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.
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