Squat shoes

We recommend wearing squat shoes for improved lifting mechanics. They give you a stable base, a raised heel for better depth, and allow for more efficient force transfer. Use squat shoes when your ankle mobility is poor, or hitting depth is difficult. Squat shoes are perfect for powerlifting, Olympic lifting, and any other squat movement in the gym such as split squats or hack squats.

If you struggle with ankle mobility or tend to lean forward in the squat, an elevated heel can help you stay more upright and reach full depth. If you squat low-bar or have excellent mobility, a flatter shoe might suit your style better. It comes down to your lifting technique and what feels most powerful. We cover this in detail in our shoe guide.

We recommend squat shoes because they provide a stable base, a solid sole, and an elevated heel that helps you maintain proper positioning and hit depth with control. Training shoes are often designed with thick cushioning causing instability during training. You can read more in our Ultimate Guide to Powerlifting Shoes.