7 Best Deadlift Slippers for Deadlifting In 2025

Deadlift Slippers – Introduction

What are the best deadlift slippers for deadlifting today?

Of all the exercises you can do with a barbell, the conventional deadlift is arguably one of the best.

The squat might be known as the king of exercises, but, in reality, the deadlift could be better.

Deadlifts work your entire posterior chain, strengthen your grip and upper back, train your core, and teach you the safest way to lift heavy objects off the floor.

They’re also a very safe exercise – when done correctly.

After all, if you fail a rep during squats, you could find yourself pinned under a heavy barbell, which is a serious injury waiting to happen.

In contrast, if you cannot complete a deadlift, you can lower the weight back to the floor – no mess and no fuss.

Deadlifts are a brutally basic exercise, and once mastered, you’ll discover that they’re one of the most effective strength and muscle builders around.

If you want to dramatically change your body, deadlifts are hard to beat!

And, best of all, the only thing you really need to do deadlifts is a barbell – no squat rack required.

That said, there are a couple of additional items of equipment that may make your deadlift workouts more productive and comfortable.

These include:

Yes, believe it or not, your choice of footwear can have a huge impact on your deadlift performance.

So, in this article, we take a look at why your shoes matter and tell you about the best deadlift slippers currently available.

Why Your Shoes Matter for Deadlifts

Look around the average gym, and you’ll see that most exercisers wear running shoes or athletic sneakers.

A few enlightened types may be wearing Olympic weightlifting shoes, but most will be wearing good-old fitness trainers.

While these types of gym shoes are acceptable for most exercises, including the bench press and squat, they are less suitable for the mighty deadlift.

Why are running shoes not recommended for deadlifts?

Keep reading to find out!

#1. Raised heels push you forward onto your toes

The deadlift is a posterior chain exercise.

Yes, your quadriceps ARE involved, but most of the work should be done by your glutes and hamstrings.

Wearing shoes with a raised heel or elevated heel, like running shoes or Oly lifting shoes, will push you onto your toes, increasing quads activation and reducing posterior chain engagement.

This will not only reduce the amount of weight you can deadlift but also puts more strain on your lower back as the weight is more likely to swing forward and away from your legs as it leaves the floor.

#2. Thick soles mean you’ll have to bend down further to reach the bar

For many, the most challenging part of deadlifts is getting down into a good set-up position.

That’s why so many lifters end up starting each rep with a slightly rounded lower back.

Thin-soled shoes mean you won’t have to bend over as far to reach the bar, making it easier to get into the correct deadlift starting position.

#3. Thick soles mean you have to lift the bar further

Okay, so we’re only talking an inch or so, but when you are trying to increase your one-repetition maximum, an extra inch can be the difference between failure and success.

Why make an already challenging exercise even harder?!

#4. Spongy soles deform under heavy weights

If you have ever run on sand or through mud, you know how much harder it is compared to running on a firm road.

Every step you take involves a lot of wasted energy.

The same is true for deadlifting in spongy, shock-absorbing running shoes.

Instead of directing all your energy through your feet into the floor, some of that force will be soaked up by your shoes.

Again, this is a minor effect, but when you’re trying to lift as much weight or do as many reps as possible, the last thing you want to do is waste energy.

#5. Can’t You Just Deadlift Without Shoes?

Because of the problems associated with deadlifting in the wrong shoes, some lifters deadlift barefoot or in their socks.

In some cases, this is an acceptable solution.

However, most gyms do not allow barefoot lifting, and training in just your socks can be unhygienic – both for you and your fellow gym-goers.

Also, while running shoes won’t offer much protection if you drop a 45-pound plate on your feet, they do protect your soles.

Finally, if you are a powerlifter, you cannot compete barefoot or wear just your socks.

Instead, you must have some kind of footwear.

So, while you can train without shoes in your home gym, commercial facilities insist on some form of footwear, even if just for the sake of hygiene.

Most powerlifters wear shoes called deadlift slippers.

These are minimalist shoes that have thin soles and no heel lift.

They’re as close as you can get to lifting barefoot or in your socks while still adhering to the rules of the sport.

Most gyms also permit deadlift slippers.

#6. What About Sumo Deadlifts?

Sumo deadlifts involve a wider-than-shoulder-width stance.

