Powerlifting has three lifts — squat, bench press, and deadlift — and each one has different footwear requirements. Most UK lifters either wear the same shoe for everything (wrong) or spend a fortune on multiple premium pairs (unnecessary). This guide tells you exactly what to wear for each lift, with accurate specs and GBP prices.
Footwear by Lift: The UK Powerlifter's Guide
| Lift | Shoe Type | Heel | Castiron Lift Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squat (high-bar) | Weightlifting shoe | 35mm TPU | IronLifter 1 |
| Squat (competition) | Leather weightlifting shoe | 35mm TPU | PowerLifter 1 |
| Bench Press | Flat or weightlifting shoe | Any | Either model |
| Deadlift (conventional) | Barefoot-style flat shoe | Zero-drop | TurboLifter 1 |
| Deadlift (sumo) | Barefoot-style flat shoe | Zero-drop | TurboLifter 1 |
The Castiron Lift Powerlifting Lineup
IronLifter 1 — Best for Training (~70-85 GBP)
- 35mm rigid TPU heel — maximum ankle dorsiflexion improvement
- Premium microfiber upper — breathable, ergonomic
- Double hook-and-loop strap + laces
- Anti-skid rubber outsole
PowerLifter 1 — Best for Competition (~85-105 GBP)
- 35mm rigid TPU heel — same elevation, stiffer heel unit for 200kg+ loads
- Premium leather upper — molds to your foot, superior long-term durability
- Double hook-and-loop strap — competition-grade lockdown
TurboLifter 1 — Barefoot-Style Deadlift Shoe (~60-75 GBP)
Zero-drop barefoot-style flat sole, rigid castiron construction, fly-knit upper. Purpose-built for conventional and sumo deadlifts.
The Complete UK Powerlifter Shoe Kit
- Squat/bench: IronLifter 1 (~70-85 GBP) for training | PowerLifter 1 (~85-105 GBP) for competition
- Deadlift: TurboLifter 1 (~60-75 GBP) — barefoot-style flat sole
Total kit: ~130-180 GBP. Lasts 5-10 years. The most cost-effective powerlifting shoe setup for UK lifters in 2026.
FAQs
What shoes do UK powerlifters use?
Most competitive UK powerlifters use a 35mm heel weightlifting shoe for squats (Castiron Lift IronLifter 1 or PowerLifter 1) and a barefoot-style flat shoe for deadlifts (Castiron Lift TurboLifter 1).
Are weightlifting shoes allowed in UK powerlifting competitions?
Yes — permitted in all major UK federations including British Powerlifting and IPF-affiliated meets.
The complete UK powerlifting shoe kit.
IronLifter 1 (35mm heel) for squats. TurboLifter 1 (barefoot flat) for deadlifts. Both ship to the UK.
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