15 Best Weightlifting Belts in 2024

A weightlifting belt is exactly as it sounds: a specialized workout belt meant to be worn during strength training, particularly during popular weightlifting exercises like the squat, deadlift, overhead press, and similar. 

It’s a simple but effective accessory that can aid your lifts in many ways, including increased performance and reduced risk of injury, to name a few. When worn correctly and tightened properly, the weightlifting belt helps increase intra-abdominal pressure. This provides vital vertical stability to your spine, stabilizing it during heavy lifts.

There’s been a lot of talk about the benefits of using the workout belt both recreationally and competitively. So, what are these benefits? Let’s what we’ve learned from experience and science:

The main purpose of using a weightlifting belt when exercising is to provide stability to your core. But what exactly is our core? Most people when they hear the word immediately think of the abdominal muscles (abs). Although abs are part of our core structure, they’re not the only element.

Our core consists of multiple muscle groups surrounding our hips and spine in a full 360 degrees, but a basic categorization usually goes: spinal muscles, pelvic muscles, abdominals, and diaphragm. When we attempt to lift a heavy object, particularly when picking it up (thus bending in our core), these muscles activate to help stabilize our spine and hips.

Wearing a weightlifting belt helps us increase intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) by acting as a “wall” that prevents excessive movement and flexion in our core muscles. This increase in pressure helps keep the forces of the lift concentrated and keeps the spine and pelvis aligned. In the simplest of terms, wearing a weight training belt holds your core together in place.

Let’s get one thing straight — putting on a weightlifting belt won’t suddenly increase your raw strength. That is to say, you won’t be able to magically lift 45 lbs/20kg more than you usually do simply by wearing it. However, wearing a weightlifting belt can improve your lifting performance in many ways, some of which can indirectly cause you to lift higher weights as well. 

Adding to this, wearing a belt is a subtle but helpful reminder of the importance of proper technique, including our posture, breathing, and stance, to name a few.

For example, a study examining athletes performing a standard squat with and without the belt showed that intra-abdominal pressure increased by up to 40% when wearing it. Furthermore, this effect was greatest when performing 90% of the athlete’s typical 1-rep maximum. Another study observing multiple repetitions of the squat recorded similar results — a 25-40% increase in IAP. 

Furthermore, the same study observed that subjects were able to perform the exercise faster when wearing a belt, even in the later repetitions, suggesting a lowered loss of strength and endurance. These findings suggest a weightlifting belt is especially beneficial when performing your highest repetition maximum or going for extended sets.

More research on the topic showed that athletes completed their sets quicker when wearing VS not wearing a belt, with a noticeable increase in barbell travel velocity both vertically and horizontally. 

This undoubtedly confirms lifters had an increase in explosive power in their legs, which is important for many compound lifts, including Squats, Deadlifts, and Olympic lifts, to name a few.

It’s no secret that exercises bearing heavy weight can lead to injury. During the increasingly-popular Powerlifting exercises — the Squat, Deadlift, and Bench Press — the most common injury locations observed are the lumbar spine (lower back), pelvic region, shoulders, hips, and knees. 

We’ve already touched upon how a weightlifting belt increases our intra-abdominal pressure and how that increase in IAP reduces potentially harmful comprehensive forces on the spinal discs.

Furthermore, the bulk of injuries happen when a lifter experiences a load they aren’t able to carry or during a sudden shift in weight distribution (like when losing balance). Logically, this most commonly occurs when attempting our maximum lift or when going for a new record and failing to execute. 

Studies looking at sudden changes in load capacity as well as kinematic reaction to asymmetric (uneven) loads have observed lower erector spinae activity and a faster response time in our torso when wearing a lifting belt. Although these changes are small, they can prove vital when, for example, going for max reps or adding an extra 10 lb/5kg to your barbell.

As you can see, the best gym belts reduce the risk of injury and thus improve lifting safety. Of course, it’s important to mention this effect only takes place if the belt is worn properly and the lifter utilizes proper breathing and exercise techniques (more on this topic in an upcoming section).

