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As someone who squats and competes in powerlifting competitions with weightlifting shoes, I was excited to see how the TYR L-1 Lifter would stack up against other shoes I’ve worn for heavy lower-body days.
More specifically, I wanted to know if the TYR L-1 Lifter had the potential to land in my favorite weightlifting shoes. After all, this weightlifting shoe’s claim to fame is its wider toe box, is it really that wide?
I’m also someone who rotates shoes based on what they’re doing. Changing between barefoot shoes, training shoes, and weightlifting shoes is a norm for me, and finding shoes with consistent fits is huge.
Overall, I’ve been impressed with the TYR L-1 Lfiter — for the most part. This model has become one of my favorite weightlifting shoes for squats. I’ll elaborate on why I’ve enjoyed this shoe’s performance and where its durability can fall short below.
TYR L1-Lifter
$199.99
Pros
- Wide toe box promotes toe splay
- TPU midsole is dense and stable
- Dual-straps promote good security
Cons
- Outsole durability can vary
- Upper lacks breathability
- Not ideal for narrow feet
Best For
- Weightlifting
- Squats
- Recreational Lifting
- Wider Feet
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 21mm |
| Weight | 19.05 oz |
| Width | Wide(r) |
| Lifting Threshold | ~440 lbs |
TYR L-1 Lifter Summary
The TYR L-1 Lifter is built with a lot of features that top weightlifting shoes all have. For example, this shoe utilizes a TPU midsole to provide it with stability and a dual-strap system for upper security.
If you’ve been constantly unimpressed with your weightlifting shoes and their toe box widths, then the L-1 Lifter can be a good option to explore. This shoe features an anatomical shape through its forefoot which gives you more room for toe splay.
I found the L-1 Lifter’s toe box to rival some barefoot shoe’s widths. For example, this shoe’s width I feel like fits similar to models like the Xero Prio and 360, and it’s significantly wider than shoes like the Nike Romaleos 4.
For lifters wanting stability under big squats and while weightlifting in addition to width, it’s tough to fault the TYR L-1 Lifter, especially when compared to other top weightlifting shoes.
- Effective Heel Height: 21mm (.83 inches)
- Weight: 19.05 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Max Squat In This Shoe: 440 lbs
- Sizing: Narrow/medium-feet, go TTS. Wide feet, go up a half-size
What My Community Is Saying
On my YouTube channel, I get a lot of awesome feedback from my community who tends to try and buy shoes based on my recommendations. Here are some of the comments my L-1 Lifter videos have received.
One commenter who goes by @polmoreu writes and shares, “Bought TYR L-1 Lifter because of that video. Wide foot. Feel like a glove!!! BTW: I had to order +1,3 of my usual size. I wear 42 ⅔ and I ordered 44 (EU). So flat, comfortable, nice material, pretty design.”
One of my community members @kozmo7 who has exceptionally wide feet shared, “So I’ve tried the TYR L1 but honestly had to size up because of my monster wide, super flat big feet I was thinking of getting the Rom 2 second hand, sized up but I really can’t tell how narrow they are on the inside, they seem wider in the midfoot to me in this video.
Do you really feel as though the TYR is as wide as we can get mid-foot in oly shoes? I’m desperate and you’re one of the few online that has both rom 2 and Tyr?”
For his comment, I suggested sizing up a half-size or a full size as that’s typically the safest call in the TYR L-1 Lifter for lifters who have feet that EE or wider.
In general, feedback for the TYR L-1 Lifter tends to air on the side of positive. However, this shoe has been giving some lifters issues with its outsole durability. I discuss them in my cons and it’s brought up in the comments below.
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TYR L-1 Lifter Pros
Over the course of my training and reviewing of the TYR L-1 Lifter, I found multiple pros and things to like about this model.
1. Great Forefoot Width
The first thing to like about the TYR L-1 Lifter is its toe box width, which is why you’re probably exploring this model in the first place. Compared to other weightlifting shoes, the TYR L-1 Lifter has the widest toe box on the market.
This shoe is built purposely to have an anatomical toe box, and from what I can tell, TYR has a patent pending construction for this model’s toe box. If you constantly feel cramped in your weightlifting shoes, then I think you’ll enjoy the spaciousness of the L-1 Lifter.
