Tag: Weightlifting
Luke Stoltman Wins 2021 Europe’s Strongest Man
Here are the complete results from the 2021 Europe’s Strongest Man competition.
The 2021 Europe’s Strongest Man competition took place on Sept. 4 with some of the elite powerlifters in the world vying for the title. Leeds, England was the location of the event and it saw Luke Stoltman take home the championship.
Luke’s brother, Tom Stoltman, was one of the favorites to win the competition but was forced to bow out at the last minute. Stoltman tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced to stay in Scotland. The title was able to stay in the family with Luke emerging as the victor.
Stoltman is now qualified for the 2022 World’s Strongest Man competition. Oleksii Novikov, who won the 2020 WSM, finished second while Graham Hicks placed third. Novikov was already qualified for the 2022 WSM and Stoltman and Hicks earned theirs by finishing in the top three of the event.
The Europe’s Strongest Man consisted of five events — max log lift, shield carry, axle deadlift, car walk, and castle stones. Below are the full results from the competition.
2021 Europe’s Strongest Man Results
First Place – Luke Stoltman (GBR) — 40.5 points
Second Place – Oleksii Novikov (UKR) — 39 points
Third Place – Graham Hicks (GBR) — 30.5 points
Fourth Place – Rauno Heinla (EST) — 30 points
Fifth Place – Marius Lalas (LTU) — 28 points (T-5)
Sixth Place – Pa O’Dwyer (IRL) — 28 points (T-5)
Seventh Place – Ervin Toots (EST) — 20 points
Eighth Place – Gavin Bilton (GBR) — 12 points
Ninth Place – Johnny Hanson (SWE) — 11 points
Tenth Place – Adam Bishop (GBR) — 1 point
Max Log Lift
First Place – Luke Stoltman — 195 kilograms (429.9 pounds)
Second Place – Graham Hicks — 195 kilograms (429.9 pounds)
Third Place – Oleksii Novikov — 180 kilograms (396.8 pounds)
Shield Carry
First Place – Marius Lalas — 54.2 meters
Second Place – Luke Stoltman — 42.2 meters
Third Place – Ervin Toots — 37.7 meters
Fourth Place – Rauno Heinla — 37.05 meters
Fifth Place – Pa O’Dwyer — 34.85 meters
Sixth Place – Gavin Bolton — 32.1 meters
Seventh Place – Oleksii Novikov — 27.85 meters
Eighth Place – Graham Hicks — 27.4 meters
Ninth Place – Johnny Hanson — 22.3 meters
Tenth Place – Adam Bishop — 7.45 meters
Axle Deadlift
First Place – Rauno Heinla — 9 reps
Second Place – Graham Hicks — 8 reps
Third Place – Marius Lalas — 6 reps
Fourth Place – Oleksii Novikov — 6 reps
Fifth Place – Pa O’Dwyer — 6 reps
Sixth Place – Gavin Bilton — 5 reps
Seventh Place – Luke Stoltman — 3 reps
Eighth Place – Ervin Toots — 2 reps
Ninth Place – Johnny Hansson — 0 reps
Car Walk
First Place – Oleksii Novikov – 11.19 seconds
Second Place – Luke Stoltman – 13.59 seconds
Third Place – Pa O’Dwyer – 16.07 seconds
Fourth Place – Marius Lalas – 16.79 seconds
Fifth Place – Johnny Hansson – 20.6 seconds
Sixth Place – Rauno Heinla – 22.84 seconds
Seventh Place – Ervin Toots – 24.91 seconds
Eighth Place – Graham Hicks – 25.76 seconds
Ninth Place – Gavin Bilton – 7.73 meters
Castle Stones
First Place – Oleksii Novikov — 6 in 18.74 seconds
Second Place – Luke Stoltman — 5 in 20.58 seconds
Third Place – Rauno Heinla — 5 in 21.2 seconds
Fourth Place – Pa O’Dwyer — 5 in 22.23 seconds
Fifth Place – Graham Hicks — 5 in 22.42 seconds
Sixth Place – Ervin Toots — 5 in 23.5 seconds
Seventh Place – Marius Lalas — 5 in 24.76 seconds
Eighth Place – Johnny Hansson — 5 in 48.01 seconds
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Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.
