Best powerlifting belts add stability, safety, and power to your heavy lifts. However, not all powerlifting belts are created equal. Strap on a belt that can’t provide the bracing that your core needs, and it can be worse than not wearing one at all.
There are hundreds of brands of powerlifting belts on the market, so sorting out the best from the rest isn’t easy. That’s why we spent 40 hours researching, analyzing, and reviewing the best powerlifting belts for men, women, and lifters of all experience levels.
In this article, we reveal the 12 best powerlifting belts on the market.
Top 12 Best Powerlifting Belts of 2024 Tested/Ranked
- Best Overall — Dark Iron Fitness Powerlifting Belt
- Best Value — Iron Company Powerlifting Belt
- Best for Competitive Lifters — Rogue Ohio Heavy Duty Lifting Belt
- Best for Women — Grip Power Pads Pro
- Best for Comfort — Valeo 4 inch leather Powerlifting Belt
- Best Lumbar Support — STOIC Powerlifting Belt
- Best Cowhide Leather — RDX Cowhide Leather Lifting Belt
- Best Colored Belt — Ader Leather Powerlifting Belt
- Best Quick Release — Bear Komplex
- Best for Sizing — Steel Sweat Powerlifting Belt
- Best Double Stitched Belt — Serious Steel Fitness Powerlifting Belt
- Best Contoured Belt — Harbinger Leather Powerlifting Belt
How Much Do Powerlifting Belts Cost?
Here’s a quick rundown of our 12 best powerlifting belts for an easy cost comparison —
| Category | Product | Belt | Price | Why We Love It |
| Best Overall |  |
Dark Iron Fitness Powerlifting Belt | $59.99 | It’s got four layers of double stitching and four inches of uniform thickness, and best of all, it comes with a lifetime replacement warranty. |
| Best Value |  |
Iron Company Schiek 6″ Contour Leather Powerlifting Belt | $61.00 | The treated leather looks awesome. Nickel-plated rivets and buckles complete the stylish aesthetics. |
| Best for Competition |  |
Rogue Ohio Heavy Duty Lifting Belt | $130.00 | We love the vegetable-tanned leather look and the fact that it’s made in the USA. |
| Best for Women |  |
Grip Power Pads Pro | $32.95 | The Sure-Grip velcro fastening system is awesome. |
| Best for Comfort |  |
Valeo 4-inch leather Powerlifting Belt | $25.41 | The uniform four-inch width provides secure support all around the torso. A foam lumbar pad makes the belt more comfortable. |
| Best Lumbar Support |  |
STOIC Powerlifting Belt | $74.99 | The half-inch thickness is really secure and the black suede lining looks great. |
| Best Cowhide Leather |  |
RDX Cowhide Leather Lifting Belt | $31.99 | The reinforced double stitching makes this belt really strong. We love the sweat-wicking properties of the belt and tough-wearing buffalo hide exterior. |
| Best Colored Belt |  |
Ader Leather Powerlifting Belt | $49.13 | The four inches of uniform thickness provide good support. We also love the red, white, and blue color scheme. |
| Best Quick Release |  |
Bear KompleX | $35.49 | The steel roller buckle allows for a secure and fast release. |
| Best for Sizing |  |
Steel Sweat Powerlifting Belt | $59.95 | This belt is very comfortable to wear. |
| Best Double Stitched Belt |  |
Serious Steel Fitness Powerlifting Belt | $44.95 | The suede inner lining makes the belt comfortable and the four-inch single prong buckle adds security. |
| Best Contoured Belt |  |
Harbinger Leather Powerlifting Belt | $75.99 | The double stitching makes the belt super strong and the board backing adds rigidity. |
Powerlifting Belts Reviews:
Best Powerlifting Belt Overall
Our best powerlifting best overall is strength and support personified. It provides you with four layers of double stitching on genuine leather. Plus, the belt comes with a lifetime replacement warranty.
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Dark Iron Fitness Powerlifting Belt
The Dark Iron Fitness genuine leather powerlifting belt is a tough product that provides maximum support when you’re under heavy iron. With four inches of three-eighth-inch thick leather all the way around your core, you’ll get the lumbar and ab support you need to perform extremely heavy lifts. The double stitching around the edges looks smart while providing extra reinforcing.
