The Nike Romaleos 2 has single-handedly changed the face of weightlifting. The iconic design, the clever touches, and the quality had professional and amateur weightlifters hooked in no time.

This is the first shoe to feature a TUP heel ⁠(a solid, yet light plastic that breaks less easily than a wooden version would) and a sturdy, practically indestructible outer sole. It’s no wonder that acquiring a pair had become a rite of passage for many.

As award-winning weightlifter Chrissy Pulsinelli remarks in a guest column for Everyday Lifters, the Nike Romaleos 2 is the shoe she prefers for professional meet and greets up until this day. The design is synonymous with competence and expertise, she argues.

The Nike Romaleos 3 is different. Designed for a broader, more versatile audience, it’s become a favorite among cross-fitters, would-be weightlifters, and casual sportsmen. The Nike Romaleos 2 is the shoe reserved for Olympic weightlifters and the like, while the Nike Romaleos 3 is the pair everyone could invest in and wear with the utmost comfort.

Unlike the older design, the Nike Romaleos 3 features a unique honeycomb pattern, a full rubber outsole for a more aerodynamic, compact feel, and a slimmer, more snug fit. The modernized iteration of the all-time-favorite, the Romaleos 3 garnered popularity for its versatility and slick, modern feel.

We put together this article to help you figure out which shoe is the most optimal for your needs and requirements. From fit to built-in features and availability, we ranked the two shoes based on their specific shortcomings and advantages.

Release date

One of the most reliable Nike Romaleos prototypes of all time, the Nike Romaleos 2 was released eight years ago, on January 15, 2012. The reason why people still talk about it so enthusiastically? It remains the most popular shoe among amateur and professional weightlifters alike.