Get a Grip with the Best Lifting Straps (2023)

In the world of strength training and lifting weights, there are plenty of ways to protect your hands and grip strength, like using weightlifting gloves and wrist wraps. However, another popular tool to use are lifting straps, which are one of the best pieces of support gear to secure your grip on an Olympic barbell and pull some heavy weight.

When it comes to lifting straps, though, there are a lot of things to factor in—like the style of strap, the materials, and its overall durability. The certified personal trainers, lifting coaches, and athletes on our testing team at Garage Gym Reviews were able to test out some of the best lifting straps on the market today, and have compiled this diverse list of lifting straps to help you determine which straps are best for your lifting needs and goals.

The Best Lifting Straps

• Best Overall Lifting Straps: Gymreapers Lifting Straps
• Best Figure 8 Straps: Element 26 Padded Figure 8 Straps
• Best Lifting Grips: JerkFit Death Grips
• Best Lifting Straps for Powerlifting: Rogue Ohio Straps
• Best Leather Lifting Straps: Onyx Straps
• Best Lifting Straps for Weightlifting: Weightlifting House Straps
• Best Lifting Straps for Beginners: Bear Grips Lifting Straps
• Best Budget Lifting Straps: Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps
• Best Lifting Straps for Deadlifting: Rogue Figure 8 Straps
• Best Lifting Straps for Bodybuilding: Deselen Leather Straps
• Most Durable Lifting Straps: IronMind Strong Enough Lifting Straps

Best Overall Lifting Straps: Gymreapers Lifting Straps

Good for: Those wanting a reliable strap that’s very comfortable

Best Overall

Gymreapers Lifting Straps

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Secures hands to the bar
• Durable cotton
• Neoprene padding for wrist comfort
• 9 different color options

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lasso-style strap is easy to use
• Neoprene padding prevents wrist burn and discomfort
• Multiple colors

Cons

• Cotton can tear on aggressively knurled barbells

Bottom Line

These straps from Gymreapers are a great option for the everyday gym-goer looking to take some strain off of their grip for heavy deadlifts, rows, shrugs, and other pulling exercises. The lasso design is easy for anybody to use—simply put your wrist through the loop, wrap the strap around the bottom of the bar, and rotate the bar to tighten or loosen the strap. All in all, between the neoprene padding and lasso design, this is an easy strap to use from a reputable manufacturer.

Gymreapers Lifting Straps take our top spot of best overall straps for their versatility and super comfortable feel. These straps are lasso style, meaning they loop around the wrist and then wrap around the bar. This style of strap is going to be one of the most versatile straps available due to its tight grip on the bar, but it’s still easy enough to release the bar quickly on a failed lift. Plus, they come in nine different colors (*chef’s kiss*).

When I tested the Gymreapers straps, the first thing that stood out to me was the comfort. These lifting straps are cotton, and they’re soft. In addition to the cotton straps, the wrists have neoprene padding to support the wrists on heavy pulls. These are some of the most comfortable straps I’ve ever tried.

The comfort didn’t detract from their durability, though. I took these through heavy deadlifts, and they felt great. It did take me a few sets to properly wrap the straps up because of the softness of the straps. It felt like it had a little give at first, but after wrapping the straps better, I felt connected to the barbell.

These straps are only $17, but shipping is extra—unless you’re planning to buy $150 of Gymreapers items in addition to the straps—so depending on your location, the straps will cost you around $23 or so. These are a little pricier than most lasso straps, but the high quality of the strap is worth it. In addition, these straps have a lifetime replacement guarantee, so if they do break, Gymreapers has you covered.

