9 Best Weightlifting Belts for CrossFit [2020 Reviews]
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Not every Crossfit WOD will include some sort of weightlifting or powerlifting. But you definitely want to be prepared when you see snatches, back squats, or deadlifts on the whiteboard.
The problem is that regular leather weightlifting belts are too bulky and rigid to keep on during an entire CrossFit workout. They don’t handle cardio or agility work all too well.We recommend the Fire Team Fit Weight Lifting Belt if you’re looking to maximize your gains during CrossFit workouts. Keep reading to learn about that belt and 8 others just like it.
In a Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick!
Fire Team Fit Weight Lifting Belt
- 12 different styles to choose from
- Won’t weigh you down (less than ½ pound)
- Contours to the shape of your body
- Lifetime warranty & free replacements
- Precise fit due to velcro strap
Things to Consider When Buying Weightlifting Belts for CrossFit
You love CrossFit because it combines strength, power, speed, agility, and endurance. Ironically, those are the exact reasons that you can’t depend on a regular leather weightlifting belt to handle your WOD.
So, what do you look for in the ideal belt for CrossFit? Let’s find out.
Versatility
The thing about CrossFit is that it’s always full of surprises.
You might go from rope climbs to 400m runs to back squats to pullups to box jumps and then back again….all in one workout.
A thick leather weightlifting belt will be extremely uncomfortable if your WOD calls for a random 1,600m run in the middle of the workout. Your sides will be aching every time the rigid leather digs into your hips and ribs with every step.
On the other hand, a flimsy nylon belt with little support will be practically useless if your WOD calls for deadlifts, jerks, and squats. You might as well be wearing no belt at all.
The best CrossFit belt will be somewhere in between: Comfortable enough to be worn during all exercises, especially when you’re in a timed workout where you don’t have a second to lose. In most cases, that means a rigid and sturdy nylon belt.
Security
Have you ever stepped foot into the box to see 1-1-1-1-1 scrawled on the board? Then, you know what it’s like to unexpectedly test for your PR on the deadlift, squat, shoulder press, or clean and jerk during your WOD.
When that day comes, you’ll need a belt that provides unbeatable core and back support. Well, at least if you really want to show your buddies what you’re made of.
After all, a belt that fails during the middle of a lift can be unbelievably dangerous. Dropping the weight or losing your form can keep you out of the gym for a few days or even forever.
Here’s how each type of closure system can benefit you.
- Double-Prong & Lever Belts: Most dependable when it comes to staying shut during extremely heavy lifts
- Velcro: Meant more for comfort, but a double velcro closure (interior velcro and a velcro strap on the outside) can give you twice as much peace of mind
So, you have to choose between extreme support and extreme comfort. Serious CrossFit athletes should go for lever or double-prong. For beginners, velcro is better.
Width
The width of your belt will most certainly come down to personal preference.
A 4” wide belt is pretty much standard for all types of weightlifting and powerlifting.
This width is a good choice if you like to lift heavy when your WOD calls for deadlifts, squats, and overhead presses. A 4” wide belt will give you a complete range of motion and can be made of nylon, leather, or any other material.
A 6” wide belt is more about support and form.
This width is an even better choice if you have pre-existing back injuries and fear getting hurt during CrossFit. These belts are typically made of more flexible nylon and will be a bit more narrow and comfortable around the front.
6” belts also do pretty well on taller people and if you’re doing timed workouts.
Quick Summary View
| Rank | Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |
 Fire Team Fit Weight Lifting Belt |
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Check Price |
| #2 |
 Steel Sweat Weight Lifting Belt |
|
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| #3 |
 Bear KompleX Genuine Leather Adjustable Weightlifting Belt |
|
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| #4 |
 RitFit Weight Lifting Belt |
|
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| #5 |
 ProFitness Weight Lifting Belt (4 Inches Wide) |
|
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| #6 |
 Schiek Sports Model 2004 Nylon 4 3/4" Weight Lifting Belt |
|
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| #7 |
 Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt |
|
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| #8 |
 Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt |
|
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| #9 |
 ProFitness Weightlifting Belt (6 Inches Wide) |
|
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9 Best Weightlifting Belts for CrossFit
1. Fire Team Fit Weight Lifting Belt
Every serious CrossFit athlete needs the Fire Team Fit Weight Lifting Belt in their gym bag.
Weighing in at less than ½ a pound, there’s a good chance you won’t even notice the belt sitting around your waist. So, you don’t have to worry about this belt weighing you down and requiring any extra energy when your WOD calls for box jumps.
The combination of belt flexibility and the contoured shape is truly a force to be reckoned with. This belt can easily handle a transition from power cleans to burpees without digging into your sides and cutting off your range of motion.
And if you still had a few doubts, this belt comes with 12 different designs to choose from. You can choose to blend in with a simple black belt or you can be the talk of the town with a belt sporting an American flag design.
Pros:
- 12 different styles to choose from
- Won’t weigh you down (less than ½ pound)
- Contours to the shape of your body
- Lifetime warranty & free replacements
- Precise fit due to velcro strap
Cons:
- Only one velcro connection
2. Steel Sweat Weight Lifting Belt
As a newbie to CrossFit, you’ll want an ultra-supportive weightlifting belt like the Steel Sweat Weight Lifting Belt.
