The first-ever AMP version of the Nike Romaleos 4 Oly lifter. This is Nike’s premium weightlifting shoe for 2020.
It’s a bold styling option – these are very unique colorways that are usually made in somewhat limited numbers.
Beyond the bold design statement, the shoe looks and acts like a regular Nike Romaleos 4.
We’ve tested the Nike Romaleos 4 extensively – it’s a good Oly lifter (even if it is a bit noisy.) This is one of the more mundane colorways.
Here’s some of the styles we are going to look at:
Nike Romaleos 4 AMP With extra-bold styling the Nike Romaleos 4 AMP is a good looking shoe. It packs all the same performance features as the regular edition Romaleos 4 - and that's a good thing..
Nike Romaleos 4 (White/Black) The Romaleos 4 has a very firm sole and very little cushion - which is exactly what you want for heavy barbell weightlifting. Shown here in Black/White, this is one of the colorways in many of the photos.
Nike Romaleos 4 (Black) Also available in black, you can see the tall heel raise (or drop) that these shoes provide - making getting low in the squat easier.
Nike Romaleos 4 – Video Review on our YouTube Channel
Why read when you can watch? Check out this video from our YouTube channel:
(NOTE: The Romaleos 4 AMP is identical to the regular Romaleos 4 shoe from a performance and features standpoint.)
Nike Romaleos 4 AMP – Overview
Let’s take a tour of what makes the AMP shoe special.
We’ll explain the features of the shoe as we go.
Let’s start with the mile-high heel raise. This shoe gives you a 20mm heel to toe drop. That means it’s easier to get deep into the squat.
Not only does it have a large amount of heel raise, the midsole and outsole are rock solid. These are effectively zero cushion shoes – and that’s what you want for lifting heavy barbells. Whether you are powerlifting (squat, deadlift) or Oly lifting (clean/snatch/jerk) this is the best shoe.
From the top view you can see the dual midfoot straps – these are a key ingredient to getting the most secure, locked-in fit possible. You can’t have loose fitting Oly lifters – that means a loss of power when you explosively lift the weights.
The Romaleos 4 has a very intricate looking outsole. It’s rubber and it gives great traction on the gym floor.
The only real complaint we have about the Romaleos 4 is that it is the noisiest Oly lifter of 2020. How so? It makes a very high pitched clatter sound when you land after the 2nd pull (or walk). All Oly squat shoes are noisy – but these are noisier than all the rest. Why? Maybe it’s that plastic heel and the thin knife edge it has…
Nike Romaleos 4 Regular Versus AMP
As we’ve mentioned, there’s no performance difference between the two shoes.
The AMP colorway is just a bold style.
Great for those that want to stand out from the crowd – and declare “I am not a robot.”
Here’s some photos of the other colorways available.
Want something more subtle? Check out the Black/White colorway shown here – my personal favorite.
Some people don’t like the ostentatious swoosh logo on these shoes, but there’s no escaping it – it’s on every edition of the shoe.
There is a hollow section to the outsole – I suppose to help lighten the shoe. This doesn’t compromise traction.
Here’s another colorway that we tested. Sharp!
Nike Romaleos 4 AMP – Sizing
As with the regular edition of the shoe, I recommend you go 1/2 size up on the Romaleos 4.
Why? The toe area is quite “pointy” and it’s a tight fit on my feet in my normal shoe size.
Going up from an 11 to an 11.5 was the perfect solution for me.
I recommend you consider doing the same.
I tested these in both 11.5 and 12 size (my normal size is 11). I recommend you go 1/2 size up for this shoe – it’s pointy and narrow up in the toe box.
Nike Romaleos 4 AMP – In Summary
The Nike Romaleos 4 is our top pick for an Oly lifter shoe in the year 2020.
The new AMP edition brings bold style to the game.
It’s more expensive, but under the covers, it’s the same great Romaleos 4 as the regular edition.
Nike Romaleos 4 AMP – the upper is a dense cloth – it’s supportive and somewhat breathable – but as with all Oly lifters these aren’t meant to be lightweight shoes.
Photo Credits
Some product photos on this page are property of Nike.
This website is not affiliated or associated with CrossFit, Inc. CrossFit is a registered trademark of CrossFit, Inc.
Close-up of the alternating midfoot straps – I like having two straps because you can dial in the precise amount of tightness up high and down low on your foot (as compared to an Oly lifter with a single strap.)
Affiliate Disclaimer
We are an affiliate of Rogue Fitness, and other sellers of this shoe. If you buy shoes after clicking the links in this article, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us to bring you in-depth information and content on these great lifting shoes.
Here’s a closeup of the raised heel. The 20 mm heel to toe drop ensures you can lift with ease, but this is a noisy shoe.
CrossTrainClothes.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Disclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Nike’s React Metcon shoe is the first Metcon shoe to incorporate their proprietary React foam cushioning system. Why? For high-impact comfort AND stability. The Nike React Metcon takes a lot of inspiration from the Nike Metcon 5. You’ll notice the outsole and rope wrap are identical. And this means you get the stability and traction from the training original. Buy you also get Nike’s most comfortable cushioning – React foam. With this, you can tackle any high-impact (box jumps, sprints, jump rope, etc.) and lifting workouts with a light, breathable upper and durable grip to keep you going. Here’s the outsole. See the similarities? Where’s the React foam? It’s on the inside, in the midsole. You’ll notice from the top view that this shoe takes the same basic shape as the Metcon 5. The upper is made from FlyKnit – which is Nike’s knit yarn-like material. Just be aware that it is a double layer FlyKnit -so it is not quite as lightweight as the running shoes that use FlyKnit. Where are the laces? This shoe doesn’t use traditional laces. [Read more …]
Disclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The new special edition of Reebok’s CrossFit shoe – the Nano X Froning men’s training shoe is now available. This shoe joins the Nike Metcon 5 Mat Fraser edition as being a shoe specifically associated with a high-performing CrossFit athlete. This shoe has all the great features of the Nano X but it definitely has a crisp look to it. Here’s some of the places you can get the shoe (Note: We are an affiliate of these sellers) Nano X Froning – Video Review on YouTube Why read when you can watch? Here’s a hands-on look at the Reebok Nano X Froning – and a side-by-side comparison to a regular Nano X! The Nano X is an excellent cross training shoe – it was the runner-up in our Best CrossFit Shoes for 2021 review. Nano X Froning Training Shoe – Overview Who is Rich Froning Jr.? He is known as The Fittest Man in History – thanks to his many CrossFit games wins (and when he finished with individual competition his team Mayhem continues to crush competitions). These shoes were [Read more …]
Disclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Let’s review the newest Nike Workout Clothes from Rogue. When working out, it is vital to wear comfortable clothing that uses unique fabrics to keep you cool and dry. A satisfying workout can suddenly turn unpleasant if you find yourself soaking in your sweat or constantly wobbling into your leggings that lost their stretch. Any t-shirt might be good to wear during a workout, but you can become uncomfortable halfway through it as you start to sweat and you suddenly feel heavy. Workout clothes should not only look good but should also perform well. Here are some of the styles we are going to look at: Nike Workout Clothes from Rogue – Overview The best workout clothes can improve the effectiveness of your workout by keeping you cool and comfortable. When scanning for workout clothes, you usually want to examine three principal factors: moisture management, breathability, and protection. Thankfully, Nike Workout Clothes from Rogue considered all these factors when they made their workout clothes as all of them are made from polyester. Polyester is not only durable, wrinkle-resistant, and moisture-wicking. [Read more …]