
If you’ve ever stepped foot in a gym or fitness facility, you’ve probably seen serious-looking bodybuilders wearing weightlifting belts around their midsection. Weightlifting belts are usually worn to protect the lower back from excess strain during heavy weightlifting exercises.
While not everyone needs to wear a weightlifting belt every time they go to the gym, they are a useful tool for preventing abdominal and lower back injuries while providing stability during your workout. Here are 23 of the best weightlifting belts you can buy for your gym workouts this year.
Quick Rankings
Category | Name | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best Leather Weightlifting Belt | Dark Iron Fitness Genuine Leather Pro Weight Lifting Belt |
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Best Velcro Weightlifting Belt | Schiek Sports Model 2004 Nylon 4 3/4" Weight Lifting Belt |
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Best Nylon Weightlifting Belt | Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt |
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Best Neoprene Weightlifting Belt | Master of Muscle Workout Weight Lifting Belt |
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Best Suede Weightlifting Belt | Harbinger Padded Leather Contoured Weightlifting Belt |
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Best Vegan Lifting Belt | Rip Toned Lifting Belt |
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Best White Lifting Belt | Contraband Black Label 4010 4inch Nylon Weight Lifting Belt |
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Best Olympic Weightlifting Belt | Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt |
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Best Powerlifting Belt | Steel Sweat Weight Lifting Belt |
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Best for CrossFit | Fire Team Fit Weightlifting Belt |
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Best Squat Belt | FlexzFitness Leather Weight Lifting Belt |
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Best Deadlifting Belt | IRON COMPANY 6.5mm Thick 3" Treated Leather Deadlift Belt |
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Best Lever Belt | Inzer Advance Designs Forever Lever Belt 10MM |
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Best Ratchet Weightlifting Belt | Spud, Inc. Pro Series Belt 3-Ply |
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Best for Women | Harbinger Women's Nylon Weightlifting Belt |
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Best for Men | Dark Iron Fitness Genuine Leather Pro Weight Lifting Belt |
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Best Weightlifting Belt for Big Guys | RitFit Weight Lifting Belt |
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Best Small Weightlifting Belt | RitFit Weight Lifting Belt |
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Best 10mm Weightlifting Belt | ProFitness Powerlifting & Weight Lifting Belt (10MM Thick) |
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Best 4-Inch Belt | ProFitness Weight Lifting Belt (4 Inches Wide) |
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Best Nike Weightlifting Belt | ![]() Nike Structured Training Belt 3.0 |
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Best RDX Weightlifting Belt | RDX Weight Lifting Belt for Fitness |
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Best ProFitness Belt | ProFitness Genuine Leather Workout Belt |
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Best Leather Weightlifting Belt – Dark Iron Fitness Genuine Leather Pro Weight Lifting Belt
The Dark Iron Fitness Weight Lifting Belt is one of the highest quality 4-inch belts on the market due to its impressive physical strength and ability to aid your weightlifting performance.
Made from genuine buffalo leather resistant to breaking and tearing, this belt can withstand over 500-pound squats and deadlifts without compromising its integrity during a lift. That’s why we included in our list of best belts for deadlifts and squats.
In addition to being extremely comfortable for a leather belt and not digging into your sides or hips while lifting, you’ll be highly impressed by your ability to improve your lifts, with customers noting a 10% increase in lift volume when wearing the belt.
Pros:
- Free replacement if your belt fails
- Customers average a 10% lift increase with the belt
- Comfortable and doesn’t dig into your hips or sides
Cons:
- May stain your clothing underneath the belt
We wanted to make sure this belt would last over years of tough lifting sessions so we did a full review of the Dark Iron Fitness Belt. Make sure you check it out to discover just how durable and reliable this belt really is.
Best Velcro Weightlifting Belt – Schiek Sports Model 2004 Nylon 4 3/4″ Weight Lifting Belt
Despite the negative reputation that velcro weightlifting belts have developed in recent years, the Schiek Sports Model 2004 Nylon belt hook and loop closure system will support you through your lift without sacrificing tension. This is further supported through the belt’s tough stainless steel buckle that goes against the common belief that all Velcro belts are weaker.
With a Velcro closure system, this belt is incredibly easy to adjust between sets and the physical design and lightweight material help to create an overall comfortable weightlifting belt. At an average of 4.75-inches, this belt also features a specialized construction that helps to target the back’s natural shape, so the actual belt isn’t a consistent size all the around.
