The 7 Best Weightlifting Belts For Gains & Back Support (Updated 2024)

lifting belts

Stabilize your lower back and support those monster lifts with these weightlifting belts.

While some certainly take the more “natural” approach when it comes to their big lifts and decide to not wear one, weightlifting belts can be incredibly useful tools to keep you both safe and efficient in your workouts. They can be especially helpful when it comes to huge lifts for stability and added core support. Many people dawn these leather or nylon belts in the gym in efforts to assist lifts like the squat or the deadlift. Aside from keeping people safe by allowing for solid form, those powerlifters and bodybuilders who use these weightlifting belts for premium back support and massive gains from lifting more weight.

We’ve put together a list of the Best Weightlifting Belts for 2024 to help you progress in your weightlifting journey. From leather to nylon, each is unique in its approach for functionality, durability, flexibility, and support, but can really work to elevate your big lifts.

Best Weightlifting Belts For 2024


Best Weightlifting Belt Overall

Your lifting belt should be a great all-around aid to you in the gym, especially for those of you powerlifters and bodybuilders. A quality belt will provide core support, back support, and stability, and the utmost protection as you lift massive weight. But it should also be comfortable and versatile to not interfere with your gains. SBD has created an awesome weightlifting belt that hits all the marks of a great lifting aid.

IronBull Strength Unleash 10MM 4” Lever Belt

Get ready to experience a new world of strength, stability, and power with our Unleash 10mm lever belt.

The Iron Bull Strength 10MM 4” Unleash Lever Belt provides not only amazing support, but feels like it almost isn’t there, so you can throw it on and feel comfortable as well as not worry about if your belt is on tight enough or not. It is constructed with uncompromising quality, so you won’t have to worry about it failing you, making the Unleash Lever Belt stand out above the competition. Too many times have we found ourselves rebuying belts because they fall apart after repeated use and abuse in the gym, get stained with sweat, and unfortunately just stop doing the job at some point. However, the Unleash Lever Belt boasts premium, A-grade, durable leather that contours to your body over time, so rather than wearing down and falling apart, it is ensuring a personalized fit while maintaining its shape and form under heavy stress, so you will not find yourself shopping for a new belt anytime soon.

Ironbull

Pros

  • Built to last, this is a quality and comfortable belt for stability and core support
  • It is easy to adjust and the many sizes offered ensures a snug fit
  • Looks and feels great in efforts to provide you with great support
  • Competition approved is a huge plus

Cons

  • A premium priced option

Price: $130.00

Check out our individual review for the Iron Bull Strength Unleash 10MM 4″ Lever Belt!


Best Lever Weightlifting Belt

Belts that have a lever fastening system are incredibly convenient and simple to use so you don’t waste time in the gym and can get down to doing what you love. Pronged belts tend to be a hassle and take too long in between lifts to adjust. Gymreapers designed a great lever belt that is comfortable, simple to use, and seriously effective in seeing gains for those of you powerlifters and bodybuilders.

IronBull Strength Unleash 10MM 4” Lever Belt

Get ready to experience a new world of strength, stability, and power with our Unleash 10mm lever belt.

The Iron Bull Strength 10MM 4” Unleash Lever Belt makes the list again as our favorite lever belt. It provides not only amazing support, but feels like it almost isn’t there, so you can throw it on and feel comfortable as well as not worry about if your belt is on tight enough or not. It is constructed with uncompromising quality, so you won’t have to worry about it failing you, making the Unleash Lever Belt stand out above the competition. Too many times have we found ourselves rebuying belts because they fall apart after repeated use and abuse in the gym, get stained with sweat, and unfortunately just stop doing the job at some point. However, the Unleash Lever Belt boasts premium, A-grade, durable leather that contours to your body over time, so rather than wearing down and falling apart, it is ensuring a personalized fit while maintaining its shape and form under heavy stress, so you will not find yourself shopping for a new belt anytime soon.

Iron Bull Unleash 10MM 4″ Lever Belt

Pros

  • Built to last, this is a quality and comfortable belt for stability and core support
  • It is easy to adjust and the many sizes offered ensures a snug fit
  • Looks and feels great in efforts to provide you with great support
  • Competition approved is a huge plus

Cons

  • A premium priced option

Price: $130.00

Check out our individual review for the Iron Bull Strength Unleash 10MM 4″ Lever Belt!