Both experienced lifters and coaches agree that a weightlifting belt can give you a mental edge when lifting, especially when going for max or near-max sets. Especially for beginners, once you learn the above-mentioned benefits of wearing a workout belt, it can make you feel safer and more confident in your lift, allowing you to pursue higher goals.

But this isn’t just gym talk, there’s also data to back it up. The study in question looked at the effects of using weightlifting belts and wrist straps when performing Deadlifts. On the surface, the subjects were observed performing the exercise faster when wearing supportive equipment, suggesting an increase in confidence. 

More importantly, athletes self-reported a lower Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) when using a belt VS not using it (subjects felt the exercise was easier with than without a belt).

A common topic of debate among lifters is whether or not you should use a weightlifting belt and if so, what’s the appropriate time to wear them. Some lifters argue against the usage of belts, stating that lifting without one is the purest form of exercise and best for strengthening your core strength and lifting stability naturally. 

Furthermore, they emphasize that relying on the belt creates psychological dependency, where lifters feel as if they can’t perform without one, which can end up being a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts.

According to research, about 27% of recreational weight trainers use a belt. Most argue that the benefits of wearing one outweigh the downsides. Among the many benefits, they mention belts are safe to wear, effective at what they’re meant for, and approved in competitive settings as well. So, who is correct? 

We’ve already covered a large portion of exercise and belt science in our previous sections. To recall, a weightlifting belt provides added stability and support to the spine and core, which can reduce the risk of injury and enhance performance.

It can be beneficial to wear one when attempting compound lifts, like Squats and Deadlifts, and proves especially useful during maximum capacity sets and deeper in your session. If you’re lifting near your max weight, going for personal records, or dealing with a previous injury in your core area, wearing one can help you maintain proper exercise form and manage fatigue. 

However, when doing warm-up sets or intentionally training well within your weight capacity (for example, below 75% of your maximum), a weightlifting belt may be unnecessary.

Expert on the topic, Jacek Szymanowski, says:

"Don’t use a belt when lifting less than 75% of your 1RM and learn how to brace properly — your diaphragm should be your belt until above 75%."

Moreover, a weightlifting belt is not capable of correcting lifting mistakes. Belts can enhance the lift but aren’t able to carry the weight for you. It’s important for beginner lifters to focus on learning exercise techniques first before putting on a belt and going for heavy loads. 

This means starting with lower weight increments and focusing on developing core strength and muscle memory. Attempting lifts beyond your exercise capacity is a common cause of injury, but it’s actually secondary to improper technique.

Jacek Szymanowski added:

"Wearing a belt too often and when not needed will make your back weaker."

Furthermore, not all exercises benefit from a training belt. Popular exercises such as planks or knee raises engage our core, so it may seem beneficial on the surface to use a belt in them too. However, these exercises benefit from a freed up core, meaning a belt can hinder your performance and even increase the likelihood of injury.

Jacek Szymanowski says interesting fact:

"The best core exercises are the squat, deadlift and overhead press."

Typically, a belt should be reserved for classic weightlifting exercises and their variations, here’s a table breakdown of how that looks like:

Although generally standardized, belts still come in a variety of shapes and sizes and not every belt is made for the same purpose. Here are some ways to easily differentiate between weightlifting belts:

There are a couple of different fastening mechanisms found on weightlifting belts depending on their purpose, combined material, and pricing. Here are the most common examples:

The first is the classic metal belt buckle and hole system. It’s most commonly found on leather weightlifting belts and can have one or two prongs. Higher-quality belts typically have the double prong that can withstand greater capacity. 

However, this type of closure system is less adjustable since it relies on the placement of the holes. That’s to say, if your ideal fit would be somewhere between two holes, you’re out of luck and have to make a choice to either go tighter or looser.

On the other hand, we have belts with a hook & loop closure system. Once the belt is fastened, it’s then secured by the large Velcro strap. You may hear some people at the gym refer to them as Velcro belts for this reason. 

This system is common on belts made from fabric such as nylon. It’s highly flexible and easily adjustable, allowing the belt to fit basically any body shape. However, the hook & loop system is not as durable as the classic metal belt buckle.

Somewhere in the middle of both, we have lever lifting belts. These belts try to combine the best of both worlds between the classic belt buckle and hook & loop, but they can also carry the cons of both. For starters, a lever lifting belt has to be fit before use, since the fastening clasp needs to be screwed in. 

