The Best Squat Wedge To Buy For CrossFit (2024)

Are you looking to elevate your training and achieve deeper, more effective squats, even if you lack necessary ankle mobility?

A high-quality squat wedge can reduce the need for the ankles to dorsiflex as you squat and allow you to achieve a more upright posture.

This can help you reduce forces on your lower back, rehabilitate patellar tendinitis, and increase muscle activation in your legs. 

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll reveal my top seven squat wedges, which I have used and seen as a performance physical therapist to help my clients elevate their performance and train pain-free. 

From adjustable angles and unique attachments to durable materials and convenient handle cut-outs, I’ll outline everything you need to know to decide which wedge is the best squat wedge for you.

The Best Squat Wedge Shortlist

Best Overall: Rogue Squat Wedge

Best Rubber Squat Wedge: Squat Wedgies Squat Wedge

Best For Band Attachments: Ripped Ramp Squat Wedge

Best Wood Squat Wedge: Slant Board Guy Wood Squat Wedge

Best Wide Stance Wedge: SEWD Extra Large Squat Wedge

Best Price (wood): StrongTek Wood Squat Wedge

Best Price: Wolf Wedge Squat Wedge

What Is The Best Squat Wedge?

Let’s explore my top seven squat wedges to help you take your squat training to the next level. 

My Top Pick: Rogue Squat Wedge

The Rogue Fitness Squat Wedge comes in three sizes and six angled inclines from which to choose. Whether you want single-foot wedges or a longer board for easy setup, Rogue Fitness has a high-quality wedge for you to pick from and the best value for your dollar.

This is the exact wedge I use in my training, and I have had it for a long time. It is also the wedge I use in training my clients as a performance physical therapist. 

Key Features & Benefits: 

Customizable Fit

The Rogue squat wedges are highly customizable and can be used for single-foot, medium-range, or wide-stance wedge lengths, depending on your size. The widths available include 8.5″ (single foot), 20″ (medium range), and 30″ (wide stance). 

They also allow you to adjust the angle of the incline based on how much dorsiflexion you want to compensate for. The angles begin at a modest five-degree incline and progress up to thirty degrees in increments of five degrees, allowing you the perfect setup, whatever your needs may be. 

Rogue Laser Cut-outs

The wedges have easily identifiable laser-cut degree indicators, facilitating quick identification of different angles in training for gyms with multiple wedges at their athletes’ disposal. 

High Stability and Durability

This is a staple for Rogue products, which are made with high-quality materials. So much so that I often find myself not purchasing from Rogue Fitness frequently because the products last for a lifetime. These wedges are no different. They are crafted from heavyweight steel with a black powder coat, making them ideal for training with heavy loads, whether hitting heavy squats or torturing yourself with high-volume Bulgarian split squats. 

The wedges are also covered with 60-grit grip tape on the 8.5″ and 20″ wedges and a diamond-tread surface on the 30″ wedge for maximum grip, so you won’t need to worry about slipping off. 

Easily Hung For Storage

The wedges, which have a patented two-hole feature on the 8.5″ and 20″ wedges, can be easily stored on any gym storage rack. They can also seamlessly be hung on several Rogue setups, such as the Monster rack, RM43, Monster lite, or Infinity uprights.

Why Consider:

I would consider buying the Rogue squat wedges if you prioritize the highest level of quality in a fitness product that also looks great in your gym or garage. These wedges will allow you to do any training you wish, whether it’s heavy lifting or rehab, and you won’t have to worry about the material breaking down over time. I purchased these wedges and put them to the test time and time again without worry of slipping or cracking the material. 

Squat Wedgies Rubber Squat Wedge

With a single piece of equipment, you can choose between seven, thirteen, and twenty degrees, allowing you to be versatile in training or servicing athletes with varying squat depth abilities. 

Key Features & Benefits: 

Adjustable Multi-Angle Design

As mentioned above, the Squat Wedgies rubber squat wedge is easily adjustable to three different angles, which can benefit your training as your ankle mobility improves. With a simple angle adjustment, you can more easily service athletes with different ankle mobility levels and facilitate deeper squats with proper form and full range of motion of all lower body joints.

Anti-Slip Design

This squat wedge has an anti-slip design built into the rubber along the path of the incline that won’t break down with consistent use. This is unlike similar slant boards that use a grip tape that can wear and need replacing.

