The Risto Rio Olympic Lifting Shoe, released in 2014, is the Company's 4th model and the best looking one to date. Clean lines, lots of texture and high contrast color ways are just some of the new models features. Priced in the $150 range, this hand made, all leather shoe could be in serious contention with best Oly shoe of 2014.
Category: Reviews
Topo Athletic RX
Topo has burst onto the zero-drop scene with an interesting split-toe design intended for use in functional fitness applications. We put the RX model to the test and see just how they perform as an all-purpose trainer.
Reebok CrossFit Nano Speed
The Nano Speed has been developed by Reebok to round out their CrossFit product line and provide an alternative style of shoe. By taking on a more traditional running shoe design and incorporating CrossFit specific enhancements, the Speed compares more directly to Inov-8 and other competing brands than their previous models. This model is also competitively priced and it will be interesting to see if it lures newcomers or die-hard Inov-8 fans to the Reebok camp.
Reebok Nano 3.0
Continually working towards crafting the perfect CrossFit trainer, Reebok has launched the Nano 3.0 which boasts a tougher design but at the cost of additional weight. We take a look at this third revision and see if the improvements made by Reebok are significant enough to make the Nano 3 a worthwhile purchase.
Risto Olimpico
The newest Oly design by Risto Sports combines all the features we loved from previous models with an updated style. The price tag is a bit higher than what we've seen from Risto in the past, but the Olimpico is intended to compete directly with big box brands Nike, Adidas and Reebok.
Nike Romaleos 2
An update to the original Nike Oly shoe, this version has a few refinements in its design to increase its functionality as well as new colorways. This model is marketed to compete directly with the AdiPower and with such a high cost, it deserves a thorough review of exactly how it measures up.
New Balance Minimus 20v2
Building on previous designs this shoe features upgraded Vibram sole construction and a lighter overall feel than its predecessor. A great choice as a cross trainer, but the MX20v2 might not have what it takes to survive the repeated abuses of CrossFit.
Reebok CrossFit Nano 2
Reebok has managed to pack a lot of features into a single shoe in order to meet the demands of the Crossfitter. The Nano 2.0 picks up where the previous model left off, tweaking the original design based on real world testing. Still having the same overall feel, the new Nano is an improvement on an already impressive design.
New Balance MX20 Minimus 20v1
A cross trainer with a lightweight and simplistic design, the MX20 has exploded onto the CrossFit scene as a "must-have" shoe due to it's versatility and low cost. Our guest reviewer Nick takes a deeper look at what makes this shoe such a solid choice.
Adidas Power Perfect 2
While often confused with the Power Lift Trainer, the Power Perfect 2.0 features exclusive design features that make it better suited for serious lifters. Among these differences include a stiffer sole plate, higher heel and wider fit than other Adidas models.
Wei-Rui Warrior
The Wei-Rui Warrior is a sub $100 weightlifting shoe for those that recognize they need a solid pair of shoes for lifting, but don't want to break the bank. A relatively unknown brand, Wei-Rui has been around for awhile and is the actual manufacturer of the BAF lifting shoes. In our opinion, these are the best value in weightlifting shoes currently on the market.
Adidas AdiPower Weightlifting
Released in January 2012, the AdiPower Weightlift is the newest high-end Olympic lifting shoe by Adidas. It replaces the former AdiStar model released in 2008 and once again carries the highest price tag of all the Oly shoes on the market. This begs the question, are these shoes worth the cost?
Adidas PowerLift Trainer
A quality made, budget friendly power lifting shoe for the beginning to intermediate weight lifter. The PowerLift Trainer Shoe has been designed around the harder to find Power Perfect 2 design and is an excellent choice for the more casual weightlifters. Featuring a lightweight feel, comfortable sneaker-like fit and attractive price of $90, this shoe is likely to become a big hit with the many lifters.
Reebok CrossFit Lifter
Undoubtedly the most anticipated shoe released in 2011, the Reebok CrossFit Oly is designed to be the first ever multi functional weightlifting shoe. We put it to the test and see if it can really replace all your other trainers without sacrificing the intensity or agility of your workouts.
Reebok Crossfit U-Form Nano
A CrossFit trainer designed to lift, run, climb and jump in without sacrificing stability or durability. The Crossfit Nano has undergone extensive R&D by Reebok to make sure the design meets the needs of the target market - now let's see if they got it right!
2012 Risto Trainer
The new Risto Sports Trainer is another low profile, near zero-drop shoe designed for hardcore training programs such as CrossFit. The Trainers enter the market at a price below most other shoes that are marketed to the CrossFit crowd. In our review we will see how these shoes stack up to other brands such as Reebok and New Balance.
Risto Sports Series 2
A hand-made Olympic weightlifting shoe designed for the serious lifter, featuring a real wood heel and quality leather. The Series 2 is Risto's offering for the 2011 year and sets the bar for quality, style and functionality within the oly lifting world. This new model boasts some great upgrades and still has (almost) all the features we loved about the series 1 model. This shoe is already receiving praise from the crossfit and Olympic lifting communities.
Wei-Rui Maestro
Finally! A cheap pair of weightlifting shoes for under $100 that don't suck! This model actually doesn't look or feel cheap at all. Features include a set .75" heel and all leather construction with a sneaker-like fit. The Wei-Rui Maestro are hands down the best weight training shoe under the $100 mark at this time.
Risto Olympic Lifting Shoe
One of the most under-rated shoes in 2010, the Risto Sports Olympic Lifting Shoe is almost all you could ask for in a shoe. The Series 1 meets all the requirements of a good weightlifting shoe having a solid grain leather exterior, an extra padded insole, sturdy molded leather interior, double stitching and a solid wood heel that is proportional to the size of the shoe.
Rogue Rip Power Lifting
New for 2010 is the Rogue RIP weightlifting shoe, a true power lifting shoe featuring a low half inch heel and solid leather construction. The shoe was conceptualized and designed especially for those following the famous "Starting Strength" program created by Mr. Rippetoe.