Best Weightlifting Belts For Powerlifting, Olympic Lifting, CrossFit, And More (2025)

The American-made REP USA Premium Leather Lifting Belt is made with durability and support in mind. 

At 4 inches wide and 10 millimeters thick, the vegetable-tanned leather can provide major stability in your heavy squats, deadlifts, or other strength movements. Vegetable-tanned leather is known for its strength and durability (and beauty), earning it a 5-out-of-5 score for construction.

I had Olympian and GGR senior staff writer Caine Wilkes try out the REP Premium Leather Belt during a heavy back squat session, pushing a casual 280 kilograms, or 617 pounds—along with deadlifts, and even some clean and jerks. He says, “Being an Olympic weightlifter, I usually use thinner belts, so I’m surprised at how much I like this belt, especially for back squats.”

He adds that it’s not the most versatile belt he’s used, though, scoring it a 3.5 out of 5 for the category. “For Olympic lifting like snatches and cleans, lifters usually want a thinner leather belt tapered at the front so it’s not in the way as much during the lift, unlike this one” explains Caine. “I think after breaking the belt in more, it could feel better for those lifts. For now, though, I’ll stick to squats and pulls.” The REP belt will still be great for most strength movements, however.

Plenty of sizes are available for superheavyweight-lifting Olympians like Caine or for smaller athletes; the belts range from small to 3XL. Keep an eye on the sizing chart REP Fitness provides, though. Caine saw it ran pretty true to size, giving the sizing a 5 out of 5.

RELATED: An Olympian’s Guide to Equipment for Olympic Weightlifting

I do wish the holes were a half-inch apart rather than a full inch, but that’s a typical issue with leather belts. The REP USA Premium Leather Belt is a pricier belt, but Caine says it’s worth it, giving the value a 4 out of 5. “I felt supported through all my heavy squats; I was impressed,” he adds. 

For a more versatile belt for Olympic lifting or functional fitness, check out the 2POOD Straight Belt, which has a more flexible nylon material while still maintaining a solid rigidity for heavy lifts.

Jacob Penner, a USA Weightlifting Level 2 coach and owner of North Carolina-based Endless Strength Weightlifting, says he recommends the Bells of Steel Lever Belt for heavy squats and deadlifts because it’s “great to brace against. In fact, it’s uncomfortable if you aren’t bracing. It’s more comfortable when you’re bracing correctly.”

For those who don’t know, “bracing” refers to keeping tension in your torso (or core) through breathwork and contracting your ab muscles, almost as if you’re expecting a gut punch. This technique helps with achieving proper lifting technique, and, according to Jacob, is the key to this weightlifting belt.

“It reinforces good form,” the competitive weightlifter adds, giving it a 5 out of 5 for overall workout experience.

RELATED: Proper Squat Form According to an Olympian

Another reason we recommend this belt for heavy lifters is that it’s a heavy-duty leather belt with high-quality stitching. It has a 13-millimeter thickness and 4-inch width for support on those PR attempts. “This is one of the best lever belts I’ve ever seen,” says Jacob, who has used several types of weightlifting belts during his lifting career. “I give it a 5 out of 5 for durability.”

Since it’s really only meant for two barbell exercises, we have to rate it at 2 out of 5 for versatility. Most trainees will want a belt that can be used for several exercises, though powerlifters may find this to be a great value, especially for the price (below $150, relatively low for such a well-built belt).

Again, this is meant for ultimate support, so you’re going to have to sacrifice some comfort. “I felt it on my hip bones and my ribs, but after just one or two sets of squats, I felt totally fine,” Jacob says, giving it a 3 out of 5 in the comfort category. “Lever belts aren’t really meant to be super comfortable.”

Lever belts are, by nature, more difficult to adjust than velcro or other types of closures, though you are getting much more support. Jacob says the belt arrives unassembled and you need a star drive screwdriver bit to adjust it. 

