We’re going to go right out there and say it: Leather belts aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.
These belts take months to break in, bruise your ribs a little more with every squat, and most of them aren’t even real leather — but they sure cost as much as genuine leather!
Nylon is an excellent alternative if you’re searching for a durable, comfortable belt that will take your workouts to the next level.
We’re talking sweet, sweet gains.
Our favorite nylon weightlifting belt is the Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt. But if you want to learn about eight more that’ll knock your socks off, keep reading.
In a Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick!
Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt
- Unusually stiff for a nylon belt for adequate support
- 3” wide velcro strap to ensure belt stays shut
- Heavy-duty stitch patterns for durability
- A great belt at a great price
Things to Consider When Buying Nylon Weightlifting Belts
Okay, we have to confess: Some nylon weightlifting belts are highly disappointing.
We’re talking belts that burst halfway through a 300-pound deadlift, velcro that doesn’t hold after two weeks, and belts that simply don’t fit.
That’s where the right belt matters more than merely having a belt. So take a look at a few things to consider before buying your first nylon weightlifting belt.
Width: 4 Inches vs. 6 Inches
The width of a weightlifting belt will describe how wide the belt sits around your back. And the width can make or break the progress you’re making toward gains.
So, yes — size does matter.
A 4” belt works best if you’re already a frequent flyer at the gym, crave serious muscle mass, and are on the shorter side.
A 6” belt is best if you’re a true noob and need a belt to perfect your deadlift and jerk form or if you’re on the taller side.
And most weightlifting belts have a tapered fit. This feature will curve neatly around your hips and ribs to keep your belt from digging into your sides, and they’ll be less bulky around the abs.
Tapered weightlifting belts tend to be more comfortable, especially for true beginners.
The Locking Mechanism
Nearly every nylon weightlifting belt locks shut with some type of velcro.
We know what you’re thinking: I’m supposed to rely on velcro to stay shut as I’m pumping out 250-pound squats?
Thankfully, most velcro is pretty durable.
Many belts include a long nylon strap that’ll hook through a metal loop before attaching the end of the strap to the velcro on your belt. This set-up will put the tension of your lifts on the metal loop instead of the velcro.
This design undoubtedly adds to the lifespan of the velcro!
For a little added safety, some higher-end nylon belts either have two velcro connections or an auto-locking feature that’ll stay clamped shut until you release the lock. And, that’s a must-have if you like to put your belts through hell and pump some serious iron.
Either way, check the reviews to see that the velcro isn’t flimsy, especially if you lift heavy.
Belt Sizing
That weightlifting belt isn’t going to do you any good if it doesn’t fit just right.
And to further complicate belt selection, no two manufacturers use the same size chart. Yep, just because you’re a medium for Rogue Fitness doesn’t mean you’re a medium for Valeo.
Why make things easy, right?
Most manufacturers will recommend measuring your waist around your belly button.
That’s your belly button, not your pants size! Not all manufacturers will allow you a free return if you order a medium to find you’re a small, so you might be stuck with a poorly-sized belt.
So check the belt’s reviews to see if the belt tends to run large or small.
Quick Summary View
| Rank | Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt |
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| #2 |  Schiek Sports Model 2004 Nylon 4 3/4" Weight Lifting Belt |
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| #3 |  Bear KompleX 6" Strength Weightlifting Belt |
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| #4 |  Iron Bull 6" Reinforced Nylon Weightlifting Belt |
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| #5 |  Fire Team Fit Weight Lifting Belt |
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| #6 |  Iron Body Team Weight Lifting Belt |
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| #7 |  Contraband Black Label 4010 4inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt |
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| #8 |  Steel Sweat 6” Weight Lifting Belt |
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| #9 |  Rogue Fitness 5" Nylon Weightlifting Belt |
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9 Best Nylon Weightlifting Belts
1. Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt
The Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt shines a bright light on what a nylon weightlifting belt could be, and should be!
And you’d be hard-pressed to find a nylon belt quite as strong as this one.
This Harbinger model is made of heavy-duty nylon and boasts countless rows of durable nylon stitching, making it a great alternative to a sturdy leather belt!
It’s comfortable during long training sessions, stiff enough to handle those exciting PR attempts, and you can hit the gym hard on day one — there’s no gain-ruining breaking-in period needed!
So consider this belt if you want to take your gains to the next level…and soon!
