5 BEST GYM SHOES FOR LIFTING 2024

[@thatfitfriend]

Shop the shoes reviewed in this video below and support the channel! As always, I appreciate y'all. TYR CXT-2: glnk.io/4x5xw/jake-boly Born Primitive Savage 1: bornprimitive.com/JAKE10 Adidas Dropset 3: amzn.to/46HdMhR Nike Metcon 9: fave.co/3DxnG80 UA TriBase Reign 6: tidd.ly/3RJ1fmZ FYI: The above are affiliate links; if you buy through these links, I may receive a small commission on the sale. I buy ALL of the products featured on this channel and an affiliate link is NOT a sponsored link. I don't take money from companies and the commissions from affiliates help me buy more products and produce more content. At TF2, you have my promise that every review is performed independently and companies have no idea I'm reviewing their gear until it goes live Either way, use the link or don't! I just want to make sure you find the best workout shoes for your individual needs and wants. Reach out if you ever have additional questions!

[@Grumpyoldman666]

I just got my Born primitive DDay edition, they are absolutely awesome! Great for wide feet and low/no arch!

[@thatfitfriend]

Ay, love hearing that and stoked they're working out for you!

[@Williamc50]

Great video man! How would you say the Reebok nano x4 keep up with the models mentioned in this video?

[@thatfitfriend]

Nano X4 works great! Didn’t include them for two reasons: 1. I don’t always love the toe spring in this model for heavy barbell work. Kind of holds them back a smidge when getting more specific with deads/squats 2. Toe box width is so so and I tried to include models that fit objectively wider for toe splay purposes (better balance and stability with wider boxes, generally) Good model. If you’re debating them, no buyer’s remorse because they can work great, too

[@Williamc50]

I see, thanks for the info. I think I'll order them and try them out :)

[@thatfitfriend]

@@Williamc50 rad! Let me know your thoughts. Helps a ton if you go through my review for em

[@Williamc50]

@@thatfitfriend Sure thing!

[@RonaldMcDonald23]

Regular shoes f*** up my feet. They caused me knee pain, bunion, and hip pain. I bought xero prio 2 years ago thanks to your video. I recently bought TYR, I’m size 13 but I have to go with a full size up instead of .5

[@thatfitfriend]

@@RonaldMcDonald23 love that! How do you like the TYR model?

[@robertcooper7827]

1) CXT-2 Wide come in today 2) BP Savage 1 feel great for plyometrics due to being so light but still very stable for lifting 3) Had to return the Dropset 3 due to them being both shorter and narrower than the 2s, 2s are goated in my opinion 4) Metcon 9 are probably the best feeling lifting shoes but so heavy and clunky so I do not use them for any metcons, also the heel clip hardly fits in my rower base 5) Tribase 6 are surprisingly really good overall, wide and flexible and after 2 workouts and them loosing up, they have become my daily wears. *I do not do any kind of long runs fyi, this is mainly just lifting and metcons*

[@thatfitfriend]

Nice little line-up you have here, homie! I’d be keen to hear where the Haze slots into your rotation ngl. Keep me posted on how you like the CXT-2

[@krazymartini]

yo Jake good stuff as always...quick question...do you think Adidas superstars would be good for deadlifting ? thx :)

[@thatfitfriend]

Yeah, they can work! I've seen multiple lifters use em and enjoy em. They're kind of like Sambas in that regard.

[@iamtheleuz]

Quite a few people at my CF box swear by the RAD one. I recently got a pair. I would love to know what you think about those vs the new TYR CX2.

[@thatfitfriend]

RAD ONE are freakin’ sick. I didn’t include them here for two reasons: 1. For just general lifting, there are models that do slightly better that are better for non-CrossFit focused folks, imo. 2. These are fantastic for the CF biased lifter so I’ll be including them in that round-up that goes live in a few weeks All that to say, great shoes but if only talking lifting, they wouldn’t necessarily be my go-to first suggestion for the generalist!

[@picklechiniaboi5979]

Do you know good shoes for lifting and hiking? I like climbing uphill and some shoes just suck for that, would you know any of them that do both?

[@thatfitfriend]

Some of the Inov8 models could work! The BP Savage 1 could also be a decent option, imo!

