- Adidas Men's Powerlift 4
- Reebok Women's Legacylifter II
- Nordic Lifting Megin Powerlifting Shoe
- Reebok Men's Legacylifter
- Nike Romaleos 3 XD
- Converse Chuck Taylors
- Reebok Men's Crossfit Lifter Plus 2.0
- INOV-8 Men's FastLift 360 Lifting Shoes
But if you get the wrong shoe for squatting, you could be limit your performance for years. Plus, shopping for the right pair of squat shoes can be so tiresome that it pushes you to forget about it. That’s why I saved you the effort and came up with this list of the best shoes for squats.
Below you'll learn:
- What makes a squat shoe special
- Why squat shoes are better than regular shoes
- The 8 best squat shoes with pros, cons, and reviews
- Features to look for in squat shoes
- Is barefoot squatting worth it?
- Heeled vs flat soled shoes for squatting
Table of Contents
What Is Special About a “Squat Shoe”?
Squat shoes have a special design that drastically improves your squatting mechanics.
For starters, the heel is designed to give you additional height.
The height raises your heel slightly higher than your toes, so your ankles do not have to flex so much when your hips are at the bottom of the squat. This is a huge advantage for people with tight ankles or hips because now you can squat the full range of motion without as many limitations.
Additionally, the shoe's sole is flat and hard, often made of wooden or foam construction.
This allows your foot to effectively transfer force through the floor. The hard surface balances your foot, making it easier to keep the load distributed over your center of mass without rocking back and forth. This enables you to lift more weight.
The best squat shoes actually improve several aspects of your squats, like your:
-
- Stance
- Form
- Posture
- Depth
- Safety
- And even how much you lift
Want more? I’ll go through each squat shoe feature in detail later in this article.
Why Can’t You Wear Any Type of Shoe for Squats?
Running shoes are made to cushion and dampen your steps. Otherwise, all these jerky running forces can cause serious long-term injuries.
But for powerlifting and lifting weights, your needs are different. Your feet need to push on a solid surface. That way, all your force will be delivered to the weight you’re trying to lift.
Using a cushioned sole would reduce your power output. Moreover, the lack of solid support increases injury risk, especially with heavier weights, as you are more likely to rock forward and back on your foot.
What’s even more shocking is that it decreases the exercise benefits!
Typical running shoes support feet in an arched form. While this is essential for proper running, it’s known to impair muscle development in your feet. Strong foot muscles are important in the squat as they help stabilize your ankle, knee, and hip position.
You can learn more in my article on wearing running shoes for squats where I discuss the negative impacts on bar path and technique.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team comprises powerlifting coaches who have competed and worked with athletes at the highest levels. We understand the importance of investing in the right gear, and our recommendations are based on our experience with what works.
We’ve gone through several pairs of weightlifting shoes ourselves throughout the years, so we know what makes the best shoes for squats depending on factors like limb length and squat stance preference.
8 Picks For The Best Squat Shoes
For each powerlifting shoe brand, I will discuss the technical details that directly affect your squatting performance. Then, I’ll mention the pros and cons I found in the customer reviews.
1. Adidas Men's Powerlift 4 – Best Squat Shoes For Men
With a heel height of 0.6” made from high-density EVA foam, your squatting workout would get the support it needs with one of the latest weightlifting shoes from Adidas.
You know how well it performs if you already own a pair of Adidas Powerlifts, like the 3.1 model.
The Powerlift 4 model has the same high-quality outsole. It’s wear-resistant and highly durable, providing a firm grip under the heaviest loads.
However, it’s worth noting that it may slip on wet platforms. So to be on the safe side, wipe any sweat or moisture before beginning your squats.
Ready for the new features? This model has a full outer canvas construction instead of the mesh and synthetic leather in the 3.1 model.
Canvas is known for its optimum durability and snug fit. Outside the shoe industry, it’s used to make tents, sails, backpacks, and any other product that requires sturdiness.
Additionally, it’s much lighter than other materials. This leaves room for your feet to breathe and stay comfortable.
Adidas also added a handy heel-loop to easily put on the pair without crushing the heel cup.
The only thing I’m not comfortable with is the presence of a slight dip in the midfoot material. Though it doesn’t affect performance, it may take a few workouts to get used to how it feels.
I have an older model of the Adidas Powerlift shoe that lasted me 12 years, so you can guarantee these shoes will last.
