5 Best Weight Lifting Belts of 2023

Although there isn’t enough scientific research supporting the benefits of using weight lifting belts, a lot of people swear by them. They’re not simply meant for olympic athletes or professional bodybuilders.

In this guide we’ll explore a range of top weight belts, and walk you through how to find the best weight lifting belt of 2021.

What is a weight lifting belt?

A weight lifting belt is a garment designed to protect your back while lifting heavy weights. They often consist of a wide belt made of various materials such as leather or fabric and they have some type of closure system, like a buckle or velcro. They’re used by lifters of all levels, from regular gym goers all the way up to competitive lifters.

There are 2 main types of weight belts: powerlifting belts and bodybuilding belts. They vary on their design.

Powerlifting belts have the same width the whole way around the belt. They’re very stiff and thicker than others. They provide more coverage against the abdominal muscles and as a result, more stability for the lifter. A bodybuilding belt is wider and thicker on the back than in the front. Because of this, they give less support than a powerlifting belt.

The way that a weight lifting belt works is that it applies external pressure to the abdominal area through compression. And that constant outside force increases the internal pressure of the abdominal cavity. So, the increase in internal pressure reinforces spinal support. This then reduces the risk of injury in the lower spine.

One study measured the muscular activity and movement of the core and leg muscles, while performing a squat and using a weight belt.

The results suggest that wearing a weight lifting belt increased the speed at which the participant completed a rep. This translates to an increase in the power of explosive movements. At the same time, they were able to maintain proper form and technique for squatting.

How to choose a weight belt?

There are an incredible amount of weight lifting belts out there. But, here are 4 features to look into when choosing a belt:

RDX 4 Inch Powerlifting Leather Gym Belt

The RDX Powerlifting Leather Gym Belt measures 4″ wide around. It’s made of nubuck leather and strengthened with suede lining. The clasp system is a durable, chrome lever that’s long lasting. It’s available in black and brown and in sizes small to extra-large.

RDX offer a 100% money back guarantee. The belt has also been approved and acknowledged by the International Powerlifting League and the United States Powerlifting Association.

Rogue Faded 4″ Lifting Belt

The Rogue Lifting Belt is similar to the RDX one. It also measures 4″ in width. But it’s made of 100% vegetable tanned sole leather with a faded finish and has a black suede lining. It has a thickness of 8.5mm.

The clasp is a 2-prong buckle system and it uses Pioneer’s patent pending design of offset holes. This allows for more versatility in sizing because you can adjust it by 0.5″. It’s available in the faded brown color in extra-small to extra-large.

Gymreapers 7mm Lever Belt

The Gymreapers Lever Belt also has a width of 4″ and a belt thickness of 7mm. It’s made of high quality leather and it has an adjustable lever buckle locking system. It comes in 5 different colors and in sizes extra-small to extra-extra-large. They provide a 1 year warranty. The United States Powerlifting Association approved this belt in 2021.

Dark Iron Fitness Weight Lifting Belt

The Dark Iron Weight Lifting Belt is the second most affordable belt on our list. It’s 4″ in width but it has a 5mm thickness. It’s made of thick genuine buffalo hide leather and it has a 2-prong metal clasp. It only comes in black with red stitching and in sizes extra-small to extra-large. However, they offer a lifetime replacement warranty.

RDX 4 Inch Padded Leather Weight Lifting Belt

The RDX Leather Weight Lifting Belt is the most cost-effective option. Since it’s a weight lifting belt, it’s 4″ in width on the backside and narrower in the front. It’s made with unbreakable authentic cowhide leather.

It has carbon fibre padding and a moisture-wicking inner lining to help you stay dry. The dual-prong buckle is made of stainless steel. And they also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for this product. It only comes in black and in sizes small to double extra-large.

Review summary

We recommend not wearing your belts for long periods of time as with continued use, it can contribute to health problems. The best results are often seen when the belt is worn for your heavier sets, rather than every set. This allows your core to naturally strengthen during your lighter sets, but have the added protection of the belt when you lift your heaviest.

Overall, picking the right weight belt depends on how comfortable it fits on your body and what your fitness needs are. The choice is really specific to each person.