Nike Lifting Shoes

Nike makes two lifting shoes, and the difference between them is heel height, stiffness and price. Both are raised-heel shoes built for squats and the Olympic lifts, both use a wide strap over the laces to lock the foot down, and both have a rigid midsole that does not compress under load. This page has the full range we carry in Australia, with sizing notes that matter because Nike lifting shoes do not fit like Nike trainers.

Romaleos 4

The Romaleos 4 is the top of the range and the shoe most serious lifters end up in. A 20mm heel, a very rigid TPU midsole, dual straps and a wide, flat outsole. It is heavy, it is stiff, and that is the point: under a heavy squat or a clean it does not move. It suits lifters who squat high-bar, Olympic weightlifters, taller lifters and anyone whose ankle mobility needs the higher heel. It runs narrow and small; almost everyone goes half a size to a full size up from their usual Nike size, and lifters with wide feet should try a pair on in store or look at the TYR L-2 in our weightlifting shoes collection. The White/Black and Black/White are current stock at full price; earlier colourways on this page are clearance and will not be restocked.

Savaleos

The Savaleos is the lighter, lower-heeled and less expensive shoe. It keeps the wide strap and the rigid midsole but the heel is lower and the whole shoe is more flexible, so it is comfortable to wear through a session that mixes squats, cleans and accessory work. It is the right first lifting shoe, the right shoe for CrossFit-style training where you also need to move, and a good second pair for lifters who want a lower heel for front squats. It fits closer to true to size than the Romaleos; go half a size up only if you are between sizes.

Which one

Choose the Romaleos 4 if you squat or Olympic lift heavy and want maximum stability and heel height. Choose the Savaleos if you want a lifting shoe you can also train in, if you are buying your first pair, or if the price difference matters. If you deadlift in the same session, plan to change into a flat shoe; neither Nike is a deadlift shoe.

Sizing

Romaleos 4: order half to one size up from your Nike running or training shoe size. Savaleos: order your usual size, or half a size up if between sizes. Both should be snug through the heel and midfoot with the strap done up and have a thumb's width at the toe. Send us your foot length in centimetres if you are unsure and we will tell you which size to take.

Common questions

Are Nike Romaleos worth it? For a lifter who squats and cleans regularly, yes. They are the most stable lifting shoe we sell and they last for years; most owners replace them because they want a new colour, not because they wore out.

Romaleos or Savaleos for squats? Both work. The Romaleos gives more heel and more stiffness; the Savaleos is more forgiving and cheaper. A lifter who only squats will prefer the Romaleos.

Can I run or do cardio in them? No. The sole is rigid and the heel is raised. Wear them for lifting and change for everything else.

Are they legal in powerlifting competition? Yes, for squat and bench in the IPF and its affiliates.

Do they run small? The Romaleos does, noticeably. Size up. The Savaleos is closer to true to size.

Every pair ships from our Sydney warehouse, and both models are in store to try on.