7 Best Vegan and Artificial Leather Lifting Belts for 2020
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A genuine leather weightlifting belt is the perfect tool for maxing out on the squat rack and guaranteeing long-term use. That is, of course, unless you’re vegan or an animal lover.
The good news is that you still have options – vegan or artificial leather lifting belts. Our top pick is the Rip Toned Lifting Belt, but you can see all our best finds if you keep reading…
In a Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick!
Rip Toned Lifting Belt
- Double velcro attachment for added security
- Manufacturer will replace your belt if the size isn’t accurate
- Endorsed by Kevin Weiss, a 2014 World Champion Powerlifter
- Easily washable
- Impressively wide velcro strap
Things to Consider When Buying Vegan and Artificial Leather Lifting Belts
Buying a non-leather lifting belt doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice quality. It just means that you need to do a little more research to find the belt that can handle your style of workout.
You want to be sure that your vegan or artificial leather lifting belt is durable, comfortable, and – most importantly – free of animal products!
Here’s what you need to know about buying this sort of belt.
What Makes a Vegan Belt
In simple terms, a vegan lifting belt is a belt that’s not made from leather.
While that does narrow your choices down quite significantly, there are plenty of other materials used to create these belts.
Here’s a look at what your options might be.
- Nylon: These are the most popular alternatives to a standard leather belt. Nylon lifting belts are usually lightweight, flexible, and comfortable enough for a CrossFit WOD.
- Neoprene: These are usually a lot thinner and more comfortable than other belt materials. Neoprene belts usually offer a good deal of foam or support – so, they’re perfect if you have a pre-existing back injury.
- Artificial Leather: These aren’t as common and are made of a polyester or plastic material. Artificial leather tends to be pretty strong and can easily handle your deadlifts.
Each of these materials has its own pros and cons. So, choose one that targets your personal needs and goals.
Closure System
The closure system of your belt – how you latch your belt shut – will depend on the type of belt you choose to buy.
Most vegan belts made of nylon or neoprene will use velcro. This is usually made possible with a hook and loop system.
To use this type of system, you’ll need to take the end of the belt and hook it through a steel loop. You’ll then cross this end of the belt back over and secure the velcro at the end.
The strength of velcro does begin to wear away after a while, so be wary about trying to lift extremely heavy weights once you’ve had your belt for a few months or years.
Artificial leather belts tend to use lever closure systems.
And these are actually some of the most secure belts on the market. Once they’re latched shut, they don’t budge and they’ll provide maximal pressure against your core throughout the lift.
But the problem is that you’ll need to use a screwdriver to adjust the fit if resizing is necessary.
Width
You’ll notice that every single belt on the market is different, especially when it comes to width.
The width of your lifting belt will make a huge difference in your performance and gains. So, you want to make sure that you’re choosing a belt that targets your goals and style.
Narrow belts tend to be about 4 inches wide.
A 4-inch wide belt is perfect if you’re looking for a decent amount of core and back support during weightlifting and powerlifting. They don’t get in the way, so you’re able to get your full range of motion during an exercise.
On the other hand, some belts are as wide as 6 inches.
These belts tend to pay off more when you’re looking to put up new PRs and truly value safety. An extra few inches on your belt can guarantee even more core and back support, so injury is much less likely.
The width all comes down to personal preference.
Powerlifters will probably prefer the standard 4-inch wide belt while weightlifters looking to make serious gains would want 6 inches.
Quick Summary View
| Rank | Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |
 Rip Toned Lifting Belt |
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| #2 |
 Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt |
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| #3 |
 Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt |
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| #4 |
 Strength Shop 13mm Lever Belt |
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| #5 |
 Steel Sweat Weight Lifting Belt - Nylon 6-inch |
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| #6 |
 FlexzFitness Leather Powerlifting Belt |
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| #7 |
 Fire Team Fit Weight Lifting Belt |
|
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7 Best Vegan and Artificial Leather Lifting Belts
1. Rip Toned Lifting Belt
The Rip Toned Lifting Belt is so popular that it made its rounds on just about every news network in America a few years back. To top it all off, world-renowned powerlifter Kevin Weiss has endorsed this belt.