Best Figure 8 Straps: Element 26 Padded Figure 8 Straps

Good for: People into Strongman training, wanting to pull heavy weights

Best Figure 8 Straps

Element 26 Padded Figure 8 Weightlifting Straps

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• 3 sizes available based on wrist size
• Durable cotton straps with neoprene padding
• Single, heavy-duty stitching point to ensure quality
• Easy to use

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy to use figure 8 style
• 3 sizes
• Padded straps

Cons

• Sizes run a bit large
• Can’t bail on a lift easily

Bottom Line

The Element 26 Figure 8 Straps are certain to keep your grip on a barbell or dumbbell comfortably, taking a secure type of strap and adding neoprene padding for comfort. With a design that “locks” you into the bar, it’s ideal for deadlifts, but not Olympic weightlifting, where you might need a quick bail from the barbell. Although it comes in three different sizes, several reviews claim the straps run large, so be mindful of the size you should actually purchase.

Coming from a competitive weightlifting background, I haven’t used figure 8 straps much at all. This isn’t something you want to admit as a strength athlete, but I’m ashamed to say I had to look up how to properly wrap them. However, once I did use them, I saw what I was missing out on. Out of the ones I tried out, I can say without a doubt that Element 26’s straps were my favorite, and our pick for the best figure 8 straps.

Other figure 8 straps I had used were terribly uncomfortable, but Element 26 added neoprene padding to each loop of the strap, and it helped immensely. The material is a heavy-duty cotton that’s been over-stitched, and when I locked my hand into the barbell, it felt solid, but not too uncomfortable.

These straps come in three sizes based on your wrist size, with the large for wrist circumferences over 10 inches. I went with the mediums as my wrist was right at 10 inches (and the larges were sold out), but it turned out to be perfect for these straps. Many customer reviews recommended going a size down, as they seemed to size big, which is what I found in my experience.

Because these are figure 8 straps, they’ll have you extremely connected to the barbell. However, because you are wrapped around the bar by two loops, there’s no chance for a quick release. So if you’re looking for more versatility, this style of strap may not be the best fit for you. This will be great for heavy deadlifts and some Strongman movements, though. Element 26 also provides a lifetime warranty with these straps.

Best Lifting Grips: JerkFit Death Grips

Good for: Those wanting a quick, versatile grip for CrossFit workouts

Best Lifting Grips

Rogue JerkFit Death Grips

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Simple minimalistic design
• PVC rubber material
• Ample padding at wrist
• Multiple sizes

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No extraneous straps dangling
• Multiple sizes with chart
• Easy setup—just grab the bar and squeeze
• Padding protects circulation

Cons

• Sizing depends on both hand size and bar diameter
• 1 color option
• PVC rubber will wear over time

Bottom Line

The Rogue Fitness JerkFit Death Grips are a unique alternative to traditional weightlifting straps. These are built more like a gymnastics grip but function as straps do, providing security to the grip. Setup is easy—just put the grip under the bar and your hand on top, then squeeze. This minimalist design does rely on accurate sizing though, so double-check your measurements before buying.

When you think about lifting straps, you don’t always think about grips; however, with the rise of CrossFit, these grips made of rubber have become more popular for pulling exercises. In particular, JerkFit Death Grips are incredibly grippy; the dry rubber grips the knurling on a barbell like nothing else.

Using these grips was pretty simple. You attach the grip to your wrist with a velcro strap, and then wrap the rubber piece around the bar, holding the grip and bar with your hand to fully grip the bar. Once I had these grips secure, I was connected to the bar and pulled heavy weights pretty easily. They were grippy and secure on dumbbells and pull-up bars, too.

These grips come in three sizes, based on wrist circumference, and I went with the large grips. They seemed to run true to size, as these were pretty comfortable and I had no trouble getting the grips to fit.

The design of these grips is pretty sharp, but the branding may not be for everyone. Death Grips have an over-the-top skull across the rubber, which I thought was fun, but I could see it not being for everyone.

While I didn’t experience this personally, a few customers said in reviews that the grips got slick very easily when they got wet. I could see this happening, as the rubber is pretty smooth. Speaking of the rubber, be prepared for a bit of a smell at first. Overall, though, if you’re looking for grips for your home workouts, these are a solid option.

