Do you really want to be the biggest guy at the gym….or would you rather be the strongest?
If you chose option #2, it might be time to get involved with Olympic weightlifting. And to really reach your full potential on the snatch and clean & jerk, you’re going to need the right belt.
Our top choice to max out your total is the Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt. Continue reading to learn a bit about that belt and 8 others that’ll change your training sessions forever.
In a Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick!
Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt
- Supports over 650 pounds at once
- If the buckle gets in the way, you can just turn the belt around
- Lifetime warranty!
- Four colors available for added style
- More comfortable than leather, but equally as durable
Things to Consider When Buying Olympic Weightlifting Belts
A belt designed for Olympic weightlifting can keep your back and core stiff as you’re putting up your heaviest clean & jerk yet. It’s supportive, low-profile, and stays out of the way.
Now that we know that, let’s figure out how to get the right belt.
Durability & Stability
The term “durability” is a little misleading when it comes to gym belts. You probably assume that you need a rigid leather training belt that doesn’t bend or flex, no matter what you put it through.
You, your hips, your ribs, and your back will be thankful to learn that’s not always the case.
Durability will most often come down to the closure system.
You want to be sure that your belt won’t come undone as you’re attempting a 300-pound clean & jerk for the first time at the gym. Prong closures are usually pretty reliable, but we’ve also seen many nylon/velcro belt combos that hold their own in the gym.
Nylon, neoprene, and leather can all be good choices for Olympic weightlifting belts.
Low Profile & Thin
Think about the motions for both Olympic lifts: The snatch & the clean and jerk. For both, you’re dragging a heavily loaded barbell up your body so that you can eventually raise it at the end.
But what would happen if you brought it too close to your body while wearing a belt?
Unfortunately, there’s nothing stopping the barbell from getting caught against your belt’s buckle or bulky design. Not only will you fail the lift and possibly ruin your total, but you could get hurt.
The best Olympic weightlifting belt will be on the thinner side, especially in the front. The belt and the buckle should sit closely against your core muscles and not stick out like a sore thumb.
Tapered Fit
Lastly, you need to think about how the belt actually fits around your waist.
To use your belt in competition, it needs to be a maximum of 120mm wide. That means a belt measuring in at 4” wide along the back is a great option.
On top of width, there’s the taper.
The best Olympic weightlifting belts will get more narrow around the front of the belt, usually to about 2.5”. This narrow portion at the front of your waist will give you a bit more room to move and sink down into your starting position for both major exercises.
You’ll never end your session with bruised ribs or hips again.
Quick Summary View
| Rank | Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt |
| Check Price |
| #2 |  Valeo 4-Inch VLP Performance Low Profile Belt |
| Check Price |
| #3 |  Schiek Sports Model 2004 Nylon 4 3/4" Weight Lifting Belt |
| Check Price |
| #4 |  Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt |
| Check Price |
| #5 |  ProFitness Pre-Broken-In Weight Lifting Belt (4 Inches Wide) |
| Check Price |
| #6 |  Harbinger Padded Leather Contoured Weightlifting Belt |
| Check Price |
| #7 |  RDX 4 Inch Weightlifting Fitness Leather Gym Belt |
| Check Price |
| #8 |  Rogue Fitness 5″ Nylon Weightlifting Belt |
| Check Price |
| #9 |  Valeo VRL4 4" Padded Leather Contoured Weightlifting Lifting Belt |
| Check Price |
9 Best Olympic Weightlifting Belts
1. Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt
When you’re ready to jump right into Olympic lifting head first, start off with the Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt.
Now, this belt can handle literally anything.
It’s made heavy-duty nylon that can support loads of over 650 pounds. So, if you have a little experience under your belt (no pun intended), you can start bumping up your total from day one.
Fortunately, you’ll never have to worry about this belt giving out as you’re working on your cleans. That’s thanks to the quick-release system that’ll never fail and will let the belt sit snugly around your waist until you flick the roller open.
It’s easier than ever to loosen or tighten your belt as you switch between exercises.
Pros:
- Supports over 650 pounds at once
- If the buckle gets in the way, you can just turn the belt around
- Lifetime warranty!
- Four colors available for added style
- More comfortable than leather, but equally as durable
Cons:
- A little uncomfortable during the first week
2. Valeo 4-Inch VLP Performance Low Profile Belt
Do you want a belt that’s clearly designed with Olympic weightlifting in mind? Then think about getting the Valeo 4-Inch VLP Performance Low Profile Belt.