We compared this belt to the Rogue Echo, but the Schiek still comes out on top in terms of its durability and break-in time.
Pros:
- Contours to the back’s natural shape
- Hook and loop closure system for optimal security
- Easily adjustable Velcro system
Cons:
- The extreme lightweight design may not be suitable for heavier lifts
Best Nylon Weightlifting Belt – Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt
When it comes to nylon belts, the Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt takes the cake because of its thick and durable 346 count nylon configuration that provides optimal durability for even the heaviest of lifts. To take it one step further, the 4-inch belt is further strengthened with the addition of a 3-inch support strap that’ll maintain tension in your lower back while you lift.
Securing this belt is incredibly simple with the inclusion of a steel roller buckle that’ll allow you to adjust the tension and sizing whenever you deem fit. This nylon belt is also an ideal choice for those with smaller waist sizes, with sizing ranging from 24 to 42 inches.
Pros:
- Offers smaller sizes than some other brands
- Additional support strap for maximal tension
- A Velcro closure system for easy adjustment
Cons:
- May not be true to size for some people
Related: Leather vs Nylon Weightlifting Belts: Which is Better?
Best Neoprene Weightlifting Belt – Master of Muscle Workout Weight Lifting Belt
Common to most neoprene weightlifting belts, this easy-fasten Velcro belt is an unusually comfortable lifting belt with less rigid edges to prevent the belt from digging into your sides and hips during movements. In addition to comfort, you’ll appreciate its padded and contoured shape designed to fold around the natural shape of your back to allow you to lift without discomfort.
The Master of Muscle Workout Weight Lifting Belt also includes additional padding to provide optimal core support and tension throughout your lift. If you’re new to weightlifting, you’ll love the fact that this belt comes with a free eBook to introduce you to basic lifts and their proper form.
Pros:
- The manufacturer offers free weightlifting eBook
- Contoured shape to fit your back and core
- Strong Velcro closure system
Cons:
- The durability of the Velcro closure may diminish
Best Suede Weightlifting Belt – Harbinger Padded Leather Contoured Weightlifting Belt
This 6-inch suede-lined weightlifting belt offers a comfortable cushioned interior to provide less direct tension on your back and core throughout your lifts. The Harbinger Padded Leather Contoured Weightlifting Belt isn’t just comfortable, but it’s also extremely durable as a result of its double-stitched construction to guarantee the belt doesn’t fall apart or wear, especially during a lift.
If you’re worried about keeping the belt secure around your waist during a lift, that’s not something you’ll have to worry about with this belt. The dual prong steel roller buckle will ensure a tight fit around the waist without digging into your sides or hips.
Pros:
- Extra secure dual prong roller buckle
- Padded suede interior
- Strong double-stitched exterior
Cons:
- Interior of the actual belt may be flimsy
Want to learn more? Check out our extended review of the Harbinger lifting belt to find out if it’s worth the price!
Best Vegan Lifting Belt – Rip Toned Lifting Belt
If you consider yourself to be vegan or you just prefer products that aren’t constructed from animal products, the Rip Toned Lifting Belt is a solid option. This is actually our top pick from our list of the best vegan lifting belts because of its animal-safe construction and high quality.
The sleek contour design of this belt is engineered to fit naturally around your core and back to prevent slippage while you pump out reps.
You’ll also guarantee this belt stays in place as a result of the hook and loop Velcro closure system implemented to provide security and stability throughout your lift. If you happen to order this model in the incorrect size, the manufacturer will replace the belt with the correct size for free.
Pros:
- The manufacturer will replace an incorrectly sized belt
- Contours to the shape of the back and core
- Secure hook and loop Velcro closure system
Cons:
- Velcro strip may not live up to your strength standards
Best White Lifting Belt – Contraband Black Label 4010 4inch Nylon Weight Lifting Belt
The Contraband Black Label 4010 4 Inch Nylon Weight Lifting Belt is available in four colors, including red, gray, black, and white. Not only are you getting a sporty white lifting belt, but you’re also getting an easily adjustable hook and loop Velcro system to change the tension between sets or exercises without wasting your rest periods.
The unique nylon exterior also provides a more flexible material to allow the belt to mold to your shape naturally. Unlike many Velcro closure belts, the manufacturer advertises this model as being sturdy enough to handle over 100,000 opens and closes, meaning it’ll basically last you forever.
