5 Best Deadlift Slippers In 2024
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
When shopping for the best deadlift slippers, you need a pair that provides optimum foot flexibility and grip while allowing you to transfer the required amount of force to the ground for a safe and effective deadlift.
Deadlift slippers aren’t the same as conventional shoes and only have a thin sole (usually made of rubber) to support your foot. Their main function is to provide good traction and sufficient grip between your feet and the ground and improve your lifting form.
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the LiftingLarge Ground Lock.
Starting our list of the best deadlift slippers is LiftingLarge Ground Lock. They provide superior grip allowing you to reach lower to the ground to maintain proper form throughout the lift.
Top 5 Best Deadlift Slippers Reviewed
- LiftingLarge Ground Lock – Top Pick
- Deadlift Shoes Cross-Trainer – Runner Up
- FITKICKS Men’s Walking Shoes
- Joomra Minimalist Barefoot Sock Shoes
- MAX² Deadlift Slippers
| Product | Total | Material Quality | Sizing | Color Diversity | Grip & Traction | Comfort | Design | Value of Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LiftingLarge | 68 | 10 | 9.5 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Lara Star | 67.5 | 10 | 9.5 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 10 |
| FITKICKS | 64 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9.5 | 9 | 8.5 |
| Joomra | 62.5 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 |
| MAX² | 62 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9.5 | 9.5 |
1. Top Pick: LiftingLarge Ground Lock – Best Deadlifting Slippers
LiftingLarge Ground Lock lifting slippers is a competition approved (IPF, USPA, and IPL) pair of deadlift slippers that are designed to provide a natural and snug fit making your feet flexible to move freely. They provide superior grip allowing you to reach lower to the ground to maintain proper form throughout the lift. This is the best pair of deadlift slippers that we’ve reviewed.
What sets LiftingLarge apart from other slippers in the category is its suitability. Most deadlift slippers are not well suited for those doing sumo pulls, but LiftingLarge aims to provide a solution to this with their highly customized design and material.
- Material: PU with Rubber Insole
- Sizes: US 4-13.5
- Color palette: Black
- Feature: Competition Approved by IPF, USPA, and IPL
Material Quality
LiftingLarge deadlift slippers are made of high quality rubber providing optimum grip. The slippers have a covering on the toes which makes the material stronger and more durable. You’ll get a pair of removable rubber insoles with the slippers which helps you get as close to the floor as possible during the pull.
Sizing
LiftingLarge comes with a varying range of sizes. So, whether you choose a women’s size 4 or a men’s size 13.5, there’s something for everyone regardless of their needs. Thickness of the sole with the insert included is 3/11” and3/16” with the insole removed.
Color Palette
Right now, LiftingLarge deadlift slippers are only available in black. But, due to their superior quality the color is as long lasting as the material is durable. If you’d like more color options, check out some of our other recommendations later in the article.
Comfort
Apart from superior grip from its high quality rubber soles, the slippers come with 2 wide side-straps with velcro enclosure to give a snug fit and lateral support. That enables a well-rounded pull regardless of the kind of deadlift you’re performing. For an optimum snug fit, buy a pair that’s true to your size. If you’d like more breathing room, you can go for a size higher.
Design
LiftingLarge deadlift slippers are competition approved by IPF, USPA, and IPL and a lot of thought has gone into making the perfect slippers for powerlifters.
Warranty
LiftingLarge Ground Lock deadlift slippers come with a 1 year limited warranty provided you have proof of purchase.
Value For Money
As mentioned earlier, LiftingLarge lifting slippers are the best we have tested. They’re durable and long-lasting with the ability to withstand regular use, and fills a much needed void in the industry.
LiftingLarge Ground Lock lifting slippers is a competition approved (IPF, USPA, and IPL) pair of deadlift slippers that are designed to provide a natural and snug fit.
Positives:
Could be better:
2. Runner Up: Deadlift Shoes Cross-Trainer
Manufactured by Lara Star, the Deadlifts Cross-Trainer powerlifting slippers is a minimalist shoe that fits like a second skin. Its barefoot feature comes with no raised heel arch and the slippers are flat enough to allow your feet to move as they need to.