This reduces the distance the bar has to travel and lets you lift with a more upright torso, which some lifters prefer and find stronger.

However, this wide stance means your feet will tend to roll outward, especially if you wear deadlift slippers.

For this reason, sumo deadlifters usually wear supportive boots, such as Chuck Taylors or wrestling boots.

So, if you pull sumo-style, you should generally wear a shoe with ankle support and skip the deadlift slippers.

The 7 Best Deadlift Slippers

Looking for the best deadlift slippers?

These are our current favorites, all tried and tested just for you!

#1. Notorious Lift Deadlift Slippers

If there’s one name that comes up over and over in deadlifting circles these days, it’s Notorious Lift.

Their slippers are about as close to barefoot as you can get—without getting kicked out of your gym.

Popular models like the Sumo Sole Gen and NLG2X are ultra-thin, super grippy, and designed specifically for heavy pulls.

They’re perfect for both conventional and sumo deadlifts, offering a flat, stable foundation without any extra bulk.

For many lifters, Notorious Lift is the top pick when it comes to the best deadlifting shoes available today.

There’s no padding or support to speak of—just a thin sole, a snug fit, and solid ground contact.

That’s exactly what makes them a favorite among serious lifters, and a necessity for beginners who want maximum force transfer and superior stability.

If you want great deadlift support—whether you’re new to lifting or chasing PRs—Notorious Lift slippers are one of the best options available today.

Thanks to their ultra-thin sole, locked-in feel, and unmatched grip, Notorious Lift takes the crown as the best overall shoe for deadlifting in 2025.

#2. MANUEKLEAR Deadlift Shoes

MANUEKLEAR deadlift shoes are a solid option if you want something a little more substantial than a basic slipper but still minimalist enough for serious lifting.

These shoes feature non-slip rubber soles and a thin, flat outsole that keeps you close to the floor for better balance and control.

They include metatarsal straps for a snug fit, which adds just enough support without interfering with your range of motion.

The spacious toe box makes these shoes a strong choice for lifters with wide feet, giving your toes the freedom to spread out and stay stable during pulls.

MANUEKLEAR shoes are available in a few bold colors, and while they’re not officially powerlifting competition shoes, they’re an excellent choice for beginners and home gym use.

Just be aware that they might feel a little loose if you have narrow feet.

All in all, these shoes offer good grip, decent lateral support, and a minimalist design that works well for both heavy sets and high-rep deadlift training.

#3. LiftingLarge Black Ground Lock Deadlift Slippers

The Ground Lock slippers from LiftingLarge are a longtime favorite for deadlifting, especially among lifters who want a secure fit and competition-ready footwear.

They feature twin Velcro metatarsal straps that keep your foot firmly in place, plus reinforced stress points for extra durability.

The snug fit helps eliminate foot movement during heavy lifts, giving you more confidence under the bar.

So, if you plan on testing your strength in an official competition, these slippers are IPF-approved and built with a flat sole, so you stay as close to the platform as possible during your pulls.

The uppers are thin and breathable, which some lifters like for flexibility—but if you’re looking for more padding or support, they might feel a little too minimal.

Still, for lifters focused on performance over aesthetics, these black-only deadlifting slippers from LiftingLarge check all the boxes.

#4. Strength Shop Riot Deadlift Slippers

If you’re looking for deadlift slippers that strike the balance between minimalism and support, the Strength Shop Riot slippers are a strong contender.

These IPF-approved shoes feature a flat sole, secure Velcro straps, and just enough structure to keep your feet locked in without getting in the way of your lift.

The grippy outsole helps create a stable foundation for both conventional and sumo deadlifts, while the snug fit ensures you won’t be sliding around mid-set.

These slippers are particularly popular in strength sports circles and frequently recommended on lifting forums like T Nation.

Built for use on standard lifting platforms and gym floors, these slippers are competition-approved and home gym-friendly alike.

They’re not flashy, but they’re reliable—ideal for beginners, experienced lifters, and even serious competitors looking for IPF-approved gear without the bulk or high price tag.

#5. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star 

Chuck Taylors have been a go-to deadlift shoe for decades.

They weren’t designed for lifting, but the flat sole, minimal toe drop, and decent ankle support have made them a reliable favorite—especially for sumo pulls.