Pros
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- Adidas AdiWEAR outsole
- Durable canvas construction
- Supportive dense EVA lining
Cons
-
- Midfoot material dip
2. Reebok Women's Legacylifter II Sneaker – Best Squat Shoes For Women
Have you been searching endlessly for a weightlifting shoe for women that balances comfort and function? I’m glad to tell you that I found it in the Reebok Women’s Legacy Lifter II.
The first iteration of the Legacy Lifter was voted as my best powerlifting shoe for women when I reviewed it along 7 other shoes. The Legacy Lifter II introduces new features and removes some old ones, but it’s still my favorite women’s squat shoe.
The Legacy Lifter IIs are constructed with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). This material is optimal for giving a non-compressible surface for your feet. The secure heel clip also keeps your foot in place throughout your squat sets.
The shoes have a 0.86″ heel height, which is 0.11” higher than the first model. It’s one of the highest heel heights for squat shoes. A high heel height is great for lifters with longer legs, who lack hip or ankle mobility, and who squat in the high bar vs low bar stance. Some people just like the feel of a higher heel, too, even if they don't meet those criteria.
The upper is made from a textile material. It’s more breathable than the leather on the first model (even though it was perforated), so your feet won’t get as sweaty during your squat workouts. It’s also more pliable and offers more flexibility for your foot to move but is still supportive enough that your foot won’t slide around inside the shoe.
One of the only things I don’t like about the upgraded Legacy Lifter is the transition from two support straps to one. The two straps on the first model offered extra security on multiple parts of the foot. The single strap on the Legacy Lifter II is wide and covers a large portion of the foot, but I do miss the second strap.
Some trainers would advise against using this product due to its excessively heavy weight. But I strongly disagree.
You won’t be moving much with these shoes (i.e., walking or running), so their weight won’t impair you by any means. However, it’ll provide extra anchorage to the ground.
Pros
-
- Double upper straps
- Exo-frame support
- Breathable construction
- Solid TPU lining
Cons
-
- Somewhat expensive
3. Nordic Lifting Megin Powerlifting Shoes – Best Budget-Option Squat Shoe
For all lifters running low on cash, Nordic introduced a pair of good squat shoes at a quite competitive price. There are actually a few great squat shoes under $100.
These squatting shoes come with a 1.4” heel height, which is notably higher than most squat shoes for powerlifting. If you don’t think it’s uncomfortable, this added height will definitely improve your squat mechanics if you lack mobility in your ankles and hips.
The elevated heel height will also give you a wider range of ankle motion and, subsequently, a more upright torso.
There is a supportive velcro strap above the laces in the midfoot region to securely support your feet. Nordic claims that the velcro stitching and overall stitching are top-notch and highly durable.
Some lifters I know who have used these shoes have complained about poor materials. But to keep you safe, these shoes have a 1-year full refund warranty. And I must say, nearly everyone I know who wears these shoes praises Nordic’s customer support. You won't get that same level of attention with other squat shoe brands.
The outsole is flat, without the usual indentations on other soles. However, it doesn’t affect the anti-slip function. It grips greatly as long as you’re standing on a dry surface.
Moist surfaces can slightly decrease their traction. So stay safe and wipe any sweat before lifting large weights.
Pros
-
- Affordable price
- Excellent customer support
- High-quality materials
- 1-year warranty
Cons
-
- Slippage on moist surfaces
4. Reebok Men's Legacylifter Cross Trainer – Best Squat Shoes for Wide Feet
It can be a daunting experience to shop for squat shoes for wide feet.
Luckily, Reebok has made it easier. The Reebok Men's Legacy Lifters feature two important criteria that make them stand out as some of the best shoes to squat in with wide feet.
Firstly, their wide toe box. Why is that important? If we ignore the irritating feel, having a strangled foot is actually harmful to your squats.
As you might already know, your feet must have a tripod anchorage at the heel, pinky, and big toe to perform a good squat. Any pair of squat shoes always provide the heel support. But it’s the pinky and the big toe that often get overlooked.
Providing sufficient space for these toes to spread out will anchor you to the ground. This opens the chance for heavier and more challenging squats.
The second important feature is these shoes’ heavy leather construction. As your toes would spend most of the time at the shoe edges, you need a material that doesn’t rip out after a couple of months of use (this is actually pretty common).
For extra support, these shoes are provided with double upper straps, one at midfoot, and another at the balls of the feet.
