Not everyone needs a $200 pair of heavy-duty Olympic lifting shoes to achieve a new personal best. For serious beginners, or those who are looking to switch their shoes out from a pair of ski boots they wear to the water fountain, Adidas' Powerlift 5 is the shoe to check out. It is affordable, flexible, and forgiving; it is the best entry-level shoe on the market today.
The Specs
Heel Height: 0.60 inches (15 mm)
Material: High-density EVA foam
Lockdown: Single midfoot velcro strap
Fit: Medium width with a flexible canvas toe box
Best For: Beginners, budget buyers, and general gym use
How It Feels on the Platform
Compared to most premium competition shoes, which employ a rock-hard plastic (TPU) for the heel, the Powerlift 5 has a much more approachable feel for those that are just starting out in the sport. Made from high-density EVA foam, these are some of the most comfortable lifting-specific shoes on the market. Because of this and the flexible nature of the canvas toe box, you could even consider wearing them for general gym use, as they lack that punishing break-in period.
However, it does sacrifice explosive power transfer for comfort, and as such, you may find that when squatting more than 500 lbs on them, they will compress ever so slightly at the heel. This, of course, isn't a big issue for 90% of lifters, who will find more than enough stability and support for their needs from the Powerlift 5, compared to regular athletic trainers.
Sizing guide:
If you have average to narrow feet: True to size, but expect a very flexible and comfortable toe box made from canvas.
If you have wide feet: Size up half a size to avoid toe crowding at the canvas.
The Pros:
- An extremely budget-friendly option (often found at $100)
- Comfortable enough to wear around the gym;
- The light canvas upper is breathable.
The Cons:
- The foam heel may compress under massive weights
- The reduced 15mm heel height offers less mobility than a 22mm shoe.
The Adidas Powerlift 5 is not a serious shoe for serious Olympic lifters. It is a shoe for the aspiring lifter who wants to invest as little as possible into the sport. If you're ready to move away from your unstable running shoes but don't want to invest $300+ in a pair of weightlifting shoes, the Powerlift 5 is the absolute best option to start with.
Want to see how this shoe compares to the rest? Check out our full guide to the best weightlifting shoes of 2026