Squats and deadlifts are some of the most intense exercises you can do at the gym. But, as your PRs get heavier and much more difficult, you’ll need a heavy-duty weightlifting belt like the Dark Iron Fitness Genuine Pro Leather Belt (top pick) to continue seeing progress….without hurting yourself!
So, let’s go over nine of the best weightlifting belts for squats and deadlifts in 2020.
In a Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick!
Dark Iron Fitness Genuine Leather Pro Weight Lifting Belt
- Can support over 600 pounds on the deadlift and squat
- The manufacturer offers replacements if it ever fails
- Instant lifting gains of up to 10% your first session with this belt
Things to Consider When Buying Weightlifting Belts for Squats and Deadlifts
Simply searching for weightlifting belts on the internet will probably bring you thousands of results. So, it can definitely be a little tricky to sift through these belts and find one that’s absolutely perfect.
After all, you want a belt that’s both highly-rated and great for your gym goals. At the same time, you don’t want to spend hours and hours just to possibly come up empty-handed.
So, here are some things you’ll want to keep an eye out for in your search.
Thickness
Most weightlifting belts are between 10mm and 13mm thick. And, for the most part, thicker belts are considered more durable and sturdy.
That’s all thanks to the pressure the belt puts on your core and your lower back.
The more pressure on these areas, the more power you can put out. Greater pressure also means a smaller risk of injury during a heavy lift.
So, you’ll want something close to a 13mm belt if you’re looking to set new PRs at the gym while keeping your lower back safe.
But, keep in mind that thicker belts can be a little unforgiving since they might dig into your sides. They tend to be bulky and might even limit your range of motion during squats and deadlifts.
10mm is perfect for the vast majority of people.
Width
Most weightlifting belts are about 4” in width, but some might be as wide as 6”. The wider a weightlifting belt, the more support you’ll have at your core and your back.
But, what you’ll also notice is that weightlifting belts actually tend to taper off toward the front. These tapered belts are usually much more comfortable and allow for a greater range of motion.
That means you can get a little deeper into a squat and possibly even see greater gains. It also means that you might not be able to lift as heavy as you’d like because of the minimal pressure around the core.
If this tapered-feel just isn’t cutting it, you can always get a powerlifting belt instead. These are a consistent 4” in width all-around.
When it comes to tapered or non-tapered, that all depends on your personal preferences. But, in terms of width, 4” wide is just perfect for most serious lifters.
Material
It seems like they make weightlifting belts out of just about anything these days.
If you’re looking for more of a sturdy and durable belt, you can’t go wrong with a leather belt. This type of belt is usually more resistant to tearing and breaking and will ideally last you for years without issue.
Just make sure it’s genuine leather, not fake leather.
But, the issue with leather belts is that they tend to be uncomfortable and too stiff. It can feel like they’re cutting into your sides as you bend over to do a rep or adjust your Dead Wedge.
That’s where belts made out of softer materials like nylon enter the picture. Though they might not be stiff enough to make serious gains as quick as you’d like, they’re definitely more gentle on the waist and don’t dig into your sides.
You also need to think about what’s on the inside of the belt.
Since leather might slip on your skin when you’re sweating, you want to make sure that your weightlifting belt has a soft and slip-resistant suede interior. This can help to prevent serious injuries during your heaviest deadlifts and squats.
Closure System
The closure system of a belt is how you’ll shut and secure the belt.
Most weightlifting belts are either single-prong or double-prong steel buckles. These belts are usually quite secure and there’s practically no risk of them coming undone when you’re in the middle of a PR attempt.
That is, of course, unless the leather rips and the belt fails.
For nylon belts, you’re more likely to see a velcro closure system. These are definitely more convenient and easier to adjust, but the strength of velcro does begin to wear away with time.
With that said, velcro is a better choice for anyone new to lifting.
Lever closures are perhaps the most highly-regarded in the lifting community. There’s nothing more secure than a lever belt, but there is one striking issue:
You’ll probably have to carry around a screwdriver in case you need to adjust the tightness of your belt while mid-workout. So, lever belts aren’t the most convenient for a majority of people.
