Nike Romaleos Vs Savaleos: Unbiased Practical Comparison

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When it comes to weightlifting and just generally choosing a good shoe for performance, the right pair can make a big difference.

Two of the most popular options right now in this space right now are the Nike Romaleos and the Nike Savaleos.

As someone who has tried both of these shoes, there are some crucial differences between the two, which may influence you in deciding which shoe is best for you and your training goals.

Nike Romaleos Overview

I’ve had the opportunity to try various lifting shoes, and the Nike Romaleos have been a standout option for me. Here’s a quick overview of the Nike Romaleos.

Key Features of the Romaleos

Compared to the Savaleos, the Nike Romaleos are known for their exceptional stability and support.

One of the most significant features is the rigid, flat sole that provides a stable base, ensuring optimal power transfer while lifting.

The shoe also has an elevated heel, which helps maintain proper lifting posture by allowing for an increased range of motion in the ankle.

Another key aspect is the presence of dual straps that secure my foot tightly, offering a customized and locked-in feel.

Price Range

When it comes to the price, compared to the Savaleo the Nike Romaleos is more expensive. Mainly because it’s made of stronger materials.

It can be considered a high-quality investment. The price range usually falls between $150 to $200, depending on where you shop and the time of year.

While it may seem expensive, I find the durability and performance enhancements they provide justify the cost, particularly for those who are serious about weightlifting.

You can expect them to last a very long time because they are so well-built.

Nike Savaleos Overview

Key Features of the Savaleos

The Nike Savaleos caught my eye for their versatility and lightweight design. I found these shoes to provide a solid, stable base for lifting, with just the right amount of heel raise to optimize my performance. The single strap across the midfoot allowed me to customize the fit easily, and the breathable mesh material kept my feet comfortable during longer workouts.

Price Range

In terms of price, the Savaleos do come in cheaper than the Romaleos but this is mainly due to the fact that they are not made with the same materials and I would assume from having worn them that they are not as hard-wearing as the Romaleos either.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing because it means you do not have to break the bank to get a quality pair of weightlifting shoes, and the cost of these shoes does make them an attractive option for some.

They do offer great value for the performance and features provided.

The Main Differences Between the Nike Romaleos and the Savaleos

Nike Savaleos vs Romaleos – What Are They Each Best At?

A lot of people are understandably comparing the Nike Savaleos to the Romaleos, ever since the newer shoe made its entrance. 

When the Savaleos first came out, I had to grab a pair myself because I wanted to see if they would be better than my Romaleos which I had been using for a while.

>>>Check out my recent Metcon vs Romaleos video HERE <<<

I like the fact that Nike made the Savaleos have less of a heel drop, which, in my opinion, equates to a higher level of comfort when walking. 

The reason Nike made the Savaleos much lighter in weight and more comfortable, is because they are intended to be used as a cross-training shoe as well, instead of only being a shoe for weightlifting. 

On the other hand, the Romaleos seem much stronger and more supportive. 

They are the gold standard for lifting and are considered a must for anyone who is serious about weightlifting. 

The Romaleos shoes have two straps, which is a win in my eyes. The dual straps allow me to get a more secure fit. No chance of slippage at all.

The Savaleos have a single strap, which is perfectly fine for weightlifting, but if you are accustomed to the dual strap of the Romaleos, you may find you cannot get the precise fit you prefer. 

When it comes to materials, I will have to say my Romaleos are the clear winner. The uppers feel much more robust than the Savaleos. Neither of the two offers much breathability, but I had no issues with either. 

Finally, we will get down to the price tag. People are going to naturally like the Savaleos because (at the time of doing this review) they are $80 cheaper than the Romaleos. 

Do The Nike Savaleos Run Small?

I wear a size 12, so I picked up a pair of Nike Savaleos in the same size. . 

The fit was as I expected it to be. I would say they are true to size, also, I did not experience any heel slippage in the Savaleos or the Romaleos, something that many are concerned about.

If you have wide feet, you may want to go up a whole size. They feel great if you can get the size down perfectly, but if they are making your feet feel cramped, you are not going to be on your game in the gym. 