[@Viriyamt]

I use sandal, because its hard to get shoes with my super wide feet

[@thatfitfriend]

Have you tried barefoot shoes at all?

[@oliviermorneau2819]

Hey jake, as a competitive strongmen and former crossfitter i've been using reebok nano9 for years, but these days i only use them for carry event I love the density of the heel part of the sole because it is stiff and has just enough cushion so i don't feel a big hit in my knees and hips on heavy carrys, but the fore foot part of the sole is to soft and result in less stability than i would like, are you aware of any shoe built similar to the nano9 but with a very dense sole on the wole lenght of the shoe

[@thatfitfriend]

I'd check out the Born Prim Savage 1! The have a lower profile and denser midsole with a wider toe box, may be right up your ally. I'd start with that model, then go from there! If you decide to give em' a go, I have some available on That Fit Friend Shop - if you shoot me a DM on IG I'll make you a custom coupon to save you some bones!

[@HansonOng]

Hi Jake, thanks for ur sharing btw are you going to review Adidas DropSet 3? Hope to get ur reply!

[@thatfitfriend]

@@HansonOng did months ago! Check the channel :)

[@justyviews6731]

Great video, how does the project rock 7 compare to the Adidas adizero?

[@thatfitfriend]

When you say "Adizero" are we talking the old weightlifting shoe or a different model?

[@justyviews6731]

Sorry had those prior. The drop set 3.

[@justyviews6731]

For context; I use now the project rock 5 and tried the romaleos 4 and hated them because I’m not just using it for big compound movements but also working out around the gym. My PR 5’s are solely for the gym but have been looking for something else to support heavier squats, deadlifts, and etc. and that’s what got me interested in the drop set 3. That description sounded like me at the gym, but I was thinking I move to the PR 7’s. Any advice on what to get will be greatly appreciated.

[@capt1941]

Tried the Reign 6 when it was first released, but it wasn't for me. (I am a fan of the 5's, though.) Also recently tried the Savage 1's and I do like them for more weight training/crossfit focused workouts. (Not as much as the Nike Metcon 1 banned though.) I would include those in this list. 😁 Keep up the great work, my friend!

[@thatfitfriend]

@@capt1941 I thought about adding the 1s but I was like…if it’s only a limited release I don’t want a model that only a few people can have access to. They’re a good honorable mention for sure, though! Thank you, brother!

[@capt1941]

@thatfitfriend - That makes sense. Still hoping for additional colorways and I'm starting to buy into your thinking that they will be the Metcon 10's. Still crickets from Nike in September.

[@thatfitfriend]

@@capt1941 🤝 here’s to hoping, homie!

[@joakimtollerud2172]

When it comes to shoes for lifting which size should you go for if between sizes?

[@thatfitfriend]

Up is usually the safer call to ensure your toe box has enough room to let your toes/feet do their thang. If you're swimming in your shoes normally, though, then going down is the move!

[@Djones96]

Hey Jake! I bought the addidas dropset 2's based off your recommendation and I love them, but I think it's time for me to get a new pair of shoes for the gym. I weight lift moderately heavy and do steady state/occasional high intensity cardio 6 days a week. What would you recommend I get? I need something that isn't too pricey, but would be okay spending $100+

[@thatfitfriend]

If you can find a Dropset 2 on sale, I'd stay the course with those. You could prob find a Dropset 3 if you want to keep it consistent. You might also want to look into options like the UA TriBase Reign 5 or BP Savage 1!

[@MrLlama999]

11:28 I find drop in midsoles tend to lack durability and wear out faster than the shoe.

[@thatfitfriend]

Yeah, one of the drawbacks with them at times. Mine have held up fine and same with my metcon zooms etc. Can then swap in different insoles for a minimalist vibe worst comes to worst

[@basemmostafa4614]

Hi Jake, I hope you're doing well! I have a question, if you don’t mind. I'm a bit confused due to the many options available. I am looking for walking shoes for ( traveling, university, general uses) and for gym As a beginner, my coach has set up a workout plan (push, pull, leg) for me that includes: +Warm-Up +Resistance Training (gym equipment) +Cardiovascular Training (walking 20min treadmill + another exercise) +Stretching Could you please recommend the best shoes I should consider that are within my $150 budget? >>>>>NOTE

[@thatfitfriend]

A few suggestions below! Dropset Trainer 2/3 - not the best for walking, but can work, imo Born Primitive Savage 1 - great width and have a more minimalist vibe TriBase Reign 6 Can't go wrong with any of those models, imo. I'd go with the colorways/best-looking for your preferences!