Wide Space

The slant board measures fourteen inches long by 20 inches wide, which ensures enough space for your entire foot to be on the board. This makes it suitable for heavy lifts, including anything from Goblet Squats to Back Squats, where full foot contact is paramount. 

Weight Capacity

Although this squat wedge is made from recycled rubber, that doesn’t mean it isn’t sturdy. It boasts a weight capacity of over 1500 pounds, and reviews indicate that the surface does not give as you load it.  

Why Consider:

If you prefer a rubber wedge over metal or wooden boards, consider buying the Squat Wedgiez rubber squat wedge. Metal slant boards, in particular, can be a pain to store, and if they don’t have holes to hang from a squat rack, they can become an eyesore. Rubber squat wedges, however, can be more easily fit into storage systems so that they are out of the way until needed. 

If you frequently train shoeless, a rubber squat wedge may be a better option to avoid irritating the bottom of your feet with a rough surface texture, harsh grip tape, or metal surfaces. 

Ripped Ramp Squat Wedge

It is designed with a 30-degree angle incline and is not adjustable; however, most incline boards I looked at were around 30 degrees, so it seems standard. 

The Ripped Ramp squat wedge also boasts that it can effectively loop resistance bands underneath it with a half-moon cut out at the bottom of the wedge. This could make it ideal for accessory lifting, such as banded calf raises or a banded VMO squat, in addition to your primary strength training.

Key Features & Benefits: 

Stainless Steel Durability

Since the Ripped Ramp squat wedge is made of 100% stainless steel, you can rest assured that it can withstand any training you put it through. It is also not the lightest squat wedge in the world, weighing eleven pounds, but that will only add to its durability over time. 

Pre-set 30-degree Angle

Although some may see a lack of adjustability as a negative, the Ripped Ramp keeps things simple by going straight to a solid incline. The squat wedge is set to 30 degrees, promoting good form and negating the effects of limited flexibility for just about any lifter. If you want to decrease the inline, you’ll walk your feet down the board toward the floor. 

Groove Design For Bands

The groove design at the bottom of the squat wedge is perfect for utilizing bands with the squat wedge to add an extra layer of challenge to your training. All you have to do is loop the band underneath, step under it, and get to work. 

Why Consider:

The Ripped Ramp squat wedge is a top choice for any CrossFit athlete, whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or are a seasoned athlete. It is durable, has a solid incline, and has ample room for both feet to stand on the board. The Ripped Ramp will be ideal if you prioritize training with resistance bands, such as at home or in your garage gym, since it has a protective groove for them.

Slant Board Guy Wood Squat Wedge

The Slant Board Guy squat wedge is a wooden board with a grip tape surface, but it states that it has a maximum loading capacity of up to 450 pounds. So, once you reach a certain strength level, you may need to move to a steel wedge, but 450 pounds leaves plenty of room for challenging leg workouts or knee rehab. 

Key Features& Benefits: 

Wood Design

The Slsnt Board Guy wedge is made from Australian plywood, providing durability and strength for various lower body exercises that can be loaded up to 450 pounds. The webpage has conflicting information stating that it can withstand up to 880 pounds. The product details recommend a maximum of 450, so it is safe to assume 450 pounds is the maximum to be loaded.

Light Weight and Portable

Since the wedge is made of wood, it is not as heavy as other stainless steel wedges. Opt for a wooden board if you plan to transport it to different facilities or around your gym. The board weighs only 6.1 pounds and is 12.6 inches wide, making it easy to fit into any storage system.

Why Consider:

The Slant Board Guy squat wedge would be a great fit if you are training on the go and want a wooden slant board that can be easily transported or stored inconspicuously. The wedge is more convenient than the bigger steel wedges since it is only 19.6 inches wide. However, it only has a maximum recommended loading of 450 pounds, so if you train with heavy loads, this may not be the best slant board for you.

If you don’t require heavy loading like that and enjoy training in parks, personal training clients in their homes, or don’t want your squat wedge as an eye sore in your gym, then this wedge is the perfect match for you. 

SEWD Extra Large Squat Wedge

The wedge is made from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), which is similar to rubber and is known for its flexibility, softness, and lightweight. It is also durable and weather-resistant for tough training. 