If you have wide feet and want more options, check out our article, The Best Squat Shoes for Wide Feet
Pros
-
- Wide toe box
- Heavy leather around the toe box
- Durable upper straps
Cons
-
- Quite expensive
5. Nike Romaleos 3 XD Men's Training Shoe – Best Squat Shoes for Flat Feet
The Romaleos 3 XD shoes from Nike are a popular weightlifting shoe amongst Olympic weightlifters, but they are also excellent powerlifting squat shoes.
They come with a 0.75” heel lift. They have a hard supporting midsole, just like any other squat shoe. But the difference lies in the structure, making them the best squat shoe for flat feet.
The plastic heel is arranged in a honeycomb structure instead of a solid bulk like other shoes. This gives the same amount of support but with much less weight.
The midsole has the slightest arch support. Furthermore, these shoes come with two interchangeable hard and soft insoles to match your personal preference. These two features make them the go-to option for athletes with flat feet.
You might wonder, what if you have flat feet? You probably don't have flat feet if you don't already know. Most people with flat feet already wear shoes that address this issue in other aspects of their life.
What I personally like the most about these shoes is Nike’s Flywire technology. Have you ever felt that laces aren’t tight enough? You might feel looseness near your sole no matter how you pull.
Nike has found the solution. These weightlifting shoes have two tough polymer filaments running through the upper on each side. On one end, they’re attached to the midsole, while the other end is attached to the top two laces.
Hence, the whole upper will tighten around your feet when you tighten the laces.
Pros
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- Honeycombed TPU midsole
- Slight arch support
- Snug fit with Flywire Technology
Cons
-
- Quite expensive compared to other shoes
- Some customers reported tongue ripping after a short time
6. Converse Chuck Taylor High Top Sneakers – Best Squat Shoes for Wide Squat Stance
As we discussed in our article on Why Powerlifters Wear Converse Shoes, if you opt for a wide squat stance, then the classic flat Chuck Taylor should be your choice without the slightest doubt. Even though they weren’t originally created for lifting weights, they’ve become known as some of the best sneakers for squats among powerlifters.
The midsole is constructed from a firm rubber material that gives your feet a consistent height and rigid support.
The outsole is made from non-slip rubber. The heel and forefoot areas are textured with triangle-like shapes, while the midfoot and the sides are plain flat with no elevated heel. This arrangement provides an excellent tripod effect for a more effective squat.
But a Chuck Taylor All-Star pair isn’t about performance only. With the canvas outer construction, your feet will get the breathable and comfortable space they need.
What I like about them the most is their high-top design. It doesn’t affect the performance much, but the extra laces around your feet will give you a comfy, tight fit.
Although they are relatively cheap squat shoes, they’re equipped with two features that get the most out of them. Firstly, there is double stitching throughout the whole shoe. Secondly, the toe box is capped with a firm rubber cover to protect it against wear.
Furthermore, their flat sole makes them some of the best shoes for squats and deadlifts. You won’t have to carry two pairs of shoes with you to the gym if you have squats and deadlifts in the same workout.
Pros
-
- Consistent flat midsole
- Gripping textured outsole
- Breathable canvas construction
Cons
-
- Their design hasn’t changed since they were released in the 1950s.
- They don’t have upper straps.
7. Reebok Men's Crossfit Lifter Plus 2.0 – Best Squat Shoes For Sweaty Feet
Sweaty feet are the last thing you want for your squatting routine. If you are one of those unlucky people, then the Men's Crossfit Lifter Plus 2.0 from Reebok is an ideal weightlifting shoe for you. This shoe makes squatting less of a hassle due to its anti-friction lining that decreases heat formation and subsequent sweat.
What I like the most about these shoes is their superior fit. This is achieved through two features. Firstly, the double upper straps on the midfoot and the balls of the feet.
Secondly, and the most unique one, the U-Form technology. This feature lets you fit the shoes to your smallest feet details.
Simply preheat your oven to 200 degrees. Then put the shoes inside the oven for 2-3 minutes. Afterward, wear them for 8 minutes at least.
Their upper is constructed from a breathable mesh material that doesn’t strangle your feet.
Although the heel lift is 0.75”, it doesn’t provide the best rigid support you’d normally want. This is due to the quite flexible rubber midsole.
Hence, I’d only recommend using them with relatively low weights in squatting. Much of your force would be lost at the midsole as you go up.