Best Lifting Straps for Powerlifting: Rogue Ohio Straps

Good for: Powerlifters wanting simple lifting straps durable enough for their heaviest sets

Best for Powerlifting

Rogue "Ohio" Lifting Straps

GGR Score: 4.1

Community Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Heavy-duty black cotton webbing
• Closed loop lasso design
• Made in the USA

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reinforced edge to prevent fraying
• Extra long at 20”
• Lasso design is easy to use
• “3 ships free” item

Cons

• Only black color option
• No wrist padding

Bottom Line

The Rogue Ohio Lifting Straps from Rogue Fitness are built to last with a heavy-duty black cotton webbing. While there is no neoprene padding for the wrists, the beefy 1.5-inch width makes these straps comfortable on the skin with minimal abrasion. Edges are reinforced with all the loose ends sewn down to prevent fraying, making these straps a reliable option for long-term use.

This is the style of lifting straps I used in my youth…Rogue Ohio Straps. These straps are bare bones, but they get the job done. These lifting straps are made with a heavy-duty black cotton webbing that stays pretty durable against the bar. There is reinforced stitching along the edge of the strap to prevent fraying. However, there is no padding along the wrist to help with comfort, and these were some of the stiffest cotton straps I tested.

There’s no customization or color options on these, either. They’re plain black, with a red Rogue logo stitched on the back of the wrists. A lot of the simplicity of the straps is to keep the cost down, and at $15, they’re a pretty solid pair of straps.

I’ve used Rogue Ohio Straps before, and they were simple straps that lasted through solid work, only falling apart after years of weightlifting workouts. Testing them out again after quite a while, not much has changed. These straps are simple and durable. They’re great for powerlifting movements and accessory work, such as deadlifts, rows, and rack pulls out of a squat rack. The grip doesn’t slip at all, and with a strap length of 20 inches, you can wrap a few times around the bar to ensure it.

Although there aren’t as many options as other straps, and they will take a while to break in and be more comfortable, the Rogue Ohio Straps are sure to last through quite a few workouts.

Best Leather Lifting Straps: Onyx Straps

Good for: Weightlifters needing a durable pair of lifting straps for snatches and pulls

Best Leather Straps

Onyx Weightlifting Co. Lifting Straps

GGR Score: 4.6

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Product Highlights

• High-strength, high-comfort leather
• Multiple options for thickness and color
• Little to no break-in time
• Made in the USA

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong and durable leather forms to the hand
• Provides security to grip without sacrificing wrist mobility
• Quick-release design for Olympic lifts

Cons

• Pricier than other leather straps
• Leather requires oiling/upkeep and has storage requirements

Bottom Line

While Onyx Weightlifting Co. Straps are a bit more pricey than other straps, most users remain loyal to Onyx after their first pair. The leather provides a unique feel that forms to the hand while providing adequate security for Olympic lifts, making these the go-to for many Team USA members. With multiple options for colors and thickness, these straps are a top-notch option for serious lifters.

Our top pick for best leather lifting straps—plus an all-around sharp-looking piece of support gear—are Onyx Straps, who also makes wrist wraps and weightlifting belts. At close to $40, these are one of the more expensive pairs of lifting straps on our list, but the craftsmanship and feel of these straps makes them worth the price to those who can afford it.

Our tester Brian, who is a member of GGR Head of Content Kate Meier’s weightlifting team as well as a leatherworking hobbyist, has used Onyx Straps for a while now, and they still look and perform great. He says, “I’ve had these for a year, and they seem as good as new. Onyx recommends leather treatment oil…I have only oiled them once, and they’re still great-looking.” 

Brian rated the straps a perfect 5 out of 5 on performance, saying, “The break-in period is very short, and they give you a fantastic hold on the barbell without cutting into your skin the way some nylon straps do.” Even without wrist padding, Onyx Straps are comfortable and remain grippy.

