SABO Deadlift Shoes Review | Best Deadlift Shoes In the Game?

As strength sports and more specifically powerlifting continue to grow, so does the popularity of SABO Deadlift Shoes. There are handfuls of powerlifters that regard SABO Deadlift Shoes as the best deadlift shoe in the game. Regularly competing in powerlifting myself, I was curious, are the SABO Deadlift Shoes really as great as many say?

SABO Deadlift Shoes are specific to deadlifting which makes them incredibly niche in nature and not for every lifter out there. However, if you are someone who competes in powerlifting or is highly focused on their conventional and sumo deadlift performance, then this model is certainly worth exploring.

In this SABO Deadlift Shoe review, we’re going to dive into all of the details that you should know about this model.

• Who should buy SABO Deadlift Shoes?
• SABO Deadlift Shoes Pros
• SABO Deadlift Shoes Cons
• SABO Deadlift Shoes Performance
• SABO Deadlift Shoes Sizing
• Price
• Construction Details

Are you a recreational lifter or functional fitness athlete? Make sure you check out my top 5 picks for the best cross-training shoes for deadlifts!

Who Should Buy SABO Deadlift Shoes?

SABO Deadlift Shoes are fantastic deadlift shoes for the competitive powerlifter, prospective powerlifter, and lifter that wants to optimize their deadlift performance. These shoes are powerlifting competition friendly and will work in pretty much all powerlifting federations during deadlifts.

If you’re someone who wants to get niche with their strength-focused equipment, then I’d highly suggest checking out this model. Conversely, for the recreational lifter who is perfectly happy deadlifting in their cross-training shoes, then they may want to skip on this model and invest that money elsewhere.

 

SABO Deadlift Shoes Pros

There are three standout pros and features that I really like about the Sabo Deadlift Shoes.

1. Maximum Security
2. Super Stable
3. High-Top Construction

The first performance pro that I really like about the SABO Deadlift Shoes is their security. This model features two velcro straps on top of the seven eyelets that extend all the way up the shoe. The first strap crosses the mid-foot and provides a nice “locked down” feeling.

The second strap wraps about the top portion of the ankle. At first, I wasn’t sure if I liked this strap, but my views have since changed. I like the additional proprioceptive layer of support it provides when tightened, especially during heavy training sessions.

The second aspect that I love about the SABO Deadlift Shoes is their stability. Since these are deadlift shoes, their outsole construction is pretty much minimal. These shoes don’t have a prominent midsole and the rubber outsole grips the floor well while also maximizing your leverages accordingly. Less material equals less total range of motion you have to lift.

For my high-top loving friends, I think you’ll really like the overall construction of this model. Their ankle construction provides support but never really feels limiting. The shoes are constructed with a lightweight mesh and synthetic leather which I think blends and feels really well with this model’s overall high-top nature.

SABO Deadlift Shoes Cons

Overall, I love my SABO Deadlift Shoes, but there are a couple of cons that I could see others having with this model.

1. Lacking Overall Versatility
2. Top Velcro Durability

The first potential con I could see others having is expecting these shoes to be versatile outside of their intended use. This model is not going to be the best at supporting things like cross-training and other activities outside of deadlifts, so if you plan to buy them, then make sure you’re okay limiting their use for this activity.

If you think you can get away wearing these for other activities and lifting purposes, I can’t promise you how long they’ll last or how good their durability will be. This is why I recommend looking at other shoes for your training if you’re not hyper-focused on deadlifts.

The second potential con I could see others running into is the overall durability of the upper strap. The top strap stretches which is great for comfort and light support, but there isn’t a ton of velcro to secure it on. This could be problematic for long-term durability with general wear and dirt/dust getting on your shoes.

My advice, try to be mindful of dust accumulating around your shoes if you store them in places like your garage and work to limit their use for training sessions, then store them in a gym bag or shoe rack.

SABO Deadlift Shoes Performance

Unlike my cross-training shoe reviews, this SABO Deadlift Shoes performance section is going to be much more narrow in focus. Since this shoe is designed for really one thing — deadlifts — we’re going to get granular on their performance with deadlifts specifically.

For both conventional and sumo deadlifts, I really enjoy this model’s overall construction. Thus far, I’ve pulled up to 530 lbs in these shoes and have loved the overall stability they provide.

Their insole has a thickness of 2mm so you feel low to the ground when wearing them and you get a lot of feedback when gripping the floor. I compare their low-to-the-ground feeling to lifting barefoot and if your gym doesn’t allow you to do so, then these are a great alternative.

For sumo deadlifts, I think you’ll really enjoy the outsole construction. The outsole on the forefoot and heel wraps up the shoe and gives you a nice level of traction when really spreading the floor. This is key for those who adopt wider stances and rely on creating high levels of balance to efficiently pull weight.

The last aspect that I enjoy about the SABO Deadlift Shoes is their overall fit and feel. They provide you enough room to splay the toes but don’t feel so wide and loose that you’re swimming around in them. Factor in their double-strap construction and seven eyelets and you have a really supportive model for deadlifting big weight.

SABO Deadlift Shoes Sizing

Since SABO Sports is a Russian-based company, their sizing is slightly different than what you’ll traditionally see in the United States and other countries. This can make sizing a little interesting especially since you can’t try them on beforehand.

In standard cross-training and weightlifting shoes, I wear a size 10 and generally have anywhere between .3″-.5″ at the toes of my shoes. For my sizing, I went with the 9.5-10 option, and they fit perfectly. That being said, I think most will be safe going true-to-size.

Price

For the SABO Deadlift Shoes, you can expect to pay $89.99. To be honest, I’m torn on this price point. For the beginner and general lifter, I think this price is fairly high and would say, just use your cross-training shoes or Vans and Converse for deadlifts as they’re cheaper and can be worn on a day-to-day basis.

Conversely, if you’re a powerlifter or soon-to-be powerlifter, then I think this model is definitely worth it. They replicate a deadlift slipper’s flatness but have additional security and construction traits that I think give them an edge over the traditional deadlift slipper. Plus, they will last a while if you limit their use for deadlift sessions and take care of them.

 

Construction Details

Like a clean and crisp deadlift, the devil’s in the details of the construction for the SABO Deadlift Shoes. These shoes have multiple subtleties that have won me over as one of my favorite deadlift shoes on the market.

Below is a list of what I think are the biggest construction callouts for the SABO Deadlift Shoes.

• Synthetic Leather Mid-Foot Strap
• Stretchy Top Strap
• Rubber Outsole With Deadlift Specific Traction/Tread
• Minimal Insole With 2mm Offset
• Synthetic Leather and Mesh Upper

To be honest, you can’t get much more specific for deadlifts than the SABO Deadlift Shoes’ construction.

Wrapping Up

Overall, I’ve really enjoyed my deadlift sessions in the SABO Deadlift Shoes. These will be my weapon of choice for my next powerlifting meet and sadly my deadlift slippers will be taking a ride on the bench.

If you have any questions about the SABO Deadlift Shoes, hit me in the comments below or reach out via Instagram (@jake_boly).