“You kind of have to guess where you want to put the fastening mechanism,” he says. “I put the belt around my waist and put it on and had to take it off and go one adjustment tighter. It took maybe 5 minutes total.”

If you need a quicker adjustment from one lift to another, you can check out the Eleiko Premium Weightlifting Belt. The double-prong buckle offers solid support while being very easy to tighten or loosen to your desired fit.

If a 2POOD belt is good enough for Olympic-level weightlifters like Mattie Rogers and CJ Cummings, plus CrossFitters like Sam Briggs and Jacob Heppner, it’s more than good enough for the average exerciser.

Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, has been using 2POOD belts for over five years now and has only ever had one issue of fraying on one belt in that time, although she blames it on herself instead of 2POOD’s durability. She still rates the belt’s durability a perfect 5-out-of-5 score. 

“I had no issue with my previous 2POOD belt after three years,” Kate explains. “But I let a teammate use my newer belt. He’s bigger than me and probably needed a different size belt, so that may have been the culprit to the fraying.”

The roller adjustment can be a bit tricky to use, but you can get a tight fit without using it if you prefer. With price points around $65, 2POOD belts are pricier than some other nylon and Velcro belts, but you’re getting one that will last for years on end. We talk more about why we love these belts in our 2POOD Belt review.

Not only are 2POOD belts known for their durability in high-intensity, high-volume, high-load settings, but they’re also known for their whimsical designs. Want donuts on your weightlifting belt? Get a 2POOD belt. Want tacos on it? Get a 2POOD. Leopard print? 2POOD. C-3PO and baby Yoda? 2POOD.

You get the point. If you’re the kind of fitness enthusiast who must have the most fly outfits in the gym, adding a 2POOD weightlifting belt to your gear closet is one surefire way to do so. 2POOD gets a solid 5 out of 5 for its colorway and design options.

Onto the real specs: 2POOD belts are made of thick, tough nylon with a foam core.
All in all, if you’re training for CrossFit, which entails high rep counts and constant adjustment of the belt, then Velcro nylon is definitely your best option. 

Be ready to have to break in the belt, though; this belt starts off very rigid, earning it a 4 out of 5 for comfort. “It’s going to take a few weeks at least to break in,” adds Kate. She recommends folding and rolling the belt as soon as you get it to minimize that break-in period.

RELATED: Best Barbells for CrossFit

Need a thinner belt? 2POOD Petite Belts are built the same as their 4-inch Straight Belts, but with a 3-inch width instead to support shorter torsos.

The Rogue 4-inch Faded Lifting Belt is actually the Pioneer Cut Power Belt by Pioneer Fitness (a division of General Leathercraft Manufacturing). Rogue enlisted Pioneer to create this specific belt to sell on the Rogue website. This belt represents the latest advancement in the prong style of power belts. For most people, it’s the best choice for a leather belt, because it provides the best combination of features and quality at a good price.

I have yet to test another weightlifting belt that gave me as good of a first impression as this Rogue belt. The materials and craftsmanship are outstanding, and, quite honestly, it impressed me far more than I expected despite being told by many friends just how good they are. Everything from the materials used to the customization options is top-notch, so I rate the durability and construction at 5 out of 5.

Pioneer makes some of the best weightlifting belts on the market, but the Pioneer Cut belt stands out. It’s just as good as all of Pioneer’s other belts, but it also has a unique feature that allows for precise adjustments in half-inch increments, earning it a 4.5 out of 5 for adjustability. Most prong belts adjust only in 1-inch increments, which often feels either too much or too little. Pioneer says that this specific cut is a patent-pending design by powerlifter Steve Strohm.

In comparison to other power belts, the Pioneer Cut belt tapers down the genuine leather very cleanly, which is probably in part due to the quality of sole bend leather used. Sole bend leather is some of the highest quality leather you can find, as it’s cut from the best portion of steer hides (below the shoulder and along the back ends and side of the steer’s spine) Outside of some high-end weightlifting belts, sole bend leather can commonly be found in high-quality shoes and boots.

