Want the best flat squat shoes for the gym?
Finding good squat shoes for squatting is easier said than done. You are going to have several different choices to work with and it’s not easy to make the right choice. This is why it’s important to read what the experts have to say.
The right squat shoe is an important part of your fitness gear. It plays a tremendous role in how you feel during the movement.
Considering the amount of weight a person may want to squat, this becomes an investment in your overall safety.
Don’t ignore the type of squat shoes you’re wearing while squatting. It’s going to make a noticeable difference and it’s time to look at what the best flat squat shoes are all about.
Here are the top flat squat shoes and why they’re the best on the market as of right now.
Best Flat Squat Shoes
1. Nordic Lifting Squat Shoes
Key features:
- Maximum Support
- Sturdy Velcro Strap
- Squat-Friendly Outsole
- Premium Packaging
The Nordic Lifting Squat Shoes are incredibly impressive with a well-designed outsole, comprehensive traction, and a beautiful design. This is an all-in-one squat shoe to make squatting easier. As you look for the best squat shoes on the market, this is as good as it gets.
You are going to feel in control of the movement as soon as these are put on. They’re lightweight, cozy, and offer complete support for your ankles. Instead of placing all of the weight on the wrong part of your feet, this keeps things balanced. It’s this attention to detail and overall quality that separates Nordic Lifting Squat Shoes from other options on the open market.
2. Adidas Powerlift 3.1 Squat Shoes
Key features:
- Synthetic Sole
- Air Mesh Collar for Extra Breathability
- Synthetic Leather Upper
- Flexible Toe
Adidas is well-regarded for creating world-class fitness gear and the same applies here. They have knocked this out of the park with a beautiful design. You’re not only going to have the time of your life with its lightweight design but also the impressive aesthetics.
These are the best flat squat shoes for those who want something well-rounded, efficient, and built to last. Durability is never going to be a concern with these shoes and that’s what makes them impressive. You are going to fall in love with how they look, feel, and perform when it’s time to squat.
The real value of the Adidas Powerlift 3.1 Squat Shoes is seen when the air mesh collar gets to work. With additional breathability, you are able to get more out of each set under the barbell. You will feel in control of the barbell while making sure everything remains balanced. This alone puts these squat shoes ahead of the game.
When it comes to the best squat shoes for men, this is among the finest options you are going to come across on the market right now.
3. Reebok Lifter PR Squat Shoes
Key features:
- Wide Array of Colors
- Rubber Sole
- 100% Mesh Upper
- Leather Toe Design
- Heat-Activated Tech
With the Reebok Lifter PR Squat Shoes, it’s all about attention to detail. This is what leaves you in awe of how well it functions as soon as the barbell is sitting on your shoulders.
Squatting is a difficult movement and these shoes aid you during the hardest part. As you look to maintain traction with the ground while pushing through your heel, these shoes will be right alongside for the ride. This is what ensures you are in control of the barbell from start to finish.
The reason these shoes work so well has to do with the rubber sole. It offers impressive control and it comes with heat-activated tech to make everything more comfortable. Why go with something that isn’t able to keep you cozy? This isn’t one of those shoes as Reebok has gone the extra mile in delivering premium-grade results.
You will feel amazing as soon as these squat shoes are put into play. They are easy on the eyes, durable, and effective when it comes to lifting weights. You can easily take them to the gym and enjoy the workout.
4. Inov-8 Fastlift 335
Key features:
- Built-in Flex Groove Technology
- Wide Toe Box
- Rubber Outsole
The Inov-8 Fastlift 335 Squat Shoes are one of those additions to your fitness gear that will impress everyone. You are going to enjoy the comprehensive wide toe box for its added sturdiness. This ensures the squatting movement doesn’t leave you wanting more nor does it lead to injury.
There is nothing worse than getting injured, which is why this is among the finest squat shoes on the market right now. You are getting squat shoes that are flexible, efficient, and will ensure you are safe throughout the movement. The heel is designed to perfection and that makes it easier to move around. When you look to perfect the squat, you need the best squatting gear. This is one of those shoes that do a little bit of everything.
One of the major advantages of this pair of shoes has to do with the built-in flex groove technology.
