Reebok Legacy Lifter II Cross Trainer Review
Editor’s Conclusion
The Reebok Legacy Lifter II cross trainer is the perfect shoe for lifters that can’t quite commit to a weightlifting routine. If you are anything like me, your lifting schedule seems to change with the seasons. Sometimes I’m really focused on pushing heavy weights, and in a few months I’ve switched over to circuit training. The new and improved Reebok Legacy Lifter is designed for people that are constantly floating from powerlifting to bodybuilding. It boasts a versatile frame that more easily adapts to heavyweight or quick movements.
Unlike dedicated powerlifting shoes, this design loses a little bit of stability in exchange for more fluidity and movement. Basically, the design of this shoe is the perfect marriage between powerlifting trainers and cross-training shoes. This is a shoe that gives you just enough support under heavy squats but can also be used for snappy circuits or clean and presses.
Below, I wanted to dive into all of the reasons why you need to add the Reebok Legacy Lifter to your ever-evolving weight lifting routines.
Unlike dedicated powerlifting shoes, this design loses a little bit of stability in exchange for more fluidity and movement. Basically, the design of this shoe is the perfect marriage between powerlifting trainers and cross-training shoes. This is a shoe that gives you just enough support under heavy squats but can also be used for snappy circuits or clean and presses.
Below, I wanted to dive into all of the reasons why you need to add the Reebok Legacy Lifter to your ever-evolving weight lifting routines.
Reebok Legacy Lifter II Cross Trainer Review Review Facts
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Key Features
MIDSOLE
Most dedicated powerlifting shoes omit that plush cushioning in exchange for a more firm and stable base. The Reebok Legacy Lifter II is just a little bit different. It provides users with a lightweight molded foam insert that cradles and comforts their foot and provides nice step-in feel that wasn’t really found in previous iterations of this shoe. Overall, the molded insole makes for a super comfortable fit that contours to the shape of your foot over time.
What I also love about this design is that it also boasts a TPU heel piece for added stability and control. The slightly elevated heel allows you to really dig into your heavy lifts like most powerlifting shoes with just a little bit of extra cushioning for more quick-paced circuit training as well. In addition to supported and flexible midsole materials, it also boasts Exoframe heel technology that really locks your heels in place which is incredibly helpful when engaging or squats or deadlifts.
UPPER
One of the biggest changes made to the Legacy Lifter II is the construction of the upper. While most powerlifting shoes have an upper that is made from stiff and hot leather materials, this shoe scraps those hot materials in exchange for lightweight and synthetic materials. The upper has a lot of structure along the top of the foot and utilizes softer and more breathable materials at the toe box. The Flexweave materials work profile a little bit of flex for more dynamic movements compared to stiff leather alternatives.
I also love that the upper is really locked down with the help of a velcro strap right long the topside of the foot. This strap helps to really lock the shoe down on your foot when engaging in heavy lifts, and it is super easy to adjust as needed. Previous versions of this shoe utilize two tandem straps, while the newest version drops one of the straps for a wider central strap that is lightweight and more breathable.
OUTSOLE
While this design is a little more flexible and nimble than your average powerlifting shoe, the pure rubber outsole is designed to accommodate some pretty heavy lifting. It is composed of a grooved rubber with a tacky finish that really helps you grip the floor for a stable base for your lifts. It also providers lifters with a full-length stability plate to really help your feet anchor to the ground.
The TPU stability plate is great because it cradles your foot in place, and provides a firm and stable base to really engage in your lifts. While the rubber works to give you a little bit of extra spring and cushion, the stability plate helps with motion control and support, so you won’t get that squishy feel found in some cross-training sneakers.
PERFORMANCE
This shoe is marketed as a cross-training shoe, and in some respects that is true. However, deep down in its soul, the Legacy Lifter II is a powerlifting shoe. The elevated heel, grippy rubber outsole, and stability plate are all of the features would want out of powerlifting shoes.
