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Many people practice weightlifting to maintain fitness and build strength. Those who do may choose to wear a weightlifting belt for additional core, spine, and lower back support.
A quick look at the best weightlifting belts
- Best overall: Rogue Faded 4-in Lifting Belt by Pioneer
- Best for smaller budgets: Dark Iron Fitness Leather Belt
- Best adjustable nylon belt: Rogue USA Nylon Lifting Belt
- Best for deadlifting: Dominion 3-in Leather Belt
- Best self-locking belt: Element 26 Self-Locking Weightlifting Belt
- Best belt for beginners: Harbinger 4-in Nylon Weightlifting Belt
- Best size range: Inzer Advance Designs Forever Lever Belt
- Best for powerlifting: MRX Boxing & Fitness Powerlifting Leather Belt
- Best double prong belt: Iron Bull Strength Powerlifting Belt
This article gives an overview of weightlifting belts and how they can help with safety. It also lists some belt options for a person to consider.
We use “men’s” and “women’s” in this article to align with how companies market their products, but there is no need to stick to one or the other. A person should choose the product with the fit, style, and features that work best for them.
A 2018 journal entry from the British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine advises that a person may injure themselves if they have poor lifting form or by lifting too much weight.
Weightlifters may debate the benefits of wearing weightlifting belts, but some consider them vital, particularly if they have lower core strength and stability.
Core and lower back
Individuals in favor of weightlifting belts claim they can help support their body’s core muscles. When people use them correctly, these belts may also reduce the risk of lower back stress.
People who wear weightlifting belts while doing squats and deadlifts may also benefit from increased intra-abdominal pressure as this can provide stability and prevent back injuries. Therefore, those who use them can often lift more weight.
Spinal compression
Weightlifting belts can also minimize spinal compression when a person lifts heavier weights. Weightlifting belts may also help prevent lifters from hyperextending their backs.
People engage in many different weightlifting practices, and a person should consider their preferred style of weightlifting when choosing a belt suitable for their needs. For example, powerlifters might think about the belt’s overall support features, and others may look for flexible options that less restrict their range of motion.
Medical News Today’s methodology
Medical News Today chooses fitness equipment that meets the following criteria:
- Price: MNT chooses products available for a wide range of budgets.
- Size and capacity: MNT selects products to suit people of different heights, weights, and strengths.
- Materials: MNT chooses products with safe and durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
- Quality: MNT chooses companies that adhere to high quality manufacturing processes that ensure its products are safe for personal use.
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Weightlifting belts come in a variety of prices, which depend mostly on their quality and features. Some manufacturers make them from quality materials, while others mass produce them.
In general, they can cost anywhere from $20 to $150.
Below, we look at some of the best weightlifting belts for a person to consider.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.
Best overall: Rogue Faded 4-in Lifting Belt by Pioneer
- Width: 4 in (in)
- Thickness: 8.5 millimeters (mm)
- Sizes:
- S: waist 27–36 in
- M: waist 31–40 in
- L: waist 35–44 in
- XL: waist 39–48 in
- Material: 100% leather
- Price: $140
The Rogue belt is an adjustable, prong-style belt with a seamless roller buckle. According to the company, it is high quality genuine sole leather and comes with a lifetime warranty.
This weightlifting belt combines many of the features seen in other belts, such as a double-prong buckle, leather construction, and high adjustability. It also offers a lengthy warranty, which may be useful for people who weightlift regularly.
Below are some advantages and disadvantages for a person to consider.
Pros
- 8.5 mm thick leather prong-style belt suits people involved in a range of lifting styles.
- suitable for heavy lifts
- adjustments are in half-inches, as opposed to a more typical 1-in adjustment
Cons
- a powerlifter may find this belt too thin
- the leather may take time to break in
- higher cost than other belts
- unsuitable for people following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle
Best for smaller budgets: Dark Iron Fitness Leather Belt
- Width: 4 in
- Thickness: 8 mm
- Sizes:
- XS: waist 23–31 in
- S: waist 27–35 in
- M: waist 32–40 in
- L: waist 36–44 in
- XL: waist 40–49 in
- Material: 100% leather
- Price: from around $37–60
The Dark Iron is an affordable weightlifting belt with a double-prong and double tongue buckle. It also features reinforced stitching.
The company states that this belt will allow a person to deadlift or squat up to 600 pounds.
It also offers a lifetime guarantee for those who register their belt online.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
- lightweight
- softer leather, making it easier to break in
- pinch prevention with the double-pronged buckle
- it is unisex
Cons
- less durable than other options
- customers report difficulty finding the right size
- unsuitable for people following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle
Best adjustable nylon belt: Rogue USA Nylon Lifting Belt
- Width: 5-in back panel that tapers into 4 in, and 3-in nylon support strap
- Thickness: quarter-inch thick foam
- Sizes:
- XS: waist 26–29 in
- S: waist 29–32 in
- M: waist 32–45 in
- L: waist 35–38 in
- XL: waist 38–41 in
- 2XL: waist 41–44 in
- 3XL: waist 44–47 in
- Material: nylon and foam
- Price: $60
This belt comes in flexible nylon with a Velcro closure that the company says supports quick transitions between movements. The company designed this belt in partnership with a CrossFit Games champion athlete.
