5 Best Shoes for Squats (2026)
Why Squat Shoes Matter
The shoe you squat in affects depth, stability, and power transfer. A raised heel lets you sit deeper with a more upright torso. A hard sole means zero energy is lost compressing foam. The right shoe can add kilograms to your squat overnight — not through strength, but through better mechanics.
What to Look For
Heel height: Most shoes offer 0.6” (15mm) or 0.75” (20mm). Higher heels suit those with limited ankle mobility or long femurs. Lower heels work better for wider stances and those with good flexibility.
Sole material: Wood (traditional, rigid), TPU (modern, durable), or stacked rubber (budget). All are incompressible — the key requirement.
Closure: Straps add mid-foot security. Laces alone can work but tend to loosen under heavy sets. The best shoes use both.
The Top 5
1. Nike Romaleos 4 — Best Overall
Buy on Amazon | ~£180
The gold standard. 20mm heel height, TPU sole, dual straps over laces. Wide base, excellent stability, and enough room in the toe box for wider feet. Heavy at 600g per shoe, but that weight keeps you planted.
2. Adidas Adipower 3 — Best for Narrow Feet
Buy on Amazon | ~£160
Sleeker fit than the Romaleos with a 20mm heel. Single BOA dial closure is fast and even. TPU sole plate. Slightly lighter and better looking, but the narrower fit won’t suit everyone.
3. Do-Win Classic — Best Budget
Buy on Amazon | ~£70
The shoe that proved you don’t need to spend £150+. 19mm wooden heel, leather upper, single strap. Heavier and less refined than the big brands, but functionally identical for squatting. Unbeatable value.
4. Reebok Legacy Lifter III — Best for Wide Feet
Buy on Amazon | ~£150
The widest toe box of any major lifting shoe. 22mm heel — the highest on this list — suits those who need maximum depth assistance. Dual straps, solid TPU base. If Nike and Adidas feel too narrow, these are the answer.
5. Converse Chuck Taylor — Best Flat Option
Buy on Amazon | ~£50
Not a lifting shoe, but included because flat-soled squatting is valid for those with good ankle mobility. Zero heel, hard rubber sole, cheap. If the ankle mobility test (knee to wall at 5 inches) is easy for you, these work perfectly well for squats.
Comparison Table
| Shoe | Price | Heel Height | Weight | Closure | Sole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Romaleos 4 | £180 | 20mm | 600g | Laces + 2 straps | TPU |
| Adidas Adipower 3 | £160 | 20mm | 500g | Laces + BOA dial | TPU |
| Do-Win Classic | £70 | 19mm | 650g | Laces + 1 strap | Wood |
| Reebok Legacy III | £150 | 22mm | 620g | Laces + 2 straps | TPU |
| Converse Chuck | £50 | 0mm | 350g | Laces | Rubber |
Do You Actually Need Lifting Shoes?
If you squat under 100kg and have decent ankle mobility, Converse or barefoot will serve you fine. Lifting shoes become worth it when you’re chasing depth, lifting heavy, or competing. They’re an investment that lasts years — most lifters only replace them when the upper wears out, not the sole.
For more detail on the Converse debate, read our Converse vs lifting shoes comparison. For full gear reviews, see our lifting shoes page.
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