STRIKE MVMNT EZ Lifter Review: A Unique Take on Squat Shoes

Who Should Buy the STRIKE MVMNT EZ Lifter?

Let’s get this out of the way upfront, this is a lifter. This won’t be the shoe for you if you’re here looking for your next general fitness shoe, Hyrox shoe, hybrid trainer. This shoe is definitely going to be worth checking out though if…

1. Wider-footed lifters. If you’re looking for a lifting shoe with a wide toe box that doesn’t feel overly restrictive when you’re laced up and strapped down, this one delivers.
2. Flexible and comfortable. You’re looking for a lifting shoe that is more flexible and comfortable than a traditional, stiffer lifter.
3. Cross-Trainers. You’re looking for a lifter, specifically, but you also want to mix in some box jumps or light cross-training in the same workout.

Who Should Skip the STRIKE MVMNT EZ Lifter?

This shoe might not be for you if…

1. You’re not a powerlifter or Olympic lifter.
2. You’re a lifter with a thicker instep or higher volume forefoot. The width is there, however, the low height through the lateral side could be limiting.
3. Have a narrower foot. You may find that narrow or medium-width models work best for your feet regarding upper security.

Sizing & Fit Suggestions

About My Feet: I have a normal arch/instep and my feet come in at an E/EE width. The length of my left and right foot are consistent with one another, and I size as a true US 10 for most companies’ sizing charts.

Fit Breakdown:

• Narrow (<D) feet: Look elsewhere.
• Medium (D) width: True to size.
• E and EE width feet: True to size.
• 3E+ width feet: True to size.

The EZ Lifter fits true to size, which is always a relief in the weightlifting shoe market. There are few things more annoying than spending a premium for a niche shoe, only to discover it doesn’t fit and then you have to go through the lengthy and cumbersome return/exchange process.

Its wider toe box makes it an inviting choice for lifters with broad feet, although it might run the risk of being almost too wide for those with feet narrower than E/EE. Something to note for lifters with a thicker forefoot, the lateral side of the upper sits a bit lower, especially where the suede meets the foot. This can cause some pressure for thicker feet, but it should ease with wear.

Overall Performance Breakdown

The EZ Lifter performs like a weightlifting shoe married a cross-training shoe. It doesn’t feel or perform as hyper specific as Reebok’s Legacy Lifter 3 or Nike’s Romaleos 4. The closest comparison is Inov8’s Fastlift Power G 380 lifting shoe. 

Unlike a TPU-based lifting shoe, the EZ Lifter relies on a hardened EVA midsole. I was a bit unsure at first how the EVA would hold up under heavy loads. And after pushing my own personal limits, I sure couldn’t find its upper limit. I’m not sure how heavy you’d have to lift to compress the midsole to the point where you’d bottom out and lose stability.

The flexibility from the EVA helped with transitions from squats to light cross-training. Whether you’re supersetting heavy lifts with plyometrics or mixing in box jumps or jump rope, the EZ Lifter delivers rebound and response without sacrificing stability. For example, they feel better than models like Roms, L-2s, and Do-Wins for this context.

On the platform, the EZ Lifter delivers impressive traction. The outsole was super grippy right out of the box, especially on wood floors. That said, I’d recommend giving them a quick wipe before your first session just to maximize that fresh grip.

Is the EZ Lifter going to outperform some of the established and traditional lifters? Probably not for everyone. Where it truly excels is offering a more hybrid feel experience for the heavy lifter.

Construction & Materials

Underneath, there’s a full rubber outsole that extends up the toe box. The wave-form tread, borrowed from the MVMT Haze Trainer, offers excellent grip on most flooring surfaces, including wooden platforms and gym floors. It’s especially grippy on wood platforms, though again, I recommend giving them a good wipe down straight out of the box to really maximize that grip.

The standout feature is the hardened EVA midsole, which strikes a unique balance between stability and flexibility. The midsole offers a subtle responsiveness that makes this shoe feel more alive than a traditional weightlifting model.

The upper is suede from the forefoot back through the heel. To get the most out of the flexibility of this shoe, give it a couple weeks for the suede to fully break in. Once it does, the suede upper combined with the EVA midsole make this one of the most flexible lifters on the market.

Six core eyelets sit beneath the strap, creating a secure lacing system. The strap is another standout feature of this shoe. It’s not the most revolutionary design, but it does offer additional padding that make it less noticeable and more comfortable when you crank it down super tight. Unlike most lifters, the strap is removable, and doing so doesn’t sacrifice security or lock down. For a nice added touch, the strap buckles are metal and won’t deform or break as easily with repeated use.

Inside, the removable insole deserves a nod as well. With a cork finish on top and foam on the bottom, it blends comfort with grounded stability. The forefoot has a good amount of flex, which combined with a relatively low toe spring, helps you push through lifts without feeling like you’re pitching forward.

Strike didn’t cut any corners here. The build quality feels premium, and the shoe has a clean, understated aesthetic that sets it apart from flashier competitors.

Final Thoughts: Would I Get Them Again?

The STRIKE MVMNT EZ Lifter isn’t your average weightlifting shoe. Blending lifter stability with cross-training flexibility, it’s a hybrid for lifters who crave performance and style. It fills a niche in the weightlifting shoe market – a non-traditional lifter that is more of a hybrid model blending stability, flexibility, and day-to-day comfort. It’s perfect for lifters who don’t want to swap shoes between strength sessions and accessory work or for those who prefer a more forgiving fit than traditional lifters offer.

That said, depending on how heavy you lift, it may not provide the max stability hardcore Olympic lifters need. And the suede upper requires a break-in period. But if you’re looking for a weightlifting shoe with a twist, the EZ Lifter delivers, both in performance and style.

For lifters who dare to step outside the traditional mold, the EZ Lifter is the hybrid you didn’t know you needed.