And just to address the elephant in the room… yes, it’s odd to have a category for belts that are white. But you’d actually be surprised just how many cool white weightlifting belts are on the market.
Pros:
- Soft and comfortable nylon mesh interior
- Sleek white design to let you stand out at the gym
- Velcro capable of 100,000 opens and closes
Cons:
- Could dig into your side a little bit
Best Olympic Weightlifting Belt – Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt
What makes the Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt ideal for Olympic weightlifting is its self-locking buckle designed to provide guaranteed security during any type of heavy-lift you perform. To maximize your Olympic lifting performance, the construction of the belt supports a consistent tension throughout your waist with a completely symmetrical composition.
When you’re switching from an exercise that requires the belt and one that doesn’t, you can use the belt’s quick-release mechanism to keep the belt around your waist while reducing the tension. If you’re a serious competitor, you’ll be happy to learn that this belt is permitted for use in official CrossFit and USAW competitions.
Pros:
- Suitable for USAW and CrossFit competitions
- Even tension throughout the belt
- Self-locking buckle with a quick-release mechanism
Cons:
- Somewhat thin material
Best Powerlifting Belt – Steel Sweat Weight Lifting Belt
This leather belt by Steel Sweat is the ideal powerlifting belt because of its guaranteed security and stability as a result of its cowhide leather construction and stainless steel roller buckle. No matter how quickly you perform a rep or how heavy the weight is, you won’t have to doubt whether your belt will stay in place and provide the tension you need (unlike this belt by Gold’s Gym).
With a thickness of 10 millimeters, you’ll be able to set new 1RMs and push yourself to your limit without risking form or injury that’s common with thinner belt options. If you’re a serious powerlifter, the fact that this belt is IPF-approved should be enough to convince you that this belt means business.
Pros:
- Unbreakable stainless steel roller buckle
- IPF-approved
- High-quality secure cowhide leather composition
Cons:
- Takes a little while to break-in
Best CrossFit Weightlifting Belt – Fire Team Fit Weightlifting Belt
A good CrossFit weightlifting belt should be flexible for the variety of movements you’ll perform in your WOD as well as durable enough to allow you to power through Olympic-style lifts, and the Fire Team Fit Weightlifting Belt meets both of those expectations. Despite its lightweight construction, this belt will supply you with the rigidity and stability you need without causing pain or discomfort.
To maintain tension during heavier lifts, the slide stop buckle allows you to adjust the belt to the exact amount of tension you desire and modify the tension between high-intensity and low-intensity exercises. The specially molded shape of this belt places more of an emphasis on your core and lower back and reduces the amount of material on your hips, so you can wear this belt even when your WOD doesn’t call for Olympic lifting.
Pros:
- Accurate slide buckle closure system
- Lightweight design perfect for CrossFit WOD
- The company donates some proceeds to U.S. Combat Veteran organizations
Cons:
- Wouldn’t be a good belt for competitions
Best Squat Belt – FlexzFitness Leather Weight Lifting Belt
When it comes to squat belts, you want a belt that provides extreme support to the lower back and reduces the amount of tension placed on the spine and back. With the lever closure feature of the FlexzFitness Leather Weight Lifting Belt, you can guarantee the belt will remain secured around your lower back during a squat without slipping or moving.
When your lower back is further supported and compressed during squats, belts like this 10-millimeter thick model will allow you to lift more and lift heavier than ever before. Durability is further supported with high-quality stitching throughout the belt to prevent ripping, tearing, and breaking.
Pros:
- A lever closure system for ensured tension
- 10-millimeter thick soft material
- Impressive tension during squats
Cons:
- The buckle is known to physically detach from the belt
Best Deadlifting Belt – IRON COMPANY 6.5mm Thick 3″ Treated Leather Deadlift Belt
If you’re the type of person whose favorite exercise is deadlifts, you’re going to want to buy a deadlift-specific belt like this one by IRON COMPANY to tackle the unique physical needs of the exercise. The combination of features and materials used to develop this belt is what makes it the supreme deadlift belt.
At 3-inches wide and 6.5 millimeters thick, the belt is relatively small and flexible, but the treated leather material encompassing the entire belt will prevent the belt from failing during even the heaviest of deadlifts. With a single prong stainless steel closure system and absolutely no stitching, it’s almost impossible for this belt to give out.
