Any serious lifter will need a quality weight lifting belt for their own safety and to ensure their safety is as it should be. It doesn’t matter what you need it for; squats, powerlifting, and beyond are all made easier and safer with the right equipment. They are essential for giving your back the stability it needs to push yourself to the max.
You need to consider which type will fit you best and make sure you get a product that is known for enhancing your comfort. Whether you prefer a double-prong belt or a product with a padded lining, we have created a list of the best weightlifting belts to help you prevent stagnation and lift a new PB.
Reviews
Editor’s Choice: Fire Team Fit Weightlifting Belt
- DESIGNED FOR OPTIMAL COMFORT AND FUNCTION: With its lightweight contoured design, our weightlifting belt helps prevent injury from hyperextension or hyperflexion (forced arch) of your spine during weightlifting. By offering support to your abdominal wall and your lumbar vertebrae, this lifting belt promotes safe lifting technique for Back Squats, Power Cleans, Deadlifts, Clean and Jerks, Overhead Squats and even heavy lifting at work or at home.
- OUR BELTS SUPPORT MORE THAN YOUR BACK: We lift others up. Many of our belts are designed to show support for servicemen and women across the USA. We appreciate those who put their lives on the line for others.
Often considered the best weightlifting belt and not just because it offers excellent value, this gives a serious powerlifters the support they need. The slide-stop buckle ensures it stays in place and gives you the stability you need at the crucial moment. This is down to the hook and loop support strap that allows you to get the perfect tightness. Because of the contoured design, it works to prevent hyperextension, protecting your spine throughout.
Fire Team Fit has made it one of the most comfortable weightlifting belts, making it ideal for deadlifts, squats, power cleans, and a lot more. It comes with a lifetime warranty, so if it ever lets you down, you can get a replacement with no questions asked. You can pick this product up in four different sizes and multiple color options so you can maintain the perfect posture in style.
- PROS: Slide-stop buckle
- Hook and loop support strap
- Comfortable
- Good value
- Lifetime warranty
Best Self-Locking: Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt
- ✅ SELF-LOCKING SECURITY: Unlike other lifting belts that only rely on cheap straps to support your lifts, our weight lifting belt uses Self-Locking technology that will never wear down and risk injury during your olympic lifts. The self-locking buckle is extremely simple and easy to use, it releases immediately upon pulling the release roller, yet, will never open or slip no matter how big your lift! Quit worrying about your belt popping open, try the self-locking difference now!
- ✅ FUNCTIONALLY DESIGNED: One of the most frustrating aspects of other exercise belts is the silly use of contour and tapered designs. A weightlifting belt is designed to create even, consistent, intra-abdominal pressure to increase your stability during your lift, it’s not a back support that others claim to be. To do this most effectively, a uniform 4 inch profile has been shown time and time again to be the most effective design by Powerlifters, Olympic lifters, and Functional athletes!
With a self-locking buckle that makes it easy and safe to use, this is one of the best weightlifting belts and won’t slip no matter how much weight you are lifting. It is made from 100% high-end Nylon, and with a 4-inch profile, it allows for an even amount of pressure to help you stay safe. There are no padded inserts, and the design might seem simple, but this is on purpose.
Element 26 don’t believe certain shapes are necessary for stability and have chosen this design to allow an even pressure distribution. With a lifetime warranty and competition approved, it is one of the best weightlifting belts available and a favorite in many CrossFit boxes around the world.
- PROS: Made from 100% premium Nylon
- 4-inch profile
- Self-locking design
- Lifetime warranty
Best Double Prong: Iron Bull Strength Powerlifting Belt/Weight Lifting Belt
- ✅ PREMIUM 10MM THICK LEATHER: Our PowerLifting Belt features a 10mm thick select, exclusive suede leather material construction. The 10mm thickness is used by the top athletes around the world and has been proven to give the best support and flexibility a powerlifting belt needs. This weight lifting power belt is finished with top quality, fine suede providing non-slip surface.
- ✅ MAXIMUM SUPPORT: Our 10mm thick weight lifting belt conforms to your body shape sooner and is considered by some to be the best and most comfortable thickness for a weight lifting power belt. Our belts are also competition approved: USPA & IPL Approved Gear
Depending on your preference, you might feel more comfortable in a double-prong weight lifting belt, and this is one of the best. The double roller buckle is made from zinc-plated steel to add to its durability but also ensures it remains strong as you lift heavier weights. The belt is made from suede leather, and at 10mm thick, it is going to last a long time to see you through the weights. It conforms to the shape of the user and has been designed with the ideal thickness for powerlifting in mind.
