The 8 Best Weightlifting Belts of 2025: Top Picks for Men & Women

A solid weightlifting belt functions like a good pickup truck: it may not be glamorous, but it helps increase your stability during workouts and lift heavier weights. The right one combines the functionality of a traditional belt with a fashionable design that looks amazing in the gym.

At Gunsmith Fitness, all our belts are made with high-quality materials, whether a Custom Olympic Lifting Belt or a stripped-down, utilitarian Nylon Weightlifting Belt. In this guide, we’ve put together our best eight (8) weightlifting belts in 2025, their differences, pros & cons, and the best overall. 

Let’s get started! 

Why are Weight lifting Belts Essential for Your Workout?

The Apex is, without a doubt, our finest belt – handcrafted with A-grade leather and metal. It’s not designed to compete with the world of mass-produced, sporting-goods-store weightlifting belts but to offer a stronger, longer-lasting alternative for customers serious about strength training and investing for the long haul.

This isn’t just a belt—it’s a statement of quality and performance. The 10mm thickness provides flexibility and comfort, perfect for anyone who wants a reliable yet mobile workout accessory. If you need maximum core stability to carry heavy weight, opt for the 13mm option. 

All our Apex belts have different buckle types—levers, quick release, and single and double prong—for easy take on and off.

 Features: 

Available sizes: Extra small  (21``) - XXXL (50``)  Width: 4 inchMaterial: Vegetative tanned leather 

Pros: 

• Available in all black  
• Handcrafted with vegetable-tanned premium-quality leather 
• Comes in different sizes (from small to XXXL-large) and buckle types (10mm/13mm) 
• Very comfortable to use 

Cons: 

• Because of its impressive quality, you need to maintain it properly to protect the leather 

2. Best Leather Weightlifting Belt for Men: 4-inch Shibusa Premium Leather Lifting Belt

Most of our customers who got this belt love it because of its quality leather. See this review from T Wheeler: 

“For the price, this is the best belt I have seen online. I bought a similar belt cheaper from another manufacturer, and the quality was poor. This meant there was a lot of give in the belt, which is not what you want. This is the first time I have used a single-pin belt, but I found it still fit me very securely and was more comfortable during deadlifts. I highly recommend buying this!”

What makes the Shibusa premium leather belt special? Let’s find out. 

This belt is part of our Shibusa line and is 4” wide all the way around, with a thickness of 10mm. It's made of 100% premium, vegetable-tanned leather and has a natural, rich brown colours. Each belt is meticulously hand-crafted rather than mass-produced to ensure artisan quality control and attention to detail. 

 

The belt has a single-prong buckle, making it easier to adjust than double-prong designs and more durable than many competitors ' style buckles. It also keeps the belt secure during practice so that you can focus more on adjusting your form, not the belt. 

The 4-inch wide lumber support also keeps your core tight, sustains your abdominals, and ensures your back is well-supported when lifting heavy weights. You can pair it with our EXTREME 7mm knee sleeves. 

Features: 

Available sizes: Extra small  (21``) - XXL (50``)  Width: 4 inch Material: Vegetative tanned leather 

Pros: 

• Handcrafted with vegetable-tanned leather and industrial-strength heavy-duty stitching 
• It can last through years of intense workouts. 
• It comes with a single-prong stainless steel silver roller buckle and rivets. 
• Furmer, more durable, and comes in a rich natural brown colours 
• Available in different sizes, from small to XX-large. 

Cons:

• Some users may find the belt small 

3. Best Weightlifting Belt for CrossFit athletes: Gunsmith Premium Handmade Lever Weightlifting Belt

If you’re looking for a belt that excellently combines durability, versatility, and support, the Gunsmith Premium Handmade lever weightlifting belt is your best bet. It was designed to provide the intra-abdominal pressure and back support you need when lifting heavy weights.   

Powerlifters take big breaths of air and push their abdomen against the belt when performing squats or deadlifts. The stainless steel lever provides a more rigid surface to press into, tightening their core and allowing them to lift more weight safely.