A double buckling system makes sure that you get cinched in tightly and securely. Loops keep the tab from getting in your way, and 11 pairs of holes allow you to get just the right fit. The addition of an adjustable, non-slip fit feature prevents the belt from moving while you’re lifting. Furthermore, the belt comes with a lifetime replacement warranty.
Who should buy the Dark Iron Fitness Powerlifting Belt?
- Advanced powerlifters looking for max support.
- Those wanting a high level of lumbar and core support.
- People who require an extremely secure belt.
Who should not buy the Dark Iron Fitness Powerlifting Belt?
- Beginner lifters who will be better suited to a less rigid belt.
Dark Iron Fitness Powerlifting Belt Coupon
Dark Iron Fitness Powerlifting Belt Coupon
If you want a strong and sturdy powerlifting belt, you cannot go wrong with the Dark Iron Fitness Powerlifting Belt. It comes with four inches of uniform thickness and four layers of double stitching and comes with a lifetime replacement warranty.
Best Value Powerlifting Belt
Our best value powerlifting belt delivers the coveted combination of a great price point, robust treated leather, and a solid, secure fastening system.
Iron Company Schiek 6″ Contour Leather Powerlifting Belt
The leather powerlifting belt from Iron Company provides six-inch-wide support for your back. It is treated leather, which gives the belt more suppleness to ensure it doesn’t crack, twist or bend. This process also gives the leather a deeper color. The Iron Company belt is a one-piece unit, so there is no stitching; therefore, no weak points.
There is a single belt buckle to ensure a solid, reliable, and quick enclosure. Rivets and buckles are nickel-plated. This 3.5 model is perfect for smaller framed guys and female lifters. It won’t dig into your ribs the way many wider belts do. It is made in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Who should buy the Iron Company Powerlifting Belt?
- People wanting a budget belt with high specs.
- Smaller framed men and women.
- People who want a belt made in USA.
Who should not buy Iron Company Powerlifting Belt?
- Large framed men and women.
Iron Company Schiek 6-inch Contour Leather Powerlifting Belt Coupon
Iron Company Schiek 6-inch Contour Leather Powerlifting Belt Coupon
Iron Company Schiek 6-inch Contour Leather Powerlifting Belt arguably has the most unique design on the list. It comes with a patented downward angle design, hip and rib contour, and padded lumbar insert for more comfort.
Best for Competitive Lifters
Competitive powerlifters need a belt they can rely on 100%, allowing them to focus on their lift. Rogue is the official belt supplier to the International Powerlifting Federation.
Rogue Ohio Heavy Duty Lifting Belt
The Rogue Ohio Heavy Duty lifting belt for male powerlifters is handcrafted to be of a very high standard. The quality of this leather powerlifting belt immediately sets it apart from its mass-produced competition.
Made from vegetable-tanned leather, this model makes use of an all-natural tanning method, which takes far longer than the more commonly used sole tanning method. However, the resulting leather is far more firm and durable.
The Rogue Ohio lifting belt is extremely sturdy. Plus, its flexibility ensures that it won’t crack but rather bend naturally with the body. It is also water-resistant and has a rich, natural-looking brown tone. The lifting belt is amazingly strong, yet it also remains soft.
Unlike other belts, there is hardly any breaking in time with this belt so it will perform for you from day one. The Rogue powerlifting belt has a single buckle design and is built for better strength training.
Who should buy the Rogue Ohio Heavy-Duty Powerlifting Belt?
- Competitive powerlifters and weightlifters.
- Advanced amateur lifters.
- Anyone wanting a high spec durable premium-priced belt.
Who should not buy the Rogue Ohio Heavy-Duty Powerlifting Belt?
- Beginner lifters who require a less rigid belt.
- Those wanting a budget buy.
Rogue Ohio Heavy Duty Lifting Belt Coupon
Rogue Ohio Heavy Duty Lifting Belt Coupon
Rogue is one of the biggest fitness brands in the world right now. Its products are made with the best quality materials, and the Ohio lifting belt is no different. Top-level athletes in multiple sports can be seen using this belt.