Tom Stoltman To Miss 2021 Europe’s Strongest Man
Tom Stoltman will miss the competition because of complications with COVID-19.
Tom Stoltman has become a true force in powerlifting. He won the World’s Strongest Man competition earlier in the year and had a chance to show what he can do on another big stage. It was recently announced that Stoltman will miss some time because of COVID-19.
Stoltman has a YouTube page with his brother, Luke, and this is where he shared the announcement that he will no longer take part in the 2021 Europe’s Strongest Man competition. He has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be forced to miss some time competing.
“I got COVID yesterday, so on Thursday. I’ve now got it, Thursday night. So for safety I will not be competing during the weekend. I feel like for me, it’s just a cold,” Tom Stoltman said.
“We’re going to try and stay safe, and then we’re going to be there in Scotland. I have to quarantine until Wednesday or Thursday next week, so I still have a lot of time to train for Scotland. For me, it’s beneficial because I didn’t have the best prep for Europe’s anyway… Sorry that I won’t be there. It’s out of my hands.”
This would have been Stoltman’s first competition since the World’s Strongest Man. There has been a lot of anticipation for his return but fans will have to wait a little longer.
Stolman was supposed to compete during the 2021 Shaw Classic but was one of five competitors to bow out — this includes his brother, Luke. Trey Mitchell ended up coming out on top in the event. He beat out some of the top competitors in the world and it is likely that Stoltman would have been near the top.
Tom Stoltman will not have his sites set on Scotland’s Strngest Man competition. This will take place on Sept. 19. This gives Scottish lifter plenty of time to recover from the virus and get back to where he needs to be to win an event.
While it is a shame that Stoltman will miss the upcoming event, he will be a main factor moving forward. There is no doubt that he will continue to be one of the major competitors in the world.
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Trey Mitchell Wins 2021 Shaw Classic
Trey Mitchell won the second-annual event. Here are the full results.
The 2021 Shaw Classic took place from Aug. 27-28 in Estes Park, CO. Some of the best powerlifters in the world gathered to see if they can dethrone the event’s promoter Brian Shaw, who took home the title in the inaugural event last year. This time around, it was Trey Mitchell who was able to come out on top.
Shaw ended up finishing second with J.F. Caron placing third. The full results were announced on Friday through a video on Shaw’s YouTube page. Even though he finished second, Shaw did not accept any money and he distributed it among the other 15 competitors.
The Shaw Classic was missing some elite names but it was still a noteworthy event. Luke Richardson had to withdraw due to a bicep injury. Tom Stoltman and Luke Stoltman also pulled their names out weeks before the event. Finally, Robert Oberst and Oleksii Novikov were the latest to withdraw from the event.
The contest was completed on Aug. 28 and the competitors split a prize pool of $100,000. Below, you can find the final overall standings along with the money won by each athlete.
2021 Shaw Classic Results
Trey Mitchell — $21,000
Brian Shaw — $15,000*
J.F. Caron — $12,000
Kevin Faires — $9,000
Evan Singleton — $8,000
Aivars Smaukstelis — $7,000
Bobby Thompson — $6,500
Adam Bishop — $6,000
Maxime Boudreault — $5,500
Konstantine Janashia — $5,000
Graham Hicks — $4,500
Žydrūnas Savickas — $4,000
Gabriel Rheaume — $3,500
Gabriel Peña — $3,000
Jerry Pritchett — $2,500
Mikhail Shivlyakov — $2,500
The events were spread out evenly over two days. It began on day one with a max log press, super yoke, bag toss, and car squat with Ford Bronco. Day two continued with the Hummer tire deadlift, medley, circus dumbbell for reps, and Atlas stone.
In the end, it was Mitchell who was able to come out on top at the end. He excelled in the max log press when he completed a 206.3kg (455lb) lift. Mitchell also came in second with six reps in the circus dumbbell for reps.
