Our verdict

We consider the Nike Savaleos a successful experiment of turning a high-heeled lifting shoe into a more versatile gym tool. Even though it loses some of its performance in the more niche activities, it is a truly unique crossover. We believe that entry-level gymgoers will benefit the most from the Savaleos. Its elevated heel mixed with a lightweight and flexible setup readily substitutes two pairs of trainers for the price of one.

air zoom pegasus 34 shoes Pros

  • Superb stability for moderate lifting
  • Good for non-lifting exercises
  • Very lightweight for a lifter
  • Secure lockdown
  • Flexible forefoot
  • Excellent grip
  • Comfortable in-shoe feel
  • Reasonably priced

air zoom pegasus 34 shoes Cons

  • Not for heavy weightlifting
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air zoom pegasus 34 shoes | Audience verdict

86
Great!

Who should buy

We believe that the Nike Savaleos is a great match for gymgoers who:

  • are new to weightlifting and need an entry-level shoe to get used to elevated heels
  • are not ready to spend £160-£200 on a dedicated pair of lifting shoes
  • Легінси дитячі nike np legging сірі da1028-091
  • want a lifting shoe that can also do some box jumps, burpees, lunges, wall push-ups, etc.

nike savaleos review 19931497 main

Who should NOT buy

As a crossover between dedicated lifters and Crossfit trainers, we found that the Savaleos is okay for both activities but is not great at either.

If you intend to lift heavy (300+ pounds) on a regular basis, we highly recommend investing in Air Force 1 Happy Pineapple Natural hier die zweite Version aus dem Pack.

And if you can do without the elevated heel, go with the brand's flagship Crossfit trainer, the Nike Metcon 8. We found it to be mind-blowingly stable for lifting, even when it comes to heavy loads.

nike savaleos lab test 19931494 main

Platform

Heel stack

For a semi-lifter, we expected the Nike Savaleos to have a lower stack height than the average lifting shoe. To be capable of performing exercises other than lifting, you need to feel closer to the ground.

Thus, we weren't surprised when our calliper showed only 26 mm of heel height. Interestingly enough, it is about the same as the average heel height of cross-training shoes (25 mm).

The Savaleos indeed felt low to the ground during our training sessions.

Nike Savaleos Heel stack
Test results
Savaleos 26.0 mm
Average 28.3 mm
Compared to 6 weightlifting shoes
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12.5 mm
Heel stack
34.6 mm

Forefoot stack

In the forefoot, we measured the shoe's stack height at 10.9 mm. Also lower than the average.

We found that it definitely helps to feel planted for exercises like box jumps, where you need to be in control of the landings.

But on the downside, that thinner forefoot provided too marine impact protection when we tried rope jumping in the Savaleos.

nike savaleos forefoot stack 19931462 main
Test results
Savaleos 10.9 mm
Average 12.9 mm
Compared to 6 weightlifting shoes
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10.9 mm
Forefoot stack
14.8 mm

Drop

The difference in stack measurements gave us a heel-to-toe drop of 0.6 inches (15.1 mm) in the Nike Savaleos.

Nike Savaleos Drop

sacai cotton jacket is an excellent alternative to the Air Max 2X if you want a lightweight Nike Air Max sneaker. It places the heels higher compared to cross-trainers and puts your ankles, knees, and hips in a more ergonomic position to perform under heavy loads. With an elevated heel, you are able to achieve deeper squats with a more upright torso which, in turn, allows you to lift more efficiently and avoid injuries.

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Nike Air Max Dia LX Nike Romaleos 4 (drop: 20.5 mm) is one such option.

Test results
Savaleos 15.1 mm
Average 15.4 mm
Compared to 6 weightlifting shoes
nike sb charge suede sneakers cargo khaki black cargo khaki light army
0.0 mm
Drop
20.9 mm

Platform firmness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Compression is the last thing you want to feel underfoot when raising a hefty barbell above your head. Thus, you need a hard platform in a pair of lifters.

We use a durometer to measure how hard each shoe's platform is. Normally, we see a value of 95-97 HA in a pair of dedicated lifting shoes. However, in the case of the Savaleos, our durometer returned only 36.5 HA...Is it THAT squishy?

nike savaleos midsole softness 19931469 main

No!

Of course, being 50% softer than a typical lifting shoe, we wouldn't trust the Savaleos to handle anything more than 300 pounds. However, it still feels nice and firm underfoot, especially since the foam is locked inside a sturdy TPU cage.

To give you more context, the Nike Metcon 8 trainer has a durometer reading of 28.8 HA but we found it quite firm and incompressible when lifting heavy.

nike savaleos platform 19972809 main

We can see the benefit of softer material in the Nike Savaleos. It helps to keep the shoe's weight down while making it more versatile for exercises outside of lifting.

