
When you’re doing weightlifting exercises like squats, power cleans, and deadlifts, you’re putting a lot of pressure and strain on your lower back and core. By wearing a weightlifting belt, you can prevent the excess pressure on your back while also limiting the possibility of hyperextension.
Leather weightlifting belts are some of the most durable and effective types of weightlifting belts out there. Take a look at our top nine choices for leather weightlifting belts for 2020!
Quick Rankings
Rank | Name | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
#1 | Dark Iron Fitness Genuine Leather Pro Weightlifting Belt |
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#2 | ProFitness Genuine Leather Workout Belt (4 Inches Wide) |
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#3 | ProFitness Pre Broken-In Weightlifting Belt (4 Inches Wide) |
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#4 | Steel Sweat Weightlifting Belt (4 Inches Wide) |
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#5 | Grip Power Pads 4” Wide Cobra Grips Weightlifting Belt |
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#6 | Bear KompleX 6” Genuine Leather Adjustable Weightlifting Belt |
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#7 | Hemori Genuine Cowhide Leather Pro Weightlifting Belt |
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#8 | RDX 4” Lever Buckle Leather Weightlifting Belt |
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#9 | RDX Adjustable 4” Leather Weightlifting Belt |
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1. Dark Iron Fitness Genuine Leather Pro Weightlifting Belt
This Dark Iron Fitness Genuine Leather Pro Weightlifting Belt is one of the most popular weightlifting belts on the market today. That’s because it’s the perfect belt in terms of durability and enhancing performance.
We even included this belt in our monster list of the 23 best overall weightlifting belts here.
When you wear this belt, you won’t have to worry about tearing, ripping, or breakage during your lifts. Made of pure buffalo hide leather, this belt is supportive of over 600 pounds of resistance, meaning it’s suitable for deadlifts, squats, and any other major lift.
By using this belt consistently, you’ll notice that your performance begins to skyrocket. This belt is capable of helping you to increase your 1RMs by up to 10% simply by putting the belt around your waist.
What’s most impressive about this belt is the amount of weight it can support given its thin and flexible composition. This might not be the best belt if you’re seeking a thicker belt for optimal support.
Pros:
- Capable of improving your lifts by up to 10%
- Supportive of over 600 pounds of resistance
- Durable leather prevents wear and tear
Cons:
- The belt is considered rather thin and flexible for a weightlifting belt
2. ProFitness Genuine Leather Workout Belt (4 Inches Wide)
The ProFitness Genuine Leather Workout Belt is one of our top choices because of its unsurpassable durability and versatility. Constructed of genuine leather, this belt is completely resistant to any tearing or stretching that might occur during your heaviest lifts.
The physical design of this leather weightlifting belt further allows the belt to sit firmly around your waist without riding up or slipping when you’re performing your lifts. There’s also no chance of belt failure as a result of the heavy-duty double prong buckle that keeps the belt exactly where you secure it.
This belt is extremely capable of improving the performance of any serious weightlifter, no matter what your physical size is. In fact, this belt comes in extra small versions supportive of 23” waists.
The greatest concern that consumers have noticed was the likelihood of the buttons popping out while lifting. When this occurs, the belt is no longer able to provide the security you’re looking for and is basically useless.
Pros:
- Will stay in place through every step of your lift
- Comes in smaller waist size options starting at 23”
- Enhanced durability due to the heavy-duty buckle and genuine leather
Cons:
- Several reports of the pins/buttons popping out
3. ProFitness Pre Broken-In Weightlifting Belt (4 Inches Wide)
The best part about this ProFitness Pre Broken-In Weightlifting Belt is the fact that it’s already broken in by the time it’s delivered to your door. That means you can easily strap it on and head to the gym without the seemingly endless task of breaking your new belt in.
Security is the greatest feature provided by this leather weightlifting belt. Not only is it developed from high-quality leather to prevent wear and tear, but it also has a double prong closure system to keep the belt as secure around your waist as physically possible.
If you’re tired of the cliche brown or black weightlifting belt, you’ll be pleased to learn that this particular model comes in three color options. Regardless of the color you choose, you’ll be able to boost your performance when you add this belt to your workouts.
Though this belt is conducive to setting new PRs and maintaining form, it might not be the best option for serious lifters. Those looking to compete in professional competitions might want to look elsewhere for a high-quality weightlifting belt.
Pros:
- Comes in three color options for greater customization
- Previously broken-in leather for immediate use
- Made of 100% durable genuine leather
Cons:
- Might not be the best choice for serious lifters
4. Steel Sweat Weightlifting Belt (4 Inches Wide)
The Steel Sweat Weightlifting Belt offers quite a few strategically-designed features added to boost your performance without risking belt durability. To guarantee maximal support during every lift, this belt measures in at 10 millimeters thick.
This weightlifting belt is made of pure high-quality leather to provide you with the most durable material to support you through any lift. When you’ve selected the perfect size, you can secure the belt with its sturdy single prong closure system and feel confident that your belt will perform as necessary.
One of the major complaints when it comes to weightlifting belts is the rivets popping out, which basically makes your belt useless. Rather than the typical rivet material, this belt uses screw rivets that are resistant to popping.
Many consumers have noticed that the sizing of this belt may be inconsistent with their usual sizing. You should put forth some extra effort to measure your waist and make sure that you’re getting the right size.
Pros:
- Comes with screw rivets for added security and less rivet popping
- Easy-to-use and secure single-prong steel buckle
- Developed of a high-quality genuine leather
Cons:
- Take extra caution when selecting your size, as sizing may be inconsistent
5. Grip Power Pads 4” Wide Cobra Grips Weightlifting Belt
This Grip Power Pads 4” Wide Cobra Grips Weightlifting Belt is a unique take on the average leather weightlifting belt, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in quality. Like many of the belts on this list, this model is made of genuine cowhide leather that’s strong enough to support nearly any amount of weight.