In many ways, this shoe’s forefoot rivals the width of some of my favorite barefoot shoes that I train in. For example, check out the width of the TYR L-1 Lifter’s toe box compared to the Vivo Primus Lite 3.
2. Stable Under Heavy Squats
Another aspect to like about the TYR L-1 Lifter is that it’s a strong performer in most training contexts. This shoe’s TPU heel is stable and doesn’t compress whatsoever and I never had issues with this shoe’s stability when squatting over 400 lbs in this shoe.
I also think this model will be a strong performer for those who compete in weightlifting competitions or train with weightlifting movements on a weekly basis. For snatches and clean & jerks, this shoe should perform well for you.
The toe box breaks in pretty well after a few weeks of use and the midfoot security is solid so I don’t think you’ll lack security or stability when catching weight. I also think the length of the straps will work for most lifters’ wants and needs.
3. Durable Upper and Grippy Outsole
The final two things to like about the TYR L-1 Lifter are its durability and outsole construction. Thus far, the durability of my TYR L-1 Lifter has been solid and the heavier leather upper feels well put together.
If the price is causing a pause, I don’t think durability will be an issue in this model, at least on an abbreviated timeline. I have some creasing in my shoe’s toe box, but there are no glaring issues with the materials ripping or starting to fray.
I also like the outsole construction of the TYR L-1 Lifter and the amount of tread you get from this model. The rubber outsole grips wooden platforms and rubber gym floors well, so I don’t think you’ll have slip issues in this shoe whatsoever.
The additional outsole wrap over the toe box is also a nice perk for long-term durability with this shoe, in my opinion. At first, I wasn’t a fan of the chunkier construction, but if it helps prolong durability then I think it’s a net positive for this shoe.
TYR L-1 Lifter Cons
Overall, I’ve enjoyed training in the TYR L-1 Lifter, but I do have a couple of cons with this model that may turn off some lifters and athletes.
1. Narrow Feet Will Likely Not Enjoy This Shoe
The first drawback that I could see others having with the TYR L-1 Lifter is its width for athletes with narrow feet. I think it’s important to understand that while wider toe boxes can be great for many, that doesn’t mean they’ll work for everyone.
For example, if you have narrow feet, then you find yourself “swimming” in this shoe’s toe box and sliding into the end or sides of the shoe when doing more dynamic movements like snatches, quad-biased walking lunges, and clean & jerks.
I actually noticed this during one of my athletic-focused days when I forgot socks and wore them sockless. I have a neutral-width foot and I was sliding around a bit in this shoe’s toe box without socks on.
To assist with this, I cranked the lower strap tight to help with security and I also noticed that the strap overhung a bit and got awfully close to the ground. It almost reminded me of the Nike Romaleos 2 and how those straps could be on the ground at times for some athletes.
2. Not the Most Cost-Efficient Weightlifting Shoe
Another drawback with the TYR L-1 Lifter is that it does have a more premium price point at $199.99 USD. This price is pretty standard amongst other premium weightlifting shoes like the Adidas Adipower III, so it may not resonate with everyone.
If you’re not in dire need of a wider toe box and you’re turned off by the price of this shoe, then I’d suggest looking into models like the Reebok Lifter PR II or the Adidas Powerlift 5 as both of these shoes run neutral and have price points around $100 USD.
3. Sole Can Lip for Certain Lifters
Another drawback that I’ve had some of my clients and lifters report on is that their L-1 Lifter’s outsole has started to peel away on the heel. I haven’t experienced this issue, but when the community reports a problem to me I want to make sure I mention it.
If you’re an adamant weightlifter and you’re traditionally hard on your shoes, then I’d suggest keeping a close eye on this and if this happens to you quickly, then I’d suggest reaching out to TYR about a potential defect with your model.
Performance
To break down the performance of the TYR L-1 Lifter, I’ll cover how this shoe performs in various training contexts. I’ll discuss the L-1 Lifter’s performance for squats, weightlifting, and accessory exercises.
This way, if you’re considering this shoe, you can hopefully better understand if it will fit your training needs and wants, especially for its price point.