Best Powerlifting Belt for Women
Our best powerlifting belt for women features a super comfortable fit with a tapered design. It also looks great with a cool black and pink color scheme.
Grip Power Pads Pro
The Grip Power Pads Pro workout belt for women features a cool black and pink design. It is designed to fit a woman’s figure and provides maximum protection. The belt is five inches wide around the back and tapers down to a three-inch width around the abdomen.
The thick nylon fabric is firm for lumbar support while also affording the flexibility needed for movement in the gym. Grip Power Pads Pro comes with Sure Grip Velcro to allow for quick fastening. It also features a rubber pull tab to make it even easier to get the belt off.
With no buckles to fasten, this belt is completely adjustable so it fits every time.
Who should buy the Grip Power Pads Pro Powerlifting Belt?
- Women powerlifters.
- Female strength athletes.
Who should not buy the Grip Power Pads Pro Powerlifting Belt?
- Male strength athletes.
Grip Power Pads Pro Coupon
Grip Power Pads Pro Coupon
Grip Power Pads Pro is probably the best powerlifting belt on the market for girls. It is designed to complement a woman's figure and supports her body while performing functional exercises.. m
Best for Comfort
The superior design of our top belt for comfort will ensure that you don’t have to deal with chafing or bruising when you are under heavy iron.
Valeo 4 Inch Powerlifting Belt
The Valeo 4-inch leather powerlifting belt is very comfortable, thanks to the suede leather lining that feels great on your skin. You won’t have to worry about chafing or bruising when you wear this belt. The addition of a foam lumbar pad adds to the comfort level. The edges of the belt are double stitched, providing moisture and bacterial protection.
The Valeo 4-inch comes with double buckle prongs to ensure a secure and tight fit. It also has double loops to keep the tab secure and out of the way. The belt is four inches wide all the way around and a quarter of an inch thick. It is finished in a dark hue which provides the look of style and quality.
Who should buy the Valeo 4-inch Powerlifting Belt?
- People looking for a super comfortable lifting belt.
- Those after a functional stylish belt that isn’t overly stiff.
Who should not buy the Valeo 4-inch Powerlifting Belt?
- People who want a tapered belt.
- Folks who require a max stiffness belt.
Valeo 4-inch leather Powerlifting Belt Coupon
Valeo 4-inch leather Powerlifting Belt Coupon
Valeo 4-inch leather Powerlifting Belt is designed for maximum support and comfort. It helps stabilize your back and supports your lumbar throughout a lift.
Best for Lumbar Support
Lumbar support is a key function of a powerlifting belt. The STOIC belt’s superior design with its 4-inch stiff leather back will keep your lower back protected during your max lifts.
STOIC Powerlifting Belt
The STOIC Leather Powerlifting belt gives you four inches of non-tapered width so that your lumbar region and abdomen receive maximum support while you are squatting. You also get an impressive half-inch thickness which is double what you see with most products, making it the go-to belt for heavy powerlifting, weightlifting, and strongman training.
The simple chrome buckle has a single prong to provide quick on/off access. It comes with a seamless roller buckle. With this product, you get a rugged and genuine leather core support that is free of any foam, plastic, or other additions that could weaken it. It has heavy stitching and black suede lining for comfort.
Who should buy the STOIC Leather Powerlifting Belt?
- People who require additional lumbar support.
- Those who want an extra thick belt.
- Folks who want a belt that will last a lifetime.
Who should not buy the STOIC Leather Powerlifting Belt?
- People who want a budget powerlifting belt.
STOIC Powerlifting Belt Coupon
STOIC Powerlifting Belt Coupon
The black suede on the STOIC Powerlifting Belt makes it one of the most aesthetically appealing powerlifting belts on the list. The minimalistic belt is great for people who need extra lumbar support.
Best Cowhide Leather
Cowhide leather looks great on a lifting belt. It is also very functional, strong, and durable.