You can tell they spend extra time sanding down the leather at the edges so that it results in a smooth and consistent appearance. The edges are then dressed and finished black, which gives the belt a professional look. Because there’s only one colorway, the belt only gets a 2 out of 5 for colors and design options. However, the one design available looks sharp.

Breaking in a thick belt like this does take some time. One way to speed this process up is by rolling it up into a circle one way, massaging it back and forth, and then rolling it up into a circle the other way and repeating. This is not a one-time process, but eventually, the belt will fit your torso like your favorite baseball glove would fit your hand.

To top it off, the Pioneer Cut belt is made entirely here in the U.S. at their Texas-based shop. For a more in-depth look at this belt, check out my Rogue Fitness x Pioneer Lifting Belt review.

For a more budget-friendly leather belt, take a look at the Iron Bull Strength Powerlifting Belt—a double-prong belt that comes in at under $80.

Not everyone is going to want the rigidity and sturdiness of a leather belt. For those wanting a bit more flexibility, a nylon belt like the Iron Bull Strength 6-Inch Nylon Weight Belt can keep you mobile while adding plenty of lumbar support. The belt tapers from the back to the front, with a smallest width of about 3 inches, providing ample support around your entire core.

GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele, ISSA-CPT, tried out the belt and says, “It’s versatile and flexible enough for CrossFit, Olympic weightlifting, or powerlifting—anything really.” (I should note, however, that the 6-inch width of the belt wouldn’t be permitted in lifting competitions.) The nylon material keeps it flexible enough for CrossFit and dynamic movements, but the wide back provides lumbar support good enough for heavy deadlifts, too. Lindsay rates the versatility at 4 out of 5.

Lindsay had no issues with the durability of the belt during her week of testing, although the long-term durability of the belt is yet to be determined. “In general, nylon is designed to last and withstand some tough conditions,” Lindsay notes. “They’re resistant to wear, weather, and chemicals. I’d mostly be worried about the velcro fraying over time.” Because of this, she gives the belt a 4 out of 5 for durability.

The belt costs only $40, which makes it a steal for anyone planning around a budget. It gets a 5 out of 5 for its value, but keep in mind that budget-priced belts may not last as long as more premium options. Available in five sizes, from small to XXL, Lindsay also notes that the belt runs pretty true to size.

If you’re looking for a competition-compliant belt that is also budget-priced, try out Gymreapers Quick-Locking Belt, which has a maximum width of 4 inches and is under $35.

The Gymreapers Quick-Locking Weightlifting Belt is a perfect example of a product that outperforms its price tag (which is roughly $35 in this case). This nylon lifting belt has competition-ready specifications and it worked for us on heavy lifts and CrossFit workouts alike. The quick-locking belt is easy to use, supportive, and comfortable.

To be clear, this isn’t the cheapest weightlifting belt out there…but we really don’t suggest going any lower in price than this one. There are other belts around the same price point or cheaper (we found one for $10), but we strongly advise against any of those. For one, cheaper belts will be made of low-quality materials that will likely break, or just not support you during a big lift. 

Gymreapers’ belt, on the other hand, is made of quality nylon that can withstand the tests of time, and the double-stiched seams help ensure it lasts for many years. Jacob Penner, USAW-L2, has used the belt at his gym for two years, where it sees routine use from him and members of his gym. And while the nylon has held up, the Velcro hasn’t, earning it a 3 out of 5 for construction and durability. “It frayed very fast, within about six months,” Jacob explains.

The belt itself has a 4-inch width throughout, and the quick-lock buckle and roller stay secure until the moment you take it off, which is easy to do when needed. Although the Velcro can become frayed, the buckle and roller remain secure, which is why the belt can still be used for years. The design allows for micro-adjustments as needed, earning it a 5 out of 5 for adjustability.