There are different colors available, as well as a “slim” and “thicc” option—basically a choice between 1.25-inch or 1.5-inch wide straps. Leather straps in general hold up well, and Onyx is no exception. In addition to oiling the straps, Onyx also recommends letting the straps air out after a lifting session; don’t just stuff them in your gym bag after your workout. If you take care of them, these straps should last for years to come.

Best Lifting Straps for Weightlifting: Weightlifting House Elite Straps

Good for: Weightlifters needing a comfortable pair of straps that elite athletes use

Best for Weightlifting

Weightlifting House Wrist Straps

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Tested by world class Olympic weightlifters
• Soft neoprene padding at the wrist
• Quick-release design
• Extremely durable Kevlar stitching

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Dual-ply cotton webbing withstands aggressive knurl
• Neoprene padding protects wrists from abrasion
• Quick release for maximum safety
• Designed by weightlifters, for weightlifters

Cons

• Users report them being stiff and needing some break-in time

Bottom Line

The Weightlifting House Wrist Straps are a reliable option designed for weightlifters, by weightlifters. Featuring a reinforced dual-ply cotton webbing structure with extra wrist padding, these are built to withstand high-volume snatches and pulls. The straps are great for a quick release in case of a missed lift, but provide plenty of security for heavy deadlifts.

Our choice for the best weightlifting straps are Weightlifting House Straps. Designed to mimic the Chinese weightlifting team’s style of lifting straps, these closed loop straps connect early, to allow for extra strap length to wrap around the bar. This style of closed loop helps the lifter stay more connected to the bar.

The design of this strap is sharp and functional. In addition to the extra strap length, the straps use heavy-duty stitching in the form of kevlar to ensure the durability and strength of the lifting straps. Neoprene padding is on the wrists to improve comfort while in use, and the back of the wrist has a debossed logo on it. The whole thing comes in a bag to store the straps. It’s a nice look and feel. The straps only come in two colors, navy blue and black, but the design still looks sharp.

Because the straps connect early, the length is extra thick when you wrap it; if you’re new to this style of closed loop straps, it may take a few times to feel comfortable with it. After breaking in the straps (it didn’t take long), I felt very connected to the bar. The strap is only one size, but I felt it should work for a vast majority of wrist and hand sizes.

The closed loop style of lifting strap is very specific to weightlifting, so if you’re looking for something with more grip, or a quick release from the barbell isn’t as necessary for your training, then there may be other, better choices available. Nevertheless, this is a solid lifting strap for most weightlifters.

Best Lifting Straps for Beginners: Bear Grips Lifting Straps

Good for: Beginners wanting a versatile strap with a good grip and feel

Best for Beginners

Bear Grips Padded Lifting Straps

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Anti-slip silicone texture
• Neoprene wrist padding
• Fits all wrist sizes

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Anti-slip silicone coating on one side
• Thick (5 mm) wrist padding
• Lasso design
• Multiple color options

Cons

• Silicone can be too grippy which makes adjustments harder

Bottom Line

The Bear Grips Padded lifting Straps are an excellent upgrade from market standard lifting straps. These include a silicone coating on one side of the strap for enhanced grip, which is especially helpful in commercial gyms where knurlings are often heavily worn down. There is also a 5-millimeter neoprene pad on the wrists to prevent those handcuff marks that we see with typical non-padded straps. Overall, these are a great option at a reasonable price with plenty of color options to match your style.

If you’re new to lifting weights or resistance training, a great option for you are Bear Grips Lifting Straps. These strike a great balance between comfort and durability, with a lasso style that will lend itself to a broad number of exercises and modes of training. Also, there are lots of color options, too. I picked White Camo (*another chef’s kiss*).

These straps are built from heavy-duty cotton fibers, but the cotton is very comfortable. Additionally, the wrist straps are padded with neoprene, adding to the comfort of the lifting strap. What surprised me was that the cotton is still very sturdy, and when I wrapped the lifting strap around my barbell, the strap was very grippy; there was no give.