Pros:
- Unusually stiff for a nylon belt for adequate support
- 3” wide velcro strap to ensure belt stays shut
- Heavy-duty stitch patterns for durability
- A great belt at a great price
Cons:
- Seems to run small, so choose a size up
- A bit wide for the shorter or more petite folks
- May loosen mid-set
2. Schiek Sports Model 2004 Nylon 4 3/4″ Weight Lifting Belt
The Schiek Sports Model 2004 Nylon 4 3/4″ Weight Lifting Belt is a solid choice if you want a belt that’s designed to last half a decade or more!
What makes this belt unique is the patented contoured shape.
It curves nicely around your hips and ribs to avoid pinching your skin with each squat, widens at the front to help with power production from your core, and makes PRs on the deadlift a reality!
The two velcro closures also ensure this belt stays latched shut at all times, whether you’re tackling a Metcon in the Box or facing your toughest lifting session yet.
This belt thrives if you crave durability, strength, and versatility in a nylon belt!
Pros:
- A long-term solution (5+ years, often)
- Large size range of 24” to 54”
- Unique contour to curve around your hips and ribs
- Worn by pros like Shawn Rhoden & Jenna Renee Webb
- More than capable of handling your 1RMs
Cons:
- May run large, so a size up is likely
- Area around the velcro wears away easily
3. Bear KompleX 6″ Strength Weightlifting Belt
The Bear KompleX 6″ Strength Weightlifting Belt will take your workouts to the next level, whether you’re a CrossFit enthusiast, a dedicated lifter, or just a casual fitness buff.
We’ll be honest: The support this belt provides is nearly unrivaled.
The 6” width around the back and rigid nylon material are exactly what you need to keep great form and generate maximum power — you’ll see those gains the right way without cheating.
And to top it all off, adjusting this Bear KompleX belt is as simple as possible.
You can adjust it to fit your waist down to the millimeter, loosen it or tighten it in quick 30-second rest periods between sets, and be sure it’ll stay latched shut during your heaviest lifts to date.
Choose this belt if you appreciate comfort, style, and safety!
Pros:
- From one of the biggest names in CrossFit
- Easy to tighten and loosen between sets
- Stiff enough to be a leather belt alternative
- 6” width for admirable back support
Cons:
- Velcro’s lifespan may be less than a year
Might be too stiff (interesting for nylon)
4. Iron Bull 6″ Reinforced Nylon Weightlifting Belt
When you crave comfort during long workouts, you have to go with the Iron Bull 6″ Reinforced Nylon Weightlifting Belt.
“Lightweight” and “breathable” are the best ways to describe this belt. The inner layers of nylon give the belt extraordinary strength during heavy deadlifts sessions at the gym.
And the outer layers are made of neoprene and mesh, designed to keep you cool when the gym’s AC stalls or you work up a massive sweat during an hour-long workout.
Keeping this belt latched shut is also something you’ll never have to worry about!
Thanks to the roller buckle system that closely mimics a ratchet belt, you can get the exact fit you need, loosen the belt quickly with the flick of a trigger, and always get maximum support.
This belt is your best bet if you’re a novice who needs a comfortable first belt.
Pros:
- Wide 4” velcro strap for secure latching
- Eight colors to choose from (even pink)
- Durable auto-lock closure system
- Bound to set PRs on exercises like the deadlift & row
- Useful for both CrossFit & powerlifting
Cons:
- Not the best choice for very heavy lifts
- It may be one of those cheap cardboard belts
5. Fire Team Fit Weight Lifting Belt
Calling all guys just getting their feet wet at the gym: This Fire Team Fit Weight Lifting Belt belongs in your gym bag ASAP!
What drives gym nuts to this belt is the sheer comfort it provides.
This nylon weightlifting belt is contoured around your hips and ribs, won’t pinch your skin or leave you bruised, and provides enough support to perfect your deadlift form from day one.
And you can be absolutely sure that the hook and loop closure will support lifts over 300 pounds.
This belt is an awesome choice for noobs, whether you’re just getting into CrossFit, bodybuilding, or something in between.
To top off the belt that already sells itself, you’ll get a lifetime warranty and donate $1 to veterans!
Pros:
- Adjust the belt to the exact fit for your lifts
- Great choice for noobs with 200+ lifts
- $1 is donated to veterans with your purchase
- Lifetime warranty
- Can handle weightlifting, powerlifting, CrossFit & more
Cons:
- The stitching & velcro wear away as expected
6. Iron Body Team Weight Lifting Belt
The Iron Body Team Weight Lifting Belt is a pretty sweet deal if you need comfort, stability, and convenience in your new belt.
But the comfort factor is where this belt truly shines.
Beneath the main layer of nylon sits a foam core. And this extra layer of foam will keep your back and core supported, especially during long sessions when leather tends to dig in deep.