Pros:
- No stitching for added durability
- Thin, narrow, and flexible
- Made of a treated leather material
Cons:
- Takes some time to fully break it in
Best Lever Belt – Inzer Advance Designs Forever Lever Belt 10MM
The Inzer Advance Designs Forever Lever Belt truly lives up to the high standards of the best lever belts, which include a high-security closure that won’t slip or budge when you’re lifting. At 10 millimeters thick, this leather lever belt is probably one of the most durable belts on the market.
When you’re at the gym and doing Olympic lifts, the lever closure system of this belt won’t let you down. It’s not only extremely secure and durable, but it also has corrosive resistant lock-stitched nylon that’ll maintain its integrity even after consistent use.
Pros:
- Secure lever closure system
- A 10-millimeter thickness for greater durability
- Corrosive-resistant material
Cons:
- You need to make sure the lever is fully secured before lifting
Still not sure about this one? You can see our detailed review of this belt to find out if the Inzer is really as great as everyone says it is.
Best Ratchet Weightlifting Belt – Spud, Inc. Pro Series Belt 3-Ply
Ratchet weightlifting belts are difficult to come by but are probably some of the most secure weightlifting belts you can buy. With the inclusion of a ratchet feature, the Spud, Inc. Pro Series Belt 3-Ply lets you tighten the belt around your waist to the exact amount of tension your workout requires.
In addition to security and stability, this 4-inch belt is composed of 3-ply material that’ll prevent the belt from ripping or breaking during your heavy lifts. The material used to create this belt is also remarkably comfortable and will allow you to do your heavy lifts longer than ever before.
Pros:
- Ratchet closure creates the perfect tension
- 3-ply material for optimal security
- Comfortable and soft material
Cons:
- Ratchet closures aren’t for everybody
Best Weightlifting Belt for Women – Harbinger Women’s Nylon Weightlifting Belt
While most manufacturers advertise their weightlifting belts as being unisex, any woman who has worn a weightlifting belt before knows how difficult it is to find a unisex belt that fits just right. That’s why this 5-inch wide flexible nylon belt designed specifically for female lifters is absolutely groundbreaking.
Unlike many men’s belts, the Harbinger Women’s Nylon Weightlifting Belt is soft, breathable, and entirely flexible to support you throughout your entire range of motion. For the female figure, this belt will allow you to work out at your max without causing the much-expected discomfort that you experience with men’s belts.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for women
- Flexible nylon material for optimal range of motion
- The material is breathable and soft
Cons:
- Might not be great for smaller waist sizes
Don’t like what you see? Check out our list of the Best Weightlifting Belts for Women to see more options!
Best Weightlifting Belt for Men – Dark Iron Fitness Genuine Leather Pro Weight Lifting Belt
This belt by Dark Iron Fitness was also our choice for best leather weightlifting belt, but its insane quality and high consumer reviews led it to become our choice for the best weightlifting belt for men. See the first item on this list for more information on this belt.
Pros:
- Lets you set new PRs for deadlifts and squats
- Guaranteed to improve your abilities
- Entirely leather belt for optimal durability
Cons:
- Noted for staining clothes
Best Weightlifting Belt for Big Guys – RitFit Weight Lifting Belt
As a bigger guy, it’s hard to find quality workout equipment that fits your body type and also improves your performance. The RitFit Weight Lifting Belt ranges in size from 22 inches to an impressive 59 inches, so no matter how big you are, this belt will be able to handle your workout.
Unique to this belt is its waterproof design that’s hand-washable and a 6-inch wide core that’ll provide comfort throughout your lift. Regardless of your size, the hook and loop closure system and torque ring will hold their tension at every step of your lift.
Pros:
- Sizes up to 59 inches
- Hand-washable and air-dry capable
- 6-inch soft material core for great comfort
Cons:
- May slide or budge when lifting
Wish there were more options for larger fellas? Check out our full list of the Best Weightlifting Belts for Big Guys to see what else is on the market!
Best Small Weightlifting Belt – RitFit Weight Lifting Belt
The RitFit Weight Lifting Belt ironically made its first appearance on this list in the “Best Weighlifting Belt for Bigger Guys” section. If you have an abnormally narrow waist and find it difficult to locate equipment that fully supports your waist size without bunching up, the fact that this belt offers an extra small version that measures roughly 22 inches should be enough to convince you that there actually are weightlifting belts for smaller people.
