Tallest Weightlifting Shoes – Best Performance and Comfort

Introduction

Do you lift weights? If you do, then you need to know about Tallest Weightlifting Shoes that can enhance your weightlifting performance.

Now, you might be thinking, “Why can’t I just work out in my regular running shoes?” Here’s the thing, Weightlifting shoes aren’t just any ordinary pair of sneakers. 

You can use them to enhance your performance, maintain stability, and most importantly, prevent injuries.

In this article, I have talked about some of the weightlifting shoes based on heel height. 

Tallest Weightlifting Shoes

Here are the top 6 tallest weightlifting shoes currently on the market in 2023:

The tallest weightlifting shoe is Nordic Powerlifting Shoes. They’re legit and have a heel height of 1.5 inches (3.81 cm). 

• Position USA P3
• Adidas Leistung 16.II
• Adidas Adipower III
• Nordic Powerlifting Shoes
• Nike Romaleos 3 XD
• Reebok Legacy Lifter II

Position USA P3

Position USA P3 weightlifting shoes have an effective heel height of 1 inch (2.54 centimeters).

Assuming you’re wearing these shoes, this means they would add approximately 1 inch to your height. So, if you’re 5’10” tall without shoes, with the Position USA P3 shoes on, you would stand at about 5’11”.

The P3 shoes not only give you a height boost but also come with key features that make them stand out as weightlifting shoes. 

They are designed with Vibram rubber soles which enhance your grip on the platform, providing stability during lifts. Its upper part is made with suede, giving it a stylish and classic look. 

This combination of functional design and aesthetic appeal makes them a great choice for weightlifters.

Adidas Leistung 16.II

The Adidas Leistung 16.II weightlifting shoes have an effective heel height of around 0.98 inches (25 mm). This means that they would increase your height by roughly 1 inch when you’re wearing them. 

As for the key features of the Adidas Leistung 16.II, they stand out in several ways:

1. BOA® Closure System: This unique lacing system allows micro-adjustments for a consistent and secure hold, ensuring your foot doesn’t move around during lifts.
2. Strong TPU midsole: The shoe’s midsole is made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which provides excellent stability and durability.
3. Flat, flexible forefoot: The flexibility of the forefoot area allows for better power transmission during lifts.
4. Weight: The shoes weigh around 17 oz, making them slightly heavier than some other lifters, which can provide a stable base for lifting.

Adidas Adipower III

The Adidas Adipower III weightlifting shoes have an effective heel height of around 0.79 inches (20.1 mm). 

As for the key features of the Adidas Adipower III:

1. Stability: These shoes are designed to provide stability under heavy loads, making them ideal for weightlifting. They achieve this through a raised heel and high-density midsole.
2. Fit: The Adidas Adipower III is said to run true to size for lifters and athletes with narrow and neutral-width feet.
3. Secure Closure System: With a strap-and-lace closure system, you’ll stay firmly in place during lifts.
4. Durable Canvas Upper: They are made with a durable canvas upper, offering a blend of longevity and comfort.

Nordic Powerlifting Shoes

The Nordic Powerlifting Shoes make you taller around 1.5 inches (3.81 cm), per Amazon’s customer review. This implies that they can add this amount to your height when worn. A friend of mine who wears these shoes appears noticeably taller when he has them on.

There are a few key characteristics of the Nordic Powerlifting Shoes:

• Enhanced Heel Support: The shoes are engineered with a 1.5″ elevated heel, a feature that is beneficial for refining form during squats and lifts, earning high praise from users on Amazon.
• Value for Money: They are recognized as a cost-effective choice for occasional lifters, delivering commendable quality at an affordable price, as noted by That Fit Friend.
• Aesthetic Design: They feature a timeless black design, making them a versatile addition to any workout ensemble, as seen on eBay.
• Designed for Heavy Lifting: These shoes are specifically tailored for heavy weightlifting, offering the necessary support and stability, as highlighted in their product descriptions on Nordic Lifting.

Nike Romaleos 3 XD

The Nike Romaleos 3 XD weightlifting shoes can give you an additional height of about 0.79 inches (20 mm).

These shoes are known for their elite-level design. They’re made specifically for serious lifting and have a honeycomb-patterned plate that helps keep your feet stable, even during heavy lifts. 

One of the neat things about these shoes is that they use Flywire technology. Together with a special strap, this keeps your feet locked in place while you work out.

Another great feature of the Nike Romaleos 3 XD is their flexibility. They offer excellent stability, which is really important when you’re weightlifting. 

Despite all these features, these shoes are pretty light. They’ve got a high-tech design that makes them a favorite among weightlifters.

Reebok Legacy Lifter II

The Reebok Legacy Lifter II is one of the best tallest weightlifting shoes available. With a heel elevation of 0.86 inches or 22mm, these shoes offer a substantial boost in height, making them ideal for weightlifters who prefer a higher heel. 

These shoes are known for their pump technology, as mentioned on the Reebok website. 

This technology allows you to adjust the fit of the shoes as you work out, giving you the comfort and support you need to break through your limits. 

They are highly recommended for squats and Olympic lifts due to their heel height, as highlighted in a customer review on Amazon.

The shoes also have a slick, shiny heel, as pointed out in a review on Fit at Midlife. Despite the high-tech design and features, these shoes are quite light, with a men’s size 11 (US) shoe weighing only 23.3 ounces.

Guide for Taller Lifters

The typical heel height for weightlifting or squat shoes is around 0.75 inches, the most common measurement across popular brands. However, the ideal heel height can vary depending on several factors, including individual mobility, flexibility, and strength, as stated on Quora.

For those who are quad-dominant or prefer a narrow stance during squats, lifting shoes with standard (0.75″) or higher heels may be beneficial. This allows the knees to travel farther forward over the front of the foot, enabling the hips to be closer to the barbell, as explained by Coach Dan Bell in his blog post.

On the other hand, standard training shoes typically have a heel-to-drop range between 0mm – 8mm (0.0″ to 0.3″). The heel height of squatting shoes ranges from 0.6 inches to 1 inch.

How to Choose the Right Heel Height

It’s important to understand the concept of effective heel height. It also includes what’s happening inside the shoe. 

For example, an AF shoe’s heel might appear to be 1.25 inches. But in reality, the heel is effectively only 0.75 inches high. 

This is because the front of the shoe is also a bit raised, making the overall heel seem less high than it appears.

The right heel height for your body type and lifting style can significantly improve your performance. Here are some tips from me:

1. Understand Your Needs: If you need more forward knee translation during your lifts, opt for heel heights of .75″ – 1″. This will help you maintain better form during exercises like squats.
2. Consider Your Body Type: For taller lifters or those with longer femurs, a heel height of between 1 1/8 inch and 1 1/2 inch has traditionally yielded the best results in snatch, clean and jerk, and squat (Source.
3. Try Before You Buy: Make sure you try on different shoes before buying and see how they feel during lifts. Remember, comfort and stability should be your top priorities.

Conclusion

We’ve looked at some of the top picks for weightlifting shoes with high heels. 

The Reebok Legacy Lifter II has a 0.86-inch heel height, making it perfect for those who prefer a higher heel. Another excellent choice is the Nike Romaleos 3 XD, which combines stability and style.

These shoes show the importance of picking the right shoes for weightlifting. The height of your shoe’s heel can greatly influence your lifting technique, balance, and overall results.

However, everyone’s needs are unique, so consider your body type, lifting style, and comfort when selecting weightlifting shoes. 

Happy lifting!

FAQ