Iron Bull Strength also advises that it is fine for competitions and has a 4-inch height across the length. This makes it great for a variety of lifts and allows for even stability.
- PROS: Made from suede leather
- Double roller buckle made from Zinc plated steel
- 10mm thick
- 10 rows of holes
Best Women’s: Harbinger Women’s Nylon Weightlifting Belt
- Ultralight, flexible nylon weightlifting belt with 5-inch wide support panel, designed specifically for women
- Foam core with soft, breathable, plush tricot lining comfortably supports the back and abdominals during heavy lifts
This is the best women’s weightlifting belt because it comes in a variety of sizes and is 5 inches wide. There is a foam core to ensure the users’ comfort and a soft, breathable lining to make sure it doesn’t irritate. A lot of users comment on its ability to provide well-distributed support to all the right areas, making it easy to wear during a wide range of motions.
The tensioning buckle is made from heavy-duty steel, which makes the belt feel secure and adds to its durability. The material is a bit more flexible than the likes of leather, so it is less likely to pinch whilst helping to correct posture as you wear it.
- PROS: Foam core makes it comfortable
- Smaller sizes available
- Heavy-duty steel tensioning buckle
Best Affordable: Valeo VRL4 4
- TOP QUALITY - 4 inch wide cowhide leather with contoured design stabilizes back and abdomen during heavy lifting for superior support and for maintaining proper posture
- SUPERIOR COMFORT - Suede lining covers foam lumbar pad and double reinforced stitched edges provide comfort during strenuous lifts. Double-prong roller buckle and double loops secure belt tab for perfect fit
If you are looking for a quality but cheap weight lifting belt, then Valeo makes some of the most reasonably priced products whilst ensuring quality throughout. With this weightlifting belt, you still get a suede lining and a belt made from cowhide leather, measuring 4 inches tall. The double-stitched edges are reinforced to ensure the longevity of the belt, and when wearing it, many people comment on how it alleviates pain.
It stays secure via the double-prong loop buckle that is easy to adjust but stays firm when you need it to. 1/4 inch thick and ideal for deadlifts, it offers user support in all the right places.
- PROS: Suede lining
- Made from cowhide leather
- Double prong loop buckle stays secure
- Good value
Best For Comfort: Steel Sweat Weight Lifting Belt – 4 Inches Wide
- LONG LASTING and STRONG: Made from premium full grain cowhide leather and top quality stainless steel hardware. Double stitched heavy duty nylon stitching . Heavy single prong buckle with seamless roller. Offering you a belt that will last and remains comfortable and supportive for years to come. Vegetable tanned real leather lifting belt using the all-natural cowboy method of tanning hides.
- QUICK and EASY to ADJUST: Single prong roller buckle made of stainless steel. Allowing you to make easy adjustments from hole to hole during your workout. Easier to use than a 2 prong buckle and will not break like a lever belt pronged system.
Made from premium cowhide leather, this is one of the highest quality weight lifting belts on the market, and the buckle parts are made from stainless steel. This gives you the sense that it is going to last a while compared to some of the other brands using low-quality leather. The single roller prong design is easy to adjust and comfortable when in use without pinching as you move through your routine.
Because of the 10mm thickness, you get the ideal lumbar and core support, and there is even industrial-strength stitching. The suede lining ensures it has bare skin comfort, so no matter how you like to lift; this makes it easy to get on with your mission to increase the weight without distraction.
- PROS: Quality genuine cowhide leather
- Stainless steel roller prong
- 10 mm thick
- Suede lining
Best For 600 Lbs+: Dark Iron Fitness Genuine Leather Pro Weight Lifting Belt
- STRONG - Pumping iron calls for a workout belt that won't wear out. Luckily, these weightlifting belts for men and women are sturdy and will provide protection to your spine and core while you train.
- COMFORTABLE - Ease into every lift with this MEDIUM 32" - 40" (Waist size not pant size) gym belt. Made from 100% genuine leather, the weight belt is soft to the touch, yet flexible and sturdy enough for optimal support.
This is one of the most durable weightlifting belts on our list, and its rise to popularity is hardly surprising given the quality materials. It is a bit more expensive than some of the other brands on our list, but this is because it is made from genuine leather that is known for being both soft and flexible.
