SABO Deadlift Shoes - Grey/Black

Product Information

This model’s wide toe box and beefier ankle are also perks for this shoe being stellar in the context of sumo deadlifts. I also like that the Apex Power has a nice range to its performance and can work for accessories as well outside of sumo tugs. Best for Versatile Training What I would suggest is exploring how exactly you plan to use your deadlift shoes. As mentioned above, if you’re not super focused on deadlifting, then you may want to look for more versatile options like a pair of barefoot shoes, Converse, or even cross-training shoes. How Should Deadlift Shoes Fit? Nike Metcon 2 sitting in front of a SABO Deadlift Shoe. Metcons are much bigger and taller than they look like in the product pictures. Nike Metcons were developed with CrossFit and functional fitness in mind, not powerlifting. Despite this fact, the Metcons still turned out to be a half decent shoe for heavy squats and deadlifts, as they have a lot of “powerlifting-friendly” features. Think of it this way, if your shoe had a 2-inch heel, then that’s an extra 2-inches that you need to pull the barbell. SABO PowerLift feature classical construction for the purists out there. They are specifically designed to let you hold and fixate your feet, and a flexible toe box with a solid insert provides superior heel support. They feature two multidirectional straps made from natural leather, and synthetic breathable mesh keeps you comfortable and helps to control odors.

Most of the best shoes for weight training (both Olympic and powerlifting) have at least one lateral (metatarsal) strap in addition to the laces to further secure the shoes to your feet. Anybody who owns a pair of good Oly shoes knows how secure the lateral straps make the shoe, and they aren’t even high tops. Another great benefit of deadlift shoes is their thin soles. While hard and fully flat, they keep you as close to the floor as possible. It also helps in engaging more muscle groups while deadlifting. This helps in achieving a balance between your hip and knee extensors while deadlifting. Of all the available shoes discussed in this review, the SABO Deadlifts are going to be the best overall shoe for deadlifting and powerlifting in general. This probably doesn’t come as too much of a surprise being that they were developed specifically for deadlifting, but at the very least it’s a confirmation. This causes a lot of strain on your body while deadlifting, which kills your results and can lead to potential injury. The Free Range of Motion is Bad for DeadliftingFlat shoes are better for deadlifts. They keep your entire foot close to the floor, shortening the range of motion to make deadlifts easier and allowing you to push into the floor as you pull the weight effectively. They also tend to have hard, grippy soles that offer support and prevent your feet from slipping. Are Sneakers Good to Deadlift? Regular and heeled shoes might be great for a lot of things. For example, they’re padded with a soft insole cushioning, making them highly comfortable and easy for regular exercise. I’ve trained in every single shoe listed here at or above 455 lbs. This is the amount of weight that I’ll use to gauge stability and in most models, I actually end up deadlifting well over 500 lbs in them based on my training cycles.

Also, the outsoles are designed to offer excellent grip. This ensures the highest level of slip resistance while pulling heavy weights.Powerlifting shoes are made with a flat and firm sole to enable for optimal power transfer from the feet to the earth. This is accomplished through a combination of design elements that work together to improve power transmission during lifts. They’re able to be so lightweight in large part because the soles are so thin, as I already discussed. Soles on most shoes are the densest and heaviest part of the shoe. When you have the SABOs with 2-3x less sole material than your average sneaker, it’s going to feel super lightweight. As you saw above, deadlifting shoes have a hard, flat, rubbery sole and minimal to no cushioning. Some of the best deadlifting shoes also come in a hi-top style that offers extra ankle support. As a rule of thumb, consistent performance is the key to the best results. Since you will have maximum stability while deadlifting, consistency and reproducibility will improve too. When you’re pulling a heavy weight off the ground, the first thing you can’t afford is to lose your balance.

While in the gym, you might stumble across many lifters who take their shoes off while deadlifting. So, which is better?One of the main advantages of donning powerlifting shoes is increased stability. When lifting large weights, a stable foundation is essential to avoid any unwanted movement or wobbling. Powerlifting shoes are built with a flat, sturdy foundation and a wide heel to provide this stability. These materials are hard enough and provide your feet with the required support and stability. On the other hand, you should avoid lightweight materials that don’t provide much support. This includes materials like Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and foam. Sole Rigidity

Sufficient midfoot support helps, but it won’t eliminate it if it’s a problem for you. For that, you need to both strengthen and improve the motor control of the muscles that support a strong natural foot arch and properly aligned ankle and foot joints. That’s a different topic altogether, but a good place to start is single leg exercises. Below is a very thorough and technical video on the subject of deadlifting in Olympic shoes versus flat shoes. Flanges aren’t totally necessary in a deadlift shoe. But they're a nice touch if you can find shoes that meet all the other criteria for a good deadlift shoe and have flanges. Frequently Asked Questions Are Converse Shoes the Best for Deadlifting? They are an excellent choice for anyone serious about deadlifting. This includes conventional deadlifts and goes doubly if you do sumo deadlifts because of the increased need for ankle and side support.

Olympic Weightlifting Shoes (Romaleos, AdiPower, etc.)

Author’s Note: This article was updated in October 2023 to reflect changes that I’ve made in my performance categories versatile training and wide feet. Best for the Gym For my powerlifting-specific friends, you likely already have the preferred deadlift shoes that you like to compete and train in. The insole should offer good arch support and enough comfort to have on for an entire training session, while also being firm enough to not compress and deform under heavy loads.