21 Best Squat Shoes

Selecting the appropriate shoes for squats maximizes performance and safety. Squats or weightlifting shoes are essential for maintaining proper posture during squats. They help in reducing the pressure on the knees and preventing joint pain. 

With a wide variety of options available on the market, finding the perfect pair is a daunting task. 

In this article, we have compiled a list of the 21 best squat shoes to make your search easier. 

Each individual has unique preferences and requirements when it comes to squat shoes. So for a well-rounded evaluation, we’ve considered the following factors:

• Upper material
• Insole
• Midsole
• Outsole
• Cushioning
• Arch Support
• Heel height
• Heel-to-toe drop 

Additionally, we’ve included information on sizing and the availability of half sizes. We’ll also highlight whether each shoe offers removable insoles, allowing you to customize the fit.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Adidas Adipower III

The Adidas Adipower III shoes are one of the best squat shoes available. The upper material of the Adipower III is made of canvas. The canvas upper increases the breathability of the shoes. The insole is made of EVA foam. It helps absorb shock and reduces the pressure on the feet.

The shoe features a TPU midsole. It helps distribute the force evenly throughout the foot and provides a solid base for squats.

The outsole of the Adipower III shoes is made of rubber, which offers excellent traction and grip on various surfaces. The rubber outsole reduces the risk of slipping or losing balance.

One notable advantage is their high arch support, which provides stability and helps maintain proper foot alignment during squats.

These shoes also include a hook-and-loop instep strap that provides a secure and locked-down feel. This strap helps keep the foot in place.

The Adidas Adipower III shoes have a unisex design. They come in the size range of 4 to 16 for men and 5 to 17 for women. Half sizes are also available in the range of 4.5 to 12.5 for men and 5.5 to 13.5 for women. The shoes are designed with a regular width. 

The heel height is 20.1 mm, and the heel-to-toe drop is 20 mm.

Nike Romaleos 4

The Nike Romaleos 4 shoes are designed to provide a customized fit to the user. The upper material is synthetic leather. The insole is made from EVA foam, and the midsole is made from TPU. The outsole is made from rubber.

Removable insoles are an important feature of the Nike Romaleos 4 shoes. This allows you to customize the fit and feel of the shoes to suit your individual preferences better or accommodate orthotic inserts if needed. 

These shoes provide excellent arch support. The EVA cushioning helps in enhancing comfort, and the TPU midsole provides stability during squats.

Nike Romaleos 4 shoes have a unisex design. They come in the size range of 4 to 15 for men and 5 to 14 for women. Half sizes are also available in the range of 3.5 to 12.5 for men and 5.5 to 16.5 for women. They are made with regular width. 

The heel height and heel-to-toe drop are both 20 mm each. 

Inov-8 Fastlift 360

The Inov-8 Fastlift 360 shoes are excellent for squats due to their exceptional features for protection and support. The upper is made up of synthetic leather. The insoles are made from EVA foam and are removable. The midsole is constructed with TPU.

These shoes incorporate a structure that surrounds the back of the shoe called an external heel cage (EHC) to provide unparalleled stability during squats. The EHC wraps around the heel, providing a secure, locked-in feel that prevents unwanted movement or slippage. The rubber outsole also helps enhance stability by offering excellent grip.

The Inov-8 Fastlift 360 shoes feature a single strap over the mid-foot. This strap is adjustable and acts as a support mechanism, keeping your foot firmly in place during intense workouts. 

These shoes offer a unisex design. They are available in the size range of 7 to 14 for men and 6 to 11 for women. Half sizes are available in the range of 7.5 to 12.5 for men and 5.5 to 10.5 for women. They are designed with regular width. 

The heel height and heel-to-toe drop are both 16 mm each.

Reebok Nano X

The Reebok Nano X shoes offer a lightweight and breathable design. The upper is constructed using synthetic mesh. The synthetic mesh allows optimal airflow, keeping your feet cool and comfortable during workouts. This breathable upper material helps to prevent excessive sweating and discomfort.

