So to answer the question—what do weightlifting shoes do?—it depends on what type of lifting shoes you buy. Do You Need Weightlifting Shoes? Whether or not you need weightlifting shoes fall into the same vein as the question of whether or not you need a weightlifting belt. Do you truly need them? Probably not. Will they help? Totally, as long as you use them appropriately. There can be multiple reasons why you’d want to use weightlifting shoes in the gym and for your training. A weightlifting shoe’s use will typically be based on how you train and your anatomical needs. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: training shoes can (and will) make or break your workout. Shoes aren’t a training tool to take lightly, as choosing the wrong ones can cause pain or injuries in the long run. Not only that, but the right pair of training shoes can help you achieve new personal records.

Since this shoe has a higher price point, it’s a good idea to make sure they perform well for your individual training wants and needs.

Good for: Exercisers who want a solid, stable shoe they can use for weightlifting, powerlifting, and some CrossFit workouts for a reasonable price. Weightlifting shoes aren’t something you want to just buy willy-nilly. A haphazard choice could result in haphazard performance. Choosing the best weightlifting shoes for you is going to involve some analysis of your weak points and trouble areas during lifts. When it comes to weightlifting performance, the Reebok Lifter PR II did a pretty good job. As mentioned in my pros section, this model can be a great option for newer weightlifters who are just getting into the sport of weightlifting. I think that Nike has changed everything about this shoe, including the platform, which is the most significant part. For the Reebok Legacy Lifter 3 and Reebok Lifter PR 3, most athletes and lifters should be safe going true to size in these models. Their lengths run fairly true and they have medium/neutral widths.

It can feel like a big change going from flat cross-training shoes or running shoes to Olympic lifting shoes with a 0.75-inch (19mm) heel made of hard plastic. The Adidas Powerlift shoes are a middle ground to get started on. While I think the Reebok Lifter PR II is a good budget-friendly weightlifting shoe for most athletes, there are a couple of cons to note about this model. By providing a wider, more stable base than training shoe offer—as well as increasing ankle flexion due to the high heel—weightlifting shoes allow you to receive the barbell in a more anatomically beneficial position. How to Choose the Best Weightlifting Shoes If you’re looking for the best combination of function, style, and price, you can stop right here. The Nike Savaleos are by far the best weightlifting shoes for most people because of their value proposition.I think if you have an issue with being too eager with your toes and missing lifts forward, then you may want to consider this. On that note, that’s also why I actually like the Legacy Lifter 2 a little better for weightlifting as it didn’t have this same construction quirk.

Having around a half inch of space will typically give you enough room in the toe box to not feel cramped, but it will also allow you to tighten your shoes enough to prevent sliding into the toe box when training. The third and final thing to like about the Reebok Lifter PR 3 is its reworked upper construction. This model features a lightweight mesh upper with textile and synthetic overlays. When you’re looking into buying either your first pair of weightlifting shoes or your next pair, there are a few key construction details that I’d suggest paying attention to.As stated above, if you have narrow and neutral-width feet that have a flatter midfoot, then this shoe should align pretty well with your foot anatomy. For example, I think this shoe will work well for most athletes and lifters who want them for squats and weightlifting. Plus, if you enjoyed the Reebok Legacy Lifter II, then I think you will like the Legacy Lifter III. Lots of powerlifters love to train barefoot, and with All Stars, you can get a barefoot feel thanks to the minimal drop. But, you’ll also still enjoy the stability of a rigid outsole. It’s truly the best of both worlds in my opinion. Also helpful is the ankle support you get if you choose the high-top version. First, this shoe features a stable and lightweight graphene-infused power heel. Compared to other weightlifting shoes, this model has a lighter weight which is great for more dynamic training sessions. If you have narrow and neutral-width feet and have a flatter midfoot, then I could see you enjoying how this shoe fits. However, for wider feet, I think you’ll be cramped in the toe box and you may want to look into options like the TYR L-1 Lifter.

I also like the outsole traction that you get with the Reebok Lifter PR 3 and that it grips different surfaces really well. The rubber outsole tread also shouldn’t fade too fast for squat-specific performance, so I think these will last you a while if you’re just using them for squats. The final thing to like about the Reebok Lifter PR II is the fact that their performance is consistent across the board and they have a good amount of stability. This model utilizes a high-density EVA foam to deliver its stability. The midfoot strap is also well-built and its construction feels similar to what the original Adidas Adipower used. For squats, weightlifting, and recreational lifting, the Adidas Adipower 3 does a good job. Since weightlifting shoes have a higher price point and increased level of specificity to their constructions, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re investing in a shoe that best aligns with your needs.If you have either of these shoes and you’ve experienced durability issues with either of them, please reach out and let me know what you’ve run into so I can make those issues known in this comparison. Reebok Legacy Lifter 3 Vs Reebok Lifter PR 3 Price The paragraph height of the Legacylifter II is 22,0 mm. This means that the blast is higher than for the Lifter PR with 15,5 mm. I think this shoe will also resonate really well with lifters with narrow and neutral-width feet who like a little more ankle support. For these foot anatomies, the Legacy Lifter III should fit true and like a glove. The Lifter PR 3 has less toe spring, which is great, but it also has a construction quirk that bothers me. The Lifter PR 3’s strap is pretty short and the velcro doesn’t feel as aggressive as the Lifter PR 2’s strap did. On the market for new cross-training shoes, too? Try out my TF2 Cross-Training Shoe Finder. This calculator matches you with models that match your training wants and needs. Who Should Invest In the Reebok PR Lifter II?