The Lara Star powerlifting slippers come in various sizes and can be worn by both men and women. With superior comfort and breathability, these slippers easily take the position of the runner up in our review.
- Material: Synthetic PU with Rubber Sole
- Purpose: Cross-Training, Fitness, and General Powerlifting
- Sizes: US 6.5-14
- Color palette: Black, Gray, Light blue, Red, Red-Black
- Feature: Competition Approved by IPF, USAPL
Material Quality
The Lara Star deadlift shoes are made of synthetic PU with a firm but comfortable rubber sole providing superior grip for all kinds of workouts. The upper portion of the slippers sports a knitted material with a robust rubber bottom.
Sizing
The cross-trainer deadlift shoes have a wide range of sizes from US 6.5-14 and are suitable for all genders. The men’s variant is true to size but women should ideally go a size up for the most comfortable fit. For those who are in between sizes, its best to go for a higher one.
Color Palette
These slippers come in a wide color palette, and you can choose from black, gray, light blue, red, and red-black. The colors are durable and long lasting due to its superior make and finish.
Comfort
The Lara Star deadlift slippers are designed to give you a barefoot feel. The slippers adjust to the shape of your feet and the lack of a raised heel gives an optimum flat grip. The non-slip bottom and breathable fabric is great for any kind of workout, and suitable for all sports.
Design
These slippers are IPF and USAPL certified and designed for new and experienced powerlifters alike. They can be used in competitions.
Value For Money
The Lara Star deadlift shoes have a higher price tag but their versatility trumps the negatives. You may find deadlift shoes at a cheaper price tag but given the high quality material and manufacturing, it's bang for the bucks, especially since they can be used for all kinds of workouts.
Manufactured by Lara Star, the Deadlifts Cross-Trainer powerlifting slippers is a minimalist shoe that fits like a second skin.
Positives:
Could be better:
3. FITKICKS Men's Walking Shoes
Fitkicks men’s walking shoes are an all-rounder pair of slippers that can be used for deadlifting or squatting (if you prefer to squat barefoot).
The best feature of this exercise shoe is its flexibility and ease of use. This can easily become your go-to pair of shoes for all things active. But does it fit equally well for powerlifters? Our research says yes.
Material Quality
Made with FlexForm sole technology, high quality rubber, and a toe guard, Fitkicks walking shoes are well suited for all kinds of activities, light or intense. Their spandex exterior fitted with side pull tabs fit snugly while providing enough movement in your feet.
These shoes have the perfect features for powerlifting, including a sturdy rubber sole, good fit, and support. These shoes are also water resistant and can be used as aqua shoes, at the pool or the beach.
Sizing
Fitkicks walking shoes come in different sizes - small (7-8), medium (8.5-9.5), large (10-11), and extra-large (11.5-12.5). This ensures there’s a size suitable for everybody.
Color Palette
If you’d like a bright colored pair of shoes to amp up your deadlifts, then Fitkicks walking shoes are perfect for you. They come in four colors - gray, green, black, and navy. The color looks sleek and gives the shoe a new life of its own!
Comfort
Fitkicks walking shoes are perfectly comfortable for a wide range of activities. Whether you’re commuting walking or commuting, working out or practicing yoga, these shoes are designed to fit your lifestyle. Their versatile design and fit makes them great for deadliftsas well.
Design
Fitkicks shoes are lightweight and ergonomically designed with ample flexibility for your feet to move and support in a natural way.The company’s motto is to make their shoes accessible and comfortable for active lifestyles, and might be worth checking out for lifting purposes as well.
Value For Money
Whether Fitkicks shoes are worth the investment will largely depend on what your purpose is. If you want a pair of shoes that are lightweight with an all-round functionality, then these might be worth the price. If you’re looking specifically for deadlift slippers, then there might be other options that suit you better.