The thickness of the belt tapers at the back, and it has a roller buckle and a foam frame.
People can choose from five colors and add a range of patches to customize their belts.
Some advantages and disadvantages of this belt include:
Pros
- flexible nylon material
- antimicrobial
- choice of colors
- comes in a wide range of sizes
- does not use leather
Cons
- less rigid and supportive than other belts
- does not support heavy lifts
Best for deadlifting: Dominion 3-in Leather Belt
- Width: 3 in
- Thickness: 10 mm
- Sizes:
- XS: waist 20–30 in
- S: waist 25–35 in
- M: waist 30–40 in
- L: waist 35–45 in
- XL: waist 40–50 in
- Material: suede leather
- Price: around $165
This belt features a single-prong closure and a special construction that the company claims supports weightlifters performing deadlifts and squats.
The company states it is suitable for all individuals.
It has a single-pronged seamless roller buckle and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Advantages and disadvantages include:
Pros
- flexible
- supportive
- helps lumbar alignment
- unisex design
- lifetime warranty
Cons
- adjusts in 1-in increments only
- may not suit taller people
- comes in one color
- uses animal products
- more expensive
Best self-locking belt: Element 26 Self-Locking Weightlifting Belt
- Width: 4 in
- Thickness: no information available
- Sizes:
- XS: waist 23–27 in
- S: waist 27–31 in
- M: waist 31–36 in
- L: waist 36–40 in
- XL: waist 40–45 in
- 2XL: waist 45–50 in
- Material: 100% premium nylon
- Price: around $35
This belt comes in high quality, durable, lightweight, and flexible nylon. It also features a secure, self-locking buckle that reduces the risk of the belt coming loose during bigger lifts.
The company recommends this belt for deadlifting and Olympic lifting. It also says it is suitable for competitions.
It comes in a wide range of colors.
Individuals may consider some advantages and disadvantages, such as:
Pros
- provides even, intra-abdominal pressure
- fits securely
- lightweight
- durable
- self-locking buckle protects against belt failure during lifts
Cons
- a person may find they need to break this in before it is comfortable
- reports that it is difficult to release quickly
- some buyers found it difficult to position correctly
Best belt for beginners: Harbinger 4-In Nylon Weightlifting Belt
- Width: 4 in
- Thickness: not listed
- Sizes:
- S: waist 24–29 in
- M: waist 29–33 in
- L: waist 33–37 in
- XL: waist 37–42 in
- Material: nylon and foam
- Cost: from around $22–24
This belt features a foam, padded construction that claims to provide lower back and abdominal support. It comes with a steel roller buckle and a 3-in adjustment strap.
This is a very affordable belt and may be suitable for beginners who do not want to invest a lot of money into a belt at the start of their practice.
There is a 90-day warranty.
Advantages and disadvantages include:
Pros
- suitable for beginners
- durable
- lightweight
- very affordable
Cons
- may not suit those with waist measurements above 42 in
- some individuals report discomfort from the buckle when making a downward motion
Best size range: Inzer Advance Designs Forever Lever Belt
- Width: 3.9 in
- Thickness: 10 mm
- Sizes:
- XS: waist 22–25 in
- S: waist 26–29 in
- M: waist 30–33 in
- L: waist 34–38 in
- XL: waist 39–42 in
- 2XL: waist 43–46 in
- 3XL: waist 47–50 in
- 4XL: waist 51–54 in
- 5XL: waist 55–58 in
- Material: suede leather
- Cost: around $145
This leather belt has a lever-locking system that lets a person remove it quickly. It also features even padding on both sides, a feature that the company states makes it appropriate for heavy squats and deadlifts.
People can choose from six colors.
It also comes with a lifetime warranty and a money-back guarantee.
Individuals may consider some advantages and disadvantages, such as:
Pros
- durable
- easy to remove
- variety of colors
- comes in a wide range of sizes
Cons
- customers report a long break-in time
- higher cost than some other belts
- uses animal products
- expensive
Best for powerlifting: MRX Boxing & Fitness Powerlifting Leather Belt
- Width: 4 in
- Thickness: 10 mm
- Sizes:
- S: waist 27–33 in
- M: waist 32–38 in
- L: waist 37–42 in
- XL: waist 40–46 in
- 2XL: waist 42–47 in
- 3XL: waist 44–50 in
- Material: leather
- Cost: around $39
The company claims that this belt is suitable for powerlifting.
It features a slide bar stainless-steel buckle that helps adjust the fit. The belt can fit waist sizes from 27 to 50 in.
