Born from a Powerlifter’s Frustration
In 2019, our founder, Joe Chau—a competitive powerlifter and WR deadlift holder in the 67kg class—grew tired of the lack of minimalist footwear options available to the powerlifting community. He saw lifters compromising performance because there weren't enough shoe companies adequately serving this niche community.
So, he started Notorious Lift started with a simple idea: Create minimalist footwear that was zero drop, low to the floor, had excellent grip, and still provided a locked in feel.
The brand began out of his living room, with boxes stacked high along every wall. The pool table in the center of the room was his shipping table. But the brand grew quickly, and by iterating on prototypes with feedback from the top powerlifters in the world, Notorious Lift became a household name in the powerlifting community. Every design decision was tested under load, and validated in competition. Today, that same obsessive approach defines every pair we make.
How We Engineer
Wide Toe‑Box Engineering
Unlike traditional lifting shoes that squeeze the forefoot, most Notorious Lift models feature an anatomically shaped toe box that allows natural toe splay. This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about force production. When your toes can spread, you create a broader base of support, improve balance, and generate more drive through the floor.
Ground‑Feel & Traction
We pioneered Novus™ Griptech Rubber Compounds—proprietary outsoles that deliver 30% more traction than conventional cup‑sole rubber. Every sole is optimized for the surface it contacts: carpet, wood platforms, or rubber flooring.
Federation‑Approved Performance
All Notorious Lift shoes are approved for use in all global powerlifting and strongman federations, including IPF, USAPL, PA, USPA, WS, WSF, NAS, and more.
The Notorious Lift Difference – What Separates Us from the Crowd
What We Do
Design for biomechanics first – wide toe boxes, natural foot positioning, optimal heel heights.
Use proprietary compounds – Novus™ Griptech, developed in‑house for maximum traction.
Test under real competition loads – our shoes are worn by elite athletes before they reach your feet.
Build federation‑approved performance – every shoe we produce is eligible for use in global Powerlifting and Strongman competitions.
Support the community – We sponsor collegiate powerlifting programs, local and national meets, and charity events.
What Others Do
Prioritize aesthetics over anatomy – cramped toe boxes, compromised stability.
Rely on generic cup‑sole rubber – inconsistent and unreliable grip across different surfaces.
Rely on theory or simulations – without heavy‑load, real‑world validation.
Focus on marketing over performance – flashy designs or overly expensive products that don’t meet the hype.
Treat customers as transactions – minimal community investment or athlete support.
Worn by Record‑Holders, Trusted by Lifters Worldwide
Five Distinct Models, One Unwavering Standard
Ronin Lifters
The Wide Toe‑Box Heeled Squat Shoe. For powerlifters who squat with an upright torso, need depth without mobility limitations, and want added stability.
Key Tech: 20mm heel, Novus™ 2.0 Griptech, dual‑strap lockdown
Best for: Squats, bench press, overhead press, weightlifting, strongman
Radix Pro
The Precision Minimalist Training Shoe. For strength athletes who want one shoe for all lifts—squat, deadlift, bench, conditioning—without sacrificing ground feel.
Key Tech: Novus™ 3.0 Griptech, dual‑layer lycra and mesh upper with TPU reinforcement, 3.3mm ultra‑thin sole
Best for: All‑around training, squat, bench, deadlift, cross‑training, strongman
Radix
The Versatile Minimalist Training Shoe. For athletes moving toward minimalist footwear who still need grip and structural support under heavy loads.
Key Tech: Novus™ 2.0 Griptech, knit upper with reinforced lateral structure, 3.3mm ultra‑thin sole, EE forefoot toe box
Best for: All‑around training, squat, bench, deadlift, functional fitness, everyday wear
Sumo Sole
The Wide Toe‑Box Powerlifting Slipper. For sumo deadlifters who need maximal foot flare, conventional pullers who want ground feel, and lifters who prefer a slipper‑style fit.
Key Tech: 3.8mm ultra-thin sole, dual‑strap system, anatomical toe‑box shaping
Best for: Sumo deadlifts, conventional deadlifts, squat variations, bench press, accessory work
Notorious Lifters
The Minimalist Flat Slipper. For strength athletes who prefer a standard‑width fit and want a secure, no‑frills slipper built for heavy compound lifts.
Key Tech: Standard D‑width toe box, dual‑strap lockdown, 3.8mm flat sole
Best for: Deadlifts, squats, strongman events, general gym use
Innovation × Philanthropy – Lifting Up the Community
We sponsor dozens of collegiate powerlifting programs nationwide, as well as local and national meets and charity events. The sport grows when more people can access it—that belief drives every sponsorship decision we make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Notorious Lift shoes true to size?
Sizing varies by model. Ronin Lifters run slightly small (size up 1 EU from your slipper size). Radix, Radix Pro, Sumo Sole, and Notorious Lifters are true to size for most lifters. Check our sizing guide for exact measurements.
Which Notorious Lift shoe is best for deadlifts?
For sumo deadlifts, choose Sumo Sole Gen 4 (ultra‑wide toe box, 3.8mm sole). For conventional deadlifts, Radix Pro or Radix offer excellent ground feel and grip. Avoid heeled shoes (Ronin Lifters) for deadlifts.
Can I squat in Notorious Lift flat shoes?
Yes—if you have adequate ankle mobility. Radix Pro and Radix are great if you can squat in flats. If you need heel elevation for upright squatting, Ronin Lifters (20mm heel) are the better choice.
How do I clean my Notorious Lift shoes?
Hand wash only. Use cold water with a small amount of liquid detergent, gently scrub with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and air‑dry away from direct heat. Never machine wash or tumble dry.
Do Notorious Lift shoes come with a warranty?
We offer a 6 month manufacturer’s warranty against defects in materials or workmanship.