This technology is essential when it comes to keeping the feet in place. There is no reason to go with something that is painful, ineffective, or is going to provide little leeway during the hardest parts of a squat. With these pair of squat shoes, you are getting something that’s in line with what’s needed.
Put these to the test and you will enjoy squatting.
5. Reebok LegacyLifter Squat Shoes
Key features:
- Synthetic Sole
- TPU Heel Piece
- Breathable Synthetic Leather Upper
- Double Upper Straps
The Reebok LegacyLifter Squat Shoes are a wonderful addition to the market by a company that continues to grow in the fitness community.
These shoes are versatile, aesthetically pleasing, and come with one of the finest uppers for squatting right now. You are going to enjoy the added comfort as you look to complete a heavy squat. Remember, the best shoes for squatting need to handle the rigors of the entire movement. It’s not just about the top or the bottom of a squat. It needs to work throughout.
These shoes do that and more!
You are getting squat shoes that are able to deliver a breathable, consistent performance while remaining easy on the budget.
Reebok has smashed this one out of the park and it works well when it comes to lifting weights.
Finding the Best Flat Squat Shoes
1. Begin with the Fitting
It’s important to begin with safety as the right fit can go a long way. When squatting, it’s best to respect the movement and how it works.
There’s a tremendous amount of weight sitting on your shoulders and there’s nothing worse than slipping or feeling your feet move.
This happens all the time with the wrong pair of shoes. Imagine walking into the gym and not feeling secure while lifting heavy weights. It’s a problem many people deal with and that’s why knowing your measurements is a must. This goes for any type of shoes. You should always wear shoes that are made for your feet and are going to fit well.
Due to how a person squats, a lot of pressure is applied to the feet.
Look to find squat shoes that offer a tighter fit. This means don’t go for something that’s going to have the feet moving inside. Why is this important? Since squatting means having a heavier weight on your shoulders, any type of movement could ruin how you squat.
This is when injuries happen and it’s best to avoid them by getting the fit right.
Don’t make the mistake of ignoring this tip as even the best squat shoes don’t work well when they’re poorly fitted.
2. Focus on the Outsole
The outsole is often the center of attention when it comes to great squat shoes. You don’t want something that has an inferior outsole.
This is why it’s best to go with something that’s made of a synthetic or rubber material. This is the only way to feel confident in how well the shoe will grip to the floor.
When you aren’t confident with your shoes, the exercise will become a major risk. You want to be smart and ensure the outsole is made with one of these materials.
It’s common for lifters to assume a great heel is enough.
This is the wrong mindset to have. You have to think about how much pressure will be applied to the outsole. It needs to grip the floor and stick in place when it’s time to complete the movement. Otherwise, the bar is going to slip out of your hands as soon as your feet lose traction.
The right outsole is going to have a textured design and will have a certain amount of thickness to it. A flimsy, thin material isn’t going to cut it. The outsole will start to wear out even if it’s good at the start.
Make a proper long-term investment and go with squat shoes that last.
3. Always Choose a Lightweight Shoe
A lightweight shoe for squatting is going to go a long way in your ambition to lift heavy.
Remember, squatting is all about feeling in control of the weight and not having to worry about anything else. As a result, it makes sense to go with squat shoes that will slip into the background.
By the time you are completing the movement, these shoes shouldn’t feel like a major issue. They should become a part of your feet or you are not going to feel in control during the movement.
This is a major issue for many weightlifters.
They don’t like how heavy their squat shoes are and that impedes their ability to lift properly. Don’t make the same mistake as them and get the right squat shoes. With light squat shoes for lifting, you are going to enjoy them.
Due to the amount of weight you’re going to be lifting, it makes sense to reduce weight in other areas of your body including the feet. A lightweight pair of shoes will get the job done and should remain a top priority for you.
4. Breathable Materials are Important
How breathable is the shoe’s upper?
This is one of those details people forget about as they’re looking to find high-quality squat shoes for going to the gym.
When the shoe starts feeling “stuffy,” you are not going to want to squat anymore. This happens all the time and it’s one of the major issues people deal with as their session wanes on. It’s important to invest in a pair of squat shoes with a breathable upper to offset this problem.