RDX Cowhide Leather Lifting Belt
The RDX Cowhide powerlifting belt for men provides four inches of back support with a genuine cowhide suede interior to protect the lumbar region during heavy lifts.
The reinforced double stitching used on this model provides an effective sweat-wicking system while enhancing its durability. The fastening system is by way of a double-pronged roller system, which provides a secure, easy release.
The exterior of the RDX powerlifting belt is made from extremely tough wearing buffalo hide. It is four inches through the back region to provide full support to your lumbar area. As a bonus, this belt is shipped in a long box so that it won’t be folded.
Who should buy the RDX Cowhide Leather Powerlifting Belt?
- Those who want a genuine cow leather lifting belt.
- People who want to receive a belt that isn’t folded during shipping.
- Folks who require a very secure, quick-release fastening system.
Who should not buy the RDX Cowhide Leather Powerlifting Belt?
- People who require a wide front portion for greater abdomen support.
RDX Cowhide Leather Lifting Belt Coupon
RDX Cowhide Leather Lifting Belt Coupon
RDX Cowhide Leather Lifting Belt is a premium powerlifting belt made of high-quality materials. The construction material is stiffer and more rigid for strength movements and perfectly assists during squats and deadlifts.
Best Colored Belt
Sometimes you want your powerlifting belt to make a statement. The Ader leather belt allows you to proudly display your American pride with its red, white, and blue color scheme.
Ader Leather Powerlifting Bel
The Ader leather belt displays your patriotism with its red, white, and blue color scheme. You get four inches of uniform thickness in top-quality leather designed to provide the rigidity you need to support your lumbar while lifting heavy.
The leather is three-eighths of an inch thick and has a suede inner lining for comfort against the skin. A double prong chrome buckle ensures you get a tight, cinched waist when it’s time to go to work.
Quality stitching runs around the edges of the product, with double stitching on the single loop. You get a feel of power and robustness when you wear this belt, allowing you to push harder for longer.
Who should buy the Ader Leather Powerlifting Belt?
- People who want a belt that makes a statement.
- Proud patriot.
Who should not buy the Ader Leather Powerlifting Belt?
- Those who don’t want a powerlifting belt with a relatively long break-in period.
Ader Leather Powerlifting Belt Coupon
Ader Leather Powerlifting Belt Coupon
Wearing an Ader Leather Powerlifting Belt is a great way of wrapping yourself in the US colors during your workout. Plus, the four inches of uniform thickness provide good support and comfort.
Best Quick Release Belt
The quick take-off ability of a belt allows you to transition to your next activity more seamlessly or focus on recovery. The Bear Komplex belt lets you do it faster than any other belt we have come across.
Bear KompleX
The Bear KompleX powerlifting belt is designed to support ideal lifting techniques during compound moves such as squats and deadlifts. This is a heavy-duty belt and has a quick release so you can get it on and off very quickly.
A steel roller buckle keeps you securely in place. While being very heavy-duty, this belt is also light enough during your CrossFit workout or metcon session. The optimal width of the belt gives you the support you need. Bear Komplex belt is a very functional belt that also looks great.
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Who should buy the Bear KompleX Powerlifting Belt?
- People who require a heavy-duty belt for super heavy lifting.
- Crossfitters who want a belt they can quickly take on and off.
Who should not buy the Bear KompleX Powerlifting Belt?
- Those after a tapered lifting belt.
Bear KompleX Powerlifting Belt Coupon
Bear KompleX Powerlifting Belt Coupon
Bear KompleX powerlifting belt's adjustable velcro allows the belt to be loosened or tightened easily while maintaining maximum support and comfort. The lightweight belt is great for powerlifting, CrossFit, and metcon workouts.
Best for Sizing
Powerlifting belts don’t come as one size fits all. However, Steel Sweat provides the best sizing options.
Steel Sweat Powerlifting Belt
The Steel Sweat powerlifting belt gives you plenty of support for the vulnerable lower back when performing squats and overhead lifts. It is made from premium high-grade cowhide leather. You get a full four inches of thick back support.
This belt offers full support all the way around the core. The Steel Sweat powerlifting belt has a stainless steel single prong.