Pros
-
- Anti-friction lining that decreases sweating
- Optimal fit with the U-Form technology
- Superior stability with the double upper straps
Cons
-
- Quite expensive
- Not suitable for large weights.
8. INOV-8 Men's FastLift 360 Squatting Shoes – A Notable Pick
I couldn’t end the reviews without mentioning this product. Inov-8 might not be that famous, but these weightlifting shoes are surprisingly good.
They have a wide toe box that leaves a proper area for your toes to align in a proper tripod. The upper is constructed from the regular breathable mesh with a velcro strap in the midfoot region.
To enhance stability, even more, these shoes have a TPU plastic frame surrounding the heel area, a feature Inov-8 calls External Heel Cage.
The midsole has a normal height of 0.65”. But it’s given by pillar-shaped TPU material. In addition to having a fashionable look, this arrangement means that less material is used. Hence, they’re relatively lighter than other powerlifting shoes.
The outsole is made from a non-slip rubber material. It’s equipped with a groove that runs in the forefoot region. This groove adds a little flexibility that facilitates moving between different positions. So theoretically, you could use it for other lower-body exercises.
However, I wouldn’t recommend using it with large weights due to this flexibility and its light weight.
Pros
-
- Flexible outsole
- Wide toe box
- Lightweight
Cons
-
- Not suitable for large weights
Features To Look for in a Squat Shoe
Now that you know what to consider when deciding on the best squat shoe for you, I’m going to walk you through all of the features of a squat shoe you should look for.
Heel Height
Commercially, some brands refer to the heel height as “offset,” “heel-to-toe drop,” or “drop level.”
You should aim for a heel-to-toe drop between 0.5 and 1.2 inches. Why? Raising your heel instantly enables you to squat deeper.
Furthermore, it keeps your back straight. Go on, try it! As we established earlier, the straight back takes a lot of force off your lower back.
Where does this force go, then? Mainly to your quads.
Strap Support
Regular laces usually aren’t sufficient in securing your feet. I’m talking about minor movements. These can seriously injure your ankle.
So, you should be looking for shoes that have strap support. They usually come as velcro straps to make it easier to reach the right tightness.
Some brands offer more than one strap to give lateral and vertical stability. The more straps, the more support, the less risk.
Want more high-top recommendations? Check out my article on the Best High Top Lifting Shoes.
Midsole
The midsole is not the feature that’s worthy of your attention in a weightlifting shoe. It’s important in running shoes as it provides the most cushioning.
For squat shoes, it’s typically thin and situated under the heel only. Usually, its material is either TPU or EVA (types of plastic). However, TPU is used more often due to its harder nature.
Check out my top recommendations for the Best Lifting Shoes For Narrow Feet.
Outsole
Your outsole should provide the maximum gripping possible. Minimal slippage can cause major loss of balance, which can cause serious injuries.
The go-to material in the top squat shoes is, of course, rubber. It has the best traction, but it can wear easily. But this shouldn’t be a concern if, again, you devote your shoes for squatting only.
Durability
Squat shoes can be quite expensive compared to other options. And frankly, they should be. They require special materials and design to ensure you get the perfect exercise.
Don’t think about downgrading and choosing a poor pair to save some bucks. They won’t be as effective. And they won’t be as durable.
Think of them as an investment. After all, the better the durability, the less often you’ll have to replace them.
The main method you can use to pick a durable product is to follow brands of indisputable reputation. Yes, I know that nobody is perfect and famous brands can produce awful products. But at least this happens as an exception.
Rigidity
This is by far the most important feature in a weightlifting shoe. It’s what makes a shoe good for squatting or better for another sport like running. Choose a material that gives the highest possible rigidity, like TPU.
This is particularly important if you’re doing Olympic weightlifting or any form of squatting. You don’t want to lose the tiniest amount of your force in compressing your shoes.
The only tradeoff to such materials is their relative heaviness. But I don’t think that would be such a big problem as long as you only reserve these shoes for squatting. You don’t move that much, after all.
A lot of lifters believe they can squat in basketball shoes. Check out my article that answers this question: Squatting In Basketball Shoes: Should You Do It?
What About Barefoot Squatting?
Ok, let’s completely forget about shoes. Squatting on the hard ground has to be a perfect choice, right? Again, no.
Squatting barefoot has the advantage of enhanced proprioception. It gives you the feeling of anchorage to the ground, which pushes some people to perform better and lift more.