You can absolutely count on the extra wide and long velcro strap to keep your belt latched shut. But the fact that you’re using two separate velcro attachments means you’ll never have to worry about the belt coming apart mid-lift.
So, feel free to give new PRs a go once you get used to this belt.
But this belt is more than just a weightlifting and powerlifting belt. It’s so comfortable and flexible that you can slap it on before your CrossFit WOD and not even realize it’s there.
Pros:
- Double velcro attachment for added security
- Manufacturer will replace your belt if the size isn’t accurate
- Endorsed by Kevin Weiss, a 2014 World Champion Powerlifter
- Easily washable
- Impressively wide velcro strap
Cons:
- The integrity of velcro seems to fade after a few months
- Might not be great for heavy workouts
2. Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt
You won’t find a nylon belt quite as durable as the Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt. That’s because it’s made of 346-count nylon that won’t stretch, tear, or rip regardless of how intense your workout is.
At just 4 inches wide, this belt is absolutely capable of handling your most intense powerlifting workout. And the addition of a 3-inch wide velcro strap means you don’t have to worry about this belt coming apart or feeling unsupported during your heaviest lifts.
But the problem with a lot of nylon belts is that they fall short on support.
The great thing about this Harbinger model is that it’s 4 inches wide all around – so, you can easily power through a WOD, deadlift session, or full-body workout with reliable support.
Pros:
- Made of insanely durable 346-count nylon
- Able to handle squats, presses, deadlifts, and more
- Seems to be bulky enough for greater support
- Very thick velcro strap enhances security
- Supports equal width all around
Cons:
- The velcro isn’t as strong as it could be
- Tends to run small, so go a size up in most situations
3. Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt
Velcro can come apart just as prong closures can tear leather. So, the self-locking mechanism of this nylon Element 26 belt is what makes it superior in its field.
Once you lock the belt up and tighten it to fit perfectly, your belt will stay exactly as it is until you trigger the release roller. That means you don’t have to worry about the belt loosening or bursting as you’re lowering into your heaviest squat ever.
The problem with a lot of non-leather belts is that they’re not approved for use during competitions. Since this belt is USAW-approved, it can double as a training and competition belt.
And if that wasn’t enough to lock you in, this belt can support over 650 pounds on the deadlift and squat. So, don’t be afraid to push your limits at the gym from this point forward.
Pros:
- Able to support squats and deadlifts well over 650 pounds
- Comes with a lifetime warranty for free replacements if it breaks
- Approved for use during powerlifting competitions
- Worn by professional wrestler Becky “The Man” Lynch
- Automatically locks into place
Cons:
- The velcro seems to be a little flimsy, but it’s not a dealbreaker
- Definitely a hassle to tighten vs. other types of belts
4. Strength Shop 13mm Lever Belt
Choosing an artificial leather belt like the Strength Shop 13mm Lever Belt guarantees all the benefits of a leather belt without actually needing a leather belt.
At 4 inches wide and 13mm thick, this belt boasts the perfect dimensions for a heavy-duty powerlifting belt. It’s so durable that it can handle deadlifts and squats over 800 pounds – so, PRs on your favorite lifts are definitely in the future.
But where this belt stands out is the steel buckle.
The fact that it’s a lever closure guarantees a secure fit each and every time. But the fact it’s made of such heavy-duty steel and is covered by the lifetime warranty makes this belt this perfect solution….forever.
