Anyone who’s been to a gym has undoubtedly seen someone wearing a weightlifting belt. Some athletes scoff at the idea of wearing one and opt to lift totally raw, but there are times when wearing a belt can be beneficial. Belts give you something to brace against and are an easy way to help increase intra-abdominal pressure when lifting a heavy weight to ensure your core muscles (such as your abdominals and spinal erectors) stay tight and brace against the belt throughout the lift. A belt is usually one of the most used items in a gym bag — alongside pre-workout and lifting straps — and for good reason.

There are many different types of belts and their availability, like most lifting accessories, has grown with the popularity of strength training. Consumers are often bombarded with different types of materials, latching mechanisms, and disciplines, which can leave them wondering — which is the best belt for me? Luckily, we have made a list of our top picks for the best weightlifting belts in different categories, such as sport, lift specific, and budget. 

Best Weightlifting Belts

• Best Weightlifting Belt Overall: Gymreapers Quick Lock Weightlifting Belt
• Best Lever Weightlifting Belt: Gymreapers 10MM Lever Weightlifting Belt
• Best Weightlifting Belt for CrossFit: Element 26 Self Locking Weightlifting Belt
• Best Weightlifting Belt for Olympic Weightlifting: Iron Bull Unleash 7mm
• Best Weightlifting Belt for Deadlifts: Gymreapers 10MM Lever Weightlifting Belt
• Best Weightlifting Belt for Small Waists: 2POOD 3-inch Weightlifting Belt
• Best IPF Approved Belt: Iron Bull Premium 10mm 4” Lever Belt
• Most Comfortable Weightlifting Belt: Element 26 Self Locking Weightlifting Belt
• Best Colors, Designs, and Patterns: 2POOD Customizable Weightlifting Belts 
• Best Weightlifting Belt for Squats: Gymreapers 7MM Leather Belt
• Best Weightlifting Belt for Support: Element 26 Hybrid Leather Weightlifting Belt
• Best Weightlifting Belt for Beginners: Iron Bull 6-Inch Reinforced Belt

Best Weightlifting Belts Video Review

BarBend expert tester and certified nutrition coach Jake Herod shares our picks for the best weightlifting belts. Whether you’re looking for the best value, the best weightlifting belt for deadlifts, or the best option for beginners, we’ve got you covered.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Weightlifting Belts

We test belts on a variety of criteria, and each category receives special attention to decide which belt deserves the top pick. We chose belts based on an array of factors but ultimately looked at their stability or support provided, how mobile you can remain with the belts on, and their level of comfort. This is one of the few lists where the price wasn’t weighed super heavily because belts all generally fall within a narrow price range based on the type of belt, and we think it’s worth spending a little extra on a piece of safety and support equipment.

Stability

The primary purpose of a belt is to help provide added stability to your core and mid-section when lifting by increasing abdominal pressure during your lift. That’s why the amount of support and stability a belt provides is the highest priority on our list of how we chose the best weightlifting belts. We looked at how much each belt contributed to stability with regard to material and how each belt was fastened (lever, quick-lock, hook and loop, etc.), and belts that excelled in their category were ranked higher than other less supportive belts. 

Mobility

The flip side of stability and support is also something that needs to be taken into consideration. What good is an ultra-supportive belt if you can’t move enough to complete your lift? The highest-ranking belts on our list pair a high level of support with an unrestrictive design that still allows you to move naturally through the range of motion of a lift. Belts that impede movement or, worse, pinch and cause pain weren’t ranked well if they made the list at all.

Comfort

This point is a combination of the previous two. A belt isn’t always worn for heavy singles — you may want to wear it for higher-rep sets, so you have extra support when you become fatigued deep into the set. The best belts are comfortable to wear despite their support and should inspire confidence without being distracting or painful. Some belts do require a breaking-in period, which is understandable, but lower-quality belts oftentimes never break in, and those types of belts aren’t included on our list. 

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Best Weightlifting Belt Overall: Gymreapers Quick Lock Weightlifting Belt

The main purpose of a weightlifting belt is to offer core support and stability while you are lifting. It’s designed to assist you in bracing and to move with you without getting in the way. As something that assists you, it should be easy to put on and take off — no one wants to struggle to get their belt off after crushing a hard set or a new personal record, which is why we like the Gymreapers Quick Lock Weightlifting Belt so much.

This belt from Gymreapers does everything a lifting belt should, plus, it’s easy to dial in the perfect fit, thanks to the locking buckle system. The design allows you to adjust the support to exactly how much you want or need for any particular set — you can ratchet it down for a one-rep max squat attempt or loosen it up a bit to wear during a CrossFit WOD. The belt is made of high-quality material with 100 percent nylon, and the buckle’s steel roller is built to last. When you are finished with your set, simply pull the velcro strap loose and move on to your next exercise with ease.

