Adidas Powerlift 3.0 Weightlifting Shoes Review

Why Adidas Powerlift 3.0 is the best?

Before we review the Adidas Powerlift 3.0 CrossFit shoes, it is good to gain an understanding as to what weightlifting shoes actually are and how to distinguish between different types. Weightlifting shoes will all have a number of features in common. First off, they will have an elevated heel. This is necessary for squats and also the elevation provides a more efficient lift. This is not the same as the inch-thick cushion found in running shoes which absorbs the shock.

This is the opposite of the desired outcome in terms of weightlifting. All energy needs to go straight through the foot, up the torso and into the bar to pull it up with maximum efficiency from the ground. The height of the heel is the most important consideration in determining the appropriate weightlifting shoes.

Following on from this is the straps, laces and shoe width. Aside from the heel weightlifting shoes will have a solid, flat base. If they do not have a flat base and heel they are not weightlifting shoes. The variations on the type of heel, straps/laces, and sole width is what determines the effectiveness of the shoes for the particular sport.

Buying Guide for Adidas Powerlift 3.0

Weightlifting is a sport that consists of 2 movements, the snatch and the clean and jerk. Thus, pure weightlifting shoes are designed to accommodate these two movements and their associated training movements. Aside from these pure or Olympic weightlifting shoes, we have hybrid shoes. An example of the Olympic weightlifting shoes is the Nike Romaleo, designed specifically for Olympic lifting. Hybrids are typically lighter and more flexible than their Olympic counterparts. These are designed specifically for lifters who do CrossFit. Because of the wide variety of exercises in CrossFit, as well as the mobility factor in the sport, the hybrids were developed.

Two examples of Hybrids are the Reebok CrossFit Lifter 2 and the Inov-8 FastLift 335. Aside from hybrids, there is a type of weightlifting shoes known as dedicated lifting shoes. Dedicated weightlifting shoes are designed for support and stability. They are far heavier and more stable than the hybrids, which tend to be more multipurpose. Dedicates are primarily designed for CrossFit but can also do for Olympic lifting, but will not but as effective as pure Olympic lifting shoes. The two most popular types of dedicated weightlifting shoes are the Nike Romaleo 2 and the Adidas Adipowers.

Consumers are split between the Adipowers and the Romaleos, and there are only slight differences between the two, with the Adipowers being more appropriate for those with a narrower foot. Another type of dedicated footwear includes the Adidas Powerlift 2.0. These shoes are cheaper than the Adipowers and the Romaleo 2. These are an ideal entry level shoe for weightlifters and CrossFit athletes. The newer version of these shoes is the Adidas Powerlift 3.0 and is discussed in more detail below. This is the successor to the older 2.0 model.

Features of Adidas Adipower Shoes

The Adidas Powerlift 3 comes with a single strap to keep the foot firmly in place. While some other brands have two and sometimes even three straps in place, this single metatarsal provides sufficient support for the foot. After initial complaints that the strap on the 3.0 model was not as strong as the previous 2.0 version, Adidas added a new, thicker strap which seems to have quelled customer dissatisfaction.

The Adidas Powerlift 3 heel height, the most important weightlifting shoes consideration, is .6 inches. This is slightly less than the majority of weightlifting shoes, which are typically ¾ of an inch tall. The heel height is really important in terms of what type of exercise is being executed. Taller heels make deadlifts a little more complicated but make squatting much easier.

It is also important when you think about ankle and knee injuries, as a taller heel is better for the knee but worse for the ankle in many cases (consultation with a physio is a good option if you have a pre-existing injury). The shoes are quite light given their size. This is down to the type of material used. The sides are incredibly strong. Strong sides are an important component of weightlifting shoes as it prevents injury. Weak sides could result in turning over an ankle, an absolute catastrophe in terms of lifting heavy weights.

Another criticism is that the Powerlift 3.0 is more expensive than the previous model. However, it’s still a bargain when you’re talking about weightlifting shoes. Weightlifting shoes are not cheap but are a necessity for regular lifters of all kinds in order to prevent injury and maximize performance.

Final Thoughts on Adidas Powerlift 3.0 Reviews 2023

For the price, the Adidas Powerlifts are a bargain. They do exactly as they are designed to do and are good value for money. They are more stylish than the VS Athletics Weightlifting Shoe or the Pendlay Do-Wins. They are lightweight and offer an amazing level of support, which is essentially the whole point of the best weightlifting shoes. For CrossFit, no other shoes provide as much value for money. They are the perfect entry level shoe.

Another pair of good Shoes for Weightlifting is Reebok Crossfit Shoes. Check out our reviews on Reebok Nano 4.0.