Jacob adds, “It’s definitely not sturdy enough for power lifts. We’ve used it for Olympic weightlifting, but I think CrossFitters who need quick adjustments for metcons would most benefit from this belt.” He rates the versatility at a 4 out of 5.

As you can tell in our Gymreapers Quick-Locking Weightlifting Belt review, we’re confident this belt will provide you with the stability you need for many years, but if for some reason it does break on you, the company offers a lifetime replacement guarantee. They’ll simply send you a brand-new belt at no additional cost (not even shipping and handling).

Gymreapers’ Quick-Locking Belt won’t have the support for heavy squats and deadlifts, but if you need a budget-priced belt for these exercises, try out the Gymreapers Lever Belt. While pricier than this budget belt, it’s one of the cheaper lever belts on the market.

Lever belts are one of the best choices for powerlifting due to their stiff and rigid nature—but they can get expensive real quick. If you’re looking for a powerlifting belt that won’t entirely break the bank, I recommend the Gymreapers Lever Belt. At $130, it’s still pricey, but it’s also on the low end of lever belts, earning it a 4 out of 5 for its value.

USA Weightlifting coach and owner of Endless Strength Weightlifting Jacob Penner has used the Gymreapers Lever Belt at his gym for around two years now, and it’s held up surprisingly well in that time. He says, “My lifters have used the belt since we’ve had it, and our gym isn’t climate-controlled. It looks just as good as the first day we got it, so I’m pretty happy with it.” Jacob rates the construction and durability at 4 out of 5.

The lever belt isn’t the most comfortable, as Jacob notes after using the belt for more than 20 squat and deadlift workouts himself. “Even after 20 workouts, I never felt like the belt was finally broken in.” He does add that lever belts are typically rigid, so it gets a 3 out of 5 for its comfort.

Another thing that’s typical about lever belts is that they’re a hassle to adjust, and the Gymreapers Lever Belt is no different. Adjusting the belt requires unscrewing the buckle and re-attaching it at another position along the belt. Jacob rates the adjustments of the belt at 2 out of 5. If you’re using the belt for yourself, though, it may not be an issue, unless you put on or lose some weight.

Still, if you want a stiff, supportive belt for competitive powerlifting, this can be a great pick. Check out our Gymreapers Lever Belt review for more information on this powerlifting belt.

Leather belts can be a solid choice for powerlifting, as well, and budget options will be cheaper than lever belts in general. For example, the Iron Bull Powerlifting Belt is 4 inches wide and 10 millimeters thick, and comes in at under $80.

Eleiko makes quality products—there’s no beating around that bush. The Eleiko Premium Olympic Weightlifting Belt is no exception. Handcrafted from 100% vegetable-tanned leather in Sweden, this belt screams durability and stability, easily earning a 5 out of 5 for its construction.

Jacob Penner, a USAW-2 weightlifting coach and owner of Endless Strength Weightlifting, says this belt has held up extremely well in the two years he’s owned it. “It still looks brand-new,” he adds. Jacob also says it’s a highly versatile belt and can be used for heavy lifting or lighter high-rep workouts, giving it a 4.5 out of 5 in that category in his Eleiko weightlifting belt review.

This belt struck me as more rigid than most leather belts. If you’re looking for a lot of flexibility and a quick break-in period, this belt probably isn’t the right choice for you. It’s designed to maintain rigidity under high pressure, which is exactly what it does. There isn’t much give in a hip hinge or squat position—a feature that ultimately comes down to preference.

The measurements come in at a 4-inch width which tapers to 2 inches in the front along with an 8-millimeter thickness. Although it’s pretty rigid, the tapered width allows for more mobility in deep squats, making it a great option for Olympic weightlifters. 

It also has standard one-inch belt adjustments with a double-pronged buckle, which won’t allow for microadjustments you’d get from Velcro straps. “I never felt like I couldn’t get my ideal tension,” adds Jacob, “but you can’t get the precise adjustments you can in other belts.” He rates the adjustability a 4 out of 5.