The consistent four-inch size all around the belt provides even pressure to increase confidence in your core tightness, and the material isn’t prone to pinching the skin when doing squats or deadlifts. The color options and logo are also great, with an array of colors and sizes XS to XXL to choose from.

Specs

• Material: Nylon
• Fastener: Hook and loop
• Sizes Available: XS-XXL
• Colors: Black Patch, Black, Black Camo, Gray, Green, Navy, Pink, Purple, Red, Tan, White Camo, Woodland Camo
• Price: $34.97

Pros

• The quick-locking buckle allows lifters to choose the exact amount of pressure and support their belt provides. 
• This belt is easy to strap on and take off hassle-free multiple times during a workout, so it’s a great choice for CrossFitters.
• The support and ease of use make it also ideal for competitive weightlifters who are looking for a belt to wear during competitions.

Cons

• If you want a leather option with a buckle or lever, this isn’t the belt for you. 
• The uniform four-inch design of this belt won’t suit people who like tapered belts.
• There’s no added padding on the interior belt, so if you’re looking for something cushy, look elsewhere.

The Gymreapers Quick Lock Weightlifting Belt is a solid all-around choice for any weightlifter, weekend warrior, or functional fitness athlete. It has a great build, high-quality material, is easy to put on and take off, and it has a lifetime replacement guarantee against defects.

Read our full Gymreapers Quick Lock Weightlifting Belt Review.

Best Lever Weightlifting Belt: Gymreapers 10mm Lever Belt

Lever belts — the belt of choice for Strongman competitors and a large percentage of powerlifters — offer the secure locking of a buckle belt with the convenience and quickness of a lever system for fastening. The Gymreapers 10mm Lever Belt is our favorite for this category.

Normally, leather belts are not as comfortable as other options until broken in, which can take some time — and oftentimes be painful. That’s not the case with this belt — the smoothed stitched edges and supple leather make the belt comfortable and ready to use out of the packaging. During our testing, we were pleasantly surprised that the belt didn’t even require a break-in period. But it doesn’t skimp on support — at four inches wide with a thickness of 10mm, you can expect maximum stability and support from this belt.

It’s made from high-quality leather with an interior suede liner for moisture control, comes with Gymreapers lifetime replacement guarantee, and is USPA approved — so if you plan on competing in Powerlifting, you won’t have to change equipment. Gymreapers even has a helpful video on how to size and assemble the lever when you receive it, as well as cleaning and care instructions on their website.

Specs

• Material: Leather
• Fastener: Lever
• Sizes Available: XS-XXL
• Colors: Black, Gray, Military Green, Red, Navy, White Camo, Black Camo, Woodland Camo
• Price: $120

Pros

• If you want maximum support and stability, the thickness of this belt will definitely provide it.
• This belt is USPA approved, so you can use it on USPA Powerlifting competitions.
• The lever belt design makes it easy to really ratchet down the belt for a tight fit. 

Cons

• You can only adjust the belt’s buckle with a screwdriver, which makes it pretty much impossible to do on the fly.
• Looking for a belt without animal products? This belt is made of leather, so keep looking.
• The thickness of the belt is great for powerlifting, but not ideal for functional fitness or weightlifting.

This belt is the real deal — it checks all the right boxes and is made from high-quality materials with a one-year replacement guarantee on both the lever and the belt.

Read our full Gymreapers 10mm Lever Belt Review.

Best Weightlifting Belt for CrossFit: Element 26 Self Locking Weightlifting Belt

If you are participating in CrossFit, you know versatility is key, whether that means your ability to do well in a variety of aspects of fitness, or in this case, your lifting gear. The lifting belt that we think is best for CrossFit is the Element 26 Self Locking Weightlifting Belt. The Element 26 is the right blend of ease of use and functionality that CrossFitters demand from their equipment.

We love the versatility of this belt, which can be used to provide support for anything from Olympic Lifting to CrossFit competitions. The nylon and velcro construction allows you to put on and remove the belt quickly and easily when transitioning from one exercise to another (such as hang cleans to handstand push-ups, where you want the support of the belt for hang cleans, but need it off for movement during the handstand pushups).

The high-quality 100 percent nylon and full metal easy on/off self-locking buckle make this belt a simple choice for any CrossFit athlete. It also comes with a lifetime warranty and is available in eight different colors to match your aesthetic.

Specs

• Material: Nylon
• Fastener: Hook and loop
• Sizes Available: XS-XXL
• Colors: Black, Miami Pink, Purple, White, Green, Midnight Blue, Ranger Tan, Red
• Price: $34.97

Pros

• The easy-on/easy-off nature of this belt makes it perfect for workouts that combine weightlifting with gymnastics.
• This belt comes at a great price, considering its features and build.
• The quick-locking buckle allows for fast adjustments during multi-movement workouts.

