ABOUT US
Where Biomechanics Meet Uncompromising Performance
OUR ORIGIN
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 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.
OUR STORY
The Idea Takes Shape
Founder Joe Chau, a competitive powerlifter in the 67kg class, set out to create what didn't exist: a minimalist double-strap deadlift slipper — zero drop, ultra-thin, with excellent grip. After coming home from his day job, he worked evenings and weekends to bring it to life. The first prototypes arrived in 2018 and went straight to the platform for real-world testing with trusted friends.
Five Pairs and a Leap of Faith
Notorious Lift officially launched with the Notorious Lifters Gen 1. The first drop sold exactly 5 pairs. But Joe didn't get discouraged — he kept sharing the product with the powerlifting community, listening to feedback, and iterating. That same year, he quit his day job to go all-in on Notorious Lift.
The Community Catches On
Powerlifters caught on fast. Notorious Lifters Gen 2 improved upon the original, and inventory couldn't keep up — each drop sold out within minutes. Customer feedback called for more lateral support, leading to the creation of the Sumo Sole line. The brand achieved almost cult-like status overnight. In 2021, Sumo Sole Gen 2 becomes the fastest selling single product line in NL history.
From One Model to a Full Lineup
The team identified a gap in the market for wide toe-box barefoot-style footwear and began developing three new product lines: a wide toe-box slipper, a lace-up training shoe, and a squat shoe. Development also began on the proprietary Novus™ Griptech rubber compound. In 2023, Sumo Sole Gen 3 became the first wide toe-box deadlift slipper ever made. Notorious Lift develops plans to produce a lineup of footwear for all strength training athletes, not just powerlifters.
Two Years in the Making
After two years of development and scrapped prototypes, Radix — a minimalist wide toe-box barefoot training shoe — finally reached mass production, introducing the Novus™ rubber compound to the market. Sumo Sole Gen 4 followed with a thinner, lighter, more supportive design.
The Lineup Comes Together
In 2025, Ronin Lifters wide toe-box squat shoe launches after 3 years in development. Radix Pro releases later that year, offering greater grip, stability, and comfort for intense training. Finally, 2026 starts off strong with SSG5, another update to the Sumo Sole line — the most technically advanced deadlift slipper ever created.
OUR TECHNOLOGY
Engineered for the Platform
Every Notorious Lift shoe is built with proprietary Novus™ Griptech rubber, anatomically shaped wide toe boxes, and ultra-thin zero-drop soles — all approved for competition by every major federation worldwide.
From the outsole compound to the strap system, every detail is designed for one thing: maximizing your performance on the platform.
Our Lineup
Five distinct models for every lifting style
Ronin Lifters
Our Wide Toe‑Box Heeled Squat Shoe. For powerlifters who need more squat depth and want added stability.
Key Tech: 20mm heel, Novus™ 2.0 Griptech, laces with dual‑strap lockdown
Best for: Squats, bench press, overhead press, weightlifting, strongman
Radix Pro
The Precision Barefoot Training Shoe. For strength athletes who want one shoe for all lifts—squat, deadlift, bench, dynamic training—without sacrificing ground feel or stability.
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 looking for true 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, wide 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 width toe box, dual‑strap lockdown, 3.8mm flat sole
Best for: Deadlifts, squats, strongman events, general gym use
Worn by Record‑Holders, Trusted by Lifters Worldwide
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 5 (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.
What makes Notorious Lift different from other powerlifting shoe brands?
Notorious Lift is one of the only footwear brands founded by a competitive powerlifter and world-record holder. Every shoe is designed with biomechanics first — featuring anatomically shaped wide toe boxes, proprietary Novus™ Griptech rubber compounds, and ultra-thin zero-drop soles. All models are approved for competition by IPF, USAPL, USPA, and every major global powerlifting and strongman federation. Unlike mainstream athletic brands, we design exclusively for strength athletes.
Are Notorious Lift shoes approved for IPF and USAPL competitions?
Yes. All Notorious Lift footwear — including the Sumo Sole, Notorious Lifters, Radix, Radix Pro, and Ronin Lifters — is approved for use in all global powerlifting and strongman federations. This includes IPF, USAPL, USPA, Powerlifting America, World Strongman Federation (WSF), North American Strongman (NAS), and more. Our shoes are competition-legal at every level from local meets to world championships.
What is the best shoe for sumo deadlifts?
The Sumo Sole Gen 5 is widely considered the best sumo deadlift slipper available. It features a 3.8mm ultra-thin sole for maximum ground contact, a wide EE toe box that allows natural toe splay for a wider sumo stance, and Novus™ 3.0 Griptech for competition-grade traction. Over 70% of competitors at major powerlifting meets wear Notorious Lift slippers on the deadlift platform.
What is the difference between the Sumo Sole and Notorious Lifters?
Both are deadlift slippers with 3.8mm zero-drop soles and dual-strap lockdown. The key difference is the toe box: the Sumo Sole has a wide EE toe box designed for maximum toe splay (ideal for sumo deadlifts), while the Notorious Lifters Gen 3 has a standard D-width toe box for lifters who prefer a more traditional, snug fit. Both are IPF approved and use the same sole construction.
Do I need a heeled shoe or flat shoe for squats?
It depends on your ankle mobility and squat style. If you have limited ankle mobility or prefer an upright squat position, a heeled shoe like the Ronin Lifters (20mm heel) will help you hit depth more easily. If you have good mobility and prefer a natural foot position, a flat zero-drop shoe like the Radix Pro or Radix provides excellent ground feel and stability. Many competitive powerlifters own both and choose based on the lift.
What is Novus™ Griptech and why does it matter?
Novus™ Griptech is Notorious Lift's proprietary rubber compound, developed in-house specifically for strength training surfaces. It delivers 30% more traction than conventional cup-sole rubber and maintains consistent grip across carpet, wood platforms, rubber flooring, and concrete. The compound is optimized for the multi-directional forces generated during squats, deadlifts, and bench press. Novus™ 3.0 (the latest generation) is featured in the Sumo Sole Gen 5 and Radix Pro.
What shoe does Notorious Lift recommend for all-around gym training?
The Radix Pro is our recommendation for athletes who want one shoe that covers everything — squats, deadlifts, bench press, dynamic training, and accessory work. It combines a wide EE toe box, Novus™ 3.0 Griptech sole, extended sole flanges for lateral stability, and a 3.3mm zero-drop platform. It's designed as the ultimate one-shoe solution for strength athletes.
Where is Notorious Lift based and where do you ship?
Notorious Lift is based in Buena Park, California. We ship domestically across the United States and internationally to most countries worldwide. We also have authorized distributors in select regions to provide faster shipping and avoid customs fees. Visit our Distributor Page for international purchasing options.