Best Weightlifting Belt For Deadlifts

The deadlift is one of those exercises powerlifters and bodybuilders just love to put on serious weight and get that off the ground. As a massive lift by nature, your belt should reflect the goals you seek most when it comes to driving that barbell up. Gymreapers has this belt to offer the best support and protection for your back while still allowing for functional movements, especially with deadlifts.

Gymreapers 7MM Weightlifting Belt

Gymreapers 7MM Leather Weightlifting Belt provides great support for your back and legs. Durable and form fitting, this is perfect for those heavy lifts.

Gymreapers 7MM Weightlifting Belt offers superior back support and protection for all those big lifts. A premium lifting belt, this is a durable option made from real reinforced leather with double stitching around the edges. While this is a sturdy belt, it won’t impede on your lifts and a lightweight metal buckle doesn’t get in the way. Lightweight and form fitting, this belt will give you great support while offering a snug fit and still allowing for optimal versatility. Great for deadlifts and those other leg and back workouts, this belt can allow you to generate strength and power effectively, especially with deadlifts.

Pros

  • Great for deadlifts, as well as other leg and back workouts
  • Superior back support and protection with added core support
  • Lightweight and form fitting while still being versatile and offering stability

Cons

  • Some complaints around comfort but it is sturdy

Price: $89.99


Best IPF Approved Belt

When it comes to finding a good weightlifting belt, something that is IPF approved is always a plus, as you can compete in them.

IronBull Strength Unleash 10MM 4” Lever Belt

Get ready to experience a new world of strength, stability, and power with our Unleash 10mm lever belt.

The Iron Bull Strength 10MM 4” Unleash Lever Belt is IPF approved, making it stand out and having us throw it on the list again. It is constructed with uncompromising quality, so you won’t have to worry about it failing you, making the Unleash Lever Belt stand out above the competition. Too many times have we found ourselves rebuying belts because they fall apart after repeated use and abuse in the gym, get stained with sweat, and unfortunately just stop doing the job at some point. However, the Unleash Lever Belt boasts premium, A-grade, durable leather that contours to your body over time, so rather than wearing down and falling apart, it is ensuring a personalized fit while maintaining its shape and form under heavy stress, so you will not find yourself shopping for a new belt anytime soon.

Pros

  • Built to last, this is a quality and comfortable belt for stability and core support
  • It is easy to adjust and the many sizes offered ensures a snug fit
  • Looks and feels great in efforts to provide you with great support
  • Competition approved is a huge plus

Cons

  • A premium priced option

Price: $130.00

Check out our individual review for the Iron Bull Strength Unleash 10MM 4″ Lever Belt!


Best Weightlifting Belt For Beginners

Those just starting out as powerlifters and bodybuilders may be unfamiliar with weightlifting belts and what to use them for. To start, an entry level belt should be comfortable and offer support but be very simple to use and here is where a Velcro strap comes into play. Harbinger has created a flexible, yet durable nylon belt with a Velcro strap so beginners can lift big in a simple way.

Gymreapers 7MM Weightlifting Belt

Gymreapers 7MM Leather Weightlifting Belt provides great support for your back and legs. Durable and form fitting, this is perfect for those heavy lifts.

Gymreapers 7MM Weightlifting Belt offers superior back support and protection for all those big lifts. A premium lifting belt, this is a durable option made from real reinforced leather with double stitching around the edges. While this is a sturdy belt, it won’t impede on your lifts and a lightweight metal buckle doesn’t get in the way. Lightweight and form fitting, this belt will give you great support while offering a snug fit and still allowing for optimal versatility. Great for deadlifts and those other leg and back workouts, this belt can allow you to generate strength and power effectively, especially with deadlifts.

Pros

  • Great for deadlifts, as well as other leg and back workouts
  • Superior back support and protection with added core support
  • Lightweight and form fitting while still being versatile and offering stability

Cons

  • Some complaints around comfort but it is sturdy

Price: $89.99


Best Weightlifting Belt For Squats

Another big lift, squatting requires serious attention to form, especially as you stack more and more weight on. What you want out of a great squatting belt is something to offer core support and to keep your back neutral while offering balance and stability with some free movement. Pioneer creates amazing lifting belts that are durable and versatile to keep you safe during squats and seeing huge gains as powerlifters and bodybuilders.