Like most belts reviewed in this guide, the Gunsmith Handmade lever belt is hand-crafted with premium vegetable-tanned leather and industrial-strength stitching. It's guaranteed to last long if you follow all the maintenance instructions. 

The 10mm thickness also supports your abdomen and lower back, ensuring the belt remains in place during intense workout sessions without compromising your comfort. Kieran affirmed this after using the belt for two weeks: 

“Used now for 2 weeks … simply the most effective and comfortable belt I’ve ever used. As good as others at twice the price!” 

 Features: 

Available sizes: Extra small  (21``) - XXL (46``)  Width: 4``Material: Vegetative tanned leather 

Pros: 

• Still retains shape and quality after intense workouts 
• Handcrafted with vegetable-tanned premium leather 
• It comes with a stainless steel lever 
• Versatile belt, perfect for beginners and Olympic lifters
• Available in different sizes 

Cons:

• It may be too small for people above 6`2 

4. Best Affordable Gym Belt for Beginners: The Nylon Weightlifting Belt

 

 

The nylon weightlifting belt is lighter and thinner than our leather options, but it has everything you need in a weightlifting belt, stripped down to the essentials. It's made of a durable nylon material and hook & loop fasters for easy put on and take off. 

This nylon weightlift belt can be the real deal for beginners looking for a durable belt without breaking the bank. Despite being a fraction of the cost of the leather belts, they still provide stable support for the abdomen and lower back during squats, deadlifts, hang cleans, etc.  

This nylon belt features a hook-and-loop fastener and a steel roller buckle, making it easy to use, manage, and transition between exercises. 

Features: 

Available sizes: Extra small  (26``) - XXL (43``)  Width: 4 inchesMaterial: High-quality black nylon 

Pros: 

• Made with durable nylon material
• Perfect for beginners looking to transition from light to heavy lifting movements 
• It has a quick-adjust steel tensioning buckle and hook-and-loop fastening system. 
• Comes in varying sizes – from XS to XL. 

Cons: 

• Dirt, lint, or stray particles can compromise the strength of the hook and loop fasteners  

Read more: Nylon vs Leather weightlifting belts?

5. Best for Squats: The Shibusa 4” Premium Leather Olympic Belt

This is another high-quality leather weightlifting belt from our Shibusa line. It has the same quality as the Shibusa Weightlifting Belt highlighted above, but the only difference is that it’s thinner in the front and sides for more flexibility. 

Each handcrafted belt can withstand years of intense workouts. The 4-inch width and wide back provide excellent support for your lower back and core and help you maintain proper form throughout the lifts.

The best part of this belt is the double-prong buckle design that adds extra stability and creates intra-abdominal pressure to secure your spine and tighten your core during squats, deadlifts, or bench presses. 

Features: 

Available sizes: Extra small  (21``) - XXL (46``)  Width: 4``Material: High-quality black nylon 

Pros: 

• Made with durable, 100% vegetable-tanned leather 
• Perfect for powerlifters and bodybuilders of all skill levels 
• The double prong adds extra stability 
• Comes in varying sizes – from XS to XXL. 

Cons: 

• Not easy to transition between exercises because of the double prongs 

You didn’t think we would forget about the ladies, did you? 

6. Best Gym Workout for Women: The Women’s Neoprene Weightlifting Belt

 

 

This Women’s Weightlifting Belt is one of the best bodybuilding belts for women. The belt is contoured to fit snugly around your waist and hips for maximum support and comfort. It’s also designed to provide optimal back and core stability during workouts.  

The best thing about this belt is its durability. It’s handcrafted from neoprene—one of the most durable and water-resistant rubbers—yet flexible enough for different workouts. The hook-and-loop fasteners allow quick attachment and are sturdy enough to keep you going during high-impact or dynamic exercises. 

Another huge plus is the pretty (pinky) package. Whether you just fancy eye-catching colors for your workout gear or want to gift a friend who has an eye for stylish yet functional fitness accessories, this belt is the perfect choice. Overall, it's comfortable, flexible, and strong enough to provide support during advanced heavy training. 

