The Luxiaojun range features technical footwear and accessories designed by Olympic champion Lu Xiaojun, specifically for Olympic weightlifting, strength training and hybrid training. Since 2025, Sidea has been the brand’s official distributor in Italy and is also a supplier to the CrossFit Games. Six products cover all the technical needs of the weightlifting athlete.
Weightlifting shoes with a stiff heel for snatches and clean & jerks; Barefoot-inspired Training Shoes 1.0 for WODs and conditioning; 4″ weightlifting belt, W80 wrist wraps, knee sleeves, straps and thumb tape

Guida completa: Luxiaojun

Luxiaojun: The Complete Guide

Luxiaojun is the technical brand founded by Lu Xiaojun, a three-time Olympic champion and six-time world champion in weightlifting. The range includes two training shoes — one specifically designed for Olympic weightlifting, and a barefoot-style shoe for powerlifting and functional training — as well as five accessories dedicated to weightlifting: a 4-inch nylon belt, wrist wraps, knee sleeves, lifting straps and thumb tape. Since 2025, Sidea has been the official distributor of the brand in Italy, which in the same year became the technical supplier to the CrossFit Games. The target audience is clear: athletes practising Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit box members, strength and conditioning coaches, and those who train in the snatch and clean & jerk on a regular basis.

What is Luxiaojun: definition and function

Luxiaojun began as an athlete’s project. Lu Xiaojun developed the products based on the real-world demands of the platform — where he won Olympic gold — and subsequently applied the experience he had gained in competition to the range dedicated to hybrid training. The weightlifting shoes feature a rigid sole with a raised heel, designed to deliver maximum performance in movement patterns such as the front squat, whilst the accessories follow the logic of a competition kit: a belt to stabilise core support, wrist wraps for overhead lifts, and neoprene knee sleeves for joint warm-up.

The difference compared to a generic accessory from functional training It lies in adherence to the technical principles of weightlifting: targeted rigidity, stitching at points of torsion, and materials tested under maximum loads.

Types of Luxiaojun

Weightlifting shoes

Designed for use on a platform. Rigid, reinforced sole, strap fastening across the instep, reinforced upper. This footwear, with its raised heel and rigid sole, facilitates correct positioning of the athlete by shifting their centre of gravity and promoting better alignment of the torso and barbell during a deep squat, whilst helping to transfer force to the ground during the drive phase. Useful for those who regularly perform movements such as the snatch, clean & jerk, front squat and overhead squat.

Barefoot training shoes (Training Shoes 1.0)

A thin, wide sole that allows maximum freedom for the toes, improving proprioception and stability, a flexible upper, and zero heel-to-toe drop. Designed for mixed WODs, bodyweight strength training and conditioning. They are not suitable for long-distance running or Olympic lifts: they are an excellent choice for the box, the functional training gym and powerlifting.

Belts, wraps and knee sleeves for the core and joints

The 4" Nylon Lifting Belt works by increasing intra-abdominal pressure, making it excellent for supporting athletes during maximum squat and deadlift attempts. The W80 Wrist Wraps stabilise the wrist during the jerk and press. The compression neoprene Knee Sleeves enhance knee proprioception and maintain joint temperature between sets.

Lifting Strap and Thumb Tape

Cotton straps allow you to handle heavy weights on the bar during the snatch and clean when your grip gives way before the back chain does. The thumb tape protects the thumb when using the hook grip, the standard technique in Olympic weightlifting on weightlifting barbells.

How to choose: a guide to use cases

Commercial gym and weights room

If you work in a gym with clients who do weight training once or twice a week, focus on Weightlifting Shoes as shared equipment (though this is actually impossible, as every serious athlete wants their own pair) and on the Lifting Belt as a trial accessory to help them understand the difference in core stability.

Personal training studies

A personal trainer who works with competitive athletes or advanced amateurs keeps a set of wrist wraps and knee sleeves in their cupboard for fitting purposes. The Training Shoes 1.0 are used during mobility and bodyweight strength sessions.

Home gyms and garage gyms

Anyone who has a weightlifting platform At home, you should invest first in shoes (they make more of a difference than any other accessory) and then in a belt and wraps. Knee sleeves become important when deadlift loads exceed 2.0 times your body weight.

CrossFit Box

Two types of footwear: Training Shoes 1.0 for most of the WOD, and Weightlifting Shoes only for Olympic lifting sets or heavy days. Thumb tape is available for those using the hook grip.

Technical glossary

HOOK GRIP
A standard grip used in Olympic weightlifting, in which the thumb is tucked under the index and middle fingers against the bar. It provides greater stability with heavy loads but puts strain on the thumb, which is why thumb tape is used.
DROP
The difference in height between the heel and the forefoot in a shoe. Weightlifting Shoes have a pronounced drop (around 20 mm), whilst Training Shoes 1.0 have a zero drop to encourage a natural foot-to-ground pattern.
SNATCH
An Olympic lift in which the barbell is lifted from the floor above the head in a single movement using a wide grip. It requires ankle and shoulder mobility, as well as shoes with a stiff heel.
CLEAN & JERK
The second Olympic lift, performed in two stages: the barbell is first raised to the shoulders (clean) and then pushed overhead with a split (jerk). The jerk, in particular, puts strain on the wrists.
INTRA-ABDOMINAL PRESSURE
A mechanism for stabilising the spine, generated by the contraction of the diaphragm against the abdominal wall. The lifting belt provides tactile feedback that helps to maintain this pressure.
COMPRESSIVE NEOPRENE
High-quality material used in knee sleeves, typically in thicknesses of 5 or 7 mm. It provides joint compression, helps maintain body temperature and offers a slight springy rebound when rising from the squat position.
BAREFOOT TRAINING
A training philosophy that replicates the conditions of walking barefoot by using footwear with a thin sole, a wide toe box and no cushioning. It promotes proprioception and the activation of the foot’s intrinsic muscles.