This model comes in many sizes, so you can find just the right fit for yourself. The buckle fastening system is totally reliable and extremely easy to use. The Steel Sweat is a very attractive, hardy, firm, and flexible lifting belt.
Who should buy the Steel Sweat Women’s Powerlifting Belt?
- Lifters who want to go heavy on the compound lifts.
- Those wanting uniform width around the entire belt.
Who should not buy the Steel Sweat Women’s Powerlifting Belt?
- People who want a velcro fastening system.
Steel Sweat Powerlifting Belt Coupon
Steel Sweat Powerlifting Belt Coupon
Steel Sweat Powerlifting Belt is sturdy, comfortable, and long-lasting — everything you could ask from a weightlifting belt. Furthermore, the belt's stainless steel single-prong roller buckle makes it easily adjustable.
Best for Double Stitching
Double Stitched belts are usually more durable and secure. A good-quality double-stitched belt will probably last for more than a decade.
Serious Steel Fitness Powerlifting Belt
This leather workout belt for men provides you with heavy-duty core support with four inches of black leather. It comes with a suede inner lining, and the leather is three-eighths of an inch thick.
The belt features high-quality double stitching all around, giving both a look of strength and quality and robust durability. You will be securely cinched in with a three-eighths inch double prong buckle. You don’t get any padding with this unit. But why is that, you ask?
Padding can often minimize the level of support, so the lumbar rigidity of this product is outstanding. You have a choice of four sizes to ensure that you get just the right fit. This is a serious belt for putting up some serious poundage.
Who should buy the Serious Steel Fitness Belt?
- Heavy-duty lifters.
- People wanting an extra thick belt.
- Those who don’t mind a belt with no padding.
Who should not buy the Serious Steel Fitness Fitness Powerlifting Belt?
- Those who prioritize comfort in a lifting belt.
Serious Steel Fitness Powerlifting Belt Coupon
Serious Steel Fitness Powerlifting Belt Coupon
The 10mm thick Serious Steel Fitness Powerlifting Belt helps increase intra-abdominal pressure while you are lifting heavy weight, adding support for the vulnerable lower back when performing squats and overhead lifts.
Best Contoured Belt
A contoured lifting belt will provide greater comfort through the core while still providing maximum support for the lower back.
Harbinger Leather Powerlifting Belt
The Harbinger leather contoured belt provides four inches of leather protection for your lumbar area and tapers to a three-inch front. A suede inner lining makes sure that you get a comfortable fit against the skin.
Double stitching around the edges of the unit makes sure that it is as sturdy as possible while also wicking away sweat and preventing odor build-up. The Harbinger belt features a double prong buckle system and has a generous number of holes to ensure that you get just the right fit.
A sturdy loop makes sure that the tab stays out of the way when you are lifting. You get a full board backing to provide enhanced lumbar support.
Who should buy the Harbinger Powerlifting Belt?
- People who want a tapered lifting belt.
- Those who require a secure double-prong buckle system.
Who should not buy the Harbinger Powerlifting Belt?
- People who require a uniform belt width.
Harbinger Leather Powerlifting Belt Coupon
Harbinger Leather Powerlifting Belt Coupon
If you are on the market for a contoured belt, you can end your search with the Harbinger Leather Powerlifting Belt. The rugged belt can handle any workout you throw at it while providing ample support.
What to Look For in a Powerlifting Belt
There are five key things that you should check for when shopping for a powerlifting belt, including —
Thickness
The average thickness of a powerlifting belt is between 0.3 and 0.5 inches (10-13 mm). The thicker the belt, the more support it will provide for your core. However, a thicker belt is less comfortable. We recommend starting with a thickness of around a third of an inch and gradually increasing to a half-inch as you get increasingly used to wearing a powerlifting belt.
Belt Material
Powerlifting belts are usually made from leather. However, you might also find some nylon versions on the market. A leather belt may come in a contoured, cylindrical, or cone-shaped design. They are among the most heavy-duty, durable, and hard-wearing types of belts you can buy.
Nylon belts are available in cone and cylindrical designs. They are more lightweight than leather belts, and many people find them more comfortable to use than leather belts.