What makes this shoe a little different, however, is that it does possess some features that make it a little more versatile. The flex weave upper is really made move, allowing this shoe to transition from static 1 rep lifts to circuit training. It’s not exactly ideal for running due to the stiffer nature of the outsole, but I found that it provided just enough flex and support to make many of my fast-paced circuits a little easier.
FIT
Great lockdown is the hallmark of any lifting shoe, and the Legacy Lifter II has you covered. The Flexweave upper is designed to stretch over your foot for a customized fit, and the addition of the lockdown straps is another line of defense to prevent your shoes from slipping around on your feet as you engage in heavy lifts.
Finding the perfect fit for your foot may prove to be a little tricky, which is why I suggest trying them on before you buy (if you can). Some users found that the toe box and the heel runs a little bit narrower than previous iterations of this shoe. Opting for a half-size up might be your best option, especially if your feet are a little wider than average.
STYLE
Performance is important, but I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I also consider the style of the shoe before I buy. What sent the Legacy Lifter II into the ‘must buy’ category for me was the sleek styling of this shoe. While it boasts the general silhouette of your basic powerlifting shoe, subtle tweaks in the cut of this shoe, as well as the color palette, make this one good-looking shoe.
The best part about the style of this shoe is that it comes in a wide variety of color options. If you just want a neutral black palette, Reebok delivers. However, this shoe also comes in bright punchy colors that are incredibly on-trend right now, and are bound to get a few strangers asking you about your killer sneakers!
PRICE
The price tag of this design is pretty par for the course. It isn’t the most affordable option out there on the market, but it is far from being the most expensive. The update to the quality of materials used in this design as well as the versatile features that allow it to be worn outside of powerlifting routines makes it a really excellent value. It isn’t quite a versatile as other cross-trainers out there on the market, but it’s a great value for anyone that loves pushing heavy weights.
Most dedicated powerlifting shoes omit that plush cushioning in exchange for a more firm and stable base. The Reebok Legacy Lifter II is just a little bit different. It provides users with a lightweight molded foam insert that cradles and comforts their foot and provides nice step-in feel that wasn’t really found in previous iterations of this shoe. Overall, the molded insole makes for a super comfortable fit that contours to the shape of your foot over time.
What I also love about this design is that it also boasts a TPU heel piece for added stability and control. The slightly elevated heel allows you to really dig into your heavy lifts like most powerlifting shoes with just a little bit of extra cushioning for more quick-paced circuit training as well. In addition to supported and flexible midsole materials, it also boasts Exoframe heel technology that really locks your heels in place which is incredibly helpful when engaging or squats or deadlifts.
UPPER
One of the biggest changes made to the Legacy Lifter II is the construction of the upper. While most powerlifting shoes have an upper that is made from stiff and hot leather materials, this shoe scraps those hot materials in exchange for lightweight and synthetic materials. The upper has a lot of structure along the top of the foot and utilizes softer and more breathable materials at the toe box. The Flexweave materials work profile a little bit of flex for more dynamic movements compared to stiff leather alternatives.
I also love that the upper is really locked down with the help of a velcro strap right long the topside of the foot. This strap helps to really lock the shoe down on your foot when engaging in heavy lifts, and it is super easy to adjust as needed. Previous versions of this shoe utilize two tandem straps, while the newest version drops one of the straps for a wider central strap that is lightweight and more breathable.
OUTSOLE
While this design is a little more flexible and nimble than your average powerlifting shoe, the pure rubber outsole is designed to accommodate some pretty heavy lifting. It is composed of a grooved rubber with a tacky finish that really helps you grip the floor for a stable base for your lifts. It also providers lifters with a full-length stability plate to really help your feet anchor to the ground.
The TPU stability plate is great because it cradles your foot in place, and provides a firm and stable base to really engage in your lifts. While the rubber works to give you a little bit of extra spring and cushion, the stability plate helps with motion control and support, so you won’t get that squishy feel found in some cross-training sneakers.
PERFORMANCE
This shoe is marketed as a cross-training shoe, and in some respects that is true. However, deep down in its soul, the Legacy Lifter II is a powerlifting shoe. The elevated heel, grippy rubber outsole, and stability plate are all of the features would want out of powerlifting shoes.