Testing the TYR L-1 Lifter for Squats
When it comes to squats, I’ve really enjoyed the TYR L-1 Lifter’s performance. After multiple heavy squat sessions, this has been one of my favorite weightlifting shoes for squats in the last few years.
The stability of this shoe is good, and I like that the TPU heel doesn’t compress whatsoever under heavier sets. The thicker rubber outsole supports this shoe’s overall stability, which I was a fan of, especially through the toe box.
I think the main perk of this shoe for squats is its toe box width. If you love having room to splay the toes and grip the floor, then you’ll thoroughly enjoy this aspect of this shoe.
To add to this, I noticed on a few sets where I lost my balance forward, it felt a bit easier to ground the feet and realign my balance to finish the set. In narrower shoes, this can sometimes be a problem depending on the shoe’s last and your foot anatomy.
I also like the 21mm (.83 inch) heel-to-toe drop in this shoe and felt like it resonated well with my squat needs. I have long legs so I typically enjoy higher heels, especially for high-bar squats.
Testing the TYR L-1 Lifter for Weightlifting
In the context of weightlifting, I think the TYR L-1 Lifter will perform well for most athletes. These shoes have a good amount of midfoot security for locking the feet down when catching cleans and snatches.
The outsole is also grippy and should fair well for providing a nice amount of grip on wooden platforms and competition platforms. I also think wider-footed weightlifters will really enjoy the fit of this shoe and will like its toe box.
From a pure performance standpoint, it’s tough to fault the TYR L-1 Lifter for weightlifting. It delivers the aspects you’d want for the sport of weightlifting or for those regularly tackling weightlifting movements in CrossFit workouts.
What I’m most interested in with the TYR L-1 Lifter in the context of weightlifting is how their durability will fare for different athletes. I’m curious how these shoes will hold up long-term for serious weightlifters who constantly break down their models. More data points are needed here.
Testing the TYR L-1 Lifter for Accessory Exercises
The performance of TYR L-1 Lifter for accessory exercises will be very hit or miss depending on your foot anatomy. Regarding stability and versatility, this shoe performs well and these factors are not the limiters for accessory exercises like leg presses and hack squats.
I think the limitations of this model will revolve around different athletes’ foot anatomies. For example, if you have narrow feet, then you may find yourself swimming in this model when doing exercises that are more dynamic in nature.
I mentioned this above in my cons section, but this will definitely be something lifters should consider before investing in these shoes. For neutral and wider feet, I think you’ll enjoy this shoe’s performance for accessory exercises.
Once the toe box breaks in, you get a nice level of mobility with this shoe’s forefoot, and its stability and traction are nice perks when doing different movements with these shoes.
TYR L-1 Lifter Sizing and Toe Box Comparison
For the TYR L-1 Lifter, most athletes and lifters should probably size up a half-size in this model. The length of this model runs a little short true and the toe box is what I would describe as wide, while the midfoot and heel are slightly wide.
To add context here, if you’re a lifter with neutral and wider feet, then you’ll want to go true to size or up depending on your anatomy. I have an E-width foot and traditionally wear thinner socks and find these to fit fine true to size.
That said, I’ve now started to recommend most lifters and athletes size up a half-size in this shoe, especially if you have wider feet. For narrow feet, you may want to pass on this model entirely due to the toe box not resonating with your foot anatomy.
- TYR L-1 Lifter Sizing Thoughts: Size up a .5 size to play it safe. Narrow feet may want to pass on this model.
If you have additional sizing and fit questions on the TYR L-1 Lifter, drop a comment below and I can try to help you accordingly. To add more depth and highlight the width of this shoe, I wanted to compare its toe box to the Adidas Adipower III, check it out below.
I’ve also highlighted the width of the TYR L-1 Lifter compared to other weightlifting shoes like the Inov-8 Fastlift Power G 380 on my YouTube channel.
Who Should Invest In the TYR L-1 Lifter?
If you’re thinking about investing in the TYR L-1 Lifter, then there are a few contexts where I think this shoe makes a lot of sense.