The EVA insole offers cushioning and support. The EVA material absorbs shock and impact during squats. This helps reduce the strain on your joints and muscles. These shoes do not have removable insoles. 

The midsole is also made of EVA. This further contributes to the shoe’s overall cushioning and shock absorption capabilities. The outsole is made from rubber which offers excellent traction.

One of the benefits of the Nano X shoes is its high arch support. With a high arch support design, these shoes provide extra stability and help maintain proper alignment during squats.

These shoes come in the size range of 6 to 14 and are designed with regular width. They are also available in half sizes of 6.5 to 12.5.

The heel height and the heel-to-toe drop are both 4 mm each. 

Nobull Trainer+

The Nobull Trainer+ shoes are durable, making them excellent for squats and intense workouts. The upper of the Trainer+ shoes is made of SuperFabric®, which makes it durable, breathable, and abrasion-resistant. 

These shoes incorporate an elevated EVA midsole, which offers improved cushioning and enhanced comfort. The padding at the heels and collar helps absorb impact and reduces the strain on joints. This feature is particularly beneficial during exercises that involve repetitive movements, such as squats.

The insoles are also made up of EVA foam and are not removable. The outsole of the Nobull Trainer+ shoes is made of rubber. The herringbone tread pattern and deep grooves on the outsole offer reliable traction on various surfaces. 

The shoes also feature a lace system with internal webbings. 

The Nobull Trainer+ shoes come in the size range of 4 to 18 for men and 5 to 15 for women. They also offer half sizes and a unisex design. Half sizes are available in the range of 3.5 to 13.5 for men and 5.5 to 19.5 for women. 

The heel height and heel-to-toe drop are both 4 mm each.

Adidas Powerlift 4

The Adidas Powerlift 4 shoes offer exceptional support and breathability, making them a top choice for squatting. They feature a canvas upper, which is responsible for their breathability. The insoles are made from EVA foam, but they are not removable. 

The midsole is also made from EVA foam and helps minimize the impact on feet and joints during squats. The outsole is made of rubber and ensures stability during squats. It reduces the risks of slipping by providing a reliable grip.

For those seeking extra traction, check out 15 methods to make shoes non-slip.

The high arch support of the Powerlift 4 shoes helps distribute weight evenly and reduces the risk of injuries during squats. The heel height and heel-to-toe drop are 15 mm. 

These shoes are available in size range of 5 to 18. Half sizes are also available in the range of 6.5 to 12.5. They are designed with regular width.

Asics Lift Master Lite

The Asics Lift Master Lite shoes are top-notch squat shoes that offer superior support. The upper is made from synthetic leather. It also features a mesh vamp that enhances ventilation. The insoles are made up of EVA foam but are not removable.

The midsole comprises TPU, and the outsole is made from rubber. The heel of the Asics Lift Master Lite shoes is constructed with TPU and rubber. This makes the heel durable and compression-resistant.

Along with high arch support, another great feature of these shoes is a big toe box. The toes are spread comfortably, which gives a strong footing. They also have a single strap that gives a locked-down and secure fit during squats.

The Asics Lift Master Lite shoes have a size range of 7 to 12. Half sizes are also available in the range of 7.5 to 12.5. They are designed for men and with regular width. 

The heel height is 18 mm, and the heel-to-toe drop is 10 mm.

Nike Metcon 6

The Nike Metcon 6 shoes incorporate comfort and breathability, making them a reliable choice for squatting. The upper is constructed using synthetic mesh material. 

The EVA insole helps to reduce impact and strain on your feet and joints, providing a supportive and comfortable base for squatting movements. However, these insoles are not removable. The midsole is also made up of EVA foam.

One notable feature of the Metcon 6 shoes is their PU foam cushioning. PU foam, or polyurethane foam, offers durable cushioning that adapts to the shape of your foot. It helps to absorb impact and reduce pressure points, providing enhanced comfort and support during squats.