This means that there is practically no option to adjust the fit on the go — you have to disassemble and reassemble it. On the other hand, when the fit is right, this belt can be more comfortable to wear than a classic belt buckle and is infinitely more durable than the hook & loop. That said, this type of closure is mostly found on premium-priced belts.

The majority of weightlifting belts on the market will come in either leather or nylon as their main construction material. Both have their pros and cons and your choice will mostly come down to preference, but there are some points of consideration for each.

A leather weightlifting belt is more durable and robust. On average, it can withstand higher exercise pressure and take on a greater amount of wear and tear before needing replacement. Typically, it’s more expensive upfront but can have a great return on investment for people looking to lift heavier. This makes it an especially preferred choice for powerlifters and competitive lifters. 

However, leather weightlifting belts are also stiffer and can feel restrictive to wear until broken into. Furthermore, a genuine leather belt requires more after-care to keep the material up in shape and appearance.

Nylon weightlifting belts tend to be the opposite. They’re less durable and break more frequently, which is why they’re not common in heavy lifting. That said, nylon is more flexible and will sit comfortably on the majority of body types upfront plus the typical velcro secure system found on one can be readjusted quickly and easily. 

This makes it perfect for more dynamic workouts such as cross-training or functional fitness, where you need a less restrictive belt and put it on and off frequently. It’s also typically more affordable, making it a decent budget lifting belt choice for beginner and recreational lifters.

Just like any piece of exercise equipment, there are some standards set for weightlifting belts. Of course, no one is going around inspecting people at the gym and asking what type of belt they’re using. If you’re a recreational lifter and you find one that works for you, by all means, keep using it. 

However, if you plan to enter any form of competition or simply want to train like the pros (which is always a good idea), you might want to know the different types of belts.

Jacek Szymanowski considers:

"I usually use leather belts but the nylon one is great for some easier lifting (less weight but more lifts). I personally like belts that have the same width across (don’t narrow in the front). Otherwise I don’t feel enough “pressure”."

Powerlifting belts arguably undergo the most rigorous inspections. According to the latest International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) rulebook, a belt: can not be wider than 10 cm, thicker than 13mm along the main length, the inside width of the buckle can't be more than 11 cm, the outside width no more than 13 cm, the tongue loop not wider than 5 cm, and the distance between the end of the belt and far end of the tongue loop mustn't be more than 25 cm.

If you aren’t confused already, note that these are just the rules for belt sizing. There are additional rules on materials, color, approved manufacturers, and more.

Next, we have the Olympic weightlifting belt. This belt type is typically wide on the back portion to provide ample back support but tapers down in the front. This design is meant to avoid the belt coming in contact with and intercepting the barbell, which travels closely to the body during the two Olympic lifts — the Snatch and Clean & Jerk. 

Olympic weightlifting belts also adhere to the IWF standards, which only have one rule: the belt can be no more than 12 cm wide (or around 4.72 inches). Everything else — the material, closure type, shape, etc. — is very much preferential.

In cross-training disciplines and competitions where athletes quickly switch between exercises or weight increments, a belt that’s more comfortable and easily adjustable can prove more efficient. 

For this reason, many cross-trainers opt for a nylon belt with hook & loop closure or a thinner leather belt with a quick-release lever. Major cross-training competitions do not have set rules on the type and size of belt, so athletes tend to go by preference.

Bodybuilders typically look for belts with a high weight capacity due to their training regiments, which includes both lots of repetitions and heavy weights for rapid muscle growth.

Strongman belts are easily recognizable by their sizing that goes into 3XL and above to fit the typical Strongman athlete. They also have noticeably thicker padding to add more comfort to unconventional and vigorous Strongman exercises, such as carrying or pulling large objects.

We’ve already shown you our best weightlifting belt picks and explained the pros and cons of each. If you’re unsure which belt is right for you, here are the factors you should consider:

The ideal training belt will fit you so that you can adjust it tightly with no issues. Luckily, belt manufacturers often have an array of sizes, typically going from Small (S) to Extra Large, but going even higher or lower. The best way to pick your size is by measuring your waist at the midsection then referring to the manufacturer sizing chart.