1. You’re Wanting a Weightlifting Shoe With a Wider Toe Box
The TYR L-1 Lifter is somewhat of a first in the world of weightlifting shoes. I think this model will be a good fit for most lifters and athletes who often feel confined in their current weightlifting shoe’s toe boxes.
This shoe’s toe box width rivals some barefoot shoes, which I think many will enjoy when it comes to the promotion of toe splay while training. I found this shoe to be plenty wide for my needs and I enjoyed their performance for squats, cleans, and accessories.
2. You Want a Shoe With Good Stability and Traction
The TPU heel and rubber outsole do a good job supporting stability and traction, and I think this shoe will work for a wide range of training contexts. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter, the TYR L-1 Lifter should work well for you.
This model has an effective heel height of 21mm (.83 inches) which should also resonate well with a wide range of lifters and athletes in the contexts of recreational lifting and powerlifting.
Who Shouldn’t Invest In the TYR L-1 Lifter?
In reality, there’s only one training context where I think lifters and athletes will want to pass on the TYR L-1 Lifter. I have other top-level concerns with this shoe but I’ll discuss those in my cons below.
1. You Have Narrow Feet and Like Snugger Toe Boxes
If you have narrower feet and have traditionally loved how weightlifting shoes like the Nike Romaleos 4 and Adidas Adipower models have felt then you may want to pass on this shoe.
While I think most lifters and athletes will appreciate the increased toe box width in this shoe, I do think there is a sub-context of lifters and athletes that may find this shoe a little too spacious for their anatomical needs.
Price Breakdown
For the TYR L-1 Lifter, you can expect to pay $199.99 USD. This price point is similar to other weightlifting shoes like the Nike Romaleos 4 and Reebok Leg Lifter II.
Personally, I think the price point for this model is fair, especially if you are interested in a wider toe box with your weightlifting shoes. This shoe performs well, so I don’t necessarily have a glaring knock against this model’s performance for its higher price.
Plus, the price will be even more justified for those who have been wanting wider weightlifting shoes for a while. I also think the construction features in this shoe are pretty good for their price.
On that note, if you don’t have a dying need for a wider shoe and you don’t want to drop that much money for the L-1 Lifter, you can definitely find models that are half the price and perform fairly well.
Construction Details
The construction of the TYR L-1 Lifter is relatively simple in nature compared to other weightlifting shoes. Below are some of the key construction details to note about this model.
- Effective Heel Height: 21mm (.83 inches)
- Weight: 19.05 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Leather Upper Construction
- Dual Velcro Midfoot Straps (plastic loops)
- Padded Mesh Boot
- Full Rubber Outsole
- TPU Heel
- Padded Mesh Tongue
- Anatomical Toe Box
If you have additional construction questions on the TYR L-1 Lifter, drop a comment below and I can you help out accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:Are the TYR L1-Lifter true to size?
Q:What is the effective heel height of the TYR L1-Lifter?
Q:Are the TYR L1-Lifter good for squats?
Takeaway Thoughts
The TYR L-1 Lifter has been a strong-performing weightlifting shoe and I think it’s going to fill a current need in the market. This shoe’s toe box width awards this model the most width of any current lifter on the market.
The dual midfoot straps, TPU heel, and leather upper are also nice touches to add to this lifter’s overall value and construction.
That being said, there are athletes that I think should pass on this shoe, for example, narrow-footed athletes may not resonate with this shoe’s fit.
If you have additional questions on the TYR L-1 Lifter, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).
Nia
Hi Jake,
I want to buy my first lifting shoes from TYR. My insole foot cm’s is 24 cm and My Under Armour Training shoes is size W(7). Can you recommend me TYR lifting shoe size for me? Thanks
Cross-reference their sizing guide! I’d measure your foot in CM then see where it translates to. I believe they also have a tool to help out with this, too. I don’t want to shout a random size since TYR’s sizing chart varies from other companies!
Matt
Hi Jake,
I have a 7.5 in Adidas Powerlift shoe, I wear a 9 regular, and I just measured my foot as 4″ wide and 10″ long (25.4cm). Based on their size chart on TYR, the cm’s say 25.4cm for size 8 and 25.9cm for size 8.5. Any recommendations on which one?