Pros:
- Sizes starting at 22 inches
- Softer lining for maximal comfort
- Waterproof and hand-washable
Cons:
- Velcro may tear
Best 10mm Weightlifting Belt – ProFitness Powerlifting & Weight Lifting Belt (10MM Thick)
At 10 millimeters thick, the ProFitness Powerlifting & Weight Lifting Belt is extremely heavy-duty and is compatible with heavy lifting, Strongman, and bodybuilding. This belt was designed to handle extraordinarily heavy weights and encourage you to set 1RMs from the moment you set foot in the gym with this belt on.
Not only is it composed of thick leather, but the leather is already broken in to allow you to get right to the gym and start using the belt. You can be sure that this belt will remain stable on your waist with its single prong steel closure system and not move once it’s secured.
Pros:
- Leather is already broken in
- 10-millimeter thick, 4-inch heavy-duty design
- Built for very heavy lifting
Cons:
- Might be thicker than you prefer
Best 4-Inch Weightlifting Belt – ProFitness Weight Lifting Belt (4 Inches Wide)
When it comes to 4-inch wide weightlifting belts, the market is absolutely saturated. However, what sets the ProFitness Weight Lifting Belt apart is already broken-in leather material and 7-millimeter thick material that promotes greater movement and range of motion while also providing stability.
The leather material is sure to endure any workout you put it through and the double-prong stainless steel closure system will keep the belt secured around your waist. To further provide durability, the belt has reinforced stitching to make sure it will last.
Pros:
- Thin 7-millimeter thick leather
- High-quality leather that’s already broken in
- Reinforced stitching for durability
Cons:
- May not be true to size
Best Nike Weightlifting Belt – Nike Structured Training Belt 3.0
Nike doesn’t have many weightlifting belts for sale, but the few they do, like this one, are of decent quality. The Nike Structured Training Belt 3.0 is made of several different materials, each one included to provide security, durability, and versatility.
The Nike weightlifting belt sports a steel roller buckle to help you adjust the belt to the perfect tightness for whatever exercise you’re doing. Unique to this belt is the perforated ventilation system that allows your back to breathe when doing exercises like squats and deadlifts, a feature many other belts are lacking.
Pros:
- Ventilated back for breathability
- Secure steel roller buckle
- Fitted for your back’s contour
Cons:
- Not designed for serious lifters
- Very few sizing options
Best RDX Weightlifting Belt – RDX Weight Lifting Belt for Fitness
RDX is recognized for its high-quality weightlifting belts, and this model demonstrates the best of RDX. In using oil-tanned leather to create the belt better-suited for bodybuilding, RDX effectively created a leather belt that is durable, flexible, and soft.
Heavy-duty is the theme when it comes to this belt, especially due to its reinforced buckle system, thick leather material and padding, and reinforced stitching. Unlike many belts, this option also provides shock absorption through its unique interior padding.
Pros:
- Soft yet durable oil-tanned leather
- Shock-absorbing interior foam
- Heavy-duty secure buckle
Cons:
- Sized smaller
Best ProFitness Belt – ProFitness Genuine Leather Workout Belt
You’ve seen ProFitness workout belts on three other occasions throughout this list, but that’s because these are some of the most high-quality weightlifting belts out there. The ProFitness Genuine Leather Workout Belt, in particular, is designed to sit on your hips without moving or slipping during your exercise.
Though made of genuine leather, this belt is also flexible and promotes a greater range of motion, which is perfect for exercises like presses and squats. You’ll be guaranteed a high-quality product that’ll help you prevent injury when you’re lifting.
Still not sure if it’s worth it? Check out our extended review with additional details you can’t find on this page.
Pros:
- Flexible genuine leather
- Consistent width all around
- Built to reduce injuries
Cons:
- Can be considered thin
Top Picks for Best Weightlifting Belts
All of these weightlifting belts provide adequate support, prevent injuries, and target specific aspects of your weightlifting. While all of these belts are viable options, there are three belts that stand out more than the rest.
Of the highest quality belts on the list, the three that stood out were not only versatile in terms of sizing and usability in the gym but were also made of high-quality material secured by an advanced and durable locking system. The top three weightlifting belts that meet all of these criteria are: