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Squatting is one of the best ways to build strength in your hips, quads, and glutes, but this deceptively simple exercise can actually be hard to master. While we can’t be there to perfect your form, we can help recommend the best squat shoes to set you off on the right path.
While squat-specific workout shoes may not seem that important, having a proper pair of shoes for squats can actually make a huge difference in your performance, and help keep you safe. A good squat shoe will have either a flat base or a wedged one, and they are generally made with a firm rubber or TPU material.
But with the growing interest in more mixed workouts like CrossFit, shoe designs have begun to expand to more versatile options like cross-training shoes, barefoot shoes, or even options like Converse, which are not only great for lifting, but can also be worn as an everyday walking shoe. There are also tons of options as far as cushioning, strap systems, support, and weight — and of course a large range when it comes to prices as well. These shoes are made by top brands like Nike, Adidas, Reebok, but some more niche brands like Altra and Vivobarefoot also make models that are worth considering.
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To help you choose, we researched top workout and weightlifting shoes and spoke with certified personal trainer Andrew White for his recommendations. Keep reading to see our reviews, and some tips on how to choose the right squat shoes for you.
Colorways: 3
Materials: Mesh upper, TPU midsole, rubber outsole
Special features: Wedged heel
What testers say: “Fantastic for weightlifting (squats, presses, hack squats). Fit is on point, my feet feel zero slippage in these, plus great stability. They suck for walking, but they are fantastic for leg day. If you have the budget and you want a great shoe for your leg day only, these are a must-buy.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $200
Colorways: 42
Materials: canvas upper, rubber sole
Special features: Style is great for workouts and casual wear
Because they have a thick, flat rubber midsole, they provide a super stable base for squatting, and the high top cut also provides a bit of ankle support without feeling restrictive. A squatting shoe should have a non-compressible sole to maximize force transfer from the foot to the floor,” says White. “This stability is crucial, particularly when you’re moving heavy weights. It’s not just about the sole, though; the overall construction should feel solid, without any unnecessary cushioning that you might find in running shoes.” They also come in a ton of color options as well as a low top cut if you prefer to have full range of motion in your ankles.
What testers say: “I did not buy the shoes for a fashion statement; the main purpose for me purchasing these was to wear them during weightlifting. They do a very good job of that since they have a very flat sole and are ideal for doing exercises such as squats, and deadlifts. I do believe they run a bit large, and I got a half size smaller than what I normally wear and probably could’ve got a full size smaller.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $65
Colorways: 4 women’s, 9 men’s
Materials: Textile upper and PROFOAM EVA midsole
Special features: TPU heel clip for enhanced rearfoot support
PUMA Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “Excellent shoe. I love the design, the sturdiness, soft ride, and the minimal heel to toe rise. Definitely recommend the shoe to whomever is looking for a new training shoe. Great for functional HIIT training!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $90
Colorways: 20 women’s, 19 men’s
Materials: Superfabric upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole
Special features: Super durable upper is resistant to abrasion
It also features a low stack and flexible sole, which gives you the stability you need while lifting and squatting, as well as the ability to move the foot naturally during cardio and lateral movements. These best shoes for squats also come in a ton of color options, and have unique features like an outside arch grip for rope climbing, and sidewall guards and toe bumper for protection.