What makes this shoe a little different, however, is that it does possess some features that make it a little more versatile. The flex weave upper is really made move, allowing this shoe to transition from static 1 rep lifts to circuit training. It’s not exactly ideal for running due to the stiffer nature of the outsole, but I found that it provided just enough flex and support to make many of my fast-paced circuits a little easier.
FIT
Great lockdown is the hallmark of any lifting shoe, and the Legacy Lifter II has you covered. The Flexweave upper is designed to stretch over your foot for a customized fit, and the addition of the lockdown straps is another line of defense to prevent your shoes from slipping around on your feet as you engage in heavy lifts.
Finding the perfect fit for your foot may prove to be a little tricky, which is why I suggest trying them on before you buy (if you can). Some users found that the toe box and the heel runs a little bit narrower than previous iterations of this shoe. Opting for a half-size up might be your best option, especially if your feet are a little wider than average.
STYLE
Performance is important, but I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I also consider the style of the shoe before I buy. What sent the Legacy Lifter II into the ‘must buy’ category for me was the sleek styling of this shoe. While it boasts the general silhouette of your basic powerlifting shoe, subtle tweaks in the cut of this shoe, as well as the color palette, make this one good-looking shoe.
The best part about the style of this shoe is that it comes in a wide variety of color options. If you just want a neutral black palette, Reebok delivers. However, this shoe also comes in bright punchy colors that are incredibly on-trend right now, and are bound to get a few strangers asking you about your killer sneakers!
PRICE
The price tag of this design is pretty par for the course. It isn’t the most affordable option out there on the market, but it is far from being the most expensive. The update to the quality of materials used in this design as well as the versatile features that allow it to be worn outside of powerlifting routines makes it a really excellent value. It isn’t quite a versatile as other cross-trainers out there on the market, but it’s a great value for anyone that loves pushing heavy weights.
Comparison to Previous Versions
It’s as if Reebok heard all of the complaints that lifters had in regards to the OG Legacy Lifter, and designed the Legacy Lift II with those complaints in mind. One of the biggest changes made to this version is that it drops the dual Velcro straps and replaces them with one single strap. While the dual straps offered a more contoured fit to your foot, many lifters found that this additional strap wasn’t necessary, and make the shoe a little uncomfortable and incredibly hot. This updated design has one single strap, and it utilizes a unique elastic lacing system to create a more contoured fit while keeping your foot cool, as well as cutting down on the overall weight and bulk of the shoe.
Overall, the biggest changes to this newer version lie in the upper. The previous version had uppers that were crafted from very stiff materials that weren’t very breathable. The mesh design of the upper of this option is much more breathable, it allows your toes to naturally splay, and allows for more natural movement and flex in your feet.
Overall, the biggest changes to this newer version lie in the upper. The previous version had uppers that were crafted from very stiff materials that weren’t very breathable. The mesh design of the upper of this option is much more breathable, it allows your toes to naturally splay, and allows for more natural movement and flex in your feet.
Verdict
Overall, I would recommend this shoe to dedicated powerlifters that also like to switch up their workout routines with some circuit training or lighter weight loads for recovery days. In its soul, the Legacy Lifter II is a powerlifting shoe. It boasts a classic design with an elevated heel and a stability plate that allows you to really dig into some heavy weights.
The flex weave upper and slight flex in the outsole is what makes it slightly deviate from your traditional powerlifting shoe. The slight flex and lighter overall weight of this trainer make transitioning from heavy weights to snappy circuits or drop sets a breeze. Also, if the style is something that a secretly important to you, there is bound to be a color option that you are sure to love!
The flex weave upper and slight flex in the outsole is what makes it slightly deviate from your traditional powerlifting shoe. The slight flex and lighter overall weight of this trainer make transitioning from heavy weights to snappy circuits or drop sets a breeze. Also, if the style is something that a secretly important to you, there is bound to be a color option that you are sure to love!
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