Suede belts look like leather but are not as expensive. They are more comfortable but not as durable as leather belts.
Width
It is better to buy a belt that has a uniform width rather than one that tapers down. A tapered belt does not give the stability support to the core as a uniform width belt. Look for a belt that has a width of three to four inches.
Sizing
Before heading out to shop for your new powerlifting belt, you should measure your waist around the navel.
Fastening
Powerlifting belts come with three different types of fastening systems —
- Prongs — a single or double-pronged fastening system is best.
- Lever — a lever insertion locking mechanism should be the second preference.
- Velcro — this is the least secure of the three fastening systems and should not be used by advanced lifters.
How We Decided Our Picks
In deciding on our top 12 best powerlifting belts of 2023, we took into account all of the factors mentioned in the last section. We also considered the value for money, aesthetics, and durability of each of the belts. Finally, we spent many hours checking through online user reviews.
Advantages of a Powerlifting Belt
Below are the benefits of wearing a powerlifting belt while training —
Creates Intra-Abdominal Pressure
One of the most important reasons to wear a powerlifting belt is to increase intra-abdominal pressure while you are lifting heavy weight. Supporting the trunk by increasing the intra-abdominal pressure is a key role of a powerlifting belt. [1]
Powerlifting belts also stabilize your spine and increase your power output. They almost act as a second set of abs. However, a powerlifting belt should not be confused with a back brace.
Provides Abdominal Support
A weightlifting belt is designed to primarily support your abs, not your back, during weightlifting. When lifting, practice proper form, which includes learning to follow a full range of motion. As your form improves, you will be able to lift more safely. [1]
Helps Lift Heavier
If you are a powerlifter, it is a good idea to wear a belt because it will help you squat and deadlift more weight than you would be able to do without a belt safely. Powerlifting belts increase stabilization and balance and promote better form.
The belts that are made for this sport tend to be heavy-duty, stiff, and also have the same width all the way around the belt.
How and When to Use Powerlifting Belts?
A belt should be used on your heaviest lifts to support and brace your core, particularly your abs.
You should not use a belt for every lift you do in the gym. Doing so will actually be counterproductive as it will limit core strength and stability development. Save the belt for your last couple of max-effort sets.
You do not have to use weightlifting or a powerlifting belt when you’re performing isolation exercises such as barbell curls or tricep pushdowns. However, a belt will provide the necessary core bracing when you are doing heavy overhead pressing exercises.
You should wear your belt around your belly button so that it covers your abdominal wall and erector spinae muscles. It should sit on the top of your hip bone. The belt should be tight but not to the extent that it is uncomfortable or affects your breathing. You should be able to slide your hand between the belt and your abs.
When you start using a brand new powerlifting belt, expect it to be stiff. A new belt — especially the leather ones — requires ‘breaking in’. During the period, which could take two to three weeks, you may experience some bruising around the hip bone.
FAQs
Is a powerlifting belt worth it?
A powerlifting belt is worth it if you are, in fact, a powerlifter. Even then, it should only be used on your heaviest lifts. Wearing a belt provides extra support to stabilize the spine and help prevent injury. However, if a powerlifting belt is relied on too much, it will prevent you from developing core strength and stability.
Who should not use a powerlifting belt?
A powerlifting belt should not be used by casual gym-goers. These people are better off not using any kind of back bracing as this will allow them to develop core strength and stability.
What lifting belt did Edie Hall use during his 500-kilogram world record deadlift?
Eddie Hall uses a velcro lifting belt called ‘The Beast.’ This goes against the grain of leather belts used by most top-level lifters. Eddie is convinced that the design and comfort of ‘The Beast’ contributed to his being the first man in history to deadlift 500 kilograms.
Is a leather or velcro belt better?
Usually, leather belts are preferred by top-level powerlifters. That is because they are more durable, rigid, and hard-wearing.
The Bottom Line
A powerlifting belt is a great tool to improve your training performance. However, it should not be overused. In this article, we have shone a spotlight on the 12 best powerlifting belts on the market. Hope this buyer’s guide helps you purchase the right powerlifting belt.
References
- 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.
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