You’ve got the knee sleeves, wrist straps, and a snazzy pair of Adidas Powerlift 4s. There’s just one more piece of gear you need in your gym bag: A 10mm lifting belt.
But not just any 10mm option will do.
You need a belt that’s comfortable during long training sessions, can handle impressive squat loads as you get stronger, and doesn’t take forever to break in.
Our #1 pick is the ProFitness Pre-Broken-In Powerlifting & Weight Lifting Belt. But if you want to see four other great belts to step up your gains, keep reading!
In a Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick!
Inzer Advance Designs Forever Lever Belt 10MM
- From one of the most reputable brands in powerlifting
- Great choice if you’re bulking and want serious gains
- Designed to be a lifetime investment!
- Super secure lever closure for peace of mind
- An exact fit is 3” better than single-prong
Things to Consider When Buying 10mm Weightlifting and Powerlifting Belts
Do you know what makes a 10mm lifting belt great? Do you know why a 10mm belt could be better for you than a 13mm belt or an ultra-thin nylon belt?
Well, today’s your lucky day.
We’re about to review a few things to consider when buying a brand new 10mm weightlifting and powerlifting belt to add to your gym workouts.
Take a look!
How the Belt Locks Shut
Durable leather means absolutely nothing if your belt keeps popping open every time you do a power clean.
And a poorly-fitted 10mm belt can limit how much pressure is against your core, so you’ll never discover your true potential in the squat rack.
Lame.
We’re talking about 10mm belts here, so we’ll focus mostly on the more common closure systems in leather belts.
A lever belt tends to be more reliable. Lever belts can be adjusted more precisely for an exact fit and stay latched shut during very heavy lifts, but you’ll need to bring a screwdriver to the gym if you need to adjust the sizing mid-workout.
A prong belt is a more conventional style of belt. Double prongs offer equal pressure around your core, and single prongs are easier to adjust (no fumbling around to link up that extra prong), but strong steel buckles may cause the leather to tear over time.
Honestly, they’re both great choices. So it’ll come down to personal preference.
The Materials Used to Make the Belt
Most 10mm thick lifting belts are made of leather and, if you want a belt that’s the real deal, it’d be silly to go for any other material (like nylon or suede).
But don’t assume that “leather” means “leather.”
Many manufacturers seem to be taking the easy way out to cut costs. They’re selling belts that look like leather on the outside but are actually a cardboard-like material on the inside.
It’s no wonder these belts tear clean through when you push them through a 300-pound deadlift.
To ensure that the belt you’re buying is real leather, make sure the manufacturer describes the belt as “genuine” leather and make sure the word “faux” is nowhere in the description.
And check what everyone else is saying.
If several people have noted that their 10mm thick leather belt tore in half during a lift or snapped during a workout a few weeks in, it’s likely not real leather.
10mm vs 13mm Belt: What’s the Difference?
10mm belts are definitely the “go-to” for powerlifters and weightlifters alike. But just because it’s best for the masses, that doesn’t mean that it’s a good fit for you.
So here’s a look at when each belt thickness would make the most sense.
- 10mm Leather: Awesome choice if you’re new to resistance training and don’t want to spend forever breaking your belt in, but want to set new PRs on the compound lifts.
- 13mm Leather: Better option if you consider yourself to be a pretty serious lifter and crank out massive squats, deadlifts, and cleans, but takes longer to break in.
- 5-7mm Leather or Nylon: Much more comfortable and flexible than a thick leather belt, but they’re unable to support really heavy loads.
So if you’re just getting your feet wet in the gym and are looking to see some serious gains right off the bat, you’re in the right place.
Let’s check out the five best 10mm belts to consider!
Quick Summary View
| Rank | Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Inzer Advance Designs Forever Lever Belt 10MM |
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| #2 |  Steel Sweat Powerlifting Belt for Weight Lifting |
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| #3 |  ProFitness Pre-Broken-In Powerlifting & Weight Lifting Belt |
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| #4 |  Hawk Single Prong Power Lifting Belt |
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| #5 |  RDX Lever Powerlifting Belt |
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5 Best 10mm Weightlifting and Powerlifting Belts
1. Inzer Advance Designs Forever Lever Belt 10MM
It’d be silly to create any “Best Lifting Belt” list without an Inzer belt making an appearance. And the Inzer Advance Designs Forever Lever Belt 10MM tends to be the best of ‘em all.
You won’t find a lifting belt quite as resilient as this.
The leather is so tough that you might get stuck in the belt or leave your sessions bruised. But you’ll be able to save your energy with good form, crank out huge lifts, and see massive gains.
Best of all, it’s the prime example of a solid lever belt.
You can be sure you get the exact sizing, whether you’re halfway through a cut cycle or packing on some serious gains. And never worry about a mid-set belt failure during jerks ever again.
The value is nearly unheard of: It’s meant to last forever and is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Pros:
- From one of the most reputable brands in powerlifting
- Great choice if you’re bulking and want serious gains
- Designed to be a lifetime investment!
- Super secure lever closure for peace of mind
- An exact fit is 3” better than single-prong
Cons:
- Don’t get stuck in this one (seriously, don’t)
- May cause a little bruising as you get used to the fit
2. Steel Sweat Powerlifting Belt for Weight Lifting
A 10mm leather belt doesn’t have to dig into your ribs, leave you bruised, or ruin your spirit. And that statement’s 100% true with the Steel Sweat Powerlifting Belt for Weight Lifting.