Cons

• This belt is a uniform width all around, so if you want a tapered belt, this isn’t the one for you.
• The hook and loop closure is secure during most lifts but may pop open during heavy squats or deadlifts.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use belt that can be worn no matter the WOD, look no further than the Element 26.

Read our full Element 26 Self Locking Weightlifting Belt Review.

Best Weightlifting Belt for Olympic Weightlifting: Iron Bull Unleash 7mm Belt

The topic of belts is a sensitive one in some Olympic Weightlifting circles. Some athletes prefer to wear them for both the snatch and clean-and-jerk (like Lasha Talakhadze), whereas other athletes prefer not to wear them at all, as they say a belt can interfere with the bar movement. That is why we recommend the Iron Bull Unleash 7mm Belt if Olympic Weightlifting is your thing. The tapered nature of the belt, from four inches in the back to two inches in the front, helps to minimize the possible interference it might cause in the bottom of your lifts.

A great weightlifting belt needs to ride that fine line between support and mobility. And this Iron Bull belt rides that line thanks to its seven millimeter thickness (for stability) and vegetable-tanned leather that’s soft enough to allow a free range of movement. Plus, reinforced stitching and high-quality materials mean you won’t have to worry about durability with this belt.

The tapered nature of this belt ensures it won’t get in the way as you bend over in the bottom portion of your lifts, but it still provides the support you are seeking due to the wider leather around the sides and back of the belt. This belt is high-quality and worth the money if Olympic Lifting is your goal. 

Specs

• Material: Leather
• Fastener: Buckle
• Sizes Available: S-XXL
• Colors: Black, Red, Green, Grey
• Price: $60

Pros

• The tapered front offers a free range of motion through Olympic lifts. 
• Vegetable tanning makes the belt feel broken in right out of the box. 
• Reinforced stitching and high-quality leather mean this belt will last a long time.

Cons

• If you prefer a belt with a uniform width, this isn’t the right belt for you. 
• Leather is more rigid than the fabric-based belts, which may not be ideal for all athletes.
• The buckle fastener doesn’t allow for the smaller size adjustments that a hook and loop fastener would provide. 

Designed specifically for the needs of Olympic lifters, this belt is supportive and sleek, but it shouldn’t cause you to miss lifts unnecessarily.

Best Weightlifting Belt for Deadlifts: Gymreapers 10MM Lever Belt

Of all the lifts that can be associated with belts, the deadlift is probably the most common. There’s a reason it has been called the ‘King of all Exercises’ and whether you pull sumo or conventional, there will come a time when you’ll want to load up the plates and smash a new personal best. When that urge comes, look no further than the Gymreapers 10mm Lever Belt. 

This belt is made from high-quality leather with a four-inch width all around and a 10mm thickness to provide the right amount of support without sacrificing mobility. The comfortable smooth edges and reinforced stitching are why we recommend this belt as the go-to for your next deadlift session.

When you deadlift, you want that belt as tight as possible so you have something solid to brace against. The lever fastener on this belt provides a vice-like grip without having to crank away at the belt like you have to do with a buckle. Also, the reinforced stitching is designed to make this belt last a long time and allow you to brace as hard as you like against it without fear of damaging the belt.

Pros

• The suede interior helps soak up moisture and prevent slippage during a lift.
• The lever makes the belt easy to put on and take off, and it really cinches the belt tight.
• At 10mm thick, this belt is designed to provide maximum support. 

Cons

• A lever belt can only be adjusted with a screwdriver, so you can’t make changes to the fit mid-workout.
• The price of this belt may put it out of range for lifters on a tight budget. 
• If you don’t want to use animal products, you’re going to want a belt that isn’t made with leather. 

A high-quality piece of equipment that is designed to help improve your deadlift, this belt is ideal if you’re serious about your deadlifts and want a belt that’s easy to secure and provides maximum support.

Best Weightlifting Belt for Small Waists: 2POOD 3-inch Weightlifting Belt

Finding lifting gear that fits well can be difficult. And for folks who need either smaller-than-average or larger-than-average weightlifting belts, it can be downright impossible aside from placing a custom order. If you need a weightlifting belt that can fit a small or petite waist, 2POOD has you covered.

Designed with the needs of smaller lifters in mind, this belt is offered in sizes ranging from XXXS to medium, with a handy sizing chart available on the product page. The three-inch width is narrower than 2POOD’s typical four-inch width to accommodate for shorter torsos and avoid digging into the ribs. To fasten, this belt uses a “WODClamp” hook and loop system with heavy-duty velcro to keep the belt in place. 

The WODClamp system is designed by 2POOD to help reduce pressure and improve the longevity of the velcro. Despite being highly supportive, this nylon belt is quite flexible and can be used for a variety of types of lifting. The flexibility allows you to easily transition between lifting heavy and other movement-based exercises. The three-inch weightlifting belt comes in nine unique designs and costs about $64.99 before tax and shipping. 