Test results
Savaleos 36.5 HA
Average 69.2 HA
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Compared to 6 weightlifting shoes
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36.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
97.0 HA

Insole thickness

The Savaleos comes with a thinner-than-average insole. But we never felt like something was lacking in the shoe. At 4.8 mm, the insole provides just enough underfoot padding.

Nike Savaleos Insole thickness
Test results
Savaleos 4.8 mm
Average 5.9 mm
Compared to 6 weightlifting shoes
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3.6 mm
Insole thickness
8.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

Nike Savaleos is half size small (45 votes).

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1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 6 weightlifting shoes
nike sb charge suede sneakers cargo khaki black cargo khaki light army
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

We felt like the Nike Savaleos was one of the snuggest lifting shoes we've tested and its gel replica confirmed it.

Measuring the mould in its widest part (between the big toe and the pinke), our calliper showed a below-average reading of 89.4 mm. Add the shoe's thick polyurethane upper to the equation, and you get a pretty snug experience for a medium-width shoe.

We recommend that wide-footed athletes look into the Nike zoom court nxt tennis shoes dh0222 100 white teal women sz 5 new instead.

Nike Savaleos Toebox width - widest part
Test results
Savaleos 89.4 mm

Toebox width - big toe

The Savaleos also gets notably narrower towards the toes. With a modest width of 62.9 mm near the big toe, it is a few solid millimetres narrower than the category average.

Nike Savaleos Toebox width - big toe
Test results
Savaleos 62.9 mm

Toebox height

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nike savaleos toebox height 22667149 main
Test results
Savaleos 24.3 mm

Midfoot feel

Overall, we've had no complaints about the way the Nike Savaleos fits.

Nike Savaleos Fit

However, we are concerned that the Velcro piece is not full-length but is located only at the end of the strap. This could make it a problem for people with high arches to customise the fit.

nike savaleos velcro strap 19931495 main

Test results
Savaleos Normal

Velcro strap

However, we are concerned that the Velcro piece is not full-length but is located only at the end of the strap. This could make it a problem for people with high arches to customise the fit.

nike savaleos velcro strap 19931495 main

Stability

Lateral stability test

Assessing how steady the Nike Savaleos is by actively shifting our ankles, we can tell that it is quite stable but definitely not as planted as the big boy lifting shoes.

Nike wildhourse 7 Nike Romaleos 4.

Torsional rigidity

If you have flat feet or overpronation, we wouldn't be worried about rolling the ankle in the Nike Savaleos. Its torsional rigidity is on par with all the other lifting shoes we've tested.

A solid 5 out of 5!

Test results
Savaleos 5
Average 4.3
Compared to 6 weightlifting shoes
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1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

Squeezing the heel counter, we were also pleasantly surprised with its stiffness, both in hand and around the ankle.

We gave it the highest (5/5) rating, feeling the benefits of its secure heel clutch.

Test results
Savaleos 5
Average 4.8
Compared to 6 weightlifting shoes
nike sb charge suede sneakers cargo khaki black cargo khaki light army
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

For a shoe that is not intended for lifting only, the Nike Savaleos has an impressively wide platform.

It features diamond-shaped outriggers, similar to the Romaleos, to provide stability without being too bulky.

At the widest part of the forefoot, our calliper shows 116 mm. Significantly wider than the average of lifting shoes!

nike savaleos midsole width in the forefoot 19931472 main
Test results
Savaleos 116.0 mm
Average 107.7 mm
Compared to 6 weightlifting shoes
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102.0 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
116.0 mm

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Measuring in at 94.3 mm between the widest points of the heel, we found it to be wider than average.

We felt incredibly surefooted pushing off such a wide base!

nike savaleos midsole width in the heel 19931473 main
Test results
Savaleos 94.2 mm
Average 86.7 mm
Compared to 6 weightlifting shoes
nike sb charge suede sneakers cargo khaki black cargo khaki light army
77.1 mm
Nike Womens WMNS NSW React Vision Essential White Iridescent CW0730-100
94.2 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

As a training shoe that's supposed to "do it all," we expected the Savaleos to have a good flex in the forefoot...And it does!

It only took 15.1N of force to bend the shoe to a 30-degree angle, according to our shoe flexing tester. This made the Savaleos way more agreeable for lunges, planks, and burpees compared to a traditional lifting shoe.

For comparison, it took 30.0N (50% more!) to bend the Nike Romaleos 4, the brand's more standard lifter.

Nike Savaleos Flexibility / Stiffness
Test results
Savaleos 15.1N
Average 15.8N
Compared to 5 weightlifting shoes
nike sb charge suede sneakers cargo khaki black cargo khaki light army
5.8N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
30.0N

Weight

The Nike Savaleos is one of the lightest weightlifting shoes we've ever seen!

Because it is built as a lifter-trainer hybrid, the shoe cuts down on the bulk of traditional lifting shoes. It III the scale at only 14.8 oz (420g), while its older sibling, the Romaleos 4 weighs in at 20.1 oz (571g).