But you probably don’t notice how it forces your upper body to incline forward. This adds more force on your spine, leading to irritating lower back pain in the long run for some people.
The low-bar back squat is probably the only squat that will benefit from your lean trunk. Even then, using flat shoes, like the Chuck Taylors, would be better than going barefoot.
Not to mention the probability of jeopardizing your well-being by stepping on the ground containing bacteria, viruses, or fungus, it’s not really worth it!
Heeled vs. Flat Shoes: What’s Right for Squats?
You may wonder if you need a dedicated pair of squat shoes in the first place and what you need to look for in them so you can maximize your squat potential.
In this section, I’ll discuss everything you need to consider when buying squat shoes.
Since the right squat shoe for you will also depend on your bone structure, anatomy, and preferred squat stance, I’ll also discuss the factors you should consider when choosing between heeled and flat shoes.
Ankle Range of Motion
If your ankle has limited mobility, aka limited dorsiflexion, choose shoes for squats with an elevated heel. We’ll use imaginary numbers to illustrate this point.
Let’s assume that your deepest squat requires your ankle to be at 60 degrees. If you use flat shoes, you’ll be starting your squat from around 90 degrees. So you’d be having a motion along 30 degrees.
On the other hand, using heeled shoes raises the starting angle to be around 105 degrees. In this way, your ankle will move an additional 15 degrees. Isn’t this the fastest fix ever?
However, you should know why your ankle mobility is impaired.
In some cases, it happens due to your bone structure.
If your bones hit each other at a certain angle, you have nothing to do about it. Using squat lifting shoes with an elevated heel is the only fix you have in hand.
But it can also happen due to tissue limitations. In that case, you should fix these issues using drills that can help you squat deeper rather than going for heeled shoes.
Femur Length
To get the most benefit from your squat, the bar needs to be as close as possible to the middle of your feet as you go up and down. Otherwise, you’d waste a lot of your squat power or expose yourself to the risk of slipping the weight forward or backward.
Let’s assume we have two people that match in everything. They have the same dorsiflexion in the ankle and the same knee and hip flexion. The only difference between them is the femur length.
The person with the longer femur would have their hips pushed backward. So, to achieve the proper weight position, they'll have to either lean forward or pronate (internally rotate) their ankles.
Both solutions aren’t beneficial for your squats, though. Leaning forward puts pressure on your lower back. And pronating your ankles would jeopardize your stability.
Using heeled shoes will cause your hip to drop downward, compensating for the long femur and keeping your torso upright.
So, to sum up, if you have a longer femur relative to your tibia and torso, heeled weightlifting shoes should be your go-to solution. Otherwise, you can use the flats if you prefer.
Stance Width
Feet close or feet wide, toes in or toes out, what’s the right squat position? No answer’s right for everyone!
Your bone structure should dictate the right squat stance. The main determinant responsible for this is in your hip joint.
Broadly speaking, you'll benefit more with a heeled shoe unless you squat in an ultra-wide squat stance. This is especially the case if your feet are shoulder-width apart.
However, if your feet are 2X the distance of your shoulders apart or greater, you might want to consider a flat-soled shoe or a lower heel height.
Neck Length & Neck Angle
Let's group these two concepts together:
Neck length
Let’s review some basic anatomy to ensure you understand what follows. Nothing too technical, though.
Hip joints are ball and socket joints. The femur has a ball-shaped head that sits in a depression in the hip bone. And with every head comes a neck. That’s what we call the narrow part of the femur that precedes the head.
If you have a long femur neck, your whole leg would be naturally away from your body’s center. Hence, the wide squat stance is the right choice for you.
Likewise, a shorter femur neck would cause your leg to be closer to your body’s center. Opting for a wide stance, in that case, would be irrational.
Neck angle
Ideally, the femur neck should be pointing slightly forward. This way, the comfortable squat position would be with your toes pointing forward.
Then again, humans are not molds that follow the same anatomy. If your neck points backward, your toes will be comfortable in an inward direction.
On the contrary, a neck that points in a more forward position means toes that rest in an outward direction.
Related Article: Best Squat Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis. If you suffer from this condition, check out my reviews of the shoes that may help mitigate pain.
What to do
Enough with medical knowledge. How to actually implement this information into your daily squatting?
Luckily, you won’t need an x-ray to know how your bone aligns. Simply, lie on your back, and bring your knees as close to your chest as possible. Don’t contract any other muscle, just your knees.
