall Performance | Grip Pattern Rubber | Yes (High Support) |
| LiftingLarge | Secure Fit (Straps) | Thin Rubber | No (Low Support) |
| FitKicks | Budget | Flex Rubber | No |
| Sabo | Shoe Alternative | Flat Grip | Yes |
1. Notorious Lift (NLG Gen 3) – Best Overall
Rating: 4.9/5
Pros
- “Sidewall” support makes them safe for Sumo deadlifts
- Unmatched grip pattern (you will not slide)
- Extremely thin sole for maximum ground connection
Cons
- Often sell out of popular sizes/colors
- Sizing can be tricky (read the guide below)
If you walk into any powerlifting meet in 2026, 70% of the lifters will be wearing Notorious Lifts. They have completely taken over the market for a reason.
Unlike cheap water shoes, Notorious Lift slippers (specifically the NLG and Sumo Sole lines) feature lateral sidewalls. This solves the biggest problem with slippers: foot spillover. When you push out laterally during a sumo deadlift, the reinforced wall keeps your foot on the sole.
The grip is also proprietary and feels “sticky” on competition carpet. If you are serious about lifting, these are worth the slight premium over generic Amazon brands. The shoes are also IPF-approved powerlifting gear.
Sizing Tip: These are meant to fit tight. Most lifters size down 1 full size from their street shoe.
2. LiftingLarge Deadlift Slippers – Best “Old School” Pick
Rating: 4.5/5
Before Notorious Lift arrived, the LiftingLarge Ground Lock Deadlift Slipper was the standard, and it remains an excellent choice for conventional deadlifters.
The key feature here is the dual strap system. One of the complaints about slip-on footwear is that the foot moves around inside the shoe. These straps allow you to crank them tight, locking your metatarsals in place.
They have a very thin rubber outsole that prevents slipping, and they come with a 4mm removable insole insert. I recommend removing the insert to get as close to the floor as possible. Like the top choice, these are federation approved. You can use them for deadlift training and at meets.
3. FitKicks Deadlift Slippers – Best Budget Pick
Rating: 4/5
I’ve recommended FitKicks a few times when lifters are looking for a deadlift slipper for cheap.
The FitKicks slipper is not actually a manufacturer of powerlifting gear. Their slipper is designed for yoga and water sports. However, because they are flat, thin, and grippy, they work well for conventional deadlifting.
Warning: I do not recommend these for sumo deadlifting. Because the material is soft mesh, your foot will slide over the side of the sole when you push out laterally. But for conventional pullers on a budget, these are unbeatable.
4. Sabo Deadlift Shoes – Best Deadlift Slipper Alternative
Rating: 4.5/5
Sometimes you want the feeling of a slipper, but the ankle support of a shoe. The Sabo Deadlift Shoe bridges that gap.
It has an ultra-thin flat sole (nearly as thin as a slipper) but includes a high-top ankle collar and metatarsal straps. If you are a heavy sumo deadlifter and don't like the “naked” feeling of a slipper like Notorious Lift, Sabo is the industry standard for stability.
7 Benefits of Deadlift Slippers
Now that you know the Notorious Lift is my top pick, let’s dive into the several benefits of using slippers for deadlifts.
1. A Minimalistic Design Reduces Range of Motion
Any competition-approved shoe that you use for deadlifting needs to have a minimalist design. This means you are as close to the floor as possible by reducing the separation between your foot and the ground.
The greater the distance between your foot and the floor, the further you have to pull the bar. Deadlifting slippers don’t have thick rubber soles; they usually have 2-3mm of material, effectively shortening your range of motion.
2. It’s The Closest Thing To Barefoot Deadlifting
Many people prefer to deadlift barefoot. However, most commercial gyms won't allow this for sanitary reasons, and it is illegal in powerlifting competitions (you must have a “sole”).
Slippers allow you to be compliant with gym and competition rules while maintaining that barefoot proprioception (feeling of the ground).
3. There’s No Heel-To-Toe Drop
Standard gym shoes often have a “drop” where the heel is higher than the toe. This shifts your weight forward, which is terrible for deadlifts. It can cause hips to rise too fast and place unnecessary load on the lower back.
Deadlift slippers are “Zero Drop.” They mimic standing on flat ground, allowing you to sit back into your heels and engage your posterior chain properly.
4. It’s The Cheapest Option
Dedicated deadlift shoes (like Sabo or Nike) can cost $90-$150. Deadlift slippers range from $20 (FitKicks) to $50 (Notorious Lift). They are the most cost-effective way to improve your gear setup. And Amazon offers free shipping if you're a Prime member, which could help save a few bucks.
Cons: Who Should NOT Use Slippers?
While I love slippers, they aren't for everyone. Here is what you need to watch out for.
1. The “Sumo Spillover” Effect
If you deadlift sumo, you must be very careful about which slipper you buy.
In a sumo deadlift, you push your feet out laterally. If you wear a cheap slipper like a FitKick, the mesh material will stretch, and your foot will slide right off the sole. This is unstable and dangerous.
If you pull sumo, you must buy a slipper with reinforced sidewalls (like the Notorious Lift Sumo Sole) or stick to a high-top shoe like the Sabo.
2. No Ankle Support
If you have a history of ankle injuries or instability, slippers offer zero support. You essentially rely entirely on your own joint stability. In this case, a high-top wrestling shoe or the Sabo Deadlift shoe is a safer bet.
Why I Use Deadlift Slippers
I recommend deadlift slippers for 90% of lifters. They are cheap, portable, and offer the best possible connection to the floor.
For 2026, the Notorious Lift is the clear winner for both conventional and sumo pullers due to their grip and sidewall support. If you are on a budget and pull conventional, the FitKicks are a perfectly capable backup plan. Purchase any of the styles mentioned above if you're looking for quality shoes for the platform.