Are The Nike Savaleos Good for CrossFit Workouts?

Nike Savaleos are not only for weightlifting. As I mentioned briefly above, their lightness and flexibility mean they can actually be used for CrossFit. 

I wanted to try the Savaleos while doing box jumps, and I found they held up well and allowed my foot to flex just enough to make the jumps easier. 

Although they performed great for box jumps, they fell flat while rope climbing. There just was not enough outsole grip to make me feel secure while climbing. 

The Savaleos performed a lot better when I was doing my kettlebell AMRAPs. These shoes are perfect when you need to plant your feet and stay stable. 

I would not exactly label these as a solid CrossFit shoe, but if you do both weightlifting and CrossFit and want a shoe that will hold up well for both, you are likely going to like the Nike Savaleos. 

Which Should You Buy, Nike Savaleos or Romaleos?

Comparing one weightlifting shoe to another, especially from the same company, is not always easy. While both shoes have some similarities, I believe they are different enough to make a choice, depending on your fitness focus. 

If you are a focused lifter, the Savaleos are likely not going to perform as well for you as the Romaleos. The Savaleos are not as sturdy and do not allow your feet to plant as well. They are much lighter in weight and flexibility, which is not a good thing when lifting. 

On the other hand, if you are just getting into weightlifting and lean more on the side of CrossFit, the Nike Savaleos may be perfect for you. I feel they would be ideal for beginning weightlifters because of their comfort and price tag. 

As a person who focuses more on lifting than anything else, I prefer the Romaleos. I have nothing against the Savaleos and was actually impressed with how they feel, but I just do not think they offer that bulky bedrock platform for lifting that my Romaleos offer. 

Does Nike Make the Best Weightlifting Shoes?

While I do like my Romaleos, it is difficult to say whether Nike they make the best weightlifting shoes, as different brands and models may be better suited for different individuals based on their specific needs and preferences.

Many weightlifters prefer Nike weightlifting shoes for their design, comfort, and performance features, but other known brands such as Adidas, Reebok, and lesser-known names like Inov-8, TYR, and NoBull all offer options worth considering in the lifting shoe space.

It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what works best for each individual’s body type, lifting style, and goals.

When selecting weightlifting shoes, it is important to consider factors such as fit, stability, heel height, and overall support. Additionally, it is essential to choose shoes that are specifically designed for weightlifting, as these will have features that can enhance your performance and reduce the risk of injury.

Nike does offer some high-quality weightlifting shoes, but it is important to consider a variety of brands and models.

Of course, there are many opinions on this subject. If you ask most weightlifters, they are going to at least acknowledge that Nikes are high on their list of favorites. 

I personally take it on a shoe-by-shoe basis, I like the way the Nike Romaleos feel, how they look, and how they fit. If you are looking for a solid pair of weightlifting shoes, that offers the right balance and performance, you cannot go wrong with the Romaleos. So far, they have been one of my favorites, and I think I will have them in rotation for a long time. 

Do not get me wrong. The new Nike Savaleos are great shoes. They are perfect for casual lifters who also enjoy CrossFit. While they are lacking in some areas, but they will likely perform well for those who are not looking for a shoe with a bit more versatility. 

Conclusion – Nike Savaleos vs Romaleos

In my experience with both the Nike Romaleos and Savaleos, their unique attributes cater to different aspects of weightlifting and training.

After having tried both shoes, I can safely say that each has its benefits and drawbacks depending on the specific use.

I found that the Nike Romaleos provide excellent stability and support, particularly for heavy lifting sessions. The solid base and higher heel allowed me to maintain a strong position, ultimately improving my squat performance.

The Romaleos might feel a bit too heavy and restrictive for functional movements or dynamic exercises which is completely fine for me and the type of workouts I intend to do in them.

On the other hand, the Nike Savaleos proved to be versatile, standing out as a great option for those who want a more well-rounded training shoe.

The wider sole and firmer grip around the toe-box made it suitable for various workouts, including Olympic lifts, kettlebell movements, and even running short distances. But the Savaleos may not provide the same level of stability as the Romaleos for extremely heavy lifts.

Nike Romaleos vs Savaleos – FAQs