While I had no issue with this, the sizing may not be for everyone. The length of the strap is 21 inches, which is a fine strap length. However, the width of the neoprene padding was too large for some users, according to customer reviews. I have larger hands, so it wasn’t an issue for me, but I did notice the padding was a bit large compared to other straps I’ve used. Because of this, I knocked Bear Grips’ sizing score down to a 3.5 out of 5.

Bear Grips Lifting Straps are at a pretty low price, at under $15, with free shipping if you have an Amazon Prime membership. At that price, they’re a great pair of lifting straps to begin your weight training with.

Best Budget Lifting Straps: Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps

Good for: Those needing an inexpensive lifting strap for some pulling movements

Best Budget Straps

Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Neoprene wrist padding
• Extended length
• Synthetic cotton
• Takes strain off of the grip during pulls

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Heavy-duty stitching
• 1.5” width
• 21.5” extended length
• Multiple colors and designs

Cons

• May feel too bulky for some users
• Cotton is at risk of tearing on more aggressive knurlings

Bottom Line

If you’ve been to the gym a few times, odds are you’ve seen the classic Harbinger straps. These are the classic lasso loop design with neoprene padding for comfort and ease of use. At a low cost of just under 10 bucks, it’s hard to go wrong with the Harbinger straps.

If you need lifting straps for cheap, look no further than Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps. At under $10 on Amazon, these straps are made well enough to compliment your weight training on a budget. Plus, Harbinger backs these straps with a one-year limited warranty.

These lifting straps come in six different colors or patterns, including a camo pattern and an American flag. I went with a solid color, called Merlot, just to keep my workouts classy. The straps are cotton, with NeoTek pads along with the wrists (it’s basically neoprene). In use, the 21.5-inch long straps felt comfortable and long enough to grip the bar comfortably with a few wraps.

The main concern I have with these straps has to do with their durability. Fresh out of the packaging, these Harbinger straps had loose threads that hadn’t been cut off, and also some burs. While it performed fine during my testing with barbells over a few weeks, it gives me concern on how they’ll perform long-term. 

RELATED: Best Budget Barbells

Fortunately, they’ll have a warranty for the first year, but after that you may be out of luck. Regardless, if you need lifting straps for a low price point, these are a comfortable, strong option.

Best Lifting Straps for Deadlifting: Rogue Figure 8 Straps

Good for: Powerlifters needing a connected grip on the bar for their heaviest deadlifts

Best for Deadlifting

Rogue Figure 8 Lifting Straps

GGR Score: 3.7

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Product Highlights

• Maximum security double loop design
• Extra-strength cotton webbing
• Made in the USA
• Intended for maximal deadlifts

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thick, durable cotton webbing
• Figure 8 design locks the hands to the bar
• Great for deadlifting

Cons

• Not suitable for olympic lifts or quick release
• 1 color

Bottom Line

The Rogue Fitness Rogue Heavy Duty Figure 8 Lifting Straps provide the most security out of any strap on the market. The figure 8 design loops over the wrist twice, ensuring there is no slippage and the bars won’t roll out of the hand. This type of product is used for heavy pulls or extra-long sets where a high amount of grip strength is needed, most often in strongman events.

For an almost too solid grip, we’ve picked the Rogue Figure 8 Straps as the best deadlift straps. These figure 8 straps are made of an extra-strength cotton webbing in a basket weave to create a supportive and durable lifting strap.

RELATED: Muscles Worked In A Deadlift

There isn’t a lot of customization to these straps, like most figure 8 straps. Rogue chose a classic black for their straps, with the Rogue logo in white on the wrists. These straps don’t have any padding, so they aren’t as comfortable as other straps, but the design of these Figure 8 straps will keep you secured on the bar—although there won’t be any quick release. This makes them ideal for deadlifts, where a failed rep just goes back to the floor.