A thick and durable belt has never felt so comfortable.
Don’t let “full-grain leather” throw you off. This belt is as soft as leather comes to help you power through that 40-minute workout with no trouble, and will make a 400-pound deadlift a reality.
You’ll never have to ask yourself again, “I’m ready for this lift, but is my belt ready?”
This Steel Sweat belt is the real deal. The single-prong buckle is simple to adjust, it boasts stainless steel rivets instead of tear-worthy stitching, and the suede liner keeps it from slipping.
Now you might be able to see why so many are leaving Dark Iron Fitness and Harbinger behind.
Pros:
- Sizing available from 25” to 50”
- Leather is a paradox: Stiff, yet gentle
- Won’t slip off your waist as you get sweaty
- Supports lifts exceeding 400 pounds with ease
- Several holes in either direction, so cut and bulk as you please
- Ability to tighten the screw-in rivets if they get loose (added durability)
Cons:
- Upon delivery, it seems dirty
3. ProFitness Pre-Broken-In Powerlifting & Weight Lifting Belt
Attention all powerlifters and weightlifters: The ProFitness Pre-Broken-In Powerlifting & Weight Lifting Belt is the 10mm belt that’ll help you leave those plateaus in the past.
This belt is a rare find, as it’s one of the few belts on the market that already comes broken-in.
No more taking it easy your first few weeks as the leather works to mold around your waist. Pack your gym bag, hit the road, and blow your best deadlift and squat PR out of the water.
You may just crank out a 20+ pound heavier personal best on day one.
The combination of heavy-duty stitching, a high-end steel single-prong buckle, and 100% genuine leather makes this belt easy to adjust and guaranteed to last for years.
This is the belt that’ll show you what you’re made of, so it’s time to recognize your true potential.
Pros:
- Crank up your intensity: Heavier weights & more reps and sets
- Great customer service (disgruntled customers are hard to come by)
- Potential to boost your PRs by 20 pounds instantly
- Single-prong buckle for convenient sizing
- It’s already broken-in, so just hit the gym!
Cons:
- Seems to run a little large, so you might have to order a size down
- The belt’s notches are a bit far apart, making an exact size hit-or-miss
4. Hawk Single Prong Power Lifting Belt
Unless you’re pumping Arnold-level lifts, the Hawk Single Prong Power Lifting Belt is an awesome 10mm belt selection. That’s because it’s a great combo of thick and comfortable.
The perfect size for your waist is the greatest feature on this one.
Thanks to the 12 holes drilled into the leather (instead of the usual 10), you can get a more precise fit every time. Bulking, cutting, and mid-workout adjustments are all reasonable.
What you’ll really like, however, is what was done to make this leather comfortable.
The manufacturer rounded out the leather edges, so they won’t dig into your sides as you’re doing deep squats. The leather is also durable enough to handle massive back squats too.
Why spend a boatload of money on a belt that won’t last when this one’s an option?
Pros:
- Stiff and durable, but not uncomfortable
- Good choice for anyone but the elite lifters
- 12 rivets for a more precise fit (usual is 10)
- Either a 1-year or lifetime warranty (misleading, but still a perk)
- Able to handle your newest PRs, no doubt
Cons:
- Not the best choice for the bigger guys
- Many have had the belt delivered already rusted (yikes)
- Takes some time to break-in fully
5. RDX Lever Powerlifting Belt
Our last pick for 10mm belts is the RDX Lever Powerlifting Belt. But don’t think that just because it’s our last pick, it’s not the real deal or capable of handling your heaviest sessions yet.
This RDX belt is a terrific choice for beginners, elites, and everyone in between.
Thanks to the smooth oil-tanned leather, industrial-grade stitching, and a rust-proof lever, this belt can handle it all. We’re talking massive log lifts, clean and jerks, and overhead presses.
But let’s face it: Durability doesn’t mean much to you if the comfort isn’t there.
Lucky for you and other RDX consumers, this belt has both. It boasts a non-slip interior for long draining workouts, interior cushioning to be gentle on your back, and a perfect fit due to the lever.
Maybe you’re not at 400-600 pound lifts just yet, but this belt will be ready for that when you are.
Pros:
- Reportedly can handle 600+ pound lifts, so you’re in the clear
- Ramp up your PRs on compound lifts by 40+ in a month?
- A durable and secure belt for a fraction of the cost
- Comfortable: Sweat-wicking, soft edges, and gentle leather!
Cons:
- Might break completely within a year
- Stains clothes due to leaky dye
Top Pick for the Best 10mm Lifting Belts
Inzer Advance Designs Forever Lever Belt 10MM
- From one of the most reputable brands in powerlifting
- Great choice if you’re bulking and want serious gains
- Designed to be a lifetime investment!
- Super secure lever closure for peace of mind
- An exact fit is 3” better than single-prong
Committing to a 10mm lifting belt is a surefire way to get your gains off the ground and make those grueling workouts a bit more bearable.
Your best bet for a 10mm belt?
That would have to be the ProFitness Pre-Broken-In Powerlifting & Weight Lifting Belt.
This belt is awesome because:
- You can see some serious PR gains right off the bat.
- It’s super easy to latch shut between sets and exercises.
- You’ll be able to go heavier, longer, and stronger at the gym.
This belt is really the whole package. And you won’t regret adding this to your routine and seeing how your workouts take off in just a few months.
Want to see what belts could push your lifts to the next level? Check out our picks for the top lifting belts across tons of different training styles!