This belt is as comfortable as it gets.
Unlike many belts that simply add a thin layer of padding, this belt actually offers a memory foam core that’ll be gentle on your spine. So, you can get those 200-pound snatches in without pulling a muscle or waking up unable to walk.
As a beginner, working on your form means sometimes bringing the barbell too close to your waist. Luckily, the low profile hook and loop closure will stay out of your way and keep you safe.
Why get a pricey leather belt when you can get a comfortable, sturdy, and flexible nylon belt?
Pros:
- Very comfortable memory foam core
- Contours to the natural shape of your body (won’t dig in)
- Low profile closure for added safety
- A good solution for beginners (300+ pounds supported)
- Wash by hand
Cons:
- May slide up your waist during rapid movements
3. Schiek Sports Model 2004 Nylon 4 3/4″ Weight Lifting Belt
Olympic weightlifting standards allow you to wear a belt up to 4.7” wide. That makes the Schiek Sports Model 2004 Nylon 4 3/4″ Weight Lifting Belt a great choice for toeing the line.
The problem with a lot of Olympic belts is that they’re too narrow around the core.
That’s an issue since a lot of the strength you’re mustering up during those deep snatches comes from the front of your body. So, the fact that this belt is only narrow around the hips and ribs will help you to pump-out your all-time best total.
Sure the belt is a little narrow around the sides, but you don’t have to worry about this belt giving out. This belt has a second closure system that’ll serve as a backup if your first one fails.
And try out any of the 8 color variations available to help you to stand out at the gym next time.
Pros:
- Worn by some of the biggest names in fitness
- A terrific solution for beginners and intermediates
- Capable of lasting a half-decade or more
- Comes in 8 colors, like yellow, blue, and pink
- Two closure systems guarantee the belt won’t fail
Cons:
- Not the best choice for maximum loads
4. Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt
Are you craving comfort around the waist during your long Olympic weightlifting training sessions? Well, think about investing in the Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt.
First, this belt isn’t tapered like most of the other belts on this list.
Yet, it still remains superior when it comes to providing core support during heavy lifts. You may just be able to knock out a 300-pound snatch without this belt even so much as bending.
What’s most important about this belt is that it’s a little bulkier than most other nylon belts. The metal loop is definitely a little heavier and the nylon stitching is thicker, yet the belt is thin enough at the front to keep the barbell from getting caught.
And if you’re really hesitant about a velcro belt, you’ll be pleased to know the strap is 3” wide.
Pros:
- Supports lifts of well over 500 pounds
- Low profile closure system won’t get caught on the barbell
- More flexible and comfortable than many Olympic belts
- 3” wide velcro strap for really great support
Cons:
- Newer models seem to be lower quality
- Velcro starts to fall apart after a while
5. ProFitness Pre-Broken-In Weight Lifting Belt (4 Inches Wide)
If you find 10mm leather to be too rigid but nylon to be too flexible, then you’re in the right place. The ProFitness Pre-Broken-In Weight Lifting Belt (4 Inches Wide) might just be the belt for you.
Breaking in a brand new leather weightlifting belt is a pain in the neck (and ribs and hips). You’ll have to go easy at the gym for a few weeks as you get used to the belt, how it fits, and build up some resiliency as the leather pokes at your sides.
Well not with this belt, as it comes broken-in and ready to use!
Luckily, this belt isn’t the cliche, clunky, leather belt. The leather is a mere 7mm thick (as compared to 10mm) and will let you sink deep into your clean & jerks for max range of motion.
This belt is as barebones as it gets thanks to the lack of additional padding for a more natural fit.
Pros:
- Thin for a leather belt, but still supportive
- Ready to use the day it’s delivered
- Great customer service
- A rare high-quality tapered leather belt
- No extra useless padding
Cons:
- Skin pinching is not unusual at the start of the snatch
- The double-prong buckle can be a little bulky
6. Harbinger Padded Leather Contoured Weightlifting Belt
Leather belts simply cannot be comfortable and practical….right? Well, that might not be the case with the Harbinger Padded Leather Contoured Weightlifting Belt.
This belt makes a comfy leather Olympic belt a reality.
It offers a unique interior cushioning that’ll provide your spine with a little extra support as you power past that 60-minute mark. This belt also boasts a suede lining that’ll keep the belt from slipping up your waist as you break a sweat and pump those reps out faster than ever.