The Shaw Classic has turned into an elite event with some of the best powerlifters in the world getting together to show who is the best. This time around, it was Mitchell who proved to rise to the occasion.
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WATCH: Larry Wheels Crushes 827lb Triple Squat
Larry Wheels has been putting up crazy numbers in recent training sessions.
Larry Wheels is known for pulling off eye-popping lifts and he is back at it again. In a recent training session, Wheels destroyed an 827lb squat for a triple — and did it with relative ease.
Wheels is back to training with monstrous weight and has been posting some recent work on social media. For this incredible lift, Wheels took to Instagram to show his recent progress.
“827×3Wait for it… then wait for it again. Then wait for it one more time!@teampersonalrecord“
Larry Wheels spent some time arm wrestling and took on some of the best competitors in the world. This includes Aleksandr “Schoolboy” Toproll, who is one of the best in the world today. The two linked up twice for some memorable events. Now, Wheels seems to have his focus back on powerlifting and is back to moving some unimaginable weight.
An 827lb squat is no joke. Wheels makes this lift look effortless for a triple and there are many aspects at work here. The patience that the 26-year-old has is incredible and he maintains the same form, even with a full-grown grizzly bear on his back.
This is the most recent accomplishment for Wheels. On Aug. 1, he shared a video of a 852lb squat for a double. He has also excelled in other areas such as a 515lb shoulder press and an 875lb sumo deadlift.
The weight that Wheels has been moving recently makes one think that he has big things in mind for the near future. As of now, we know that he plans to compete on Sept. 11 at the IPS Long Island Insurrextion.
This is where Larry Wheels could continue to attempt different personal records. The arm-wrestling journey was exciting but powerlifting is better with Wheels in the game. If his social media is any indication, it is clear that Wheels is back to fully focusing on weightlifting and is doing it in a big way.
Nizami Tagiev Is Critical Of Leroy Walker’s World Record Strict Curl
Nizami Tagiev does not believe Walker’s lift was legitimate.
The strict curl is a lift that used to be used in competition. The competitors’ head, upper body, and butt must remain against a wall while the lift is performed. This has become a popular exercise and one where many powerlifters have been eyeing the world record. On Saturday, Leroy Walker set a new world record with a 114kg (250lb) strict curl but there has been some controversy over it.
Walker beat the previous record set by Denis Cyplenkov in 2019 by a single kilogram. Russia’s Nizami Tagiev believes that Cyplenkov should still hold the record and does not recognize Walker’s lift as legitimate.
Tagiev took to Instagram to explain his reasoning and share a video of him performing a strict curl that is close to the record.
“I don’t wanna be a hater!I just want to say that if everyone compete for the world record then the rules should be the same for everyone.
I believe that LeRoy @lwthemachine is a strong athlete, but I do not recognize his record, just as Denis Tsyplenkov @cyplenkovden does not recognize him. This is not pride or vanity! If I saw a clean rise there, I would strive for it simply and accept the challenge with dignity!There’re too much questions:the elbows are bent too much, the assistants serve the barbell, the grip is narrow, the wall is narrow, honestly I have a lot of distrust of the weights on the barbell.”
It was originally said that Nizami Tagiev had 115kg on the bar when he completed this curl. This would have been enough to beat Walker’s record but it would not have been recognized because it was not confirmed while Walker’s record lift took place during a sanctioned event. Tagiev later confirmed that the weight in the video above was 110kg, not 115kg.
Tagiev continued by sharing criticism on the lift. He mentions how Walker’s elbows are too bent and how the wall and grip are narrow. Tagiev also mentions Cyplenkov and how the former record holder also rejects this lift. He ended his Instagram post with a call to action to judges when looking at lifts in the future — and even got backup from the likes of CT Fletcher, who commented “I totally agree with you.”
“I ask the organizers of the Arnold Classic, @arnoldsports which will be held in March ‘22 in the USA, to be seriously about all of that?? I repeat once again, the rules and judging should be the same for everyone! I am for fair sport and for justice! Respect for all athletes from different countries! And let’s be honest with ourselves firstly!”