Features: 

Available sizes: Extra small  (27``) - large (42``)  Width: 4``Material: High-quality neoprene 

Pros: 

• Easy to take on and off
• Made with durable, 100% natural neoprene 
• Perfect for cross fitters, bodybuilders, or fitness enthusiasts 
• It comes with a double back support for optimum comfort during training 

Cons: 

• The Velcro straps may rub against your skin during workouts, and this can get uncomfortable 

7. Best for Advanced lifters: 6 Inch Shibusa Premium Leather Lifting Belt

If you are an advanced lifter with a longer torso, you’ll need a much larger belt for extra core and abdominal support. While you may find many that fit this description, our 6-inch Shibusa lifting belt tops the list, thanks to its impressive leather quality and heavy-duty stitching.

Unlike other competing weightlifting belts, this one stays right in place even in the most rigorous training, squats, or deadlifting sessions. The vegetative-tanned premium leather and double buckles keep the belt secure while providing comfort so that you can focus more on pushing your limits. 

Features: 

Available sizes: Extra small  (25``) - XXL (46``)  Width: 6 inchesMaterial: High-quality, vegan-tanned leather  

Pros: 

• Easy to use
• Handcrafted with 100% vegetable-tanned leather 
• Perfect for advanced weightlifters and people with longer torso 

Cons: 

• Not suitable for Olympic lifters 

8. Bespoke weightlifting belts

If none of these belts draws your attention, perhaps you need to take it to the next level: our bespoke Custom Weightlifting or Olympic Belt. 

Gunsmith Fitness produces belts renowned for their premium materials and build quality. All of our belts are handcrafted to ensure quality control and uncapped attention to detail. What's more, purchasing a custom weightlifting belt gives you the flexibility to customise the designs to your preferences.

You can choose the leather, shape, thickness, leather colours, buckle type, and rivet colour, and of course, have your name or initials inscribed on the belt. We make every part of our belts in our workshop, so you can be sure of getting unique belts. 

What Features Should You Look for in the Best Weightlifting Belts?

There are four significant features you should look out for when in the market for a weightlifting belt: 

Width and Thickness: 

The standard width for a weightlifting belt is typically 4 ``or 6``. The thickness usually ranges from 10mm to 13mm (all our belts fall within this bracket).  

Is a 4-inch or 6-inch belt better for support?

Choosing between a 4-inch and 6-inch belt largely depends on your lifting style and personal preferences. 

The 4-inch belt is the most common option, primarily because it is more comfortable and offers more mobility (compared to the 6-inch belt). 

It’s also not very wide, so you have less surface to brace against during your workouts—a wider area can get uncomfortable. This makes it perfect for Olympic lifts, squats, or bench presses.  

On the flip side, the 6-inch is wider but usually thinner than its 4-inch counterparts. Because of its large surface area, it provides more back support and stability during heavy lifts like kettlebell cleans, overhead presses, or deadlifts. 

Overall, choose the 4-inch belt if you: 

• Want to compete in power- and weightlifting sports 
• Need a belt that offers more mobility and fewer restrictions during movement 
• Have a shorter torso and need a belt that’ll brace your core effectively and still allow for comfortable breathing 

Choose the 6-inch belt if you: 

• Are above 6`2 and need a large surface area to brace against 
• Need a belt with more back support for more mobility for powerlifting exercises 

Material 

The most common materials used for gym lifting belts are leather and nylon. Leather belts are often more durable and rigid – perfect for long-term use and powerlifting workouts. Conversely, nylon belts are lighter and more flexible – ideal for dynamic exercises. 

At Gunsmith Fitness, we use 100% vegetable-tanned leather because: 

• It's more eco-friendly than all other options, 
• Strong enough to withstand repeated use 
• Healthy, as it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals that may affect your skin
• It forms a unique patina and conforms to your body shape 

Locking Mechanism 

You want to choose a belt with a secure locking mechanism that suits your lifting style. Popular options include a lever, prong, and Velcro system. Let’s explore them in a bit: 

• Prong buckle: This is the traditional option and allows for easy adjustments during workouts. It’s split into two: single–prong and double-prong belts.

• Lever: This type uses a lever-based locking system that allows for quick and easy adjustments. Once the lever is secured, the belt stays in place without loosening during lifts. This is why it's more popular among powerlifters.