[@rodolfo_23]

Hey! If you have a moment please. For wider feet would you prefer Nanos X3 or X4? Also, does the Puma Fuse 3.0 make into the shortlist between this year's releases (for crossfit)? Thanks!

[@thatfitfriend]

They're both similar, but X3 is a smidge wider. Eh, the Fuse 3...they're not bad, per se, but they're heavy and narrow. When compared to the countless other models, they're def towards the bottom of my list of go-to's.

[@rodolfo_23]

@@thatfitfriend Thank you!

[@thatfitfriend]

@@rodolfo_23 Got you!

[@pardss9737]

A few random questions, but how many calories do you burn in a day? Do you do cardio on separate days? Has cardio ever slowed down your muscle gains?

[@thatfitfriend]

- No idea. It varies based on my day to day, so I use my intake to dictate body comp etc. Tracking "burned" cals isn't the most productive since days can vary and it's more useful knowing how much you can intake to maintain or move towards the goals you set - Sometimes, not always, though. Depends on schedule. Some days I'll do a two-a-day if I have to or have time and just accept I'll be tired for the second workout - Eh, I don't stress that. As long as strength is going up and I'm eating enough, then I'm not sweating it. Too many lifters stress that detail when it's a non-issue for most

[@nomaderic]

I been lifting for years and just found out right now that ppl buy lifting shoes lol. Serious question, how tf do what shoes you have on have anything to do with your lifting performance. I lift in my socks, my normal everyday shoes, hell I've lifted in flip flops. I dont understand how they affect lifting. I just left the gym doing squat and I just had on my nike air force ones. No hate at all, I'm just completely blown away that there is a market for "lifting" shoes

[@thatfitfriend]

@@nomaderic I’m blown away that you’ve been unaware of training shoes your entire life 😂 have you never been into a Dick’s Sporting Goods etc.? Shoes get more important as you get more specific. You can train with a zero-drop which is great, but for some, some prefer a bit of heel elevation. If you’re doing a CrossFit WOD, you’ll want a pair of CrossFit focused shoes. If you’re cleaning/snatching, you’ll typically want a pair of weightlifting shoes. If you’re in a gym that doesn’t allow flip flops and barefoot training, you’ll want a pair of barefoot shoes or training shoes. You can lift in whatever you want, it doesn’t really matter until your specificity calls for it. There’s always a threshold in which that matters. If you’re doing general ish and lift fine in your socks, then for you, it doesn’t really matter. You should still subscribe and support than the channel tho 😂

[@nomaderic]

@thatfitfriend I feel you but none of what you said answered my question. How do shoes make me lift differently? I can clean barefoot, i can clean with cowboy boots on. Why does it matter what shoes I have on to lift weights? Again I'm not throwing salt. Im generally interested. I don't go to dicks because it's expensive as hell lol. Are the shoes supposed to make me lift more? I don't do crossfit I'm more of a bodybuilding focused lifter. Keep in mind I've been dirt poor my entire life so I just use what I can get. I genuinely never knew there was such thing as "lifting" shoes. Every pro bodybuilder I know always just says use flat soles like Chuck Taylors, or no shoes at all.