The Nike Metcon 6 shoes offer a unisex design. They are available in the size range of 7 to 12 and half sizes in the range of 7.5 to 11.5. They are made with regular width.

They feature a heel height of 8 mm and a heel-to-toe drop of 6 mm. 

Nordic Lifting MEGIN

The Nordic Lifting MEGIN shoes offer amazing comfort and stability. The upper is constructed using synthetic leather. This material provides a supportive and secure fit around the foot, ensuring stability during heavy squats. The synthetic leather upper also contributes to the overall durability of the shoes.

The leather insoles provide a soft and cushioned feel. Additionally, they also allow proper ventilation. But these leather insoles are not removable. 

The midsole of the MEGIN shoes is made of TPU for proper weight distribution and stability during squats. The cushioning used in these shoes is EVA foam, and the outsole is constructed with rubber.

The closure system of these shoes combines a velcro strap and laces. The velcro strap adds an extra layer of stability, allowing you to tighten the shoe around the midfoot for added support. The laces further enable you to adjust the shoes according to your comfort.

The Nordic Lifting MEGIN shoes are available in the size range of 7 to 12. Half sizes are also available in the range of 8.5 to 11.5.

These shoes have a heel height of 30 mm and a heel-to-toe drop of 16 mm. 

Adidas Power Perfect 3

The Adidas Power Perfect 3 shoes are a perfect choice for squats. The upper is constructed using synthetic leather. The insoles are made from EVA foam and provide a supportive and comfortable base for your feet during squats. 

However, these insoles are not removable. 

The cushioning material used in these shoes is also EVA which enhances comfort. The TPU midsole and rubber outsole provide the necessary stability for squats.

With its high arch support, the Power Perfect 3 shoes help to maintain proper foot alignment during squats.

They feature a heel height of 19 mm. The heel-to-toe drop is also 19 mm.

The Adidas Power Perfect 3 shoes are available in the range of 5 to 13. They are also available in half sizes of 6.5 to 12.5. 

Do-Win Classic Lifter

The Do-Win Classic Lifter shoes provide a combination of security and breathability. The upper is made from a combination of suede and mesh materials. The suede offers a supportive and secure fit, while the mesh promotes airflow. The insoles are made from leather and are not removable. 

The midsole comprises TPU, and the outsole is made of rubber.

The excellent breathability and stability are the main advantages of the Do-Win Classic Lifter shoes. However, they offer moderate arch support.

These shoes offer a unisex design. They are available in the size range of 5 to 14 for men and 6 to 14 for women. Half sizes are also available in the range of 5.5 to 12.5 for men and 6.5 to 15.5 for women. They are made with regular width.

These shoes feature a heel height of 20.1 mm, and the heel-to-toe drop is 19 mm. 

VS Athletics Weightlifting Shoe II

The VS Athletics Weightlifting Shoe II offers a balance of durability and breathability. These shoes are constructed using a combination of fabric and leather. The fabric provides breathability by allowing air circulation, while the leather offers durability and structural support.

The insoles and the cushioning material used are made from EVA foam. The insoles are not removable. Like most squat shoes, the midsole is made up of TPU, and the outsole is made up of rubber.

These shoes feature two hook and loop straps over the laces, providing additional support. This reduces the risk of ankle injuries during squats.

These shoes are available in the range of 5 to 15. Half sizes are available from 5.5 to 11.5. They are designed with a regular width.

The heel height and heel-to-toe drop are both 20 mm each.

Otomix Stingray Escape Weightlifting Shoes

The Otomix Stingray Escape Weightlifting Shoes provide amazing durability. 

The upper is made from high-quality leather. The insoles, midsole, and cushioning material are all made from EVA foam. But the outsole is made from rubber.

One of the standout features of the Otomix Stingray Escape Weightlifting Shoes is their lightweight yet extremely durable construction. The shoes are designed to be lightweight, allowing for enhanced agility and freedom of movement. Moreover, these shoes come with a padded liner that provides additional ankle support. 