Leroy Walker has yet to respond but has already been sharing a new goal on social media. Walker has his eyes on a 275-pound strict curl in the near future. Below, you can see Walker’s record-setting lift. Do you think it is legitimate?
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Leroy Walker Sets World Record With 114kg Strict Curl
Leroy Walker was able to crush the lift and set a new mark.
The strict curl world record is one that has been sought after for years now by many athletes. On Sunday, Leroy Walker became the powerlifter that was able to set a new mark with his incredible lift.
Walker completed a 114kg (250lb) strict curl to set a new world record. This beat the previous record set by Denis Cyplenkov in 2019 by a single kilogram. Walker took to Instagram to share his accomplishment and broke down the process.
Leroy Walker completed the record lift on his third attempt. He seemed to have plenty in the tank — even after failing on his first two attempts at a higher number. Walker began with a 259-pound attempt but could not finish it.
“There are moments you fail in order to appreciate success . This fail was one of those moments. I was actually proud to fail at 259. It meant I was in a great place. 250lbs had been achieved on my 3rd attempt. This was instead of my fourth. I had planned on going 220-230-235 and an attempt at 250 on a fourth,” Walker wrote on Instagram.
“After 230 I felt great and wanted to conserve energy for a shot at the world record. My programming said I was 243-248 ready. You never know until you know.”
This is not the first record that Walker has locked up. Back in June, he set the American strict curl record with a 102.5 (226lb) lift. This is a lift that has also been sought after. Different athletes, such as Larry Wheels and former Pittsburgh Steelers’ linebacker James Harrison, have been training to put up big numbers in the strict curl.
Now that Leroy Walker has successfully achieved the world record, it is the to build on it. There is a clear sense that Walker will continue to look for a higher number, especially after a couple failed attempts. This will be the new goal for Walker moving forward as he continues to put up eye-popping numbers.
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Bodybuilder Megan Elizabeth Has Passed Away at 28 Years Old
The 28-year-old earned her pro card in 2018.
IFBB pro bodybuilder Megan Elizabeth has passed away at the age of 28. The cause of Marshall’s death has not been released. An announcement was made on the Facebook page of her mother, Denise.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that Chuck and I let you know that we said goodbye to our beautiful Megan yesterday. We have had many reach out after seeing other posts. We will let you know about services after we have some time,” Morris wrote.
“Megan has been taken from us sooner than any of us were ready for, and as parents our hearts hurt and are broken. We now have another angel in Heaven to watch over us. Megan will join my Mom and my sister and her MawMaw. Soar high Miss Mighty Mouse! We love you always.”
Megan Elizabeth was an athlete all throughout her life. She joined the Navy after high school and learned about bodybuilding in 2013. She quickly gained a passion for the sport and trained to build her impressive physique. In 2014, Elizabeth began competing. This is when she started working toward her pro card. Elizabeth was able to earn her card at the 2018 NPC Junior USA Championships.
Elizabeth took to Instagram recently to celebrate the anniversary of earning her pro card.
Megan Elizabeth has stepped away from bodybuilding over the last few years but she was still a big part of the sport.
This has been an unfortunate time in the sport of bodybuilding. Many athletes have lost their lives recently and this has caused Olympia owner Jake Wood to push for a change.
I AM DEEPLY SHAKEN BY THE LOSS OF ALENA. I AM NOT ONE FOR EMPTY WORDS. INSTEAD OF MAKING POSTS I’M MAKING CHANGES. I HAD A PRODUCTIVE MEETING WITH JIM AND TYLER MANION THIS MORNING AND WE’RE ALL SICKENED BY THIS TURN OF EVENTS. WE AGREED THAT CONDITIONING IS OVER EMPHASIZED IN THE JUDGING CRITERIA AND SOMETHING MUST BE DONE. I WILL PUSH FOR CHANGE IN ALL DIVISIONS,” wood wrote.
Generation Iron sends condolences out to Megan Elizabeth’s family and friends during this time. This article will be updated as more information is confirmed and becomes available. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
TJ Marrero Breaks Teen American Record With 283kg Deadlift
The 17-year-old powerlifter bested the previous record by half a kilogram.
Antonio “TJ” Marrero entered the 2021 USA Powerlifting Massachusetts/Rhode Island State Championships looking to make an impact. That is exactly what he did as the 17-year old set a new American deadlift record in the Teen 16-17 (T2) division. Marrero completed a 283kg (623.9lb) deadlift to claim the championship.
Marrero beat the previous record by just half a kilogram. Jacob Waltzer set the previous record during the 2020 USAPL Virginia Winter Wrecker when he deadlifted 282.5kg (622.8lb). This record stood for nine months before Marrero was able to climb on top. Marrero posted the record setting lift on his Instagram account where he makes the lift look rather easy.
TJ Marrero’s performance at this event was impressive all-around. He entered the competition at a bodyweight of 74kg. He totaled 573kg (1,263lb) with his three lifts. The full breakdown was a 180kg (396.8lb) squat, 110kg (242.5lb) bench press, and of course, the record-setting 283kg (623.9lb) deadlift. All three lifts were competition bests for Marrero, who is beginning to make some noise on stage.
This was just Marrero’s third appearance in a sanctioned event. He began competing in March and won gold in his first competition at the USAPL Pittsburgh Spring Classic. Marrero has been making crazy strides in training in a short amount of time as a powerlifter. His numbers will only continue to rise as he progresses in the sport. Along with powerlifting, Marrero also has a passion for bodybuilding.
For what it’s worth, Marrero’s American record is 12 kilograms more than that of the International Powerlifting Federation Sub-Junior division. This features competitors 18 years old and under, which is where Marrero would be if he had competed internationally. France’s Nahel Baali deadlifted 271kg (597.5lb) at the 2019 European Powerlifting Federation European Classic Championships.
The speed at which TJ Marrero is adding weight to his lifts is impressive and shows that there is a bright future ahead as a powerlifter. Whenever he competes again, it will be a must-watch to see if he attempts to break his own record and continue to set a mark that is difficult to reach.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Best Weightlifting Shoes For Bodybuilding & Powerlifts (Updated 2021)
These weightlifting shoes are great for weight training and bodybuilding to capitalize on all your gains.
For those who lift big, you know how much support you need to continue to thrive inside and out of the gym. What a good pair of weightlifting shoes can do is provide you with something that is comfortable and versatile that also offers great stability and support, especially when you’re under so much weight.
You want to give yourself the best chance at success when you’re at the gym and a solid pair of weightlifting shoes can do just that. Weightlifting shoes are generally hard and flat soled shoes with an elevated heel and straps to allow for adjustability as you seek your desired fit. These bodybuilding shoes are designed to assist in your heavy powerlifts and other forms of training to ensure you remain stable and balanced in efforts to enhance safety and effectiveness of your lifts (1). Once you find a pair that works great for you, there’s no turning back and the gains you seek most will only start to increase.
Here is our list of the Best Weightlifting Shoes for 2021 as we seek to bring you the best when it comes to workout equipment. Don’t settle for anything less than great and this list will provide you with some stellar options from great brands as you look to enhance your training and performance with a great pair of bodybuilding shoes.
Best Weightlifting Shoes For 2021
Best Weightlifting Shoes Overall
The best weightlifting shoes overall will give you the best when it comes to comfort and versatility while still providing great support. A reputable company will produce only top tier products in terms of durability and quality to withstand any workouts.
Reebok Legacy Lifter Li Cross Trainer
Reebok Legacy Lifter Li Cross Trainer is a great overall weightlifting shoe for whatever workout comes your way. The bold new design includes a textile upper for consistent and comfortable air flow to avoid overheating and provide the best feel. The lockdown straps provide for a good all-around fit to match your desired adjustability and the raised heel offers maximum stability. With natural contours, this shoes fits you just right for support and max power with the best position.