Comparison of Luxiaojun Sidea models

ProductCategoryPrimary useBackground
Weightlifting ShoesFootwearSnatch, clean & jerk, squatWeightlifting platform
Training Shoes 1.0 Black EditionFootwearWOD, functional training, mobilityCrossFit box, functional training studio
4" Nylon Lifting BeltBeltSquats, deadlifts, Olympic liftsWeightlifting, powerlifting
W80 Wrist WrapsWristbandJerk, press, bench pressWeightlifting, strength
Knee SleevesKnee braceSquats, back squats, front squatsWeightlifting, powerlifting
Weightlifting StrapGrip strapPull, high-volume snatch/cleanWeightlifting

Frequently Asked Questions about Luxiaojun

In the FAQ section, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about shoe compatibility, when to use a belt and wraps, the differences between the two shoe models, and how to choose the right size. If you need specific advice on the platform kit, the Sidea technical team is available to answer your queries on request.

Why choose Sidea

Sidea has been distributing Luxiaojun in Italy since 2025 as the brand’s official partner, following the same approach that led to its role as StrongFirst’s distributor: selecting technical brands associated with leading figures in the discipline. The company has been based in Gambettola since 1999, with a warehouse covering over 4,000 m² and a direct consultancy service for those setting up weightlifting rooms, CrossFit boxes and home gyms dedicated to strength training. It is present at FIBO and is a sponsor of the StrongFirst Summit of Strength.

Domande frequenti - Luxiaojun

  • Generally speaking, yes, but the fit is designed to be snug, as is typical of weightlifting shoes. If you have wide feet or a high instep, you may want to consider going up half a size. We recommend referring to the manufacturer’s official size chart when ordering and, where possible, trying them on whilst wearing the sports socks you’ll use during training.
  • Weightlifting Shoes feature a stiff heel with a pronounced heel-to-toe drop (approximately 20 mm), a non-flexible sole and a strap across the instep: they are designed for snatches, clean & jerks and heavy squats. Training Shoes 1.0 are barefoot-inspired, with zero heel-to-toe drop and a thin, flexible sole: designed for WODs, conditioning and mobility work. They are not interchangeable.
  • The belt is not compulsory but becomes a technical aid above certain load thresholds, roughly from 80% of one’s maximum in the total lifts. It provides tactile feedback to generate intra-abdominal pressure against the abdominal wall. The 4-inch nylon belt is preferred in weightlifting over rigid powerlifting belts because it allows greater freedom of trunk flexion during the lift.
  • No. Compression neoprene knee sleeves are not orthopaedic braces and do not treat joint conditions. They are designed to maintain the temperature of the knee, enhance proprioception during squats and provide gentle elastic support when rising from the bottom of the squat. Anyone with a specific orthopaedic diagnosis should consult a physiotherapist before using them.
  • Lifting straps are used in pulling exercises (snatch pull, clean pull, high-rep deadlifts) when the grip gives out before the posterior chain – which is the target muscle group for the exercise. In competition lifts — the snatch and clean & jerk — the hook grip is used without straps because the barbell must be released immediately once it is overhead.
  • Yes. Thumb tape is a non-stretch technical tape designed to protect the thumb when using the hook grip: it is made of cotton with an adhesive backing that keeps the tape taut and absorbs sweat, without losing its grip during the session. Elastic tapes such as Kinesio tape serve a different purpose and do not offer the same mechanical protection against abrasion from the barbell.
  • They are not designed as running shoes. The zero heel-to-toe drop and thin sole require your foot and calf to adapt gradually: using them for long runs without proper preparation can lead to strain. They are suitable for the short sprints typical of WODs, box jumps, double unders and all bodyweight and functional training exercises.
  • Yes. Since 2025, Luxiaojun has been the official technical supplier to the CrossFit Games, CrossFit’s flagship competition. This confirms the brand’s positioning in the hybrid training segment combining Olympic weightlifting and high-intensity functional training.
  • The shoe is designed for professional use on wooden or rubber platforms. The rigid heel does not compress over time if the shoe is used for its intended purpose. The actual average lifespan with daily training depends on the volume and type of surface: those who train 5–6 times a week with weights typically get 2–3 years’ use before needing to consider replacing them.
  • Yes, Luxiaojun wrist wraps also work well for the bench press and overhead press. They are shorter and less rigid than some models designed purely for powerlifting: they are specifically designed for the weightlifting jerk, where wrist stability is needed when catching the barbell overhead without completely restricting joint mobility.
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  • Sidea has been designing and distributing professional fitness equipment since 1999: over 25 years’ experience serving gyms, sports coaches, CrossFit boxes, personal training studios and enthusiasts of advanced home fitness. Official distributor for StrongFirst and Luxiaojun, exhibiting at the FIBO international trade fair and technical sponsor of the Summit of Strength. Every product is developed with a focus on durability, functionality and suitability for real-world use. The Gym Design service offers bespoke design with 3D renderings. A warehouse covering over 4,000 m² in Gambettola (FC) ensures rapid order fulfilment, direct technical advice and a special price list for professionals and amateur sports clubs (ASD).