Key Features & Benefits: 

Size

Many squat wedge companies pride themselves on wedges that are compact and can be taken or stored anywhere. But SEWD does the opposite; it is purposely built longer than most squat wedges and can accommodate lifters who need more space to set up their lifts. If you are a larger athlete and your squat stance limits your use of squat wedges, then the SEWD wedge is a great option for you.

EVA Material

EVA material is lightweight and flexible but does not compromise on stability. If you prefer to avoid having a clunky stainless steel wedge in your gym or at home, you should opt for a SEWD wedge. 

20-Degree incline

The SEWD squat wedge has a 20-degree incline, so it is not the steepest incline but also not the lowest like other ten—and fifteen-degree wedges. However, it is the happy medium between the two, so it can service most lifters. 

Why Consider:

The biggest reason to purchase a SEWD squat wedge is the length of the slant board. I have used squat wedges shorter than this, and I often felt that I was squatting with a narrow stance. 

This might be fine for smaller lifters or those using the slant board for rehab, but if you want to build high-level strength to elevate your squat game and build tremendous strength, you need the board to accommodate your squat stance. So, if you are a bigger and taller lifter, the SEWD squat wedge is your best bet.

StrongTek Wood Squat Wedge

The StrongTek Wood Squat Wedge is made from Lauan hardwood plywood, which is stronger than traditional plywood, so it can handle larger athletes or loading. 

It is also more adjustable than other squat wedges, with angles ranging from fifteen degrees to thirty-five degrees, allowing you to modify the dorsiflexion assist based on how good (or not so good) your ankle mobility is. 

This wedge’s caveat is that it lends itself better to the rehab space via tempo body weight squats or calf stretches due to its smaller platform and lower loading capacity at 450 pounds. 

Key Features & Benefits: 

Adjustability 

The StrongTek wood squat wedge is more adjustable than the other squat wedges mentioned. Most squat wedges have one to three incline levels, but the StrongTek wood squat wedge has five. From fifteen degrees to thirty-five degrees, you’ll have full control over how you modify your squat range of motion. 

If you lack ankle mobility only slightly, set it to its lowest angle. If you really need ankle work, lift it all the way up to 35 degrees to maintain a deep squat and upright posture.

Price

It’s no secret that squat wedges can be pricey, depending on what you need for your training. But the StrongTek wood squat wedge is one of the more affordable ones I have seen on the market. Plus, it does so without compromising on the durability and strength of the wood, allowing basically any athlete to use it effectively. 

Easily Transported

The StrongTek wood squat wedge is lightweight and has convenient handles on either side for easy transportation within the gym or from facility to facility. Unlike large, clunky steel slant boards that can be cumbersome to move, the wood StrongTek lets you train on the go or easily keep the wedge out of sight.

Why Consider:

If you are looking for a squat wedge for mostly rehabilitation work that won’t break the bank, then the StrongTek wood squat wedge is your best bet. It is sold at a highly affordable price if you are training on a budget, and it is made with Lauan hardwood plywood, so you can rest easy knowing that it can withstand years of use without breaking down. 

It is highly adjustable, can accommodate a wide range of ankle mobility issues, and offers variation in training. By modifying the angle, you could train a year of incline squats with five different squat angles. Adjust to a higher or lower angle, and you’ll have the variation you need to keep progressing. 

The only drawbacks to this squat wedge are the loading capacity and the platform size. Since it is not steal, it isn’t designed for high-load squatting, and you won’t be able to take your normal squat stance. 

Fortunately, that’s not what this wedge is intended for, so if that is not a concern for you and your priority is rehab or accessory work with the wedge, then this will be a great option. 

Wolf Wedge Squat Wedge

At the time of this writing, the Wolf Wedge squat wedge costs only $45 and comes with a free eight-week training program that helps you incorporate it into your training. 

Key Features & Benefits: 

Length

The Wolf Wedge squat wedge isn’t the longest board out of the top seven options, but it is close. At 27 inches long, you’ll have ample room to set up for a big squat or deadlift without compromising your stance width.

Incline Level 

The Wolf Wedge squat wedge’s incline level is fifteen degrees, which is the midrange as far as inclines go. This is not the steepest incline, but fifteen degrees is enough to accommodate restricted ankle mobility. 