The interior of this belt also boasts a comfy layer of mesh fabric. So when your workouts drag on, and you’re drenched, you can keep your core cool and your belt from sliding around.
For a nylon belt, this Iron Body Team option is stiff and able to handle some gnarly deadlifts.
Definitely think about adding this belt to your collection if you go heavy at the gym and want some of your money to go to sports for special needs children!
Pros:
- Prime example of a breathable and lightweight belt
- More than capable of handling your deadlift PRs
- IPF & USAPL approved
- Foam core is gentle & comfortable
Cons:
- Velcro fades over time or loosens mid-workout
7. Contraband Black Label 4010 4inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt
The Contraband Black Label 4010 4inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt is the type of weightlifting belt you can wear for every exercise in your workout — there’s no need to keep taking it off.
This nylon belt is as straightforward as a lifting belt could be.
Contraband Black Label designed this belt with absolutely no extra padding inside. This feature (or lack thereof) maximizes your belt’s pressure against the core for guaranteed PRs soon.
Even better is that this belt is versatile. Thanks to breathable mesh, a terrific contour design, and ease of adjustment, you can wear this workout from the start of your session to the end.
You can leave it on as your WOD or regular training session calls for squats and then sprints.
Think about this belt if you find leather belts too rigid, but need a little extra support during lifts.
Pros:
- Rather durable for a soft belt
- Excellent comfortable alternative to rigid leather belts
- Brand has a great reputation in the industry
- Easy to tighten or loosen mid-workout
Cons:
- Velcro not as strong as others
8. Steel Sweat 6” Weight Lifting Belt
The Steel Sweat 6” Weight Lifting Belt is as secure as a belt can be, so it looks like a brand new PR on the back squat is just around the corner!
What makes this belt so secure is the two sets of velcro.
First, you’ll fasten the velcro on the belt’s interior to make sure you get a great fit. You’ll then use the velcro and hoop & loop system to make sure your belt isn’t going anywhere.
Even if one of your velcro attachments fails, you can rely on the other to keep your lifts stable.
This belt is also insanely strong thanks to heavy-duty nylon and industrial-strength stitching, an ingrained stiffness for max support, and a 2” wide velcro strap for unrivaled core support.
This belt is a good choice if you’re an intermediate and want a belt built to last!
Pros:
- Breathable & comfortable for longer sessions
- Heavy-duty nylon & steel hoop built to last
- Keeps your muscles warm from start to finish
- Finally, a belt that fits as intended
Cons:
- Far too thin for 400+ pound lifts
- Stitching starts deteriorating after a while
9. Rogue Fitness 5″ Nylon Weightlifting Belt
Last but not least, we have a belt by one of the most reputable names in the business, the Rogue Fitness 5″ Nylon Weightlifting Belt.
We have to admit: This belt is the real deal regardless of your gym experience.
This Rogue Fitness belt is a middle-ground between a powerlifting and weightlifting belt: It’s not bulky and won’t get in the way, it can handle lifts of 300+ pounds, and contours great to the body.
There’s no doubt you’ll see some serious gains when you strap this beast of a belt around your waist. We’re talking massive front squats and clean and jerks without risking comfort.
We’d recommend this belt if you’re ready to get those gains flowing.
Pros:
- Handles squats and deadlifts well over 300 pounds
- Comes from a brand known for high-quality gear
- Super comfortable for cleans and snatches
- Fits nicely around the hips and ribs (no pinching)
Cons:
- May seem a little weak if you’re elite
- Limit how often you adjust your belt (or risk your velcro’s lifespan)
Top Picks for the Best Nylon Weightlifting Belts
Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt
- Unusually stiff for a nylon belt for adequate support
- 3” wide velcro strap to ensure belt stays shut
- Heavy-duty stitch patterns for durability
- A great belt at a great price
A nylon weightlifting belt is a great investment if you want to bulk up, especially if you just started taking your gains seriously.
The best nylon weightlifting belt is the Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt. This belt is nearly as stiff as a leather belt, won’t drain your bank account, and is truly made to last.
The Schiek Sports Model 2004 Nylon 4 3/4″ Weight Lifting Belt is a solid choice if you want a belt sported by the pros, meant to last for five years or more, and able to handle your PRs.
The Bear KompleX 6″ Strength Weightlifting Belt is another good alternative if your ideal belt is stiff, easy to adjust, and suitable for Metcons & WODs as well.
But remember – these are just our top picks for nylon belts. Make sure you check out our full list of the best lifting belts across all categories so you can find the perfect belt for you and take your gains to the next level!