Specs

• Material: Nylon
• Fastener: Hook and loop
• Sizes Available: XXXS-M
• Styles: Diamond, Metamorphosis, All The Rave, Midnight Tie Dye, Sunflowers, Black Magic (Sparkle), White Marble, Classy Bling Rose Gold, Operator, Pineapple
• Price: $64.99

Pros

• The narrower design is perfect for lifters with smaller frames.
• This nylon belt is extremely flexible, which makes it ideal for everything from lifting to CrossFit WODs. 
• You can customize the belt to fit your style or aesthetic.

Cons

• If you want a more supportive belt, this one might be too thin.
• It’s in the middle of the average price range, but you can find cheaper belts. 

Lifters come in all shapes and sizes — and their gear should too. Whether you have a shorter torso or a smaller waist, this belt is designed to accommodate your body type. The versatile nature gives you support when you need it and flexibility otherwise. 

Best IPF Approved Belt: Iron Bull 10mm 4” Lever Belt

Just like you need an NBA-approved basketball to play a game in the league, you need an IPF-approved belt to compete in powerlifting. So, if you’re thinking of signing up for a powerlifting meet, the Iron Bull 10mm 4” Lever Belt is the IPF-approved belt you want in training and competition.

This belt is made with durable leather, so it can withstand plenty of use without fraying. Although leather can feel a bit rougher than some other, padded materials, this one has a suede inside, so it’ll feel soft against your skin, and won’t slip and move up and down your torso. 

Unlike more traditional belts with a standard buckle closure, this one has a lever. This fastening system allows for a perfectly-snug fit, helping you feel locked into the belt, according to our tester. This fastening is also much easier and quicker to take off between sets. All you have to do is pull the lever and the belt instantly loosens.

One downside? This belt is pretty pricey. If you do a quick search, you’ll see that most lever belts are more expensive than standard buckle weight belts. However, this one is on the pricier end of the spectrum. But given the high-quality buffalo hide exterior and precise lever fastener, we think it’s worth the money, especially considering it’s IPF approved.

“[It has] a high-quality construction,” our tester says. “Once you get your hands on it, you understand why it has a steep price tag. The buffalo hide exterior is luxurious and isn’t stiff enough to demand a break-in period.” 

Specs

• Material: Leather
• Fastener: Lever
• Sizes Available: XS-4XL
• Styles: Black
• Price: $175

Pros

• This belt is approved by the IPF and can be worn in powerlifting competitions.
• The lever fastening system is easy to use and allows for a precise, non-slip fit.
• Unlike some other leather belts, this one has a suede interior that’s soft and stays in place.

Cons

• This one is pricier than other weightlifting belts.
• The lever may feel a bit clunky or heavy at first.

Whether you’re an experienced powerlifter looking to replace your belt or a newbie that’s prepping for competition, this Iron Bull belt is worth every penny. The durable construction and rigid stability is exactly what you need as you lift, squat, and press heavy weight. 

Most Comfortable Weightlifting Belt: Element 26 Self Locking Weightlifting Belt

Anyone who’s ever bought a new lifting belt has likely gone through the awkward (and oftentimes painful) period of breaking the belt in. For those who’d like to skip that step and get straight to lifting with minimal pinching and discomfort, the Element 26 Self Locking Weightlifting Belt is the way to go.

We love the versatility of this belt, which can be used to provide support for anything from Olympic Lifting to CrossFit competitions. An even size of four inches all around allows for great support, while the stitched and rolled edges help to virtually eliminate pinching of the skin — making this belt both supportive and comfortable. While some people with very short torsos may find the belt width to be too wide at four inches, the majority of lifters will find this belt to be among the most comfortable they’ve worn.

The nylon and velcro construction allows you to put on and remove the belt quickly and easily when transitioning from one exercise to another (such as hang cleans to handstand push-ups, where you want the support of the belt for hang cleans, but need it off for movement during the handstand pushups). It comes with a lifetime warranty and is available in eight different colors to match your aesthetic. 

Specs

• Material: Nylon
• Fastener: Hook and loop
• Sizes Available: XS-XXL
• Colors: Black, Miami Pink, Purple, White, Green, Midnight Blue, Ranger Tan, Red
• Price: $34.97

Pros

• The nylon material in this belt means there’s no break in period. 
• The self-locking mechanism keeps the belt securely fastened while the velcro allows for a quick on and off transition.
• This belt is on the lower end of the price range, which is a big deal considering the features included.

Cons

• Trainers looking for a tapered belt should look elsewhere.
• If you regularly lift close to your max weight, you may want to look for a thicker belt.
• This belt’s four-inch wide design might be too wide for some athletes.

