The Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 was a weightlifting shoe that I was tentative to like at first. The first Reebok Legacy Lifter was okay but ran fairly large in the toe box and I often felt like I was swimming in my pair. So, I was super interested to see how the Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 compared to the 1 and other weightlifting shoes.
After some really hard training sessions, I have to say, the Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 is quickly becoming one of my favorite weightlifting shoes. This model has a reworked last and it seems like Reebok brought in the toe box slightly, which is a huge perk for a better fit.
In this Reebok Legacy Lifter 2, we’re going to dive into all of the details and asks you likely have for this weightlifting shoe.
- Who should buy the Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 weightlifting shoe?
- Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 Pros
- Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 Cons
- Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 Performance
- Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 Sizing
- Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 Heel Height
- Price
- Construction Details
For my visual lifting friends, make sure you check out my video review for the Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 below. Also, be sure to check out my cross-training shoe calculator if you’re on the market for new training shoes!
Who Should Buy the Reebok Legacy Lifter 2?
This weightlifting shoe is going to be best for weightlifting athletes and lifters that want a pair of lifters to feel really anchored to the ground. They have a slightly heavier construction and a 22mm (.86 in) heel, which is great for any lifter that wants more heel elevation to support their performance and lifting mechanics.
I like this model a lot and have recommended it to multiple friends who have asked for weightlifting shoe recommendations. On top of being well-rounded in the gym, this model also has an okay price point and it’s common to find options on Reebok and Amazon marked down from the normal asking price of $200 USD.
Reebok Legacy Lifter 2
$200
Best For
- Weightlifting
- Squats
- Accessories With an Elevated Heel
- Heel Height: 0.86″
Falls Short
- For Functional Fitness Workouts
Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 Pros
There are three key pros that I really like about the Reebok Legacy Lifter 2’s performance and fit.
- Reworked Last
- Sturdy and Durable
- Solid Heel Construction
The first aspect that I really like about the Legacy Lifter 2 is the reworked toe box and last. It seems like Reebok made this a tighter fitting model across the board, but not in a bad way. You still have room in the toe box to splay your toes, however, there’s not an egregious amount of room which I thought came with the original Legacy Lifter. For context, I have a slightly more narrow/neutral foot anatomy.
Another characteristic that I really like about the Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 is that it gives off Nike Romaleos 2 vibes. This Rom 2 is an all-time favorite for myself and many weightlifters, and the Legacy Lifter 2 gave me some nice flashbacks when I first started training in my Rom 2.
The heavier textile upper construction and sturdy boot give this model a nice durable feeling which I really enjoy. The original Legacy Lifter was durable, no doubt, but this model feels like it’s a higher performance shoe compared to the OG model.
The last aspect that I like is the boot construction of this model. It has a thicker material that locks down the heel and Reebok uses a TPU strip to help prevent any potential heel slippage in this model. Factor in the high TPU cup around the heel with these elements and you have a really solid heel to sit back on during cleans, squats, and snatches.
Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 Cons
Personally, I have found many cons myself with this model, but there are two things I could see other lifters running into.
- Limited Strap Velcro
- Not a Great Versatile Model
The first drawback to this shoe’s construction is the strap. There isn’t a ton of velcro on the base of the strap, which could leave some higher-arched lifters out to dry when it comes to getting this model super secure in the mid-foot. Basically, with less velcro, high-arch lifters will really need to crank this strap tight to keep them secure.
On that note, I’ve also seen some size complaints about the strap cutting into the mid-foot, and I think those complaints likely surround this topic.
Another potential is that with this model’s weight and overall construction, it’s not going to be a great “versatile” option for the functional fitness athlete. While I never recommend using weightlifting shoes for WODs, if you’re looking at this model, then it definitely not be the best option for tackling these workouts. If you need a pair of weightlifting shoes for versatile training, then I’d suggest checking out something like the Nike Savaleos.
Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 Performance
Thus far, I’ve really enjoyed training in my Reebok Legacy Lifter 2s and plan to keep them in rotations as my primary weightlifting shoe.
Lifting and Squats
I’m a powerlifter and I’ve been really loving the Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 for my squat sessions. The sturdy heel provides you with a nice grounded and anchored feeling and the toe box is wide enough to grip the floor well whether you’re squatting or performing other movements where a heel wedge is desired.
The strap also provides a nice level of security and I haven’t noticed any issues with the strap coming undone during my heavier squats.
Olympic Lifts
Thus far, I’ve liked the Legacy Lifter 2 for weightlifting-focused movements. To be fair, I haven’t tested them in the snatch, as I’m in meet prep, but for cleans, I like two key aspects of this model. First, the outsole provides a nice level of traction and has a simplistic construction to it.