It comes in six color options.
Below are some advantages and disadvantages for a person to consider:
Pros
- durable
- adjustable
- a range of color options
- affordable
Cons
- customers report a lengthy break-in period
- some people found it difficult to put on and take off unaided
Best double prong belt: Iron Bull Strength Powerlifting Belt
- Width: 4 in
- Thickness: 10 mm
- Sizes:
- S: waist 25–30 in
- M: waist 30–35 in
- L: waist 35–40 in
- XL: waist 40–45 in
- 2XL: waist 45–50 in
- Material: suede leather
- Cost: around $80
This 4-in-wide belt has a double-prong buckle. The company writes that it should provide an even weight distribution.
It uses nonslip suede leather, and Iron Bull claims it has approval for competition.
People can choose from seven colors.
Some of the advantages and disadvantages of this belt include:
Pros
- body-conforming suede
- easy to adjust
- 10 rows of punch holes for the buckle
- competition-approved
Cons
- needs time for breaking in
- customers claim the listed sizing may not reflect the true belt size
The table below compares each of the belts in this article.
| Width | Thickness | Waist sizes | Material | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rogue Fitness Faded 4 in Lifting Belt | 4 in | 8.5 mm | S: 27–36 in M: 31–40 in L: 35–44 in XL: 39–48 in | 100% leather | $140 |
| Dark Iron Fitness | 4 in | 8 mm | XS: 23–31 in S: 27–35 in M: 32–40 in L: 36–44 in XL: 40–49 in | 100% leather | from around $37–60 |
| Rogue Fitness USA Nylon Lifting Belt | 5 in tapered panel | quarter-inch thick foam | XS: 26–29 in S: 29–32 in M: 32–45 in L: 35–38 in XL: 38–41 in 2XL: 41–44 in 3XL: 44–47 in | nylon and foam | $60 |
| Dominion Strength Training | 3 in | 10 mm | XS: 20–30 in S: 25–35 in M: 30–40 in L: 35–45 in XL: 40–50 in | suede leather | around $165 |
| Element 26 | 4 in | not listed | XS: 23–27 in S: 27–31 in M: 31–36 in L: 36–40 in XL: 40–45 in 2XL: 45–50 in | 100% premium nylon | around $35 |
| Harbinger | 4 in | not listed | S: 24–29 in M: 29–33 in L: 33–37 in XL: 37–42 in | nylon and foam | from around $22–24 |
| Inzer | 3.9 in | 10 mm | XS: 22–25 in S: 26–29 in M: 30–33 in L: 34–38 in XL: 39–42 in 2XL: 43–46 in 3XL: 47–50 in 4XL: 51–54 in 5XL: 55–58 in | suede leather | around $145 |
| MRX Boxing & Fitness | 4 in | 10 mm | S: 27–33 in M: 32–38 in L: 37–42 in XL: 40–46 in 2XL: 42–47 in 3XL: 44–50 in | leather | around $39 |
| Iron Bull Strength | 4 in | 10 mm | S: 25–30 in M: 30–35 in L: 35–40 in XL: 40–45 in 2XL: 45–50 in | suede leather | around $80 |
Weightlifting belts are optional, and a person’s decision to wear one may depend on the type of weightlifting in which they participate.
A
Here are some answers to the most common questions about weightlifting belts.
Do I need a weightlifting belt?
People doing strength training as part of an overall fitness routine are unlikely to need a weightlifting belt.
However, weightlifters challenging themselves by lifting heavy weights may benefit from the extra stability and lumbar support a weightlifting belt provides.
What does a weightlifting belt do?
A weightlifting belt can provide extra core stability and minimize pressure on the spine. This can allow weightlifters to carry heavier loads.
When should I wear a weightlifting belt?
Those lifting weights may want to use weightlifting belts when attempting to lift heavy loads. They are especially useful for those who deadlift, practice squats, and stand-up lifting.
When used properly, weightlifting belts may help reduce the risk of injury.
Do weightlifting belts actually help?
Yes, weightlifting belts can help to stabilize the spine and support the core and lumbar regions.
What is the point of a belt in weightlifting?
A weightlifting belt encourages a person to use the correct weightlifting form and reduces stress on the lower back. It also supports the core and spine.
Weightlifting belts are particularly useful for exercises where a person is lifting in an upright position, such as overhead lifts, or exercises where a person needs to use their abs to move upward, such as deadlifts.
Do beginners need a weightlifting belt?
Beginner weightlifters do not need to use weightlifting belts. People should use weightlifting belts when they move onto heavier weights and when they have learned the correct form and technique for weightlifting safely.
Weightlifting is an effective and popular activity that helps people maintain fitness and build strength. Those who lift heavy weights may opt to wear a weightlifting belt, which can help support the core, spine, and lower back.
There are many weightlifting belts currently available in the market that can suit a variety of wants and needs for those looking to purchase one.