Fitkicks men’s walking shoes are an all-rounder pair of slippers that can be used for deadlifting or squatting.
Positives:
Could be better:
4. Joomra Minimalist Barefoot Sock Shoes
Joomra sock shoes are another multi-purpose pair of shoes that give a barefoot and natural feel. Although not specifically designed as deadlift slippers, they have many functionalities that will make it suitable for powerlifters as well.
Material Quality
The shoes are made from lightweight stretch knit fabric and rubber soles for optimum ease of movement and breathability. The rubber outsole is of superior quality that doesn’t squeak as you walk or move. The material is washing-machine friendly and doesn’t contain any adhesives. The shoes are sweat and shock resistant and protect your feet as you move freely. They can be used as aqua shoes too.
Sizing
Sizing ranges from US 6-14 and is suitable for all genders. If you want a snug fit, go for your usual size and a size higher for more flexibility.
Color Palette
The Joomra sock shoes have a wide color palette for you to choose from. They’re available in the following colors: brown-black, gray-black, all black, blue, green, brown, and olive.
Comfort
They’re ultra-light, breathable, with high traction against different surfaces. Its barefoot style and minimalistic build is good for performing deadlifts.
Design
The joomra sock shoes are built in an eco-friendly fashion and are adhesive free. They’re water and sweat resistant, ultra-portable and lightweight, making them a good option for travel.
Value For Money
Similar to Fitkicks, these shoes are good for not just deadlifts but a wide range of activities. They might be perfectly worth the price if you need an all-around pair of comfortable shoes to fit your active lifestyle.
Joomra sock shoes are another multi-purpose pair of shoes that give a barefoot and natural feel.
Positives:
Could be better:
5. MAX² Deadlift Slippers
MAX² deadlift slippers are the fifth and final product on our review list. Like the other deadlift slippers on our list, they have a barefoot feel, aggressive rubber grip on all sides, breathable material, and lateral straps for deadlifts and sumo pulls alike.
Material Quality
MAX² is made of rubber soles and PU leather and lateral straps with velcro for a great fit. The material is breathable and flat with no heel rise, a design that is perfect for deadlifts.
Sizing
Sizes are rather limited for this pair of slippers and range between US 6-12. Women are suggested to go for a size lower than usual. For in-between sizes go for the next higher size.
Color Palette
As of now, these slippers are only available in black.
Comfort
Light-weight, breathable, and easy to carry, the MAX² can easily double as an aqua or walking shoe. It is versatile in its functions and comfortable for a wide range of activities.
Design
Ergonomically designed with a flat sole to give a barefoot feel and flexibility movement. They don't have a heel rise and are suitable for sumo pulls and deadlifts.
Value For Money
The MAX² slippers might be worth the investment if your goal is to buy a shoe that can easily sustain easy to moderate deadlift intensity. They’re also multi-purpose and durable for the price.
MAX² deadlift slippers are the fifth and final product on our review list.
Positives:
Could be better:
Benefits Of Deadlift Slippers
✅ Grip and traction
The best deadlifting slippers come with a thin rubber sole with minimal to no heel raise. The thinner the insole is, the lower you can go while performing a deadlift. The rubber needs to be firm yet supportive, and not too hard. They provide aggressive grip from all around the feet which helps you reach lower and execute a pull efficiently.
Tips From the Champ
Deadlift slippers not only improve your lifting form and performance, but they also feel snug and protective around your feet. Just the right amount of flexibility mixed with a supportive cushioning made of breathable material is your best bet when choosing a slipper. Ankle and metatarsal support can make your deadlifts a lot seamless while protecting you from injury.
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
✅ Competition Approved
If you’re a pro powerlifter, it's important to select shoes mandated by your competition rules.
As a good rule of thumb, you might want to choose a pair of deadlift slippers that are approved by IPF, USAPL, and IPL. Most competitions would require you to use a pair of deadlift slippers.