When choosing the belt thickness and width, consider the types of lifts you want to perform and the intensity of the exercise you’re going for. Belts that are wider and thicker tend to provide higher levels of support, which can be beneficial when doing Powerlifting or Olympic lifts. 

However, a thicker and wider belt can also be less comfortable and simply unnecessary for recreational lifting when approaching your maximum isn’t the goal.

Jacek Szymanowski added:

"Belts need to be thick enough to not snap/tear or open under pressure. Everyone should try different belts and see which one works best for them during lifting."

As mentioned, weightlifting belts are most commonly made of leather or nylon. For the majority of people, the choice of material will come down to main exercise types, followed by personal preference. More serious lifters may opt for leather belts due to their higher reliability and longevity, while recreational lifters may prefer the comfort and fit of the nylon belt.

The fastening system on your belt can determine its overall durability, fit, and comfort, among other things. A thick metal belt buckle will typically outperform the hook & loop closure over time and is less expensive but almost as good as the lever system, but it’s also less comfortable and not as adjustable as the other two. 

Meanwhile, a lever lifting belt requires pre-adjustments to use and can’t be refitted on the fly like the other two, but when the fit is right it feels virtually unbreakable. The hook & loop Velcro strap is not as durable as the previous two, but it allows for a greater deal of customization and is noticeably more comfortable.

Strong, reinforced stitching in the right places can substantially increase the longevity of your belt, regardless of its construction material. Better-quality belts have additional layers of stitching beyond the essential that holds the belt together, especially at common breaking points such as around the clasp. 

Furthermore, quality stitching uses a thicker thread material (for example, bonded nylon) and is spaced more closely, providing more resistance to wear and tear.

Durability will often come down to the quality of the materials and construction of the belt. Leather belts are naturally more durable than their nylon counterparts, but that’s not always the case. 

A quality nylon belt will still outlast a cheaply-made leather one. However, it’s equally as important to choose the right type of belt for your workout. Consider the exercises you’re going to do and the general weight requirements for your belt, then refer to our short review and check out the manufacturer’s specifications.

The main factor in the versatility of your belt will be the material it’s made of. Leather is sturdy but also stiff and, while it can hold a lot of pressure, it can be more difficult to move in. Hence, we mostly use leather belts in heavy, static lifts (powerlifting and similar). 

On the other hand, nylon belts offer more flexibility and agility during movement, making them suitable for activities beyond weightlifting, particularly in cross-training sessions where you quickly switch between exercises.

Although it is generally true that higher-priced belts will be of better quality than more affordable ones, that isn’t always the case. Furthermore, not everyone needs to pay top dollar to get equipment that will be underutilized. 

For example, if you’re a beginner or casual lifter, spending hundreds of dollars on a premium leather, stainless steel buckle belt meant for substantial lifts is a waste of money. When curating these lists, our top picks usually boast the highest value for money.

This section is most important if you train with the purpose of entering weightlifting competitions in the future. 

We’ve already touched on the fact that belts are often made using standardized sizing to adhere to the rule set by competitive governing bodies, such as the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), USA Powerlifting (USAPL), and others. Depending on the competition, these rules can be quite lax or rigorous.

For example, remember that the International Weightlifting Federation, which most notably governs the Olympic Games, has only one rule: the maximum width of the belt is 12 cm (roughly 4.72 inches). 

On the other hand, the IPF not only has strict rules on the sizing of the belt, but it also has a list of pre-approved equipment which can be used in their official events. In other words, even if your belt fits the correct measurements, it can still be denied by competition inspectors. 

If you’re looking for a belt to possibly use in future competitive endeavors, making sure it’s IPF-certified can save you some frustration and money.

If you want to start wearing a weightlifting belt, it’s important to know how. Although it may seem logical and obvious, these are the key points to keep in mind:

Even though it’s called a belt, it doesn’t actually go around your waist. In fact, a weightlifting belt is supposed to sit above your waist. It's supposed to go around your core, surrounding your abs, obliques, and lower back. Arguably the most important part to cover with your belt is the back, so in case it doesn’t fit ideally, make sure to adjust it in a way where it provides more support around your spine than your abs.

