The Nike Romaleos 3 weightlifting shoes are the new and improved version of Nike's immensely popular shoes. How do they weigh up? Are they worth the money?

Weightlifting Shoes

Weightlifting shoes are not like normal trainers. If this is going to be your first weightlifting shoe purchase, it's important to be aware of the differences, the reasons why people wear them over regular shoes, and what to look for in a good pair of weightlifting shoes.

When you lift, you need a stable base to push off. Running trainers have a soft, cushy sole in order to absorb impact as you land and to protect your feet while you pound the pavement. That is the opposite of what you want when you lift, instead you need a solid base from which to perform your lift and keep you stable. A good pair of weightlifting shoes will have a very solid base and decent heel in order to give you ankle support. Ever seen guys at the gym put weights under their heels for their squat? This is what they are trying to replicate. You will see noticeable improvements in your lifting if you wear good weightlifting shoes.

Nike Romaleos 3 Weightlifting Shoes Review

Fit 

Weightlifting shoes aren't built for comfort. You're not going to be moving your feet much while wearing them and they certainly don't need cushioning or padding to absorb impact from activities like running or jumping. However, these shoes do run a little narrow and have a very high insole. For me, this was a bonus because I have flat feet so it gave me added support, but I'm aware some people struggled with this and said they felt like there was something in their shoe the whole time.

The fit may be snug, but this is something you should really be looking for in a weightlifting shoe as it means they'll stay put as you lift and give you proper support. You can't expect them to be the most comfortable shoes you own because that's not their purpose.

Performance

These weightlifting shoes are super heavy and chunky, weighing in at 408 grams. Compare this to your average running trainer which will be just over 200 grams and they're more than twice as heavy. However, this shows they've got the power and support you need for explosive lifts and will anchor you to the platform.

The upper features mesh which gives great breathability, especially useful if your feet sweat a lot. The outsole is made from rubber and gives fantastic grip on the platform, giving you peace of mind for a great lift.

Appearance

Nike are renowned for their impressive line of attractive sportswear and aesthetically-pleasing shoes. It's no wonder they sell 25 pairs of shoes every single second. The Nike Romaleos are an incredibly good-looking pair of shoes and you'll feel like a true boss stepping up to the lifting platform wearing them. They have a really fresh look and are available in 4 main styles, one being bright orange if that's your thing. They are certainly an attractive pair of shoes and put a modern twist on a classic shoe. 

Price

These shoes definitely aren't cheap and will set you back £169.95 when bought new from the Nike website. However, for such a technical pair of shoes which will see you through many tough workouts, the price tag fits. These weightlifting shoes are an investment and will be worth every penny.