A belt is only helpful if you actually wear it. If your lifting belt is too uncomfortable and pinches your skin a bunch, then it essentially becomes useless because you’ll never want to wear it. With this belt, you can breathe a sigh of relief while performing heavy movements — just not during your set.

Best Colors, Designs, and Patterns: 2POOD Customizable Weightlifting Belt

Workout gear isn’t just for supporting your lifts. You can use the design of your weightlifting belt to express yourself or show support for your favorite things. If you like to show off through your gear and want a fully custom weightlifting belt, the 2POOD customizable weightlifting belt is our favorite choice.

The first step in ordering your custom belt from 2POOD is deciding between the four-inch version or the three-inch wide version. The three-inch version is ideal for those with shorter torsos or those who prefer a lower profile in their lifting belt. To figure out which size to order, you can utilize the nifty and descriptive sizing guide on their website. They offer sizes XXXXS through XXXL.

The customization process is actually very straightforward with 2POOD — simply check out with the belt and size you want, and they will send you a form with customization questions where you can upload the photos and designs you’d like. You can customize the entire belt, including the background, embroidery, velcro webbing, and trim with different images and colors. You’ll have one round of revisions with their designer, as well. Just remember not to submit any images that you don’t own the rights to, and allow four to six weeks for production since it is a custom item. 

Specs

• Material: Nylon
• Fastener: Hook and loop
• Sizes Available: XXXXS-XXXL
• Colors: Customizable
• Price: $129.99

Pros

• You can completely customize this belt using any image that you have the rights to.
• The flexible nylon is ideal for everything from weightlifting to CrossFit movements.
• These belts are USAW and IWF compliant, so weightlifters can use them in competition.

Cons

• This product only comes with hook and loop fastening, so if you want a buckle or lever arm, this isn’t the belt for you. 
• If you lift heavy often, you may want a thicker belt for more security.
• If you don’t care about a customizable belt, there are cheaper options with similar benefits.

If you want your lifting belt to represent your nickname, lifting team, gym, or anything else, it’s a great option. Aside from being fully customizable, it’s a solid weightlifting belt overall with two width options and a wide variety of sizes. 

Best Weightlifting Belt for Squats: Gymreapers 7mm Leather Belt

The squat is second only to deadlift when it comes to lifts that are associated with lifting belts. Anyone who’s ever done a heavy squat knows the importance of a high-quality belt when it comes to bracing the core and increasing intra-abdominal and thoracic pressure. Being a dynamic movement with a large range of motion does lend this lift to belts that are not quite as thick as optimal belts for deadlifts, though. That is why we chose the Gymreapers 7mm Leather Belt as our pick here.

This belt is slightly tapered and designed for squatting — its four-inch width around the back tapers to three inches in the front so you can get into the bottom of the squat position without any interference. The dual-prong buckle means that once the belt is on, it isn’t going anywhere. Premium leather and double stitching ensure this belt will last and can accommodate your toughest squat sessions — but the taper means the belt shouldn’t feel bulky or obtrusive and won’t dig into you when squatting. 

The dual-prong locking buckle ensures that your belt won’t pop open at the bottom of the lift,  and the 7mm thickness provides just enough support without impeding your motion throughout the squat. It even comes with its own carrying case, which is pretty handy.

Specs

• Material: Leather
• Fastener: Buckle
• Sizes Available: XS-XXL
• Colors: Black
• Price: $49.99

Pros

• The 7mm thickness is extremely supportive but is less likely to pinch or bruise your skin the way a 10mm belt might.
• The leather is supple right out of the box with no break-in period.
• This belt has a buckle fastening system, which is less likely to pop open during a squat than a hook-and-loop-style fastener.

Cons

• This only comes in a buckled version, so if you prefer a lever or velcro fastener, you’ll have to look somewhere else.
• It tapers from four to three inches in width from the back to the front, so if you want a uniform width, this isn’t the right belt for you.
• If you’re looking for maximum support, you’ll want a thicker belt. 

The Gymreapers 7mm Leather Belt is an excellent choice to support your squat sessions and even maxes. The comfortable construction can help prevent unwanted pinching of the skin, and the one-year replacement guarantee will give you confidence that you’ve found a great product.

Read our full Gymreapers 7mm Weightlifting Belt Review.

Best Weightlifting Belt for Support: Element 26 Hybrid Leather Weightlifting Belt

When you’re lifting heavy and pushing your limits, you want all the support you can have. Donning an ultra-supportive belt can inspire the confidence you need to break through a plateau or crush a new PR. When you reach for a supportive lifting belt, grab the Element 26 Hybrid Leather Weightlifting Belt.

If you’re looking for a belt with the support of a leather belt but don’t want to sacrifice the comfort and convenience you’d get with a synthetic belt, this is the one. Element 26 has taken the convenience and quickness of a nylon lifting belt and combined it with the support and stability of a leather belt. Essentially, this belt is a six-millimeter, four-inch, 100-percent leather lifting belt with a nylon belt attached to the outside. The enclosure mechanism is Element 26’s patented self-locking mechanism and velcro strap, which locks into place and doesn’t move.