The straps are only one size, which was a tight fit for me, and I’m not sure if a larger athlete or wrist would be able to comfortably use it. Many reviews actually didn’t like the sizing either, and its rating reflects it: a paltry 2.9 out of 5 stars. 

However, one review spoke of using a false grip with these straps—meaning the thumbs didn’t wrap around the bar. When I tried this method, the straps felt more comfortable…still tight, but a much better fit. And the straps stay connected enough to maintain a strong grip on the bar even without a full grip. With that said, for a strong grip, these figure 8 straps will do it, but be ready to use a false grip.

Best Lifting Straps for Bodybuilding: Deselen Leather Straps

Good for: Gym goers wanting a comfortable lifting strap for high rep sets

Best for Bodybuilding

Deselen Leather Weightlifting Straps

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Comfortable leather material
• Extra thick cotton lining over wrists
• 2-year warranty
• Extended length for ease of use

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable cowhide material
• Extended length (23.6”)
• Cotton padding to protect wrists
• Short break-in time (2–3 workouts)

Cons

• Extra length can be unnecessary
• All leather can dry out and be prone to ripping

Bottom Line

The Deselen Leather Weightlifting straps are an upgrade from typical cotton straps, designed with comfort in mind. Extra-thick cotton padding around the wrists allows the user to focus on the exercise instead of the tough abrasions that non-padded straps provide. The extended length makes these straps easy to loop around the bar, no matter the thickness. Overall, these are an excellent option for the casual gym goer, but frequent use may require a more durable material.

Most bodybuilders’ strength routines require a lot of repetitions and isolation exercises. To further isolate muscle groups, lifters can use straps to use less wrist and forearms in certain movements. The ideal lifting strap for bodybuilding workouts would have good grip but also be comfortable through long sets and high repetitions.

Enter the Deselen Leather Straps, our pick for the best straps for bodybuilding. These leather straps have neoprene padding on the wrist, which will add to your level of comfort during sets. What sets the Deselen straps above the rest for comfort, however, is the feel of the leather. These straps are a soft leather that’s pretty much already broken in, making them feel extremely comfortable during your workout.

In my use of these leather lifting straps, I found them extremely comfortable during repetitions, and I had a great grip throughout my sets. At times, the straps felt a little long, and they are longer, with a length of 23.5 inches. Because of the slightly long length, I ranked the performance of the Deselen Leather Straps a half-point off, to a score of 4.5 out of 5.

Customer reviews agreed, as the only main complaint was that the straps were a little long. One user went so far as to cut the straps down a few inches. While I didn’t go that far, I would often leave the extra piece of strap length off to the side of the barbell instead of wrapping it completely. If you’re OK with working around a longer strap, the Deselen Leather Straps are a comfortable and versatile lifting strap for high repetitions.

Most Durable Lifting Straps: IronMind Strong Enough Lifting Straps

Good for: Lifters wanting a durable and versatile lasso strap

Most Durable

IronMind Strong-Enough Lifting Straps

GGR Score: 4.3

Community Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Durable construction
• Made in the USA by IronMind, a long-time leader in production
• Used by strongman world champions

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable nylon webbing
• Used by 1,000+ lb deadlifts
• Easy lasso design
• Extended length (21”)

Cons

• Nylon material is strong but slippery at first
• No wrist padding

Bottom Line

The Ironmind Strong-Enough Lifting Straps were designed for 1,000+ pound deadlifts, so needless to say, it will hold up to anybody’s training. The durable nylon material will last for years on end, although it may require some break-in. Typically, some chalk and rubbing the straps against an aggressive knurl will get the job done. There is no wrist padding included, but these straps are really designed for serious athletes who are beyond seeking comfort.

Ironmind has been in the Olympic weightlifting and Strongman communities for a long time. As a strength equipment supplier, they’ve offered lifting straps for a while now. Their lasso lifting straps—the IronMind Strong Enough Lifting Straps—are our favorites for the most durable lifting straps on the market. 