SBD 13MM Lever Belt

SBD 13mm Lever Belt is an awesome lifting belt designed for powerlifters and strongmen to really enhance overall support and strength. The English hide is prepared over five months in order to ensure strength and longevity so this belt is more comfortable with time and will last you well into your training years. A black oiled finish and red suede interior keeps you looking and feeling great while wearing it. The buckle is easily adjustable with a gliding lever action and prong belt for easy access and with 13mm of thickness, this belt is lightweight and flexible without sacrificing any gains to those powerlifters and bodybuilders.

Pros

  • Built to last, this is a quality and comfortable belt for stability and core support
  • It is easy to adjust and the many sizes offered ensures a snug fit
  • Looks and feels great in efforts to provide you with great support
  • Competition approved is a huge plus

Cons

  • A premium priced option only available through their website
  • Only 13mm thickness is available
  • The red suede tends to bleed when wet, so wearing a darker t-shirt the first few uses will prevent any unwanted staining

Price: $237.50

Check out our individual review for SBD 13MM Lever Belt!


Best Leather Weightlifting Belt

Using a belt during weightlifting can be challenging as some weightlifting belts tend to interfere with your lift and cause more headache than you may like. A belt that will allow you to move freely while still offering great support is out there and Gymreapers is the way to go. Being lightweight and form fitting, you still get optimal movement for whatever exercise you need done as powerlifters and bodybuilders along with added core support and stability.

Gymreapers 7MM Weightlifting Belt

Gymreapers 7MM Leather Weightlifting Belt provides great support for your back and legs. Durable and form fitting, this is perfect for those heavy lifts.

Gymreapers 7MM Weightlifting Belt offers superior back support and protection for all those big lifts. A premium lifting belt, this is a durable option made from real reinforced leather with double stitching around the edges. While this is a sturdy belt, it won’t impede on your lifts and a lightweight metal buckle doesn’t get in the way. Lightweight and form fitting, this belt will give you great support while offering a snug fit and still allowing for optimal versatility. Great for deadlifts and those other legs and back workouts, this belt can allow you to generate strength and power effectively.

Pros

  • Great for deadlifts, as well as other legs and back workouts
  • Superior back support and protection
  • Lightweight and form fitting while still being versatile

Cons

  • Some complaints around comfort but it is sturdy

Price: $89.99


Most Comfortable Weightlifting Belt

It’s no secret that some lifting belts can really be uncomfortable. Sometimes they dig into your hips, or are made of material that scratches at you, or pinches your stomach, these are all unpleasant effects. You are going to want an option that feels like it isn’t even there, but gives you the support you need.

Gymreapers 7MM Weightlifting Belt

Gymreapers 7MM Leather Weightlifting Belt provides great support for your back and legs. Durable and form fitting, this is perfect for those heavy lifts.

Gymreapers 7MM Weightlifting Belt offers superior back support and protection for all those big lifts. A premium lifting belt, this is a durable option made from real reinforced leather with double stitching around the edges. While this is a sturdy belt, it won’t impede on your lifts and a lightweight metal buckle doesn’t get in the way. Lightweight and form fitting, this belt will give you great support while offering a snug fit and still allowing for optimal versatility. Great for deadlifts and those other legs and back workouts, this belt can allow you to generate strength and power effectively.

Pros

  • Great for deadlifts, as well as other legs and back workouts
  • Superior back support and protection
  • Lightweight and form fitting while still being versatile

Cons

  • Some complaints around comfort but it is sturdy

Price: $89.99


deadlifts powerlifters stability core support bodybuilders

Benefits Of A Weightlifting Belt

Lifting belts provide for a host of solid benefits for powerlifters, bodybuilders, and other strength athletes, and primarily, they can support your core which is needed to conduct those heavy lifts.

Benefits of weightlifting belts include:

  • Reduce lower back strain: Although a lifting belt is not a back brace, it helps keep your core engaged (1), alleviating strain on your lower back.
  • Increase stability: Allow for better range of movement (2) and stay more stable and supported for bigger lifts.
  • Decrease risk of injury: Lift more weight efficiently with less worry of unwanted pain by providing for more support, comfort, and versatility to your lifts.

