Is the Heel Height on Nike Savaleos Too Low for Squats

I am looking at the Nike Savaleos because they are much more affordable than the Romaleos but I am worried that the heel height is too low for squats. I think they have a 0.5 inch drop whereas the Romaleos have closer to 0.75 or more. I have quite poor ankle mobility from years of football in Yorkshire.

I want to know if that extra quarter inch really makes a difference for hitting depth. I do not want to buy them and then find out I still cannot squat properly. I am also curious about the overall stability since they only have one strap instead of two.

Has anyone here used the Savaleos for heavy training? Do you think they are a good entry level shoe or should I just save up for the top tier models? I would love to hear from anyone who has used both and can tell me if the heel height difference is noticeable.

Nah, for most people, 0.5 inches is absolutely fine. The Savaleos are a solid choice, especially if you're not an elite lifter or have severe ankle mobility issues. It's more about your mechanics than an extra tenth of an inch heel.

Agreed with Mike. The 'ideal' heel height is highly individual. Some people actually prefer less heel elevation to engage more posterior chain. If your ankle mobility is good, Savaleos should be perfectly adequate. Try them on if you can.

I'm with you, OP. I found the Savaleos a bit too flat for my taste, personally. My ATG squats felt much better in my old Romaleos 2s, which have a higher effective heel. It's all about what feels right for your body type and squat style, innit?

I made the switch from beat-up trainers to Savaleos a year ago and it was a game-changer for me. The 0.5-inch drop is plenty for my ankle mobility, and the shoe itself is super stable. No issues with depth.

As a coach, I always tell clients to assess their own ankle mobility first. If you can't comfortably hit depth in flat shoes, then a slight heel like the Savaleos might help. If you still struggle, then yes, you might need something with a higher effective heel, or focus on mobility drills.

I actually went with the Adidas Powerlift 5s, which also have a 0.5-inch effective heel height. They're pretty comparable in price to the Savaleos and feel solid. Worth checking out if you're on the fence.

It's not just about ankle mobility, but also femur length and torso length. Taller lifters with longer femurs often benefit more from a higher heel to maintain an upright torso. For shorter lifters, 0.5 inches might be more than enough.

For anyone on a budget, Savaleos are probably the best bang for your buck if you want a dedicated squat shoe. You're not going to get a significantly higher heel without spending a lot more, and for most, the difference isn't worth double the price.

I've tried both Savaleos and Romaleos 4. The Savaleos are definitely a step up from flat shoes, but if you're serious about Olympic lifting or have really poor ankle mobility, the Romaleos (or even the Legacy Lifters) offer that extra stability and heel height that can make a difference.

Honestly, people overthink heel height. Unless you're competing at a very high level or have specific physical limitations, just lift. Your body adapts. A low heel forces better mobility.

Just wear what feels good, man. If Savaleos work for you, then they work.

It sounds like the consensus is: Savaleos are good for most, but not for everyone. As with any gear, personal preference and individual biomechanics rule the day.

I'm new to lifting and trying to decide on shoes. Is a 0.5-inch heel a good starting point for a beginner, or should I go with something flatter like Converse first to build natural strength?

My physio actually recommended a slightly lower heel for me, specifically because I tend to over-rely on the heel elevation and pitch forward. The Savaleos helped me learn to keep my weight more balanced through my midfoot. It's counter-intuitive for some, but it worked for my specific issue.

Ultimately, the best shoe is the one that allows you to squat safely and effectively, hitting full depth with good form. For many, that's the Savaleos. For others, it's something else. Don't let forum debates stop you from trying what feels right.