Another great feature of the Otomix Stingray Escape Weightlifting Shoes is their unisex design. These shoes are available in the size range of 6 to 15, and half sizes come in the range of 6.5 to 11.5 for both men and women. 

The heel height and heel-to-toe drop are both 15 mm each.

Inov-8 Fastlift 370 BOA

The Inov-8 Fastlift 370 BOA shoes offer enhanced stability, perfect for squats.

They are crafted with a synthetic mesh upper for breathability and flexibility. The insoles and cushioning material are made from EVA foam for enhanced comfort during squats. The EVA insoles are removable. 

The midsole comprises TPU, and the outsole is made from rubber. The shoes feature an external heel cage made of TPU to ensure stability. 

The Inov-8 Fastlift 370 BOA shoes also feature meta-flex technology in the forefoot, allowing for comfortable movement and flexibility.

These shoes are designed with regular width. They come in the size range of 5 to 14. Half sizes are available in the range of 4.5 to 13.5.

The heel height and heel-to-toe drop are both 16.5 mm each.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II

The Reebok Legacy Lifter II shoes ensure maximum stability and comfort, making them an excellent option for squats. The upper is made from textile. The insoles and cushioning materials are made from EVA foam. But these EVA insoles are not removable.

The midsole is made from TPU. These shoes also feature a heel clip made of TPU for extra stability. The outsole is made up of rubber.

High arch support is the prominent feature of the Reebok Legacy Lifter II shoes. They are also made with a unisex design. These shoes are available in the size range of 7 to 15 for men and 6 to 14 for women. Half sizes are available in the range of 7.5 to 13.5 for men and 5.5 to 12.5 for women. 

The heel height and the heel-to-toe drop are both 22 mm each. 

Nike Romaleos 3XD

The Nike Romaleos 3XD shoes offer exceptional support necessary for squats. The upper is made from a combination of synthetic leather and mesh. This provides durability, support, and breathability. The insoles and cushioning material are made from EVA foam. These EVA insoles are not removable.

The midsole is made from TPU, and the outsole is constructed from rubber. 

Along with high arch support, the shoes feature a honeycomb-patterned TPU plate to enhance stability. The straps around the midfoot further provide a secure feel.

The Nike Romaleos 3XD shoes come in a size range of 7 to 12, and half sizes are also available in the range of 7.5 to 11.5. They are made with a unisex design and regular width.

The heel height and heel-to-toe drop are both 20 mm each.

Reebok Crossfit Lifter Plus 2.0

The Reebok Crossfit Lifter Plus 2.0 shoes offer great grip and stability for squats. The upper is made from synthetic leather and mesh. It features dual hook-and-loop straps. 

They have insoles made of EVA foam and are not removable. The cushioning used in these shoes is also made up of EVA foam. 

The midsole is made from TPU. The outsole is made from rubber and has flex grooves for enhanced traction.

The shoes have a heat-activated U-Form mid-foot wrap that conforms to the foot’s shape. This wrap does not require breaking in. Another great feature of the Reebok Crossfit Lifter Plus 2.0 shoes is the presence of an anti-friction lining, which prevents heat build-up and reduces the chances of blisters.

These shoes are available in the size range of 7 to 15. Half sizes are available in the range of 7.5 to 13.5. 

The heel height and heel-to-toe drop are both 19 mm each.

Adidas Powerlift 3.1

The Adidas Powerlift 3.1 shoes are constructed with a specific design that makes them ideal for squats. The upper is made from synthetic leather and mesh. The outsole is made from rubber.

The insole, midsole, and cushioning material are all made from EVA foam. These shoes feature a high-density EVA heel, unlike other squat shoes.

The standout feature of the Adidas Powerlift 3.1 shoes is their breathability. The shoes have a mesh collar, tongue, and lining for maximum breathability.

The Adidas Powerlift 3.1 shoes are available in the size range of 7 to 13. Half sizes are also available in the range of 7.5 to 12.5.

The heel height and heel-to-toe drop are both 19 mm each.