What To Look For

Finding the right belt is really all a choice of personal preference and comfort, but there are some things to consider to find exactly what you are looking for to get out of the belt. For serious weightlifters, you may want to look into a leather lifting belt. These tend to be durable and last quite a long time. You also want to consider if you want a prong buckle or a lever. A lever buckle allows for greater convenience and a snug fit but again, this just comes down to your personal preference on the matter.

deadlifts powerlifters stability core support bodybuilders

Leather Vs. Nylon

Leather weightlifting belts are indeed one of the most popular and effective options for powerlifters and bodybuilders because they provide maximum support for the heavy lifts. There are different types of leather as well and the decision to choose one type of leather is usually based on personal preference. But top grain is usually the most durable where as suede (split leather) is not as much so. There are also synthetic leather belts which are obviously not the same as real leather although some can be pretty effective. A good leather belt should be able to adequately support you by keeping your core muscles compressed and spine stiff throughout the lift (3).

Nylon material is much more flexible than leather and it’s also much more versatile. So, if you need a belt to do CrossFit type activities and/or if you just need some additional back support for walking around the house or anywhere really, then nylon is a good option. Nylon belts won’t entirely have the same support as a leather belt would but it really depends on the resistance loads used for weightlifting/activities (4). Many top athletes and lifters go with nylon for its versatility. And there are often many different materials blended with nylon for maximum durability and support like neoprene, polyester, and cotton.

How We Choose

When looking at the best weightlifting belts, especially for those powerlifters and bodybuilders, it’s important for us to first look at the reputation of the brand because a company should work for you and give you the best product around. The quality of the belt and its material is also very important because longevity and durability matter greatly. You don’t want a belt to last a short time, for it takes some getting used to and once it’s broken in, this can work wonders for you. We lastly look at price. We know sports equipment can get expensive but it is possible to find great products at affordable prices to maximize your gains without breaking the bank.

deadlifts powerlifters stability core support bodybuilders

FAQ Section

What is the best weightlifting belt?

Iron Bull Strength Unleash 10MM 4″ Lever Belt. This belt is an awesome lifting belt designed for powerlifters and strongmen to really enhance overall support and strength. The premium A-grade leather is perfect in order to ensure strength and longevity so this belt is more comfortable with time and will last you well into your training years.

Do I really need a belt?

While you don’t really need a belt, it can greatly affect your lifts in a positive way. If you are more comfortable taking a natural approach, that is absolutely fine, but a belt can give you comfort and support in knowing you are more safe lifting that big weight as opposed to without (5).

When is the best time to wear a belt?

It is best to wear a belt when maxing out and performing very heavy lifts. But for those who are more comfortable wearing it for most exercises, that works too. It is important that you don’t become reliant on it because that can cause negative effects that you just don’t want.

Wrap Up

Finding the right weightlifting belt can be challenging. Your weightlifting goals and big gains are important for your overall growth but doing so safely and effectively should be top priority. When looking for a good belt, it is helpful to consider both flexibility and support, but also durability and affordability. A good quality lifting belt can be your best friend in the gym for years and the investment should only be a benefit to you. Check out our list of these top lifting belts and really work to see those big gains get even bigger.


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References

  1. Miyamoto, K.; Iinuma, N.; Maeda, M.; Wada, E.; Shimizu, K. (1999). “Effects of abdominal belts on intra-abdominal pressure, intra-muscular pressure in the erector spinae muscles and myoelectrical activities of trunk muscles”. (source)
  2. Finnie, S. B.; Wheeldon, T. J.; Hensrud, D. D.; Dahm, D. L.; Smith, J. (2002). “Weight Lifting Belt: Motivations For Use”. (source)
  3. Kingma, Idsart; Faber, Gert S.; Suwarganda, Edin K.; Bruijnen, Tom B.; et al. (2006). “Effect of a Stiff Lifting Belt on Spine Compression During Lifting”. (source)
  4. Cholewicki, Jacek; Juluru, Krishna; Radebold, Andrea; Panjabi, Manohar M. (1999). “Lumbar spine stability can be augmented with an abdominal belt and/or increased intra-abdominal pressure”. (source)
  5. Frankel, Christopher C.; Kravitz, Len. “The Weight Belt Controversy”. (source)
Austin Letorney
Austin Letorney is a writer, actor, and fitness enthusiast. As a former rower, he has shifted his focus to sharing his knowledge of the fitness world and strength sports with others.