Made of a durable plastic, these nylon straps have stood the test of time for many lifters. I’ve had friends use these straps for several years and they’ve stayed solid with no fraying or breaking. In my testing, they stayed solid as well, with a solid grip and good feel against the barbell.

Being made of nylon, though, they can feel a little slick at first and take a bit of time to break in. Additionally, there’s no extra cushioning around the wrists. While I thought this was more comfortable than other straps without padding, it may not be the most comfortable for multiple repetitions.

The straps are simply designed and they’re available only in royal blue, with the IronMind logo stitched across the back of the wrist loops. Although a simple pair of lifting straps, these are built to last. With a price of $22 plus free shipping through Amazon Prime, these durable straps are worth the price.

Other Lifting Straps We Researched

We tested out a lot of different items for this roundup of the best lifting straps. However, not everything the testers at GGR and I tried made the list. Here are a few other products we tested or researched that are worth noting.

• Ironmind Easy Sew Lifting Straps: Like the Ironmind Strong Enough Straps, these royal blue nylon straps are incredibly durable and help keep you connected during Olympic lifts. However, the short length of these closed loop straps makes it difficult to wrap properly for larger athletes.
• Rogue Leather Straps: Rogue Leather Straps are a solid pair of lasso straps. However, they are stiff from the start and require a lot of breaking in to get any comfort while using them. 
• GymShark Lifting Straps: These lasso lifting straps have silicone strips along the strap for improved grip against the bar. Unfortunately, these straps were out of stock when we tried to purchase them for testing (and it looks like they still might be).
• JuanFU Lifting Straps: JuanFU lifting straps are made for Olympic weightlifting. Jacob Penner, a weightlifting coach and certified personal trainer on our expert panel, uses these straps and loves how long they’ve lasted. But, because these cotton straps can get stiff and don’t provide padding, we went with the Weightlifting House straps instead as our favorite Olympic lifting straps.

How We Picked and Tested

I had the honor of testing out a lot of these lifting straps, and I took them through a lot of exercises. As an Olympian in weightlifting, I knew what to look for in good lifting straps, making sure I felt connected to the bar, as well as grippiness and overall durability. Every pair of straps I tested had at least 550 pounds worth of weight plates pulled with them, multiple times.

After selecting our group of lifting straps based on materials used, construction, and value, I took each pair of straps through several workouts. Depending on the type of strap, I did Olympic lifts, deadlifts, pulls and rows, pull-ups, and even dumbbell work to test out each strap’s performance.

Speaking of which, we looked at quite a few different types of lifting straps, too—closed loop, lasso, figure 8, and lifting grips—to provide you with a diverse final list of lifting straps to help you find the best lifting strap for your needs and goals.

Benefits of Lifting Straps

The main thing that lifting straps do is improve the grip strength you have on a barbell, pull-up bar, or dumbbell. Improving your grip strength allows you to not be hindered by your grip on a heavy lift, and get closer to your maximal loads. There are quite a few benefits to lifting with straps and improving your grip:

• Increase Volume: Relieving your hands and grip with lifting straps can allow you to not fatigue in the hands and forearms first, allowing you to get a few more reps in before fatigue sets in. Over time, this can make your workouts more efficient and effective.
• Wrist Support: Also known as wrist straps, lifting straps typically attach and wrap around the wrist, giving a bit of support during lifts, even in overhead movements like a snatch. However, it won’t give the same level of support as a wrist wrap in most cases.
• Protect Your Hand from Calluses: Easing your grip on the bar and relying on lifting straps can reduce the risk of calluses and blistering on your hand. It’s nice to give your hands a break from time to time.

It’s important to note that there’s a risk of over-reliance on lifting straps. Using lifting straps all the time could actually weaken your grip strength without the straps. You may feel like you can’t lift without them. 