From that position, look down at your legs and feet. This is how your stance should look in both the width and toes direction.
Back to our main topic. Wider stances naturally have an upright torso. Hence, you can comfortably use flat shoes. This is also the case if you like to point your toes outward.
On the other hand, narrower stances can benefit from heeled shoes to straighten the torso and increase the range of dorsiflexion. This is also the case if you want to point your toes forward.
High vs. Low Bar Squats
The bar's position may tell you what shoes for squatting will be best for you. High bar squats have the bar placed on top of the traps muscle. In that way, it lies comfortably within the middle of your feet. But the downside to this position is the requirement of a flexible ankle to perform it properly.
That’s why I think you should go for heeled shoes if you prefer high bars. As we mentioned before, it will easily increase your ankle mobility.
On the contrary, low bar lifters can wear flats or heels. It usually requires a wide stance. Thus, flat shoes would work. But it also has the bar out of the foot’s middle, which requires heeled shoes to correct. So, this is left to your personal preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions I get about squat shoes:
What Type of Shoes Are Best for Squats?
Shoes with an elevated heel, rigid materials (such as TPU), and a non-slip rubber outsole are best for squats. Some of the best squatting shoes also have straps for extra support. However, if you low bar squat or squat with a wide stance, flat shoes like Converse may be better because they’ll help you feel more stable.
Do Squat Shoes Really Help?
Squat shoes do help. The raised heel can help you reach proper squat depth if you have poor hip or ankle mobility. Squat shoes allow you to stay balanced instead of rocking back and forth, making it easier for you to control heavier loads. They also give you a firm grip on the floor to prevent your feet from slipping.
What Is the Best Squat and Deadlift Shoe?
The best squat and deadlift shoe is any shoe with a flat sole and very low heel-to-toe drop. You can wear heeled shoes for squats, but you shouldn’t wear them for deadlifts because they place more stress on the knees, and you have to pull the bar a greater distance. Flat shoes like Converse are good for both lifts.
Are Flat Shoes Good for Squatting?
Flat shoes are good for squatting if you squat in the low bar position, use a wide stance, or don’t have very long femurs. However, heeled shoes are better if you have long femurs or squat in a high bar position. They make it easier for you to squat to depth and keep the weight balanced over your center of mass.
Can You Replace Squat Shoes With Small Weights To Step On?
Technically, you can. But is it better than shoes? Absolutely not. For starters, it’s unreproducible. Even if you use the same weight plates, your heel position may change. This prevents you from keeping track of your performance.
Furthermore, it’s not the safest option. Under large weights, your feet may easily slip off the weight edge, causing various degrees of serious injuries.
How To Care for Your Squat Shoes?
Putting newspaper inside your shoes after your workout is an easy and cheap method to remove any excess moisture and fight bad odor.
After around a year of use, your shoe will probably need to be washed. Squat shoes are machine-washable in slow spin mode. However, check the manufacturer's notes beforehand to avoid irreversible damage.
But if you want to prolong the durability of your shoes as long as possible, don’t use them outside the platform. Not even on your way to and back from the gym.
Otherwise, you’d be exposing your shoes to loads they aren’t made to withstand.
When To Replace Your Current Squat Shoes?
You’ll know that your squat shoes need to be replaced when the upper strap(s) come loose, the stitching is torn, or the glue is peeling off. All of these affect the shoe's stability and can make them unsafe to squat in.
Looking for other shoe options? Check out my article on Are Vans Good For Lifting?
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this article on the best shoes for squats provided you with all the necessary information on squatting.
To sum up, Adidas Men's Powerlift 4 is what I recommend as the best squat shoes for men. With their canvas construction, dense EVA midsole, and the 0.6” heel height, you’d be giving your squat the necessary support.
And for the best squatting shoes for women, I recommend the Reebok Women's Legacy Lifter II. The TPU midsole, together with the textile upper, gives a well-balanced product. Though I miss the two support straps that were present on the first model, the single strap on the second iteration is plenty secure.
If you have wide feet, don’t just settle for any shoes. The Reebok Men's Legacy Lifter Cross Trainer should fit you well. They have a wide toe box that’s supported by a heavy leather construction.
In the end, I’d like to remind you to stay safe above all. If your shoes started wearing off, don’t hesitate to change them. Now go on and do some good reps!
Check out my article on all of the IPF & USAPL Approved Competition Gear and Equipment.