With a double tongue buckle for added security and double stitching to make sure it lasts longer, Dark Iron Fitness has gone the extra mile in more than one area. You can deadlift and squat 600 lbs without it breaking, so you get a sense of how strong this weightlifting belt is.
- PROS: Made from genuine leather
- Doesn’t dig into your hips
- Can lift 600 lbs without breaking
Weight Lifting Belt Guide
If you are new to powerlifting and are starting to make your way up the weights or a seasoned competitor, you cannot underestimate the importance of a quality weightlifting belt. Choosing the right one is vital to the security and success of your lifts, so it is always a good idea to educate yourself on what better products are capable of.
We have created the following buyers’ guide to make your purchase easier and ensure you buy a belt that lasts.
What To Look For In A Weightlifting Belt
Size
Finding the right size is crucial to your comfort and safety, but it isn’t as easy as knowing your waist size. Measuring yourself for a weight lifting belt is usually conducted by measuring around 4 inches north of your pants. Use a measuring tape for an accurate size but resist the temptation to breathe in to shave an inch or two off.
Comfortable Lining
Some brands claim to make weightlifting belts that offer bare skin comfort when worn. This is fine and all, but as long as it has some sort of comfortable linings, such as suede, you should be fine.
Materials
The quality of the materials will determine how long the weightlifting belt you choose will last. This is why a lot of people opt for genuine leather or 100% nylon. Genuine leather is good because it is soft and has a little give in it, so it doesn’t pinch so much. Nylon is even more so.
Width and Adjustability
This is where a lot of the stability comes from, and most of your decision will be whether to opt for 4, 5, or 6 inches. When it comes to securing the weight lifting belt, you might want a loop closure with velcro or double prong.
Durability
A lot of this will come down to the thickness of the material with many belts being made from 10mm leather for a reason. This and double stitching around the top and bottom of the belt can help to make sure it lasts a long time.
Thickness
We mentioned this briefly, but the most common thicknesses of a weightlifting belt are 10 mm and 13 mm. The latter is the maximum allowed in most competitions, but some people consider them to be less comfortable because they are more rigid.
This is why even the particularly strong lifters tend to go for a 10 mm weight lifting belt over the 13.
Do Weight Lifting Belts Really Help?
There is a reason why so many professional powerlifters swear by them. Not only do they correct posture, but a weight lifting belt will ensure you make proper use of your abs and lower back. Not only can they increase spine stability, but they can help the user to avoid injuries that can occur from bad posture or form when lifting heavy weights.
When Should I Use A Weight Lifting Belt?
It doesn’t matter how much you are lifting; you can wear a weightlifting belt to help correct your form as you get started on your powerlifting journey. Some of the most common exercises that warrant the use of a belt include squats, deadlifts, and power lifts, among others.
Any time you are lifting weights that might flex your spine, you should wear a belt as it shifts the focus to your core. A weight lifting belt is not a fail-proof tool that automatically corrects your posture and allows you to lift unbelievable weights, but it can help to avoid back injuries when you know what you are doing.
Can A Weight Lifting Belt Help Me Lift More Weight?
In a word, no. A weight lifting belt is not a magical way of adding extra weights onto the rack, but it can help you to move through the weights safely with better posture.
Different Types of Weightlifting Belts
Although they might look similar to the uninitiated, weightlifting belts can offer different levels of comfort, and a lot of it is down to personal preference. Here are some of the most common types:
Leather
You can find these in different designs. Usually, they have a contoured or cylinder shape, and they are a favorite among powerlifters because they feel heavy-duty and are known for their strength.
Nylon
Another common material and one that operates with a loop closure with velcro for security. These are often in cylinder shapes and do not pinch as much as leather belts.
Single Prong / Double Prong
For a lot of people, this is one of the key decisions, and although a double-prong closure can feel more secure, it can be difficult to adjust compared to single-prong belts. A lot of people consider the double prong to be a hassle as they don’t actually add more security.
What Exercises Should I Wear A Lifting Belt For?
Many people suggest using a weight lifting belt anytime you are upping the weights and need to keep your spine from moving. Some of the most common exercises include clean and jerk, deadlifts, squats, powerlifting, bench press, barbell rows, Olympic lifts, and more.
How Much Does A Weightlifting Belt Cost?
A lot of the time, you can pick up a decent weightlifting belt for around $20. Still, anyone taking their training seriously might want something a little more durable, which can mean you end up operating at $40. This will get you a genuine leather product with a quality buckle and a product that can withstand a bit more abuse than the cheaper brands.