Free 8-Week Workout Program

Included with your Wolf Wedge is a QR code that grants access to a free 8-week workout ebook. The ebook consists of two 4-week phases and dozens of movements utilizing the wedge to help you get started with incline squats. 

Why Consider:

If you are looking for a durable, long squat wedge that won’t break the bank, then the Wolf Wedge squat wedge is for you. The board has those who train hard in mind with a free training program that incorporates the wedge, the increased length, and the crosslinked polyethylene, which keeps the board stable and lightweight. If you are training on a budget, don’t hesitate to pick up this squat wedge. 

When You Should Consider Using A Squat Wedge

Here are the main reasons to consider using a squat wedge in your training.

Restricted Ankle Mobility 

Restricted ankle mobility, specifically ankle dorsiflexion or the “toes up motion,” is a common issue with many lifters. When you squat, you need between 15 and 20 degrees of dorsiflexion, but many people have trouble crossing zero degrees. 

This will decrease the effectiveness and technique of your squat, in addition to knee, hip, and back pain. A squat wedge compensates for this by reducing the dorsiflexion demands of the squat movement.

Lower Back Pain With Squats

Low back pain during squats can result from an improper technique that causes excessive force on the joints involved. A squat wedge can mitigate this if the problem is your ankle mobility, as it reduces the amount of dorsiflexion you need. When you squat on a squat wedge, your torso is more upright, which reduces the steering forces on your lower back.

Patellar Tendon Pain

I frequently use squat wedges to help my clients rehabilitate their patellar tendinitis. Because of the knee’s angle, a squat wedge loads the patellar tendon, strengthens it, and reduces pain over time. 

Emphasize Your Quadriceps

The wedge’s incline emphasizes the quadriceps by increasing the knee angle during squats and promoting a more upright posture. The upright posture places most of the load on the quadriceps and glutes. In contrast, a squat that is more bent over, such as in powerlifting, emphasizes the hamstrings and lower back.

Training Variation

Incorporating a squat wedge into your routine introduces valuable variation to your training. This variation can prevent plateaus by challenging your muscles in new ways and keeping your workouts fresh and engaging. 

Buyers Guide For The Best Squat Wedge in 2024

Several key features should be considered when choosing the best squat wedge for your fitness routine in 2024. 

Angle

The angle of the squat wedge is an essential factor as it determines the level of incline, how it engages your muscles, and how it compensates for poor ankle mobility. Squat wedges typically range from 5 degrees to 30 degrees. 

A moderate angle (15-20 degrees) is ideal for most athletes. Wedges with higher angles (25-30 degrees) suit those seeking greater quadricep and glute muscle activation with deeper squats.

Adjustability 

Adjustability is essential for those who want a versatile tool for multiple exercises or to be used with different athletes. Adjustable squat wedges allow you to change the incline angle, providing flexibility for various workout routines and accommodating different fitness needs. 

This feature is particularly beneficial in a multi-user environment, such as a gym, where users might have different preferences and requirements.

Attachments

Some squat wedges come with attachment features that enhance their functionality. If you want this capability, look for wedges with slots or grooves for resistance bands. Additionally, specific models include mounting options for securing the wedge to gym equipment, providing added stability and safety during intense exercises.

Surface Material

The squat wedge’s surface material ensures grip and safety. Non-slip surfaces, such as those with grip tape, are ideal for maintaining stability during heavy lifting. If you plan to use the wedge barefoot or with minimal footwear, you may opt for a rubberized surface to keep your grip but avoid foot abrasions. 

Material

The overall material of the squat wedge affects its durability and weight. Common materials include steel, wood, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Steel wedges offer better durability and stability for heavy lifting, such as back squats. 

Wooden wedges may be better as rehab tools inside rehab facilities or gyms since they usually have a lower maximal loading threshold.

Final Thoughts On The Best Squat Wedge

Incorporating a squat wedge into your training can elevate your training, providing enhanced stability, deeper squats, and targeted muscle engagement. Each of the seven squat wedges we’ve reviewed offers unique features to meet your various needs and preferences in the gym. 

Whether you’re looking for adjustability, durable materials, or portability, there’s a perfect option for you. 

Don’t wait to take your workouts to the next level. Choose the squat wedge that best fits your goals and experience, purchase one of the squat wedges mentioned, and let’s get to work!