It’s always going to happen. You are going to end up sweating and it’ll become increasingly uncomfortable. If you are putting in a good amount of effort, you will start to feel it. This is when things go haywire with the wrong shoes. You have to invest in a pair of shoes that will continue to keep the feet comfortable.
The moment you don’t feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, the lift will become compromised. You will rarely reach your peak potential in such a situation.
The best way to go is to look for a top-tier brand that emphasizes a breathable design. Some are coming up with patented technology to make their shoes comfortable. You have to read into these and make sure the investment is a solid one for your needs.
5. Check the Midsole
It’s one thing to look at the outsole and another to think about the midsole.
In essence, the midsole is where most of the pressure is going to go while squatting. A lot of people immediately look towards the heel (which is important) but it’s the midsole that carries weight. You want to make sure this part of the shoe is able to deliver great value during the movement.
If the transfer of weight isn’t smooth from the heel to the midsole, you are going to start to feel pain in your arches. This becomes a real issue for those already dealing with ankle-related pain.
Be smart about what you are spending money on.
Only go with shoes that have a sturdy midsole and will continue to provide a balanced platform for you to lift from. In general, the best midsoles have a textured bottom and provide ample support to the heel.
This is the only way to know you are getting full value for your money. If the midsole isn’t up to par, sometimes the entire shoe goes to waste. You will never enjoy it.
Look at the midsole and make sure it’s a part of your buying process.
6. Assess the Heel
Let’s move onto one of the most important components of a squat shoe.
The heel is what makes or breaks the entire shoe. You cannot invest in a pair of squat shoes that don’t have a high-quality heel. It’s simply not going to work out for the purpose of squatting.
This is a problem many lifters deal with when it comes to regular shoes. You are not going to have a great heel and this starts to take away from the lift. It also becomes a problem as more repetitions are completed. It puts a tremendous amount of stress on the foot and it takes away from your strength.
Since squatting is done by sitting back as you go down, most of the weight is pushed to your heels. This means you need a proper platform to get “lift” on your squat. Otherwise, you are going to feel pain in your ankles and knees. This happens and it can be quite the problem after years of lifting.
To make sure you are maximizing your potential, it’s time to look at a high-grade heel.
The heel should be at least enough to differentiate between the front and back. High-quality shoes by the leading brands will ensure this is the case. Never go with a shoe that doesn’t offer a properly designed heel.
7. Compare Features
Are you looking at the various features?
Each squat shoe is unique in how it’s made, what it offers, and how it feels. This makes it doubly important to spend time comparing options. The ones mentioned above are a great example of the options available to you.
Take your time to assess what each pair of squat shoes offers.
This includes reading the reviews and analyzing what others have to say. Don’t assume all squat shoes are made equal. This is a mistake and it’s going to lead you down the wrong path!
You should assume each pair of shoes has a flaw and it’s up to you to find them. This is the only way to end up with something that’s well-researched and in line with what you require.
There are times a person may buy greatly valued squat shoes and still end up with a dud.
It’s smart to focus on what your body needs and then invest in the right option. This is how you’re going to enjoy the research phase and end up with the best squat shoes on the market.
8. Set a Budget
Always take the time to set a budget for your shoes.
Each person is going to have a personal budget and it’s best to be aware of this right away. With so many options, there’s always a good fit out there as long as you know what to look for.
Our recommendations have taken this into account and offered a variety of shoes.
This is a great way to feel good about what you are spending your hard-earned money on.
When you have a budget, it’s easier to filter options out as soon as you read about them. Don’t spend too much time assuming the most expensive squat shoes are a good fit. This is rarely the case. You end up paying for the brand more than anything else!
Look towards setting a reasonable budget and then look at your options.
9. Don’t Ignore the Look
Yes, it’s always important to find good-looking squat shoes.
You don’t want to put something on that doesn’t look the part! This is just as important as anything else in the buying process. Too many people only look at the lifting part of buying shoes but the looks matter too.
You should wear shoes that are going to make you confident. This includes looking good and putting on something that’s aesthetically pleasing.
Benefits of Good Flat Squat Shoes
1. Reduction in Injuries or Pain
Pain is a major issue when it comes to squatting and that’s a common concern among lifters.
If you are one of them, the right flat squat shoes will go a long way. You are going to feel on top of the world due to how the squat shoes make you feel. This has to do with the heel and how everything is distributed.
