A minimalistic design without the extra cushioning and padding that other running or training sneakers often have at the bottom. You want your foot flat and as close to the ground as possible for this specific type of exercise. I’ve hand-tested every shoe in this list across multiple deadlift sessions. If you have questions about which deadlift shoe you should go with please reach out! Powerlifting shoes, in addition to the high top design, have a sturdy sole and a wide heel, which helps to spread weight evenly across the foot and reduces the risk of ankle rolling or twisting. This provides additional ankle support and stability during the lift, allowing you to keep proper form and technique. The sole also has a zero-degree toe drop. This makes it completely flat, which provides you with the maximum level of stability. All these qualities make them great for running or High-Intensity Interval training. However, for the same reason, a shoe with a raised heel is unsuitable for deadlifting.

The testing process for deadlift shoes and shoes that excel for deadlifts is pretty straightforward. To test all of the shoes mentioned above, I deadlifted in every pair featured in this list — a lot.One of the problems with flat shoes is that they’re a bit harsh on your arch. However, you’ll be delighted to know that Sabo deadlift shoes solved this problem. Now that you know the problem with regular and heeled shoes, it’s time to learn about what qualifies a shoe as a good one for deadlifts. Let’s have a look at the important aspects you should look for. Hard Outsole Material Many shoes for deadlifting are designed with a high-collared front strap. This strap comes at different levels of rigidity to support your ankle the way you prefer. Supporting the ankle is critical when deadlifting using the sumo stance. Is Mid-Foot Support Important When Deadlifting?

These frayed edges may have been there when I got them — I’m not sure. I just know that I noticed it in the first couple of weeks of training, and they never got any worse even after several months. It hasn’t affected the strap’s functionality at all, so I consider this a predominately aesthetic flaw. I actually think it may just be extra thread leftover from a sloppy but functionally adequate sewing job in the factory.As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want anywhere from .2″ to .5″ in the toe box, and select options that align with your foot’s overall width. Deadlifting Shoes – Conclusion SABO Deadlift Shoes are really the way to go. They just have everything that you’d want for deadlifts, and unless you squat in Oly shoes, the SABO will probably end up being your go-to squat shoe as well. They’re just a great shoe at a reasonable price, and they are my top recommendation.