Double stitching around the edges lends itself to increased seam integrity, although there was never a question of durability with this Eleiko belt. If you prefer a more rigid belt, you can’t find a better Olympic lifting belt for this price point. At $140, the Eleiko Premium Weightlifting Belt falls into the same price range as many Rogue Fitness belts and some of our other top picks. For that reason, it gets a 4-out-of-5 rating for value.

As for aesthetics, I love the look of this belt. Like most leather weightlifting belts, it only currently comes in two colors: Brown or Black. But it’s a sexy, clean look. The etched Eleiko logo covers most of the backside of the belt, and the stitching pops against the leather.

If you prefer more precise adjustments, check out the Warm Body Cold Mind 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt, which is also compliant with IWF standards, but uses a Velcro closure system instead.

If there’s one lift you want extra back support on, it’s the deadlift. I’ve yet to come across a weightlifting belt specifically designated as a “deadlift belt,” though any belt that’s 2 or 3 inches in width can be considered a deadlift belt, the reason being that these thinner belts are more comfortable to wear and support proper lumbar positioning during the deadlift movement. The Dominion Strength 3-Inch Leather Belt tops this category, as far as I’m concerned. 

I hadn’t ever considered using a 3-inch belt until I read Mark Rippetoe’s article titled, “The Belt and the Deadlift.” As Rip tends to, he gave his recommendation quite clearly, “Most people have no business wearing a 4-inch power belt for the deadlift. Unless you’re tall or long-waisted, a 4-inch-wide standard power belt is too wide to permit a correct lumbar position at the start of a correct deadlift.”

I hadn’t thought much about it until giving the Dominion Strength 3-inch belt a shot, but then I was hooked. Ever since, I’ve used it for all of my deadlift sets where a belt is worn. On the flip side, my training partner—who is taller and has a longer torso—feels like it’s too thin and cuts into his rib cage. To each their own, as always.

The build quality of the Dominion Strength 3-inch belt is as good as any I’ve used. It’s not a super innovative belt like the Pioneer Cut or the SBD Belt Lever System on our list, but it’s a combination of great materials at a great price, and it’s USA-made, earning it a 4.5 in construction. At a reasonable price of $165, considering its solid construction, it also earns a 4.5 out of 5 for value.

The belt is 10 millimeters thick which provides great support without being overly stiff. It utilizes a seamless roller buckle with a single prong, unlike some cheaper belts with shoddy materials and a lack of rollers. That said, it being designed for squats and deadlifts, it’s not the most versatile belt on our list, earning a 3 out of 5 for its versatility.

All in all, the Dominion Strength Belt is simple, which is why we like it so much. If you want a deadlift belt or just a thinner belt than what’s typically considered standard, then we suggest this belt from Dominion Strength. Check out more in my Dominion Strength Powerlifting Belt review.

If you prefer the standard 4-inch width, check out the Dominion Power Belt, which is exactly like this 3-inch belt, just with the added width.

If you’re new to strength training and want to try out a belt for the first time, I recommend the Warm Body Cold Mind 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt. At only $35 (and currently marked down for lower), it’s a bargain value. Plus, it’s quickly adjustable and provides a good balance between support and flexibility, so beginners can figure out what sort of belt they prefer.

Designed by weightlifting Olympian Oleksiy Torokhtiy, this weightlifting belt is made within IWF specifications with a width of 4 inches across the entire belt. So, this belt can be used in competition for the snatch exercise and clean and jerk.

Weightlifting coach and certified personal trainer Hughston Armstrong, USAW-L2, PN1-NC, ACSM-CPT, CWC, PPSC, tried out the Warm Body Cold Mind Nylon Belt over a couple weeks, training in CrossFit, Olympic weightlifting, and powerlifting movements, and felt the belt performed pretty well through it all. 

“I would’ve liked a little more rigidity during clean and jerks,” Hughston explains, “but people that prefer a flexible belt will really like this.” He rates the versatility a 4 out of 5.