Reebok Legacy Lifter Li Cross Trainer is a great lifting shoe to provide support for your ankles and low back. Good sizing and a snug fit ensures comfort and versatility.
Pros
Comfortable with natural contours to fit your shape as athletes and lifters
Lockdown straps are sturdy and the raised heel is great for stability
This shoes works especially great with deadlifts
Cons
A bit tight around the toe area for bodybuilding shoes
Not the best for squatting
Price: $131.18 – $340.42
Best Weightlifting Shoes For Men
For those men looking for a quality lifting shoe, looking to those options may seem challenging. The best weightlifting shoes for men will provide the utmost support to protect any weightlifter from potential injuries when under so much weight.
SEVE Men’s High Top Weightlifting Shoes
SEVE Men’s High Top Weightlifting Shoes are designed specifically for weightlifting and strenuous exercise in the gym. Comfortable, lightweight, and breathable, the innovative design allows for serious ankle support while also being comfortable and versatile. The flat, solid, flexible rubber outsoles are perfect for supporting immense pressure and the quality ensures these will last you a long time no matter the workout you endure.
SEVE Men’s High Top Weightlifting Shoes are designed specifically for weightlifting and are versatile for year round wear. Comfortable and lightweight, these are thick and offer great ankle support.
Pros
Designed specifically for weightlifting and hard exercise
Great ankle support while still being comfortable and versatile
Lightweight and breathable only enhances the effectiveness of these shoes
Cons
Sole is flimsy and the shoe may not be wide enough for some lifters
Price: $84.99
Best Weightlifting Shoes For Squats
The squat exercise requires stellar form to avoid injury and with so much weight on the bar, it is important to have a quality shoe working on your behalf. The best shoes for squats as a weightlifter will allow you stay firm and stable in order to knock out any PRs with ease.
Adidas Men’s Fitness Shoes
Adidas Men’s Fitness Shoes are 100% synthetic and the canvas upper increases durability and stability. A reinforced heel locks the heel in for greater support and lace enclosure allows the locked-in fit to be secured with one strap coming across the top. With a strong, stable base and a sockliner for increased comfort, these lifting shoes from Adidas are the best for squatting as you work towards that new personal squat record.
adidas Men’s Fitness Shoes are lightweight and stable for a great fit. The air mesh collar, tongue, and lining are great for ventilation.
Pros
Great support and reinforcement in the heel for the squat exercise
The lace enclosure offers a snug fit on the top of the foot
Great for squats with the stability support for lifters
Cons
Not much support in the arch and feels to be a tight fit
Price: $129.31
Best Weightlifting Shoes For Powerlifting
Powerlifters need the best in terms of quality for each lift requires the utmost care and attention. Those big powerlifts can seem intimidating, but with the right equipment, like a great pair of shoes, you can get that weight up and see huge gains with your Olympic lifting.
Nordic Lifting Shoes
Nordic Lifting Shoes are great for improving powerlifting performance and heavy workouts. This premium shoe offers good foot support to ensure a powerful workout and greater gains and are built to last under any stress. For those powerlifters or athletes who regularly lift heavy, these can improve posture to promote longevity and keep you physically healthy overall. The smooth, anti-slip sole is designed for maximum stability during all movements to promote the best workout possible.
Nordic Weightlifting Shoes are great for powerlifters to maintain optimal lifting performance. Good foot support ensures a powerful workout and improved posture.
Pros
Perfect for powerlifters and other lifters
Great for working on posture and supporting gains by offering top notch stability
Cons
Heel fit is rather loose and heel height is a bit awkward
The single strap doesn’t provide the best fit across the top of the foot
Price: $89.95
Best Weightlifting Shoes For The Money
Fitness equipment and apparel can get expensive and it can be hard to find good products at affordable prices. The right weightlifting shoes for the money will not break the bank and still give you a quality pair for all your needs.