What sets this weightlifting apart is how easy it is to put on and remove. This belt includes a palm-shaped tab that makes it much easier to select the perfect fit around your waist and make size adjustments as necessary.
Weighing in at only 1.5 pounds and measuring at 5 millimeters thick, this belt is rather small and lightweight for a weightlifting belt. Yet, this belt is still capable of supporting you through every lift you put it through.
The weight and thickness of this belt don’t necessarily impact the belt’s performance, but they can be a cause of concern when you approach heavier lifts. If you’re worried about breaking the belt when you’re trying to set new PR’s, this might not be the right belt for you.
Pros:
- Impressive palm-shaped tab to make size adjustments simpler
- Constructed of genuine cowhide leather for added durability
- Very lightweight at 1.5 pounds
Cons:
- Considered rather thin at 5 millimeters thick
6. Bear KompleX 6” Genuine Leather Adjustable Weightlifting Belt
The Bear KompleX 6” Genuine Leather Adjustable Weightlifting Belt is more of a CrossFit weightlifting belt, but it’s still suitable for regular weightlifting as well. In fact, the company that produces this belt is considered one of the leading manufacturers of CrossFit products
The actual belt comes with a steel roller buckle and a durable velcro closure system. With such a system, you can secure the belt as tight as you’d like and achieve the perfect fit as compared to your own weightlifting belt preferences.
What’s great about this particular belt is the fact that it’s 6” wide rather than the typical 4” wide. Those 2 extra inches can provide you with a little bit more support during your lifts without getting in the way and hindering your performance.
Velcro closure systems are extremely convenient because they allow you to get a perfect size, but they do have a physical limit. This velcro found on this belt will eventually begin to wear away after repeated use.
Pros:
- Steel roller buckle for the perfect, tight fit
- 6” in width for added support through the midsection
- Highly durable, even during very heavy lifts
Cons:
- The velcro wears away after repeated use
7. Hemori Genuine Cowhide Leather Pro Weightlifting Belt
The Hemori Genuine Cowhide Leather Pro Weightlifting Belt is designed specifically to withstand high-intensity weightlifting routines. Not only will this belt help to improve your performance, but it will also significantly decrease your chance of becoming injured during a lift.
This belt is capable of supporting lifts up to 700 pounds, making this the perfect belt for anyone serious about weightlifting. There also appears to be some evidence that this belt can help boost your strength levels by about 12% by simply lifting with it.
This weightlifting belt is made of 100% genuine cowhide leather designed to eliminate the chances of the belt tearing or ripping, especially during a lift. Unlike many of the other belts on this list, this belt has a tapered fit that makes it more comfortable than other belts while still being able to improve your performance.
Like many weightlifting belts out there, sizing appears to be a slight issue with this belt. Your best bet would be to compare the size of your waist to the size chart provided by the manufacturer.
Pros:
- High-quality leather that’s resistant to tearing and breaking
- Supports an impressive 700 pounds of resistance
- Tapered design for greater comfort and performance
Cons:
- Sizing may be a bit off, so check the manufacturer’s size chart
8. RDX 4” Lever Buckle Leather Weightlifting Belt
This RDX 4” Lever Buckle Leather Weightlifting Belt will give you immediate access to the less common lever buckle closure system. With a lever buckle, you can select the perfect size for your weightlifting belt and easily adjust the sizing between sets and exercises.
The lever buckle that comes with this belt is made of chrome and is extremely receptive to repeated closures and opens. The durability of the belt is further guaranteed with a design that consists of intense double stitching.
The actual leather that this belt is made of has been treated with oil, which makes it physically much smoother and flexible than other types of leather belts. The interior of the belt is constructed of a suede lining that can prevent slippage of the belt during your lifts and provide you with maximum support.
Lever belts can be the most secure belts, but that’s only when they’re secured properly. You need to make sure that the belt is 100% secured before you begin to lift.
Pros:
- Oil-treated leather to provide optimal smoothness and durability
- Lever enclosure system for the perfect fit around your waist
- Suede lining to prevent slippage
Cons:
- Failure to secure the lever can result in belt failure mid-lift
9. RDX Adjustable 4” Leather Weightlifting Belt
The RDX Adjustable 4” Leather Weightlifting belt is somewhat similar to the previous item on this list but has the typical steel prong closure system rather than a lever buckle. It’s constructed of the same oil-treated cowhide leather that’ll ensure a durable belt for long-term wear.
What sets this belt apart from many other leather weightlifting belts is the emphasis that the manufacturer placed on creating a heavy-duty buckle and rivets. With these reinforced materials, you can be sure that the belt won’t give out when you’re trying to set new PR’s.
Like the previous model, this belt comes with high-quality double stitching to guarantee that the belt won’t rip or tear, no matter how heavy of a weight you’re trying to lift.
Before you purchase this belt, make sure you’re getting your size right. Plenty of consumers have noticed inconsistent sizing when their product was delivered.
Pros:
- Contains heavy-duty buckle and rivets for added stability and security
- Easy to adjust between sets and exercises
- Dual-stitch pattern for greater durability and reduced breakage
Cons:
- Seems to run smaller, so it’s important to check the size chart
Best Leather Weightlifting Belts Conclusion
In the list above, we overviewed some of the best leather weightlifting belts that you can easily strap on at the gym and set new PRs with. Yet, one stood out more than the rest.
The Dark Iron Fitness Genuine Leather Pro Weightlifting Belt is our number one recommendation if you’re looking for a belt that’ll help you to set new personal records in a shorter period of time. It’s extremely resistant to heavy resistance and won’t rip or tear no matter what you put it through!