• Velcro: These options feature a hook-and-loop closure system. It’s lightweight and easy to fasten or lose.

How does the locking mechanism affect performance?

A secure locking mechanism, such as a lever or prong system, ensures the belt stays tightly in place throughout your lift. This stability allows you to brace your core more effectively and increases intra-abdominal pressure – which is critical for heavy lifts like squats or deadlifts.

Another way a well-designed locking mechanism improves performance is through quick adjustments during workouts. Lever belts, for example, allow for fast and consistent tightening or loosening, which is helpful if you need to transition between exercises or make on-the-fly adjustments. This can save time during workouts and help you maintain momentum.

How to properly use a weightlifting belt?

Here’s a simple checklist on how to use a weightlifting belt:  

Measure Your Waist Correctly: Start by measuring your waist – between your ribs and hips (around the belly button). Don’t use your pant size!  Position the Belt: Place the belt around your waist, between your ribs and hips. The belt should sit evenly, not too high or too low.Tighten the Belt: The belt should be tight enough to provide support but not tight enough that you can’t breathe or experience discomfort. Brace Against the Belt: Before lifting, take a deep breath into your belly (not your chest) and push your core against the belt. This creates intra-abdominal pressure, stabilises your spine, and reduces the risk of injury.Adjust as Needed: Depending on your lift, you might need to adjust the belt’s tightness slightly for comfort or stability. For example, squats may require a slightly looser fit than deadlifts.

Common mistakes when using a weightlifting belt

Wearing the Belt Too Tight or Loose: An overly tight belt can restrict breathing and hinder performance, while a loose belt won’t provide proper support. 

What to do: Follow our checklist above on how to use a weightlift belt. 

Using the Belt Without Bracing: A belt is ineffective if you don’t actively engage your core and push against it during lifts.

What to do: Brace your core muscles. Take a deep breath into your stomach and flex your lower back. Hold on to this position as you lift the weight. 

Relying on the Belt for All Lifts: Belts are unnecessary for lighter lifts or exercises where core engagement isn’t critical. Overusing a belt can weaken your natural core stability, increase your blood pressure, and cause injuries like hernia. 

What to do: Use the belt only for heavy powerlifting movements. 

Improper Placement: Wearing the belt too high or too low reduces its effectiveness and may cause discomfort.

What to do: Position the belt between your ribs and hips, just above your hip bones. Then, adjust the section based on the lift type (lower for squats and deadlifts, slightly higher for overhead presses). Overall, make sure the belt feels comfortable. 

Neglecting Core Training: Relying solely on the belt without developing core strength can lead to imbalances and increase the risk of injury.

What to do: Incorporate core-specific exercises like plants, hanging leg raises, and anti-rotation movements into your routine. Gradually build your natural core strength to ensure your body remains balanced and stable even without a belt. 

Using a Belt for the Wrong Exercises: Belts are unnecessary for exercises like bicep curls or bench presses and should be reserved for heavy compound lifts.

What to do: Reserve the belt for lifts that load your spine or require maximum core stability, such as squats, deadlifts, and clean-and-jerks. Avoid wearing it during isolation exercises or lighter weightlifting. 

When should I use a weightlifting belt during workouts?

1. Heavy Lifting: Use a belt when performing lifts at or above 75-80% of your one-rep max, such as squats, deadlifts, or overhead presses.
2. Compound Movements: Belts are most beneficial for exercises that involve heavy loads on the spine and require significant core engagement.
3. Rehabilitation or Injury Prevention: A belt can provide additional support if you’re recovering from a back injury or performing rehab work.
4. Maximal Effort Lifts: A belt helps maximise stability and safety in personal records (PRs) or competition lifts.
5. Training Core Stability: Proper bracing is essential even when wearing a belt. Use it sparingly during your workout to maintain core strength and avoid dependency.

 

Where can I buy the best weightlifting belts?

You can purchase the best premium-grade weightlifting belts from Gunsmith Fitness. We have an extensive lineup of durable belts that’ll last long, even after years of intense workouts. You can check out our weightlifting belt collection or contact us to help you choose your use case.