Adidas Men’s Powerlift 4 Cross Trainer
Adidas Men’s Powerlift 4 Cross Trainer are great for lifting and exercise needs offering a stable feel and great support. A regular fit with a synthetic sole, a strong canvas upper is reinforced with a heel counter. A good base allows for more stable lifts and a nice, flat bottom offers a stiff feel with versatility and comfort. For those looking for a quality shoe with nice support and a good price, this shoe from Adidas may certainly be the way to go for all you lifters.
adidas Men’s Powerlift 4 Cross Trainer is great for lifting support no matter the workout. A synthetic sole and slightly raised platform allow for the best out of your lifts.
Pros
Good stable feel for support and enhanced lifts, like the squat
A stiff feel, it still offers comfort and versatility
Good style and design for performance and aesthetic for lifters
Cons
Won’t work well for running or higher intensity work
Price: $59.99 – $124.99
Best Weightlifting Shoes For CrossFit
Those CrossFit athletes require certain needs given the strain of each exercise. It’s important to know just what you need as a CrossFit athlete because that will determine the type of shoe you buy to increase performance.
Reebok Men’s Legacylifter Cross Trainer
For those looking for a great CrossFit shoe, Reebok Men’s Legacylifter Cross Trainer combines quality construction with a firm foundation with a level of comfort that is hard to find. Overlapping straps offer a great fit along with the lockdown strap and the shoe’s breathability allows for comfort and less moisture build-up. With a versatility to move but also the comfort of a normal shoe, this weightlifting shoe from Reebok is a great one to get you competition ready.
Reebok Men’s Legacylifter Cross Trainer can improve your lifts by increasing range of motion. For those serious about lifting, these are great for support and performance.
Pros
Firm foundation but provides great comfort and versatility for lifts, like the squat
Breathability allows for comfort as well
Cons
Tight in the toes and where the laces start to thread, it can dig into the foot
Price: $122.66 – $234.00
Benefits Of Weightlifting Shoes For Bodybuilding & Olympic Lifting
The benefits of weightlifting shoes will make you consider investing in a pair, or even upgrading your current pair, so you get the most out of your workouts.
Increased support: These can increase support by providing better traction for your grip to the floor, as well as supporting the foot and the ankle during those big lifts and Olympic lifting (2).
Ankle support: Provide a secure, snug fit around your ankle so you can develop mobility and power without putting it in a vulnerable position.
Ensure safety of lifts: Work to protect against injury that can keep you out of the gym and hitting PRs during your Olympic lifting and barbell training.
Raised heel: Helps with things like flexibility and mobility while also giving you a more comfortable posture with some of these lifts.
Boost confidence & style: Looking good is half the battle and a great pair of lifting shoes can increase your confidence as you look like a pro with a stylish pair.
What Else To Know About Weightlifting Shoes
Ideal Heel Height
The standard heel height for a lifting shoe is about .75” but many shoes also go up to an inch (ideal for Olympia lifting) and even down to .6”-.65”, which are more beneficial for deadlifts. But .75” is a good height for weightlifting in general (especially squat type movements) and is versatile for most lifting activities. So, you could say it’s like a hybrid since the heel isn’t low or particularly high either. Now, certain physical attributes, goals, movement, and lifting technique will ultimately determine which height you decide to go with. So, there’s no perfect one-size-fits-all shoe option for every individual. But, chances are, most people would benefit from using a standard weightlifting shoe with a .75” lift.
Different Heel Types
There are weightlifting shoes with wooden, stacked leather, plastic, EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). These materials are very durable and provide a very stable and solid base which you need in a weightlifting shoe which athletic shoes do not provide.
Strap System
Most weightlifting shoes have laces by default but straps (one or two) are often included for additional security. When lifting heavy, you want your ankles and feet to be as secure and stable as possible since they are the base. The choice to have one or two straps really comes down to how secure you prefer your lifting footwear to be. Two will result in maximum secureness but it’s not always necessary. And some shoes have a BOA tightening system which allow you to turn a dial to get a tighter fit.