While lifting straps are great, it’s good to practice moderation with them—especially if you plan on competing in a strength sport that doesn’t allow them in competition, like Olympic weightlifting. Use them, but also remember to train without them at times to maintain a strong grip and forearm strength.

What to Look for in Lifting Straps

Looking at adding some lifting straps to your home gym equipment? There are a few things to consider before making that purchase.

Style of Lifting Strap

First things first: What are you wanting to use your straps for? Are you using them for Olympic lifts, or just heavy deadlifts? Perhaps you need them for high repetitions on lat pull-downs and barbell rows. The goals and training you have in mind can help determine which type of lifting straps will best appeal to you. Here’s a breakdown of types of straps and where they typically shine:

• Lasso style: Lasso straps have a wrist loop that secures around your wrist with a piece that then wraps around the bar. These are the most common and versatile lifting strap, as they keep you connected with the bar, but can be released quickly if needing to bail from a lift.
• Closed loop: Closed loop, or single-loop straps, are most commonly used in Olympic weightlifting. These straps join together at a point in a teardrop shape, sometimes extending into a single piece to wrap around the bar. Closed loop lifting straps are quick to release, making them ideal for needing to bail out from a snatch overhead.
• Figure 8: These straps are double-looped, and great for lifting heavier weights and Strongman. To properly use these loops, one loop wraps around your wrist then goes under the bar, and then the second loop goes on your wrist. This is easily one of the more connected straps for the bar, but it doesn’t allow quick release by any means, so refrain from Olympic lifts with these.
• Lifting grip: Lifting grips are wrist wraps with a rubber grip that wraps partially around the bar, then you grip the bar to enclose the grip. Grips keep you secured on the barbell for heavy deadlifts and reps of lat pulldowns, pull-ups, and dumbbell work—they even allow for a quick release. Still, the bulkiness of the rubber keeps me from liking them for Olympic lifting.

Materials and Durability

The materials used will help determine the durability of a lifting strap, although the construction is a major part of that. Cotton straps might be the least durable, although the sewn construction can greatly improve the longevity of these straps. If you’re unsure about the durability of a cotton strap, but you like the feel, look for a strap with a good warranty.

Next is nylon, which is made of plastic fibers and pretty durable from my experience. The only time I’ve seen nylon start to wear down is when sewn edges begin fraying, but that’s taken a while. Leather straps are another durable option that will last for a long time.

Comfort

If you’re planning on doing any number of reps with lifting straps, it’s great for your straps to be comfortable during a long set. A lot of lifting straps will add cushioning to the wrist. The wrist padding is typically made of neoprene, and soft, water-resistant fabric.

The material used can also add or take away from your level of comfort. Cotton straps will probably be more comfortable than others, especially when wrist padding is added. Leather straps typically require a bit of breaking in before they feel comfortable.

FAQs

Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1

Caine Wilkes is an Olympian, placing 9th in weightlifting at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A former gym owner, he also has more than 15 years of experience coaching other athletes in weightlifting, CrossFit, and functional fitness.

Further reading

REP QuickDraw Adjustable Dumbbells Review (2023): Do They Live Up to the Hype?

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After being heavily anticipated, find out how REP’s entry into adjustable dumbbells fares in our REP QuickDraw Adjustable Dumbbells review. Read more

Why Does Pre-Workout Make You Itch? 

by Stephanie Wells, MS, RD, LD, ACSM-CPT

If you're new to pre-workouts you may be wondering, "why does pre-workout make you itch?" Find out about this common side effect here! Read more

NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill Review (2023): Entry-Level Model With iFIT Capabilities

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In our NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill review, we’ll hash out if this budget treadmill is going to become your favorite piece of cardio equipment. Read more

Best Protein Powder for Weight Gain (2023): Let the Gains Begin

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We’ve curated a list of the best protein powder for weight gain with nine options approved by a sports nutritionist. Read more