This Olympic belt will come in clutch when it comes to back pain. It gently guides your lower back through the snatch and clean & jerk to heal pre-existing injuries and prevent new ones.
This belt is truly hardcore and supportive, yet gentle and comfortable.
Pros:
- Combination of comfortable, supportive, and bulky
- Won’t slip and slide up your waist
- Seems to be well-made, generally speaking
- A great choice for preventing or healing back pain
Cons:
- If you’re bordering on two sizes, go a size up (runs small)
- A little rough on the hips
7. RDX 4 Inch Weightlifting Fitness Leather Gym Belt
Picture this: A tapered leather weightlifting belt that’s gentle on your skin, won’t pinch or dig into your sides, and will keep you comfortable during PR attempts on the snatch. Now stop dreaming, because that belt is the RDX 4 Inch Weightlifting Fitness Leather Gym Belt.
You’re probably wondering how that’s even possible.
Well, it all comes down to how the leather was tanned. It infuses a special oil that keeps it soft to the touch, prevents cracking and tearing, and gives you a little breathing room between reps.
The suede leather on the interior keeps the belt in place, even when your workouts get sweaty.
And to take the comfort just a step further, this belt has slight padding in the center in the form of a sponge. That’ll help to absorb some extra shock during quick reps and reduce your risk of injury.
Buy this belt once and you won’t have to buy a belt for years to come.
Pros:
- Has interior sponge for less strain on your muscles and back
- Contours around your hips and ribs (won’t dig in!)
- Won’t slide or come undone
- Will likely last you for years to come
Cons:
- The buckle might be extra bulky and high profile
8. Rogue Fitness 5″ Nylon Weightlifting Belt
If you just started out in the Olympic weightlifting world, then you’ll be spending those first few months on one thing and one thing alone: Form. So, why not take advantage of a slightly wider and more supportive belt in the form of the Rogue Fitness 5″ Nylon Weightlifting Belt?
Simply put, this is a great belt for beginners.
It’s incredibly thin and lightweight enough where it won’t feel too different than not wearing a belt. But you’ll notice that your gains are improving with each workout when wearing this belt.
Don’t think you have to sacrifice comfort for durability.
This belt is insanely durable with the help of a 3” wide velcro support strap that’ll stay locked tight until you bust out those 5 reps on the clean & jerk.
Fortunately, getting this belt on and off between sets and exercises can be done in just seconds.
Pros:
- A little wider at the back, which is great for beginners
- Thin and light design
- Easy to put on and take off between exercises
- Low-profile closure system will stay out of the way
- A great alternative to the typical leather belt
Cons:
- Width is above typical standards but is great for training purposes
9. Valeo VRL4 4″ Padded Leather Contoured Weightlifting Lifting Belt
Have you been in the game for a little while, but are still working on building up your maximal strength? As an intermediate, choose the Valeo VRL4 4″ Padded Leather Contoured Weightlifting Lifting Belt.
This padded leather belt is as sturdy as they come.
It boasts genuine leather, double-stitching patterns, and an indescribable steel roller buckle. It’s very rare that this belt busts at the seams, cracks, or simply fails during a heavy snatch.
One of the greatest features of this belt is how it’ll improve your form. It may seem easier to increase your total, without completely draining you of energy.
And the white interior is pretty sick-looking since white belts aren’t too common.
Pros:
- Durable via double stitching, genuine leather, and a steel buckle
- Anti-slip suede padding for extra safety
- Helps to improve your total
- Cool white and black design
- Padding for added comfort for beginners and intermediates
Cons:
- Some believe it feels “cheap”
- May not thrive with very heavy lifts
Top Picks for the Best Olympic Weightlifting Belts
Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt
- Supports over 650 pounds at once
- If the buckle gets in the way, you can just turn the belt around
- Lifetime warranty!
- Four colors available for added style
- More comfortable than leather, but equally as durable
Yes, there are quite a few things that you should be looking for in the ideal Olympic weightlifting belt. But you do have a little bit of freedom when it comes to the minor details.
We like the Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt.
Though it doesn’t taper, this Element 26 belt can handle lifts of over 600 pounds. And if you’re a little nervous about pushing yourself and your belt to your limits, then you’ll enjoy the auto-locking closure feature that’ll keep the belt snug around your waist from set-up to release.