How We Choose
Our list is comprised of weightlifting shoes we believe will give you the best when it comes to quality, support, longevity, and price. These brands are great and take pride in their products and care of the consumer. While some of these brands are more expensive than others, we believe the quality and longevity of these shoes are matched by comfort and versatility they provide to your lifts. The support these shoes have will enhance your comfort in the gym and allow you to focus on other things aside from your safety.
FAQ Section
What is the best weightlifting shoe?
Reebok Legacy Lifter Li Cross Trainer. This shoe is a bold new design that is comfortable to provide for the best feel. The straps ensure a good fit and the natural contours will match your foot perfectly. These are designed for and will improve support and maximum power.
What are the benefits if I use a weightlifting shoe versus a normal shoe?
What you’ll get out of a weightlifting shoe is something designed for and geared towards weightlifting. When it comes to support, comfort, durability, and use, these shoes are created to help with those big lifts from an elevated heel to provide better traction on the sole. You are working to give yourself better support when under the bar.
How do I decide which shoe is right for me?
This may take some trial and error because each fit is unique to the individual but look for a shoe that fits nicely without being too tight. It is possible to have a snug fit that still allows for movement. Also, look for what you want to use it for. If you’re into CrossFit, look into something geared towards that. Same with powerlifting and bodybuilding. With so many options, it is possible to match one that will work for you perfectly.
Wrap Up
Weightlifting shoes are great to use in the gym to ensure comfort, versatility, support, and longevity as you seek to pack on muscle and work towards that shredded aesthetic. Looking into a pair of lifting shoes will only improve your training and performance and is a great idea if you don’t own a pair. This list contains high-quality and amazing weightlifting shoes to help you towards your goals so check it out today and see which one’s will work best for you.
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References
Legg, Hayley S.; Glaister, Mark; Cleather, Daniel J.; Goodwin, Jon E. (2017). “The effect of weightlifting shoes on the kinetics and kinematics of the back squat”. (source)
Sato, Kimitake; Fortenbaugh, Dave; Hydock, David S. (2012). “Kinematic changes using weightlifting shoes on barbell back squat”. (source)
Robert Oberst and Oleksii Novikov Withdraw From 2021 Shaw Classic Due To Injuries
The 2021 Shaw Classic will be without two elite competitors this year as Robert Oberst and Oleksii Novikov withdraw.
The 2021 Shaw Classic will take place from on Aug. 27-28 in Estes Park, CO. On Monday, Brian Shaw announced that the field would look a bit different moving forward. Both Robert Oberst and Oleksii Novikov have withdraw from the competition with injuries.
Shaw made the announcement on the Shaw Classic Instagram account. Gabriel Pena and Gabriel Rheaume will be used as replacements. There will still be 16 participants, highlighted by four-time World’s Strongest Man champion Zydrunas Savickas.
“Athlete Update
Wishing the best to the injured athletes and excited to welcome the new athletes. Thank you all for the continued support of the Shaw Classic.”
According to Shaw, Oberst will miss the competition with a shoulder injury while Novikov is still recovering from a concussion suffered as the 2021 Strongman Classic. Neither competition has made an official statement themselves just yet.
This is not the first time that the lineup for the Shaw Classic had to be revised. Luke Richardson had to withdraw due to a bicep injury. Tom Stoltman and Luke Stoltman also pulled their names out. Even with five competitors being forced to withdraw, the competition still has some elite names and will be as exciting as ever.
Rheaume is an up-and-coming powerlifter. The 24-year-old made some noise when he won the Canada’s Strongest Man competition this year. This was his biggest win since he began competing in 2018. As for Pena, he is a name that is more well-known. He took place in the 2020 World’s Strongest Man and 2021 World Open. He was forced to leave the 2020 WSM with a heart issue but has been training hard and it ready to compete.
The 2021 Shaw Classic will be the second annual event run by Brian Shaw himself. He won the first ever competition in 2020 and will be defending his title this year. Shaw will have to battle the likes of Savickas, Evan Singleton, Bobby Thompson, and Adam Bishop. There will be some names missing but this should not take away from the intensity of the event.
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