Quick Summary View
| Rank | Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Dark Iron Fitness Genuine Leather Pro Weight Lifting Belt |
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| #2 |  ProFitness Genuine Leather Workout Belt (4 Inches Wide) |
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| #3 |  Inzer Advance Designs Forever Lever Belt |
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| #4 |  ProFitness Genuine Leather Weight Lifting Belt |
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| #5 |  Bear KompleX 6" Strength Weightlifting Belt |
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| #6 |  Steel Sweat Powerlifting Belt |
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| #7 |  Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt |
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| #8 |  RDX Powerlifting Belt for Weight Lifting |
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| #9 |  RDX Weight Lifting Belt for Fitness |
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9 Best Weightlifting Belts for Squats and Deadlifts
1. Dark Iron Fitness Genuine Leather Pro Weight Lifting Belt
This weightlifting belt is ultra-thin at just 4mm thick, but it’s in no way “weak.”
Constructed of durable genuine buffalo leather and double-prong steel buckle, this belt is just the perfect combination of stiff and flexible. The leather is soft enough that it doesn’t dig into your waist but stiff enough to support huge gains.
In fact, this belt is able to withstand well over 600 pounds on both the squat and the deadlift. Better yet, you might even be able to put up an extra 10% on each of these lifts the first time you wear this belt.
Pros:
- Can support over 600 pounds on the deadlift and squat
- The manufacturer offers replacements if it ever fails
- Instant lifting gains of up to 10% your first session with this belt
Cons:
- Definitely a little thin for serious competitions
- Possibly too flexible for heavy lifts
2. ProFitness Genuine Leather Workout Belt (4 Inches Wide)
This weightlifting belt is the perfect choice if you’re looking to set brand new PRs at the gym.
It measures in at an ideal 4” wide and is made of heavy-duty genuine leather. On top of that, it has a rip-proof and stretch-proof design to guarantee the belt will never fail or break, especially during your heaviest squats and deadlifts.
But, the strength of the leather isn’t all this belt has to brag about. It also comes with a completely slip-proof interior, which can provide you with more than enough support during even your most intense and sweatiest workouts.
Pros:
- Comes in black/white & black/red
- Even weight distribution all throughout the belt
- Designed to stay put and avoid sliding and riding up
Cons:
- Not IPF-compliant
3. Inzer Advance Designs Forever Lever Belt
When stability is what you’re seeking, you can’t go wrong with this lever weightlifting belt.
This weightlifting belt boasts quite an impressive lever system, able to tighten several inches tighter than most other belts out there. You’ll have maximal support during every step of your lift if you’re trying to set deadlift PRs like Jeff Nippard.
But, the stability continues into the belt itself as well. It’s made of heavy-duty genuine leather and a slip-resistant interior to make sure this belt stays put and never rips, tears, or stretches.
Pros:
- Unmatchable support provided by lever buckle
- Offers a much tighter fit than regular prong buckles
- No risk of belt failure mid-squat or mid-deadlift
Cons:
- Make the extra effort to see that the lever is secured before lifting
- A little pricey
4. ProFitness Genuine Leather Weight Lifting Belt
Who says you have to be stuck with the basic brown or black weightlifting belt?
This unique-colored red belt will let you stand out at the gym, but won’t slack when it comes to giving you the support your heavy squats and deadlifts require. That’s all thanks to the genuine buffalo leather that won’t rip or stretch no matter what.
If regular belts seem a little bulky and stiff, then this is the perfect alternative. Not only does it taper to a comfy 2 ½” at the front, but it also has a non-slip suede interior that keeps the belt put once secured.
Pros:
- Eye-catching red leather
- The manufacturer offers a 100% money-back guarantee
- Built to stay put, so it won’t ride up or slip
- Designed to be comfortable
Cons:
- Tapers down to 2 ½” in the front
- Red coloring might stain your clothing
5. Bear KompleX 6″ Strength Weightlifting Belt
When support is what you’re looking for, look no further than this belt.
This belt comes ultra-wide at 6”, so it’ll give you all the support your back and core need to put up very heavy deadlifts and squats. It’s also incredibly flexible and durable, which also makes it the perfect addition to any CrossFit workout.
The problem with pronged buckles is that they’re a little bulky and dig in. The velcro closure system with this belt is not only easy to adjust to your perfect tightness but is also very comfortable around the waist.
Pros:
- Ideal for CrossFit too
- Very simple to adjust mid-workout or between sets
- 6” in width is ideal for greater support
Cons:
- Might not be great for the heaviest squats or deadlifts
- Seems to be a little stiff at first
6. Steel Sweat Powerlifting Belt
When a powerlifting competition is in your future, this is the belt you absolutely need.
First off, it offers the perfect powerlifting/weightlifting belt measurements, at 4” wide and 10mm thick. On top of that, it’s made of heavy-duty leather that’s resistant to all types of breaking and ripping, so don’t hold back when it comes to setting new PRs.
But, you also might be tired of other belts with weak rivets that pop out for no reason. What’s great about this belt is that it has stainless steel screw rivets, which are easily tightened to keep your belt in one piece for as long as possible.
Pros:
- Perfect for powerlifting competitions
- Screw rivets are resistant to popping and breaking
- Built from heavy-duty leather
Cons:
- Make sure you’re paying close attention to the belt size chart
7. Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt
When leather belts just seem too thick and bulky, you have to try out a nylon belt instead.
What’s ideal about this belt is that it’s made of a sturdy nylon material that’s gentle on the skin and won’t dig into your hips. But, that doesn’t mean that this belt is weak, as it provides an even amount of pressure all around your waist at 4” wide.
Even better is the self-locking mechanism of this belt. No longer do you have to double-check that your lever is secured or that your pronged belt is tightened perfectly – Just tighten this belt and hit the gym!
Pros:
- on’t give out, even on your heaviest lifts
- Much more comfortable than a leather belt
- Valid at weightlifting competitions
Cons:
- Can be a little difficult to tighten
8. RDX Powerlifting Belt for Weight Lifting
If you’re a lever belt fanatic, then you need to give this RDX belt the old college try.
This belt was truly built with heavy squats and deadlifts in mind. That’s exactly why it offers heavy-duty stitching for ultimate stability and an oil-tanned leather to provide a smooth yet durable lifting experience.
Perhaps most notable is the chrome lever buckle. Not only is it easy to clasp and unhook, but it’ll support just about any amount of weight and help you through even the toughest lifts in your gym career.
Pros:
- Oil-tanned leather makes it smooth, flexible, and durable
- The manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee
- Definitely worth your hard-earned cash
Cons:
- Might be a little stiff for a while
9. RDX Weight Lifting Belt for Fitness
You’ve never seen a weightlifting belt with quite as many layers like this one.
This belt has just about every material you can think of to provide you with a solid squat and deadlift session. That includes a heavy-duty steel buckle, tear-resistant suede leather, and even sponge material in the center of the belt.
The sponge on the inside is what makes this belt so comfortable for newbies. It’ll give you all the push-back you need to put up heavyweights, but also provide your core and your lower back with support and soft material to work against.
Pros:
- Very affordable and worth the money
- Keeps sweat away while lifting
- Designed to fit your body perfectly
- Ideal for lower back comfort
Cons:
- Sizing seems to be inconsistent
Top Picks for the Best Weightlifting Belts for Squats and Deadlifts
Dark Iron Fitness Genuine Leather Pro Weight Lifting Belt
- Can support over 600 pounds on the deadlift and squat
- The manufacturer offers replacements if it ever fails
- Instant lifting gains of up to 10% your first session with this belt
Anyone who’s serious about making gains and setting squat and deadlift PRs needs to consider the Dark Iron Fitness Genuine Leather Pro Weight Lifting Belt.
This leather weightlifting belt is an absolute beast. It’s the perfect combination of flexible and sturdy, but will also be your best friend when it comes to making progress.
That’s because this belt can support over 600 on the deadlift and squat, so you’ll definitely get a lot of use out of it. To top it all off, it’s so durable and user-friendly that you can expect to boost your weight lifted by close to 10%.Wanna know what belts are the best of the best? Check out our complete list of the best weightlifting belts so you can find the perfect belt for you to lift more weight!