The six-millimeter thickness means the break-in period on this belt is very short — as quick as one or two sessions. The main advantage of this belt over a traditional leather belt is the double support from both leather and nylon, as well as the infinite adjustability. The velcro and self-locking mechanism allow you to adjust this belt to the exact tightness you want rather than breaking out your screwdriver like a lever belt or being stuck with pre-punched holes on a buckle design. You can purchase this belt in sizes from XS through XL, and it even comes with a lifetime warranty. 

Specs

• Material: Nylon/Leather
• Fastener: Hook and loop
• Sizes Available: XS-XL
• Colors: Black
• Price: $59.97

Pros

• The hybrid leather/nylon build makes this belt surprisingly supportive despite its six-millimeter thickness. 
• A hook and loop closure makes it simple to dial in the perfect fit.
• The hybrid build also helps the belt to feel broken in from the start.

Cons

• This belt has a uniform width, which may be more likely to pinch in front than a tapered belt.
• There is leather in this belt, which isn’t ideal for people who want to avoid using animal products. 
• While supportive for its 6mm thickness, you will find more support in a 10mm belt.

Element 26 continues to innovate with its products, and this is yet another example of them taking two separate yet useful products and combining them to make a superior one. With this belt, you have the support and rigidity of a leather belt with the ease of use and quickness of a nylon belt — which makes for top-notch support.

Read our full Element 26 Hybrid Weightlifting Belt Review.

Best Weightlifting Belt for Beginners: Iron Bull 6 Inch Reinforced Belt

For those who are just starting out in their fitness journey, finding a good belt can be tough. As a beginner, you want something that’s affordable, comfortable, and easy to use. The Iron Bull 6-Inch Reinforced Belt is just that.

Slightly larger than the other belts on this list, the six-inch width and four-inch velcro strap provide a large area of coverage for your core and midsection. That wider profile is generally more comfortable, which can be ideal for lifters who aren’t used to the feeling of a lifting belt. The comfort does have somewhat of a trade-off in regards to stability when the weights get higher — the neoprene build and mesh fabric is less rigid than other belts, but for beginners, that shouldn’t be much of an issue.

We also like this belt for beginners because it is made of nylon and doesn’t require any breaking in — this means it is ready to use right out of the package. It’s also one of the more affordable options you’ll find, which makes it ideal for people who are still trying to figure out what they want in a weight belt.

Specs

• Material: Nylon/neoprene
• Fastener: Hook and loop
• Sizes Available: S-XXL
• Colors: Black, Blue, Camo White, Green, Grey, Pink, Red
• Price: $34.99

Pros

• The contoured design and the four-inch, wider reinforced back area offers more than enough support for beginning lifters.
• The price point is on the lower end of the spectrum. 
• It’s very comfortable, thanks to the foam and nylon build.

Cons

• At six inches, this belt is fairly wide, which may not work for people with short torsos.
• Neoprene is comfortable, but not rigid enough to provide as much support as, say, leather.
• This belt is good for beginners but may not provide sufficient stability as you progress to heavier weights.

The six-inch width and four-inch velcro strap provide great coverage of the midsection here. There is somewhat of a trade-off with regard to stability at higher weights thanks to the foam core, but this shouldn’t be much of an issue for beginners. Finally, we like the fact that the neoprene doesn’t require any breaking in, and will likely be comfortable to train in from day one.

Weightlifting Belts Benefits and Research

Weightlifting belts have been a feature of weightlifting for a long time and have been studied quite extensively over the years. There have been investigations into many of the theorized benefits of wearing a belt during training with mixed results.

Injury Risk and Intra-Abdominal Pressure

The first thing to note is that the use of belts seems to be only marginally effective at reducing injuries, but we must take into account that this research was conducted on people at work, not training in the gym. (1)(2) Participants in the study were wearing a belt for their entire day of work. Something that none of you reading this are likely to do.

However, in a training environment, there do seem to be some real benefits. Performance of exercises, such as the squat and deadlift, while wearing the weightlifting belt resulted in greater peak and average intra-abdominal pressure. Other studies found that lifting belt use resulted in reduced spinal compression. (3)(4)(5) But while some research notes the benefit of weightlifting belts, others have suggested that the use of a belt does seem to reduce the range of motion available during movements. (6)

Research Takeaways

Much of this research has been done on working populations and revolves around trying to find ways to reduce injuries. In this area, at least, belts seem to lack effectiveness. However, within the gym, there are reasons for cautious optimism. Increased intra-abdominal pressure when lifting and reduced spinal compression are two things we think many would highlight as unambiguous benefits. At the same time, reducing your range of motion in the gym isn’t necessarily a good thing, so you have to be careful when selecting a belt for the task at hand. 