Nordic Lifting VENJA

The Nordic Lifting VENJA shoes are great for performing squats. The upper is made from synthetic leather and mesh. 

The insole, midsole, and cushioning material are all made from EVA foam. This makes them comfortable to wear during intense exercises like squats. The outsole is made from rubber. 

Durability and heel support are the prominent features of these shoes.

The Nordic Lifting VENJA shoes are available in the size range of 7 to 12. Half sizes are also available in the range of 8.5 to 11.5. 

The heel height and heel-to-toe drop are both 19 mm each. 

Core Weightlifting Shoes

The Core Weightlifting Shoes are one of the best shoes for performing squats. The upper is crafted from synthetic leather. The insoles and cushioning material are both made from EVA foam. However, the insoles are not removable.

The midsole is made from TPU, and the outsole is made from rubber.

The unique feature of the Core Weightlifting Shoes is their heel height. The heel height and heel-to-toe drop are 32 mm each, more than any other shoe on this list. This feature promotes proper posture during squats.

Furthermore, the design is unisex, and the shoes come in the size range of 7 to 13 for men and 8 to 14 for women. Half sizes are available in the range of 7.5 to 12.5 for men and 8.5 to 14.5 for women.

Inov-8 Fastlift Power G 380

The Inov-8 Fastlift Power G 380 shoes are perfect for those who prefer durability. The upper is made from synthetic leather and mesh. This makes them breathable and durable. The insole and cushioning material used are made from EVA foam. The insoles are removable.

The midsole is made from TPU, and the outsole is made from rubber.

The unique feature of the Inov-8 Fastlift Power G 380 shoes is the Graphene POWERHEEL. It is an innovative foam component infused with Graphene, resulting in a lightweight, strong, durable material. 

This specially engineered foam is designed to withstand high pressure and maintain its solid structure even during intense activities. It is placed within a solid TPU heel unit, providing added stability and support to the wearer. The shoes also have a lockdown strap for a secure feel.

The Inov-8 Fastlift Power G 380 shoes are available in the size range of 7 to 12 for men and 6 to 11 for women. Half sizes are also available in the range of 7.5 to 12.5 for men and 5.5 to 10.5 for women. They have a unisex design and are made with regular width.

TYR CXT-1 Trainer

The TYR CXT-1 Trainer is a stylish and durable cross-training shoe designed to give you the best fit and comfort for your feet.

The upper material of this shoe is made of mesh, which is lightweight and breathable, keeping your feet secure while allowing air to circulate through. The insole is made of EVA foam, providing cushion and comfort with every step.

The midsole is made of Surge NRG foam. This responsive and sturdy base supports your feet and reciprocates your energy output, enhancing the efficiency of your movements.

The outsole is rubber, giving you excellent grip and traction when running or walking on any surface.

Another exciting feature is the shoe’s anatomically designed toe box. It is wider and flatter, allowing for more splay among the toes, ensuring maximum comfort. The heel height of the CXT-1 Trainer is 9mm, an elevated heel design ideal for workouts requiring a stable platform.

These cross-training shoes come in sizes 5 to 13 for men and 6 to 13 for women, with half sizes available from 4.5 to 11.5 for men and 6.5 to 14.5 for women. The shoes are also available in a wide width, ensuring a perfect fit for multiple foot shapes. With its high-quality materials and breathable design, the TYR CXT-1 Trainer is an ideal choice for athletes looking to improve their performance on the field or in the gym.

Conclusion

We hope our carefully curated list of the top 21 squat shoes assists you in finding the perfect pair tailored to your needs.

Just as runners and tennis players have running shoes, weightlifters also need specific shoes for squats. The optimal lifting shoes offer more than just a style statement. They provide crucial stability, cushioning, and support, creating a solid base for an effective squat. 

Your preference for flat shoes or raised-heel ones depends on your foot structure and the nature of your training routine. Selecting the right footwear can significantly enhance your ankle mobility.

Now that you’re armed with all the necessary information, it’s time to step into the perfect pair of squat shoes and elevate your workout to new heights.