What testers say: “ These are the best training shoes I’ve ever had. They are stable, and I am able to keep my balance when I am doing weight lifting. Also they are very light. When I first tried them on I found them a bit small but after using them a few times I believe they are actually true to size.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $129
Colorways: 3 women’s, 3 men’s
Materials: Mesh upper, high abrasion EVA, rubber outsole
Special features: Foot-shaped last
What testers say: “Picked these to use primarily for CrossFit classes, and have used [them] for over a month now (about 20 classes). So far so good. Shoe fits like a glove and doesn’t shift with all the side to side and variety of movements, and they still feel great on days when we add in short running intervals.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $94.65
Colorways: 4
Materials: Canvas upper, rubber mid and outsole
Special features: Open mesh inserts for breathability
What testers say: “Excellent shoe for leg day, the lift is not too aggressive and it provides for great activation of the glutes while doing squats. I especially like the Velcro strap that keeps my heel in place during the lift.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $130
Colorways: 5 women’s, 6 men’s
Materials: Synthetic upper, TPU wedge, rubber outsole
Special features: Pump lets you adjust the fit for different exercises
What testers say: “I’ve been doing Olympic lifts for 4 years now and finally decided to invest in my first pair of lifting shoes. When the shoes arrived, within a week, I was immediately blown away by the weight and heft of the shoes. Really well constructed, won’t ever need another pair. My only knock on the shoes is that they ran a little tight on the toes. I would recommend going a half size up.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $181.62
Colorways: 4 women’s, 4 men’s
Materials: Polyester, polyurethane upper, synthetic rubber outsole
Special features: Minimalist structure and fit
These shoes also have a wider, foot-shaped last that won’t constrict the front of the foot, but still gives you more support than being barefoot or in socks. On top of this comfortable fit, they’re incredibly lightweight and work great for all types of training — or even just walking around if you are after that barefoot feel.
What testers say: “This was exactly what I wanted and is an awesome high-quality barefoot shoe. I primarily use it to walk around in and lift, and I have played soccer in it very lightly, but I haven’t gone for a long-distance run yet. It’s pretty comfortable overall, but I highly recommend you take time to transition if this is your first exposure to a barefoot shoe.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $160
The Different Types of Shoes for Squats
- Olympic weightlifting shoes: “These typically have the highest heels, which can be particularly helpful for achieving the full range of motion required in Olympic lifts. They’re often quite rigid and provide a significant amount of stability and support,” White explains.
- Powerlifting shoes: “A lower heel than Olympic shoes suits the wider stance many powerlifters adopt,” says White. “They prioritize a flat, stable sole that doesn’t compress under heavy loads.”
- Cross-training shoes: “For those who do a variety of exercises and not just squats, a cross-training shoe with minimal heel elevation but adequate support might be a more versatile option,” White says.
What to Look for in the Best Squat Shoes
- Roomy toe box: Though you don’t need a hugely wide toe box, having some extra room — especially when lifting heavy weights — can make a big difference. Allowing your toes to splay properly in a shoe will give you more stability, and help improve your balance. As you add more weight, your feet will spread more, so this helps make sure that you aren’t constricting your toes as you pile on the plates.
- Solid heel: Not all squat shoes will have a raised heel, but many will. Either way, you will want the heel and midsole to be made of a firm, dense material. This will give you the support and stability you need to squat safely and effectively — and help the shoe to last over time.
- Material: Most squat shoes will have a textile or leather upper, and a rubber or TPU sole. As you get into more of a cross-training shoe, the midsole tends to be a bit softer with an EVA-type foam. This will still be able to hold up in heavy lifts, but also allows you to have more flexibility for cardio and lateral movements.
- Style: The style of squat shoes varies quite a bit between models, but there are some elements that are more function than fashion. One of the most important is the fasteners. For the most support, look for Velcro straps particularly over the arch. These are particularly great when paired with laces as it keeps them snug and solid on the feet as well as adding some arch support.
How We Chose the Best Squat Shoes
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To choose the best squat shoes on the market, we asked our expert Andrew White, CPT for tips on what to look for, advice on how to choose the right shoes, and brands to consider. We also did our own research on some of the most popular squat shoes from top brands, and looked at reviews left by customers that have bought and loved these models. Finally, we used our own expertise in testing fitness gear to choose the seven best squat shoes of 2023. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Expert
Andrew White is a certified personal trainer and the cofounder of garagegympro.com. He is a frequent tester of fitness gear, and self proclaimed “gym-building nerd.”
Meet the Author
Gabrielle Hondorp has worked as a fitness and wellness gear reviewer since 2019. She has written for publications like Runner’s World, Health, SELF, Women’s Running, Sports Illustrated, and more. She was a collegiate track and cross-country athlete and remains an avid outdoorswoman and fitness enthusiast, and she used her expertise in athletics to pen this article on the best squat shoes.