Second, the additional TPU wrap limits any potential heel slip that I could see others having in this model. At times, if your weightlifting shoes are a bit too big, you might experience a bit of heel slip when quickly getting up on the toe during triple extension. Fortunately, this model somewhat limits that if you do get a slightly big size, which I think is a nice pro.
Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 Sizing
For most lifters and athletes, I think you should be safe going true to size. This model’s length fits fairly true and with the slightly more narrow/neutral last and toe box, I think a lot of lifters will really enjoy the fit and feel of this model.
The only potential sizing issue I could see others having with this model is the strap construction in regard to folks with high arches. However, I think that’s a small subset of lifters that may want to consider shifting their sizing with the Reebok Legacy Lifter 2.
Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 Heel Height
The heel height for the Reebok Legacy Lifter 22mm, AKA .86 inches.
Compared to other weightlifting shoes, this heel height is slightly higher than what many models use as the norm, but like with most things, heel height is a matter of preference.
Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 Price
Out of the box, the Reebok Legacy Lifter 2s are going to cost you $200 USD. Fortunately, you can find this model in a variety of retail shopping settings for less than its original price. On Amazon and Reebok, a few colorways are marked down which can help you save a few bucks.
Reebok Legacy Lifter 2
$200
Best For
- Weightlifting
- Squats
- Accessories With an Elevated Heel
- Heel Height: 0.86″
Falls Short
- For Functional Fitness Workouts
Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 Construction Details
If you’re interested in the Reebok Legacy Lifter 2’s construction, I’ve provided some key details for this model below. If you’re interested in seeing a visual breakdown of this weightlifting shoe’s construction, then skip to 6:06 in the video above!
- Textile Upper
- TPU Heel
- TPU Heel Clip
- Rubber Outsole
- Antimicrobial Sockliner
- Heel Elevation: 22mm
Compared to the previous Reebok Legacy Lifter, I really like the construction changes Reebok implemented with this model.
Takeaway Thoughts
Overall, I’ve really been enjoying training in the Reebok Legacy Lifter 2. I’m usually a tough sell for finding new primary weightlifting shoes, so the Legacy Lifter 2 was a breath of fresh air.
If you have any questions on this model, drop them below, and feel free to reach out to me personally!
I personally test every product featured on That Fit Friend using a regimen of training tests that I’ve developed over years of testing training gear. I buy the gear I test and may earn commissions on sales made through links on my site.
Hi Jake, first of all thanks for your great review regarding Romaleos 4 vs Legacy Lifter II. I’m your new follower and it was very helpful with your information. I’m new to weightlifting and currently planning to buy the Legacy Lifter II, but I’m still unsure about the size. Previously I’ve tried a friend’s Romaleos 4 size US 8 (26.5 cm) and it fits perfectly on my feet, but if I want to buy the Legacy Lifter II should I use 26.5cm or should I downsize?
Other information related to the size of Reebok shoes, currently I use the Nano X1 size US 8.5 (26.5cm) and when I use it there is an excess of space on my feet about 0.5cm. Thanks in advance and I ask for your help in deciding the size on the Legacy Lifter II
Thanks Man!
Hey! Thank you so much for checking out this comparison and for reaching out. IMO, I’d say go size 8 on the Legacy Lifter II. Their toe box has a bit more width than the Rom 4 and I think you’ll enjoy their fit in regard to length and how this extra width translates in comparison to the Romaleo!
hi jake i am using a normal reebok shoe which is us 8 and i want to buy the legacy lifter 2 and i like the fit little bit loose so what size of shoe should i choose
Hit you back on YouTube!
Hi Jake, thanks for your great content. I would be appreciated it if I could get your opinion on choosing proper squat shoes. I got flexible flat and maybe a little wide feet. My height is 6′. I narrowed down my choice to Reebok Lifter PR II and Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 (based on your content). I realize that Reebok Legacy Lifter 2 has better quality and support. However, I think that Reebok Lifter PR II may be a better option for flat feet. Which one do you suggest?
Hey! I would go with the Lifter PR II as well for you. Plus, if this is your first pair of weightlifting shoes they can be a good budget-friendly option to ease you into that style of footwear. You can always change them out after a year or so once you’re ready to upgrade, but I think they’d be a great starter pick!
Thanks, Jake. I really like your reviews.
Thank you, Ashkan!
I did as you said; Reebok Lifter PR II works well for my flat feet, much better than any lifting shoes I have ever tried for flat feet. Your review is very accurate. I believe it was discontinued, so I ordered it from eBay. I got a bigger size regarding the Reebok shoe’s narrow midfoot profile. Thanks for your suggestion.
LOVE hearing that. Happy training, amigo!