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Reebok CrossFit Lifter Plus 2.1 Review

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reebok crossfit lifter plus 2.1 weightlifting shoes review
Credit: Reebok
Price:  $175 List
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Manufacturer:   Reebok
By Kate Brierley ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 29, 2014

Our Verdict

The CrossFit Lifter Plus 2.1 is Discontinued as of December, 2017
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Great for dynamic movements
Stable
U-form technology for fitting
REASONS TO AVOID
Low heel raise
Toes curve up
Soft material leads to foot movement
I have said all along that Reebok is a smart company, and the Reebok CrossFit Lifter Plus 2.1 is perfect proof for that. Clearly the demand was there among CrossFitters for a more serious lifting shoe and that is exactly what the Lifter Plus is. This is far more a lifting shoe than a hybrid and I would definitely recommend these to a seasoned CrossFitter who needs to combine movements in workouts.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Olympic Lifting


The double strap and leather toe definitely help make this shoe a solid lifter. With the added stability and heel raise, I had no problem snatching or clean and jerking in these. I would have liked a higher heel for heavy snatching and cleaning, but again these were better than the Lifter 2.0s.

Power Lifting


These shoes are not ideal for a heavy deadlift because of the heel raise, but it was not nearly as exaggerated as the deadlift test in the Adipower or Romaleo. Back squats felt good in these because of the added stability and I had no problems with going from squatting to dead lifting in them. Again, lighter load lifting is preferable in these.

Stability


I have to admit the double strap made a huge difference in these shoes. The sole of the shoe also felt much more solid when doing split jerks or any dynamic foot movement. These shoes definitely felt like a lifting shoe as opposed to the Reebok Lifter 2.0 which was much more like a CrossFit shoe. I enjoyed lifting in these, but would feel uncomfortable attempting a "one rep max" in these because of the lower heel.

Comfort


Reebok definitely makes a comfortable shoe and these are a perfect example. Most CrossFitters spend countless hours in the gym training, competing, analyzing, etc. so this is an important metric. The Reebok Lifter Plus 2.1 is extremely comfortable due to the soft upper fabric and flexible sole.

Foot Flex


This metric is a huge improvement from the Lifter 2.0. The shoe is much sturdier, which has actually eliminated some of the excessive flexibility in the shoe which I think makes it more of a lifting shoe as opposed to a CrossFit shoe. The plastic bottom allows for flexion in the foot without losing any impact absorption. I definitely noticed the ease of movement in these shoes.

Weight


This was honestly almost unnoticeable in these shoes. The weight is absolutely perfect. They are lighter than a typical lifting shoe, but have the perfect amount of protection so that I felt secure. A light shoe feels faster, and speed is one of the most important aspects of Olympic lifting. I was very pleased with the weight of these.

Kate Brierley