As long as you invest in the right fit and brand, you will end up with a great pair of squat shoes.
This will eliminate some of the injuries people deal with due to wearing the wrong shoes.
2. Smoother Movements
The movement pattern is going to be smoother.
When the weight is pushed up evenly, everything works smoothly. This alone goes a long way in improving how much weight is being lifted per repetition.
Lifters don’t realize how much power they’re sacrificing by wearing the wrong squat shoes. You want to put on something that will assist in the lifting process. In this regard, the right squat shoes will get the job done.
You will notice a fluidity to how you lift the barbell. It’s going to be silky smooth and efficient.
3. Complete Control
Having control is a must and it starts with your feet.
What does this mean while squatting?
In general, you are going to put the barbell on your shoulder and focus on your hands. Yes, the handgrip is important but what about your feet? Are they solidly in place or are they slipping all over the place?
Finding good traction is important before you squat. Otherwise, you are going to fall flat on your back and risk serious injury.
Find squat shoes with a textured bottom to make sure you are in control of the barbell.
4. Improved Traction While Squatting
Traction is just as important as feeling in control.
Traction means how much grip is available through your feet and how much power is then generated through your legs. When you have something reliable to push up from, you are going to get more out of the repetition.
If you notice those squatting with inferior shoes, they will often move their feet to regain traction.
This doesn’t help and can lead to injury.
You want to go with something that offers added control and is going to ensure the feet remain in place throughout the movement.
5. Peace of Mind
Peace of mind is a must when it comes to lifting and that goes for any aspect of weightlifting. Whether you are on the bench, doing a deadlift, or squatting, peace of mind is a must for a good session.
By wearing the right squat shoes, you are going to feel at peace. This alone goes a long way in making it easier to squat.
When you don’t feel confident in your footwear, it shows through the results. Even if you don’t get injured, you start lifting lighter weights. It’s a natural reaction to not feeling safe.
6. Balanced Weight Distribution
Weight distribution is a must since you’re going to be lifting quite a bit of weight per repetition.
When the barbell is sitting on your shoulder, you want something that evenly distributes the weight throughout your feet. It should never feel as if you are putting a tremendous amount of pressure on your ankles.
Instead, the weight should transfer from your heel through to the rest of your foot during the movement.
Yes, the heel is important but it’s just as crucial to see balanced weight distribution.
When the weight is evenly distributed, you can generate more force upwards. This is when you start breaking personal records.
7. Enhanced Breathability
Breathability is a must and that is one of the major advantages of wearing high-grade squat shoes for lifting.
You will realize the breathability as you go deeper into a workout. When your feet start tiring out and everything hurts, it’s important to have breathable fabric on your side.
Without breathable materials, the squat shoes will start to feel like a toaster oven in terms of heat.
This is not a good feeling and it’s something you want to avoid.
Most top brands are now starting to emphasize breathable uppers. They realize how important it is to stay comfortable while squatting. If not, you will start to give up quickly.
8. Aesthetically Pleasing
Modern squat shoes are starting to come in better designs. This is a wonderful benefit for those looking to go with a trendier option. Why invest in squat shoes that won’t cut it?
You should only go with shoes that are easy on the eyes.
Whether it is Reebok, Adidas, or any other shoe brand, the goal should always go with something that’s nice to put on.
When you have so many options to go with, why invest in an ugly pair of shoes!
9. Easy to Put On
The final advantage has to do with something as simple as usability.
Taking too long to put on your squat shoes is the last thing anyone wants. It’s easier to put on the right pair of squat shoes and know they’ll stay in place for as long as you want them to.
It’s not easy to find these squat shoes but our recommendations get the job done.
They are easy to put on and effective at the same time. Once you are wearing them, they will stay in place.
This is what makes them an incredible option and an ideal fit for avid weightlifters. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, squat shoes that are easy to put on will always matter.
Final Thoughts
These are the finest flat squat shoes on the market.
As long as you go with one of the recommendations here, the quality is going to go a long way in making life easier in the gym.
As the weight starts to ramp up, you will need everything to work well including your squat shoes!
Go with the right pair and know they are going to hold up as well as you want them to. This alone makes all the difference in the world!