One issue Hughston had with the belt was that the adjustment strap was a little short. “Other nylon belts I’ve used have a longer strap to get a hold of to cinch the belt tightly. This belt’s strap is a little short, so it makes it difficult at times to tighten all the way.” While it allows for smaller adjustments, the short straps knock down the belt’s adjustment score to 4 out of 5.

That said, the belt is available in five sizes and a half-dozen different colors, so anyone new to strength and resistance training will have options to choose from, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for design and colorways. In our experience, the belt runs true to the sizing on the brand’s website.

For a better, longer adjustment strap, try out a 2POOD Straight Belt, although its price is nearly double that of the Warm Body Cold Mind belt.

The SBD Lever Belt is a little controversial in the weightlifting belt world, mostly due to its high price point. At around $280, before shipping and handling, it’s one of the more expensive options out there—but we think it’s worth every penny, rating the value at 4 out of 5. Of course, it won’t fit every powerlifter’s budget, but it’s one of the most stable weightlifting belts we’ve tried. Additionally, it complies with numerous powerlifting organizations’ standards for belts, is easy to use, and it’ll last you many years (if you treat it well).

We’ll start with the closure system, which, in our opinion, is what separates it from the competition. The patented gliding lever combines a buckle system’s ease and security with a prong buckle’s ease of use, resulting in one of the most secure-feeling closure systems we’ve felt on a weightlifting belt. This was worn by people of multiple sizes and each one was able to adjust it to their liking in no time.

Some powerlifters keep their weightlifting belts on their body when they’re not lifting because they’re so hard to take on and off. The SBD Lever Belt eliminates that issue due to its ease of use. It gets a 4.75 out of 5 for its adjustability and lever system.

The leather, which is treated for five months for optimal hardness, is stiff and might take a while to break in. You can be certain, however, that it will keep you supported no matter what; I rate the overall durability and construction a 4.75 out of 5. 

You should be aware, however, that SBD advises against wearing light-colored clothes during the first few months of wearing this belt. The interior red suede can rub off if you’re too sweaty, which could lead to stains. The red suede is there to prevent any slippage that might occur.

Is this an expensive belt? Yes. If you’re into powerlifting, though, it’s a top-of-the-line product that’s guaranteed to assist you in your lifting journey for many years. Read more in our full SBD Powerlifting Belt review.

For a less expensive lever belt, check out the Bells of Steel Lever Belt. It’s over $100 cheaper, but you’ll have to adjust the lever buckle to your ideal width, which can take some time and tools.

If you prefer to dabble in different training methods every so often, consider the Element 26 Hybrid Leather Weightlifting Belt. It has the sturdiness of a leather belt for powerlifting days, yet is flexible enough that it can be used during metcons or a CrossFit block. Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC used this belt for multiple training days and noted he was happy with its performance.

“The leather dug into me just a little bit but it wasn’t nearly as annoying as full-leather belts,” he says, rating the comfort at 4 out of 5. 

Although it’s not quite a leather belt yet not quite a nylon belt, it was still pretty rigid and sturdy and made with solid materials. Anthony rates the durability at another 4 out of 5, saying, “The support was there. Honestly, I was expecting there to be a lack of sturdiness due to the belt’s hybrid nature, but it held up just fine.”

One thing Anthony and other users liked about the belt was the quick-release buckle, which utilizes a nylon strap with Velcro. This allows for quick and precise adjustments between sets, and it’s much easier to buckle than a traditional leather weightlifting belt. Accordingly, it gets a 5 out of 5 for its adjustability.

While the belt has held up well over a few months time, we haven’t had it long enough to determine its long-term durability. If the many positive customer reviews on Amazon are true, then it should hold up just fine—although a few reviews warn about the Velcro wearing down faster than the rest of the belt.

Although the Element 26 Hybrid Belt is less expensive than competitors, you might want something even more budget-friendly. If that’s you, take a look at the Gymreapers Quick-Locking Belt, which is less than $35.