They’re not as thin as true deadlift slippers, but they offer a stable base and enough lateral support to keep your feet from rolling out in a wide stance.

That makes them a great alternative to wrestling shoes or boots, without the stiffness or bulk.

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars are especially popular with beginner and intermediate lifters looking for a versatile shoe that works for deadlifts, squats, and even casual gym wear.

And for serious lifters who like a bit more ankle structure, they’re a solid choice that won’t break the bank.

#6. Lara Star Deadlift Shoes

These shoes are light, flat, and flexible, which is everything you need in a deadlift slipper.

The non-slip soles are textured for maximum grip, and there are two metatarsal straps for a snug, customizable fit.

The sole wraps around the heel and forefoot to provide a little extra lateral support, which some lifters will appreciate.

Lara Star deadlift shoes are available in five attractive colors.

Whether you prioritize extra support or a flat, flexible feel that keeps you close to the floor, the best choice often comes down to personal preference.

#7. SABO Deadlift Shoes

Sabo deadlift shoes aren’t technically slippers, but they’re a top choice for lifters who want more structure and support—especially for sumo deadlifts.

These low-cut boots are designed specifically for powerlifting, with a flat sole, minimal heel, and solid lateral support to keep you grounded during wide-stance pulls.

The snug ankle support and reinforced toe box give you a locked-in feel, while the hard outsole provides excellent grip on platform surfaces.

They’re available in multiple colors and have become a go-to option for lifters who prefer more coverage than a slipper but less bulk than a weightlifting shoe.

Whether you’re pulling sumo or conventional deadlifts, these are some of the most durable deadlift shoes out there—built to handle heavy lifts and serious training cycles.

Deadlift Shoes Vs Deadlift Slippers Vs Weightlifting Shoes

#8. A7 Deadlift Slippers

A7 is a respected name in powerlifting circles, and their deadlift slippers are engineered for serious performance.

Built with a flat sole and reinforced upper, they’re IPF-approved and designed to keep you grounded under heavy loads.

What sets the A7 slippers apart is their secure fit and rigid lateral support, which reduces foot movement during heavy pulls.

They strike a great balance between a barefoot feel and structured lifting footwear—making them ideal for both sumo and conventional deadlifts.

These are not entry-level gym shoes.

A7 deadlift slippers are built for serious lifters looking for minimalist performance with competition-ready reliability.

#9. Titan Deadlift Slippers

Titan is another powerlifting brand that gets it right.

Their deadlift slippers are as no-nonsense as it gets—thin, flat, and IPF approved.

These slippers have a snug fit, durable build, and no excess padding to interfere with floor contact.

The rubberized outsole grips platform surfaces well, and they’re particularly popular among competitive lifters and those who want a slipper that just works.

Titan’s no-frills design might not be flashy, but they’re a solid option for heavy weights and frequent weightlifting workouts.

If you’re after reliability and a slipper trusted by powerlifters for years, Titan delivers.

#10. Reebok CrossFit Lite TR

While technically not a deadlift slipper, the Reebok CrossFit Lite TR has become a cult favorite among lifters.

These gym shoes feature a flat outsole, roomy toe box, and enough support to handle everything from deadlifts to Olympic lifts.

They’re heavier than most slippers but offer a sturdy base and a bit more coverage.

If you’re training in a mixed-method gym or want something more versatile than a pure slipper, the Lite TR is a great pick.

Availability can be limited, but for those who prefer a more traditional shoe feel with deadlift-friendly specs, the CrossFit Lite TR remains one of the best deadlifting shoes in its class.

Best Deadlift Slippers – Wrapping Up

If you are serious about deadlifts, it’s time to get serious about your deadlifting footwear.

Running shoes and other sneakers can affect your form and reduce your performance, and could even lead to injuries.

Going barefoot is an option and fine if you train at home, but most commercial gyms require their exercisers to wear shoes.

Deadlift slippers are a way to work around the no-shoe rule.

They don’t offer much protection from dropped weights, but the soles will prevent you from hurting your feet if you step on something sharp.

They’re also compulsory in powerlifting competitions.

As an added benefit, most deadlift slippers are pretty cheap, which is very welcome given the average price of Olympic lifting shoes.

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