I’d go size 8! Feel like that should be a safe call, imo!
Ari S
Thanks for the great review Jake. Love my L-1’s but can confirm that the sole does start to peel away on the heels. It’s happened to all three pair of my L-1’s. Took a longer time on my first pair bought in Nov ‘22, but the two pair I bought in May and December ‘23 had it happen within weeks of first use. I train weightlifting (snatch, cleaned and jerk, squat) 4x/week and rotate my shoes.
TYR replaced one pair already, but it’s a pain to have to send them back so I’ve resorted to regluing on my own. Will see how it holds up. Doesn’t affect my lifts otherwise but it shouldn’t be happening.
Thanks,
Ari
That’s so annoying. Bummed you’re having that issue, too. I hope they fix that in the L-2 as it shouldn’t be an issue, tbh. Thanks for sharing your insights, sir!
Ari S
Agreed. Happy to share. Just sent back my latest pair for inspection and replacement as the glue didn’t hold up. The rubber starts to chunk and pull away. It’s frustrating and shouldn’t be happening this quickly. Clearly something with the manufacturing or design. Truly hope they address this with the later production runs or the L-2.
Keep on with the great reviews!
Heck yeah, thank you for sharing! As someone who reads comments on other reviews, I appreciate you taking the time to do so on That Fit Friend!
David
Hey Jake,
Thanks for a very detailed review. I stumbled on your site when I was looking for a review of these shoes, but ended down the rabbit hole of many reviews, great work!
You state that these shoes run true to size, but can you compare your shoe size for most of your Vivobarefoot shoes? What size do you normally go for Vivo’s, and which size did you go with the TYR L-1?
Kind regards,
David, Denmark
Hey, David! Thanks for checking out the site and reviews, I appreciate you supporting my work. With the TYR and Primus, I go size 10 in both. The Primus I have a lot more room at the end of the toe box in. IMO, if you want to play it safe with sizing, going up a .5 size in the TYR tends to be a good call especially if you have wider feet/have the need for wider toe boxes.
Sophie
Thanks Jake
Sophie
I am amazed you describe these as true to size. In all my shoes I own I am a uk 8.5/9. After moving to barefoot shoes in 2019, I can still just about squeeze my feet into my Adidas Powerlift 2 in a size 8. So I ordered a uk size 9 in the TYR and they are so small. I then went onto the website and looked at the size guide. TYR UK 9 – 26.8cm compared with Vivo UK 9 which are approx 27.1-27.3 Depends on model and Inov-8 size 9 – 28 cm. I wanted to love these shoes but just don’t, found them one of the most uncomfortable shoes ever!
Do you have any recommendations for narrow feet, but with wide toe box? Should I just wait for a larger size from TYR (difficult to get in the UK at the moment) or is there another brand to try?
Thanks
Hey! You know what’s funny…I legit have in my notes to update this article (amongst many others) regarding their sizing this week. I tend to update content a few months post-publication based on YouTube feedback and additional data points I get from the community.
Updated this sizing section to recommend going up a half-size for most. They fit me fine TTS, but more and more, I keep hearing athletes having issues with length even with the outsole out. TYR’s sizing chart is also a pain in the a*s to navigate compared to other companies which doesn’t tend to help, lol.
I’d look into the NOBULL Canvas Lifter. They have a wider toe box and may fit your feet well. IMO, you’re not alone in finding these pretty polarizing, I’ve had other athletes experience similar things!
Shiro
I wear a 12.5 Nike Metcon, but I want a little more room in the toe box. Do you recommend the TYR L-1 Lifter in 12 or 13? They don’t have half sizes.
Go 13 for sure!
Josh
Great shoe! Took Jakes advice and won’t be going back to anything with a narrow toe box, allows me to fully flex my toes and grip the floor well.
Nikola
Would love to know if this shoe would be a good fitt for first time buyer of Wl shoes.My foot is 10 cm wide and 27,8 cm long. Would it be wose going true to size when it comes to these shoes?
Should be a great fit, tbh! I would go up a half-size to play it safe unless you traditionally have a lot of room at the end of your shoe’s toe boxes!