Jacek Szymanowski remarks:

"Two most common mistakes I see with belts: 1. It’s placed too low; 2. It’s too tight. Keep in mind that wearing your belt too low can actually have detrimental effects. 🙂"

A common mistake beginners make is strapping the weightlifting belt too hard. This may seem logical given what it’s meant to do, but in reality, your weightlifting belt should fit tight, but not too tight. 

When your body is relaxed, you should be able to easily slip a couple of fingers in between the belt and your core. When fully braced, there should be no more space between the belt and your body. 

But even then it should just stop the muscles in their tracks and not actively push them back. Important tip: keep the belt tightest during exercises with a straight upper body (squat, overhead press) to provide maximal spinal support and avoid movement. 

For exercises that require bending in your upper body (deadlift, Olympic lifts, bench press), keep the belt slightly looser to avoid it digging into your body and compressing your core.

Most people imagine bracing your core as simply contracting your muscles. Although that is one step of it, it’s also important to know how to breathe to brace for your lift. Breathe in through the nose and into the diaphragm, which should result in expansion in your stomach and raising of your chest. 

Proper bracing is very important for any weightlifting exercise to not lose your breath, minimize muscle fatigue, avoid feeling uncomfortable/dizzy, etc.

Jacek Szymanowski's personal tip:

"If you have bracing problems wear a belt with all lifts but loose enough so you get sensory connection only when you brace properly — as a sort of tactile cue. Brace your core first and then get air in your belly, not the other way around. This will build the intra-abdominal pressure in your gut needed to protect your spine."

If you’re going for multiple sets of the same exercise, it’s good practice to release the belt when cooling down, then readjust before the next exercise attempt. Having the belt on at all times can keep your muscles tense and restrict your breathing, which will hinder immediate exercise recovery and can build up to an injury on multiple set reps.

Deadlifts are a compound exercise that primarily targets your posterior chain, a major part of which is your core, in particular the erector spinae (large spinal muscles). With that in mind, the best type of belt to use for deadlifting would be one that stabilizes your spine to a higher degree. 

If you’re focusing on deadlifts as your main exercise and plan to do reps close to your maximum capacity, consider a Powerlifting belt made of leather. Most deadlifters prefer a belt that is thicker and wider at the back area.

Olympic lifters often opt for belts designed with a gradual taper, wider across the back and gradually narrowing toward the front. Typically, the back section measures around 4 inches in width, while the front tapers to approximately 2 inches. 

This design balances the need for substantial back support with a desire for comfortable movement in the front. The narrower front section allows for more mobility and lowers the chance of the barbell hitting the belt as it travels.

A weightlifting belt won’t help you lift more weight upfront but it can improve other aspects of your lifting performance, such as comfort, speed, and confidence, which can indirectly result in lifting greater weight.

Both methods have their pros and cons. Although it can be helpful, research suggests a weightlifting belt may be unnecessary before attempting personal maximums or higher repetitions. 

Novice and recreational lifters working with a lower weight capacity that they can easily manage can benefit from the raw spine strengthening of beltless lifting, while advanced lifters attempting heavy lifts will greatly benefit from wearing one.

For the majority of lifters, a 10 mm belt is more than sufficient. A 13mm belt is best suited for highly advanced lifters who lift 2-3 times their body weight in squats and deadlifts or those of a heavier weight category (120 kg/250 lbs or more).

This concludes our comprehensive lifting belts review. If you had questions or doubts about the power weightlifting belts, you've likely found the answers you needed. Utilizing a belt during heavy lifting enhances safety and performance, and enables you to push your limits. 

However, remember that selecting the best weightlifting belt for your needs is as crucial as wearing one.

Our top pick is the Leather Weightlifting Belt by Warm Body Cold Mind. It strikes the best balance between performance, aesthetics, and price, providing excellent value for money and making it an easy choice to recommend.

We’d love to hear from you as well. Tell us what your favorite weightlifting exercise is. Also, have you tried using a weightlifting belt before?

You can let us know by leaving a comment below and make sure to follow us on social media where we post lots of valuable fitness content.

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21. Photos made by Torokhtiy Media Team.