Our advice

Don’t view the belt as a cure-all. It doesn’t excuse you from doing core work, it doesn’t excuse you from lifting with good technique and it certainly doesn’t mean you can’t get injured. Lifting light and moderate weight without a belt can strengthen your core and keep you accountable to use proper form. Use the belt for max-out days or whenever you need extra support, but during normal workouts, you can leave it in your bag. 

Check out our in-depth Guide to Wearing Weightlifting Belts.

How Much Do Weightlifting Belts Cost?

Weightlifting belts can come in a range of prices, but usually, the type of belt will dictate the price, and most similar style belts will fall within a somewhat narrow range around that price point. Generally, belts will cost anywhere from around $30 for a really cost-effective option to around $200 for a high-end specialty belt or a custom-designed one.

Best Weightlifting Belt	Gymreapers Quick Lock Weightlifting Belt	$34.97
Best Lever Weightlifting Belt	Gymreapers 10MM Lever Weightlifting Belt	$120
Best Lifting Belt for CrossFit	Element 26 Self Locking Weightlifting Belt	$34.97
Best Lifting Belt for Olympic Weightlifting	Iron Bull Unleash 7mm Belt	$60
Best Lifting Belt for Deadlifts	Gymreapers 10MM Lever Weightlifting Belt	$120
Best Lifting Belt for Small Waists	2POOD 3-inch Weightlifting Belt	$64.99
Best IPF Approved Belt	Iron Bull Premium 10mm 4” Lever Belt	$175
Most Comfortable Lifting Belt	Element 26 Self Locking Weightlifting Belt	$34.97
Best Colors, Designs, and Patterns	2POOD Customizable Weightlifting Belts	$129.99
Best Lifting Belt for Squats	Gymreapers 7MM Hybrid Belt	$49.99
Best Lifting Belt for Support	Element 26 Hybrid Leather Weightlifting Belt	$59.97
Best Lifting Belt for Beginners	Iron Bull 6 Inch Reinforced Belt	$34.99

If you’re on a budget and still need a supportive belt, you can pick up a solid one for between $50 and $70, but if you’re looking for specialized powerlifting or Olympic lifting belts, you’ll likely have to pony up a bit more coin — some options can run up to nearly triple that cost. Narrow down what type of lifting you prefer to do and what you’re looking to achieve with your belt as far as support goes, and you should have a rather well-established price range.

What to Consider Before Buying Weightlifting Belts

There has been some innovation in weightlifting belts in recent years, but essentially, belts still serve a straightforward purpose — support the core under heavy weights. Here are the main factors to think about when choosing your belt.

Your Training and Sport

The type of lifting you do is going to have a big impact on the belts you will want to consider. Powerlifters and strongmen are going to want belts that prioritize security above all else. The last thing you want is your belt coming loose in the middle of a heavy deadlift. For everyone else, ease of adjustment, comfort, and other factors will come into play more. 

In CrossFit, Olympic Weightlifting, or bodybuilding you’re unlikely to be hitting quite such high numbers and are more likely to have to transition between a variety of exercises. Here, you’re less likely to want to spend a few minutes tightening and then unfastening your belt after each attempt. The mechanisms and materials are going to be other things you’ll want to pay attention to as well. 

Your Budget

There is a big price range in this market, which means there’s something there for everyone. Some of these belts are handmade with very high-quality materials, and some are designed to be more mass market. At the upper end, you can be spending nearly $150 or more if you get into customization, but if you take care of it, it should last you a lifetime. On the lower end, you can get down to $20, but we wouldn’t expect the same lifespan or security out of those.

Design

The design of a lifting belt usually isn’t going to be a deal-breaker. Belts tend to be functional rather than aesthetic choices, but at the same time, you may have a preference for a more or less traditional design. In that case, a lot of belts offer different color and style options, and there are some that you can fully design and customize. 

Different Types of Weightlifting Belts

There are multiple types of belt designs, but from our tests and reviews, almost every belt tends to technically fall into two major categories: cylinder and tapered.

Each belt has different design attributes to benefit certain types of strength athletes.

Cylinder Lifting Belt

This style belt is the same width at every part and covers the torso equally. They are designed to support the back, abdomen, and sides evenly with the same amount of material. Powerlifters and strongman athletes typically sway towards these belts.

Tapered Weightlifting Belt

This belt is often favored by Olympic lifters and recreational athletes because it provides the posterior with extra width but thins out towards the abdomen. The skinnier portion over the abdomen allows the torso to remain mobile while providing support without being too obtrusive. 

Fastening Mechanisms

Different belts have different locking mechanisms and each has its strengths and weaknesses. When deciding which is best for an athlete, there are some factors that will be decided by training, but mostly it comes down to personal preference. Below are the main types of fastening mechanisms and the main advantages and disadvantages associated with them. 