Its lightness makes the Savaleos more suitable for jumps and other agile exercises from the WOD, which is not the case for traditional lifters.

Test results
Savaleos 14.82 oz (420g)
Average 17.53 oz (497g)
Compared to 6 weightlifting shoes
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11.53 oz (327g)
Weight
22.12 oz (627g)

Breathability

Lifting shoes are notorious for their lack of breathability. That's because they typically use genuine or synthetic leather for their uppers. And the Nike Savaleos is no exception.

But to our surprise, the shoe performed a marine better than other lifters in our fog-machine test. Based on the amount of smoke passing through its upper, we rated it as 3 out of 5, which puts it into the breathable range.

Nike Air Max 90 "Euro Tour" Reebok Nano X2 (right shoe) is a better option.

In the transparency test below, we can clearly see what helps the shoe stay ventilated. There is mesh fabric on the tongue as well as perforations on the toebox.

Taking photos of the upper through our microscope, we get a better view of the shoe's ventilation holes.

Nike Savaleos Microscope 1

Nike Savaleos Microscope 2

Test results
Savaleos 3
Average 2
Compared to 6 weightlifting shoes
nike sb charge suede sneakers cargo khaki black cargo khaki light army
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

Our initial impression of the shoe's polyurethane upper material was not very positive. It felt somewhat cheap in hand and creased too easily as we bent the feet.

Running our wear resistance test with a Dremel, we got a confirmation - this is not the most durable upper. Based on the damage caused by applying the tool for 12 seconds, we gave the Savaleos only 3 out of 5 for its toebox durability.

The most durable lifter on our list by far is the Nike zoom court nxt tennis shoes dh0222 100 white teal women sz 5 new (a solid 5 out of 5). Its genuine leather cover is second to none.

Nike Savaleos Toebox durability comparison
The Nike Savaleos (left) vs. the Nike zoom court nxt tennis shoes dh0222 100 white teal women sz 5 new (right) after the same Dremel test.
Test results
Savaleos 3
Average 3.5
Compared to 6 weightlifting shoes
nike sb charge suede sneakers cargo khaki black cargo khaki light army
1
Toebox durability
5

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The padding on the Savaleos' heel collar also left us wanting.

After 4 seconds under the Dremel, the lining and foam received more damage than the other lifting shoes in our lab. We rated the durability of this part as 3 out of 5, less than the average.

But given that the Nike Savaleos is £80 cheaper than premium lifting shoes, we consider it a fair trade-off.

Test results
Savaleos 3
Average 3.6
Compared to 5 weightlifting shoes
nike sb charge suede sneakers cargo khaki black cargo khaki light army
1
nike vapormax 2019 pinstripes ar6631 008 release info
5

Outsole hardness

Scarpa Nike Internationalist Donna Bianco.

First of all, the Savaleos uses a pretty hard rubber compound. Pressing a durometer against it, we found that it is as hard as 89.8 HC. This is notably denser than the average of lifting shoes.

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Nike Savaleos Outsole hardness
Test results
Savaleos 89.8 HC
Average 85.1 HC
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Compared to 6 weightlifting shoes
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79.5 HC
Outsole hardness
90.6 HC

Outsole thickness

We also discovered that the shoe's outsole is thicker than average.

Using a calliper, we measured it at 4.0 mm. For reference, the rubber on advanced lifters like Air Force 1 Happy Pineapple Natural hier die zweite Version aus dem Pack and the Legacy Lifter III is a marine thinner - 3.8 mm and 3.4 mm respectively.

Nike Savaleos Outsole thickness
Test results
Savaleos 4.0 mm
Average 3.6 mm
Compared to 6 weightlifting shoes
nike sb charge suede sneakers cargo khaki black cargo khaki light army
2.1 mm
Outsole thickness
5.0 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

Slipping is not an option in the Nike Savaleos. The grip is simply amazing!

nike savaleos outsole 19931496 main

We haven't had any issues moving around the gym floors...or walls for that matter.

Yes, there is a handy lip at the back of the shoe that allowed our heels to glide on the wall during handstand pushups.

Tongue padding

The in-shoe padding is just right in the Nike Savaleos. We measured the tongue thickness at 4.5 mm. It is a marine thinner than average but never took away from the overall comfort.

Nike Savaleos Tongue padding

The shoe is also amply padded around the ankle collar.

Test results
Savaleos 4.5 mm
Average 5.0 mm
Compared to 6 weightlifting shoes
nike sb charge suede sneakers cargo khaki black cargo khaki light army
1.9 mm
Tongue padding
7.4 mm

Tongue: gusset type

We love gusseted tongues! Even if they are semi-gusseted.

They make us feel so much more confident and locked in when moving, especially side-to-side. And should we add that the tongue never ended up shifting in the Savaleos?

Nike Savaleos Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Savaleos Both sides (semi)

Heel tab

nike savaleos heel tab 19931480 main

Removable insole

Nike Savaleos Removable insole