Pros:
- Perfect powerlifting belt at 13mm thick and 4 inches wide
- Lifetime warranty is offered on the steel buckle
- Supportive of lifts over 800 pounds
- IPF-approved
- Just like real leather, but more flexible
Cons:
- The rivets in the buckle seem weak– but they are covered by the warranty
5. Steel Sweat Weight Lifting Belt – Nylon 6-inch
When a 4-inch wide belt isn’t as supportive as you’d like, then you can’t go wrong with this 6-inch nylon belt from Steel Sweat.
The actual shape of this belt is what’ll lock you in. It’s contoured in a way where it’s comfortable on your waist without digging into your hips and ribs – so, you can add a few extra sets to your workout without bruising your skin.
Then, there’s the breathability factor.
This belt is exactly what you need if you tend to overheat and sweat like crazy in the gym. Not only will it feel like your sweat is being wicked away, but it’ll keep the belt from sliding around when you crave stability.
Pros:
- Insanely easy to adjust between sets and exercises
- Offers a good amount of support via stiffness
- Reinforced stitching guarantees a longer lifespan
- Extremely comfortable
- Interior velcro connection for the perfect fit
Cons:
- The sizing seems inconsistent – likely will need to buy a size larger
6. FlexzFitness Leather Powerlifting Belt
Though advertised as being a “leather” belt, the FlexzFitness Leather Powerlifting Belt is actually made of a durable artificial leather instead. And since this doesn’t seem to impact its durability, you can expect this belt to handle deadlifts of over 800 pounds.
What you’re going to love most is how you can actually use this belt.
The tough lever closure can guarantee the perfect fit and support during each and every lift. But the fact its USAPL and IPF-compliant means that this belt can double as your competition belt.
It’s soft and flexible enough to be comfortable during a long workout, but it’s also stiff and secure enough to feel like a real genuine leather lever belt.
Pros:
- Seems to last close to two years in some situations
- Compliant with IPF and USAPL standards
- Can handle deadlifts over 800 pounds
- More flexible than leather, but not any less useful
- Guaranteed free replacement if yours breaks
Cons:
- The belt is done for if your belt shatters as some have experienced
7. Fire Team Fit Weight Lifting Belt
If you want your belt purchase to be put to even more good use, then you’ll be pleased to find out that Fire Team Fit will donate $1 to U.S. combat veterans for each belt sold. And it’s also a veteran-owned company.
There aren’t many vegan belts quite as comfortable as the Fire Team Fit Weight Lifting Belt.
This belt is contoured to your body shape, so you don’t have to worry about this belt digging in or having to cut your workouts short due to discomfort. And this insanely comfortable belt makes it a perfect choice for CrossFitters too.
But this belt helps one subset of people best – those with back injuries. This belt is so comfortable and flexible that you can power through an intense workout without the all-too-common back pain you’re used to.
Pros:
- A good solution for beginners
- Free replacement offered if it breaks
- Doubles as the perfect CrossFit belt
- Incredibly secure hook and loop closure system
- Comfortable for those with pre-existing injuries and back conditions
Cons:
- Not American-made (ironically)
- Seems to stretch out
Top Picks for the Best Vegan and Artificial Leather Lifting Belts
Rip Toned Lifting Belt
- Double velcro attachment for added security
- Manufacturer will replace your belt if the size isn’t accurate
- Endorsed by Kevin Weiss, a 2014 World Champion Powerlifter
- Easily washable
- Impressively wide velcro strap
Don’t risk quality when you get your next vegan lifting belt – get the Rip Toned Lifting Belt!
Not only is this belt insanely popular, but it’s also well worth the hype it receives.
It’s extremely secure once latched shut thanks to the double-attachment velcro. But the amount of support and flexibility of this belt makes it the perfect solution, whether you’re a weightlifter, powerlifter, or even a beginner CrossFit athlete.
Looking for more belt options? Check out our complete list of the best weightlifting and powerlifting belts to improve your gym performance.
The post 7 Best Vegan and Artificial Leather Lifting Belts for 2020 appeared first on NOOB GAINS.
from NOOB GAINS https://noobgains.com/vegan-lifting-belt/