Buckle

The classic mechanism provides a very secure fit once locked and is easy to adjust. However, it can be difficult to get the buckle locked when you need the belt very tight, and many lifters have needed assistance to close their buckle before a big lift. You are also usually stuck with one-inch increments with the adjustments.

Lever

A lever gives just as secure a fit as a buckle but is more customizable to the user. The downside is that it generally restricts the belt to use by just one person, as changing the fit takes time and often requires tools.

Hook and Loop (Velcro)

Easy to adjust and to take on and off, this type of mechanism is great for sports like CrossFit but is usually a little less secure than a buckle or lever belt. The lifespan may also be shorter unless the Velcro is replaced once it wears down.

Ratchet

Less common, this type of mechanism is great for a super tight fit, but the quality of the ratchet component will be key. Cheaper ratchets have a tendency to pop open under high loads of pressure.

What Materials Are Weightlifting Belts Made Of? 

Generally, weightlifting belts are made from two primary materials: leather and nylon. Leather is hard-wearing and will give you a belt that will mold to your body over time, but it will usually require a breaking-in period. These belts will also require a little TLC, like any leather product. You’ll want to clean them and apply leather conditioner every three to six months to avoid them drying and cracking.

Nylon belts won’t require the same breaking-in period but also won’t end up fitting you quite the same as a well-used leather belt. They are, on the other hand, a little easier to care for and just need the occasional brushing to remove chalk and a hand wash every now and then, depending on how sweaty you get when training.

Why Wear Lifting Belts?

A belt is a useful piece of equipment to keep in your supportive strength arsenal. Belts are primarily used to prevent injury and support the torso during heavier movements by supporting proprioception and the creation of intra-abdominal pressure. The use of a belt can provide a strength athlete with extra support around the torso to increase a lift’s safety.

Every strength athlete can benefit from choosing a belt that’s catered specifically to their sport. Powerlifters and strongman athletes often want a cylinder-styled belt, which is a weightlifting belt that wraps around the torso equally. This type of athlete will typically want a stiffer or more rigid belt for strength movements, as they’re often pressing, squatting, and deadlifting.

An Olympic lifter needs a weightlifting belt that provides support but also versatility. The typical Olympic weightlifting belt usually comes tapered, so the posterior is thicker in width than the front of the belt. The stiffness and material of this athlete’s weightlifting belt usually come down to personal preference, as this athlete is performing power movements often.

The recreational and functional fitness athlete will often want a weightlifting belt that provides support, comfort, and versatility. Since these athletes perform multiple movements during a single workout, then they need a belt that holds up well with power and strength exercises.

Final Word

There are coaches out there who discourage ever using lifting belts, but lifting belts are a tool just like weightlifting shoes, foam rollers, or supplements.  Stating that you should never use belts is akin to a carpenter saying he would never use a flathead screwdriver. They have their place, but you have to make sure you know why you’re using them and practice using them beforehand. On the other end of the spectrum, you shouldn’t be wearing a belt for every single exercise in your training plan. 

A good weightlifting belt is a part of every lifter’s arsenal, but before you buy your belt, consider things like how you plan to use it, how much support you need, and how much you’re willing to spend. Once you have your wants and needs dialed, you can use this guide to help you find one that’s perfect for you.

FAQs

References

1. Kraus JF, Schaffer KB, Rice T, Maroosis J, Harper J. A field trial of back belts to reduce the incidence of acute low back injuries in New York City home attendants. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2002 Apr-Jun;8(2):97-104. doi: 10.1179/107735202800339073. PMID: 12019686.
2. Mitchell LV, Lawler FH, Bowen D, Mote W, Asundi P, Purswell J. Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of employer-issued back belts in areas of high risk for back injury. J Occup Med. 1994 Jan;36(1):90-4. PMID: 8138856.
3. Lander JE, Hundley JR, Simonton RL. The effectiveness of weight-belts during multiple repetitions of the squat exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1992 May;24(5):603-9. PMID: 1533266.
4. Harman EA, Rosenstein RM, Frykman PN, Nigro GA. Effects of a belt on intra-abdominal pressure during weight lifting. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1989 Apr;21(2):186-90. PMID: 2709981.
5. Bourne ND, Reilly T. Effect of a weightlifting belt on spinal shrinkage. Br J Sports Med. 1991 Dec;25(4):209-12. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.25.4.209. PMID: 1810615; PMCID: PMC1479027.
6. Giorcelli RJ, Hughes RE, Wassell JT, Hsiao H. The effect of wearing a back belt on spine kinematics during asymmetric lifting of large and small boxes. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2001 Aug 15;26(16):1794-8. doi: 10.1097/00007632-200108150-00015. PMID: 11493853.