✅ Suitable For Various Activities
If you’re new to performing deadlifts, you may wonder if it's the same as squat slippers. Or which is better - deadlift slippers vs wrestling shoes? All three have similar features - thin rubber sole, great traction, and a snug fit. Due to this, you can use one pair of deadlift slippers for a wide range of activities.
Drawbacks Of Deadlift Slippers
❌ Fit Issues
It can be hard to find a pair of deadlift slippers that fit you properly. Most of them don’t have laces and are not adjustable when it comes to getting a snug fit. However, you can fix this by choosing one of our recommended slippers that come with velcro straps.
FAQ
Do Deadlift Slippers Make A Difference?
Deadlift slippers definitely make a difference if you’re looking to improve your stance and get better grip. Slippers are lightweight with a barefoot feel, and minimum to zero heel raise that makes you feel as comfortable as possible, so you can work on perfecting your technique. The thinner the sole, the lower you can go.
Are Deadlift Slippers Better Than Deadlift Shoes?
Deadlift slippers are lightweight, portable, and hassle-free to use. They have a lighter construction and thinner outer material whereas deadlift shoes are more like regular shoes - bulky, heavy, and thick compared to slippers. If you’re more comfortable with a barefoot deadlift, you can try slippers. For a thicker sole and more durable construction, you may check out shoes.
Should I Deadlift In Crocs?
Crocs are not ideal for performing deadlifts and their high level of compression is to blame. When choosing deadlift footwear, you need one with a thin rubber sole so you can go as low to the ground as possible and lift through proper weight distribution between your feet. For this reason, you may want to choose footwear specially designed for lifting.
Conclusion
A good pair of deadlift slippers should not only improve your form and technique but also help support your joints and reduce the risk of injury. When choosing one for the first time, it may be helpful to buy one with a thin rubber sole with great traction, comfortable straps for a snug fit, and a breathable and lightweight material for its exterior surface.
Our top pick for this review - LiftingLarge Ground Lock deadlift slippers tick all these boxes.
Also read:
- Converse for Weightlifting
- Best Gym Shoes for Flat Feet
- Best Workout Shoes for Wide Feet
- Best Olympic Lifting Shoes
- Squat Shoes vs Barefoot
- Best High Top Training Shoes
- Best Squat Shoes
- Best Running and Lifting Shoes
- Best Women’s Cross Training Shoes
- Best Weight Training Shoes for Women
References:
- Definitive Deadlift Shoes Guide | Benefits, How They Should Fit, and More// That Fit Friend: https://thatfitfriend.com/deadlift-shoes-guide/
Why Trust Us?
With over 20 years in Olympic Weightlifting, our team does its best to provide the audience with ultimate support and meet the needs and requirements of advanced athletes and professional lifters, as well as people who strive to open new opportunities and develop their physical capabilities with us.
All products we select are primarily approved and tested by the Olympic Weightlifting Champion Oleksii Torokhtiy. Under his guidance, we provide honest and reasonable assessments of the products we review by checking their characteristics, packaging, design, comfort and durability features, and general product rating. We select products from only high-quality and trusted sports brands, thus vouching for their quality.
The product testing process is described in more detail here
Author: Ihor Shymechko
Pro Olympic Weightlifter, Coach
Best Results: Snatch – 208 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Ihor has been a professional weightlifter since 1996, boasting over two decades of competition experience. His notable achievements include clinching the European Championship in 2009 and securing a silver medal in the 105kg division at the Senior World Championships in 2011. Ihor represented his country in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. After retiring from competitive weightlifting, he transitioned to coaching, leveraging his vast experience to guide athletes who now compete on both national and international stages.
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Oleksiy Torokhtiy is a professional athlete boasting 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. With multiple European and World titles under his belt, he has showcased his prowess in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008 and London 2012). Upon concluding his illustrious career, Oleksiy dedicated himself to coaching. By 2022, he had conducted over 200 weightlifting seminars worldwide. He is the visionary behind an international sportswear and accessories brand known for its motto, “Warm Body Cold Mind.” Additionally, he is an esteemed author and the creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiries considering product reviews, you can reach out to us via email – [email protected]