[@thatfitfriend]

@@nomaderic I’m not perceiving as salt, bruv. Tough to offend me working on the internet for so long, no sweat there. Flat/denser/cheaper shoes like Converse work great, I have a ton of content on those types of shoes and content discussing how to rotate shoes, when flat vs heel elevated shoes can matter, why shoes can matter for CrossFit, deadlifts, squats, etc. To answer your Q more directly, here are a few practical examples for when shoes matter and can make you lift more. Catching cleans in a full squat example: Let’s say you’re a taller lifter or a lifter who struggles with mobility in the context of hitting full depth squats while keeping a more upright torso when in flat shoes. In this case, a heel to assist with mobility can be useful tool for promoting better form when catching cleans in a full squat. The denser outsole can also be useful for promoting better stability when catching cleans, snatches, and jerks. Deadlifting heavier weight more frequently and your gym doesn’t allow you to pull barefoot In this case, a shoe with a lower stack height can be useful for stability and keeping your range of motion lower so you can be more mechanically proficient. Going with a barefoot shoe can also be useful to hit these while giving you a low toe box for toe splay/balance promotion General lifting & cross-training example For this case, a denser more versatile shoe can feel better for those who aren’t used to training barefoot. This can also be useful for lifting wanting that shoe to help protect their feet while still feeling stable - in CrossFit/athletic contexts this matters more. Think sessions where you’re squatting/lunging heavy and being explosive. Not everyone wants to do that barefoot and some midsole that reflects your lifting thresholds can actually make you feel better when doing these activities Hope all of that makes sense. There are so many layers here we could unpack and those all vary based on training contexts. You don’t “need” specific shoes by any means, but they can be useful depending on how you train and what your preferences are. It’s all about the context and one’s individual needs. The shoes featured in this vid fall into that third context, btw. The “lift more” idea that shoes are going to magically add weight to your lifts isn’t the right lens to look @ this, imo. I’d instead look at how shoes can promote other areas of performance/allow you to perform more efficiently as that will then put you in better positions to train harder etc.

[@ninaullrich983]

May be a dumb question and I may have missed the video on it but how did you figure what width you like I know I’m narrow. But I’m saying like e width ect ?

[@thatfitfriend]

Not dumb at all! Best ways to measure are using a Brannock device in a shoe store or tracing your foot on paper (make sure you put weight on it so it spreads), then cross-referencing that width with either what the device says or measuring your tracing and looking at sizing guides :)

[@vivekkumarblues]

Wanted your review on Nike Lebron TR1. Can i expect it?

[@thatfitfriend]

I can look into them!

[@vivekkumarblues]

@@thatfitfriend Great. Looking forward to it.

[@theepilogue2190]

Hey have you heard if the CXT-2 Elite Carbon shoes are coming out in different colors besides red for men's size 14? I'm asking since I was going to buy them to see the difference in my workouts, but TYR currently only has red in my size and i was trying to get a different color since I don’t wear red.

[@thatfitfriend]

I'm not entirely sure on timelines there - I have the white colorway and did a comparison video with them. I'm sure more will be coming soon!

[@theepilogue2190]

​@thatfitfriend I hope so since depending on how the fit runs, I either have to wear a men's 14 or 15

[@manuel7272]

CXT-2 carbon elite worth it over the CXT-2?

[@thatfitfriend]

I filmed a video on this that will go live soon! For most, probably not. I look at them like carbon race shoes in running. Not everyone will need them and you'll want to save them for race prep and racing. In this context, if you're someone who's competing in CF or functional fitness comps, then they'll be more worth it. Also, they can be cool if you have the funds and foot anatomy that work for them, but no, I don't think everyone needs to drop $225 for em and the normal model works [better] for pure lifting (also discussed in the video that will go live soon).

[@manuel7272]

@@thatfitfriend thanks I look more for the lifting part so this helps me a lot

[@jjcornelio7741]

I wanted to get the dropset but opted for the rapidmove because of the 17dollar price tag. Isa reign 6 for 40% off a good choice for my next purchase? The dropset 3 is aways retail and never on sale in my place.

[@thatfitfriend]

Solid deal on those Reigns, imo!

[@bigbodykarate6403]

i go barefoot ,hit the bag bare foot , fight barefoot , train barefoot . Shoes make your feet and ankles weak .

[@Jazz-ob3xy]

Damn that timing, i just started looking into training shoes lol

[@thatfitfriend]

Living in your head 😂

[@mgw1188]

Thanks for your reviews! I upgraded from my metcon5s to the reign 6 and have thoroughly enjoyed them. I was surprised how comfortable the reign 6 uppers were too. Keep up the great work my fit friend 😊

[@jcash0777]

I love the “channeling my basic white girl 🤌”

[@thatfitfriend]

All of us have it