Measuring in at 6” wide, this weightlifting belt will give your core and lower back muscles as much pressure as you can possibly imagine. That means you can spend your first few months in the box learning the proper form for deadlifts, squats, and power cleans.
Though wide, this belt is also contoured to neatly follow the curves in your torso. So, you don’t have to worry about feeling every single rep against your ribs when you’re doing burpees or mountain climbers during your workout.
This belt is as close to a leather belt as you can get from a nylon belt. With two velcro connections (interior velcro and a 2” strap on the exterior), you can expect this belt to withstand your heaviest deadlifts yet without opening up during a set.
Pros:
- Won’t jab at your sides during burpees
- Can be worn directly on your skin
- Double-velcro connection for added security
- Keeps your muscles warm and ready
Cons:
- Runs small, so go a size up
- The strap may rub against your skin
3. Bear KompleX Genuine Leather Adjustable Weightlifting Belt
When your WOD is more weightlifting-heavy than anything, then you may want to choose the Bear KompleX Genuine Leather Adjustable Weightlifting Belt instead.
This 4” wide leather belt is truly built for PRs and unbeatable support in powerlifting exercises. That means you don’t have to worry about the leather and double-prong closure combo failing you during explosive exercises like squats and jerks.
Luckily, the heavy-duty leather doesn’t necessarily mean that this belt will weigh you down. In fact, it’s actually lightweight enough to be kept around your waist when somebody sneaks 400m runs into your CrossFit workout.
Most importantly, this belt comes from a brand you can trust. Bear KompleX was a CrossFit sponsor for several years and some of the most high-profile CrossFit superstars won’t wear any gym gear other than Bear KompleX.
Pros:
- Available in sizes starting at 22”
- The leather won’t stretch or rip
- Awesome for power-based exercises like deadlifts and jerks
- USPA-approved
- Comes from a reputable name in CrossFit gear
Cons:
- An oversized logo takes away from the look
4. RitFit Weight Lifting Belt
If you’re known for breaking a sweat within the first 5 minutes of your WOD, then the RitFit Weight Lifting Belt should be your go-to option.
That’s because this weightlifting belt is made of waterproof material. So, you can count on this belt to absorb your sweat through the interior foam and then later do the gross task of hand washing your belt once you get home. Plus, it dries quickly!
Fortunately, comfort is definitely not lacking with this CrossFit-style weightlifting belt. The heavy-duty nylon sports rounded and soft edges that’ll be less painful on your ribs and hips when you’re barely holding on when doing thrusters.
And this 6” CrossFit belt is a solid choice for beginners, whether you’re a male or a female. The contoured shape, interior foam, and sizing between 22” and 59” makes this belt a great choice for literally anyone who does CrossFit.
Pros:
- 6” width is great for support and form
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Suitable for both male and female CrossFit athletes
- Easy to wash by hand
- Soft edges for added comfort
Cons:
- Not a good choice for extremely heavy lifts (may come apart)
5. ProFitness Weight Lifting Belt (4 Inches Wide)
From a brand that’s known for its leather weightlifting belt, the nylon ProFitness Weight Lifting Belt (4 Inches Wide) is a more gentle option for CrossFit athletes.
We haven’t seen too many belts that receive such overwhelmingly positive feedback from loyal customers. This belt is known for being extremely durable and the velcro doesn’t seem to burst open or weaken with endless amounts of heavy deadlifts or jerks.
Another key feature of this belt is a non-slip safety design. This weightlifting belt won’t slip and slide on your skin, even when your WOD includes agility courses, speedwork, or even just an insane amount of sweat.
If that wasn’t enough, this belt supposedly comes with a lifetime warranty on every belt purchase. That means you can get your belt replaced if it ever fails or breaks during use, though that probably will never happen.
Pros:
- Isn’t too bulky like some leather belts
- Won’t slip when your workout calls for agility and speed
- Great support for deadlifts and squats
- Fits nicely in a gym bag
Cons:
- Unclear if it’s a lifetime or a 1-year warranty
6. Schiek Sports Model 2004 Nylon 4 3/4″ Weight Lifting Belt
Looking for a belt that’s truly designed to give you a complete range of motion? Then look no further than the Schiek Sports Model 2004 Nylon 4 3/4″ Weight Lifting Belt.
This belt boasts somewhat of a unique design with 4 ¾” of width in the back and 3” of width around the sides. So, you’ll never have to worry about this belt interfering or becoming painful with a WOD that includes toes-to-bars or rope climbs.
Though this belt can be a little complicated to loosen and tighten, it doesn’t get much more secure than this variety. This belt actually comes with two different closure systems to give you guaranteed support during your best snatch and cleans yet.
Plus, this belt comes highly recommended by some of the best in the fitness industry. Schiek belts have been worn by 4-time Mr. Olympia, Jay Cutler, as well as Jenna Renee Webb, a professional fitness model.
Pros:
- Curves naturally around your ribs and hips
- Worn by some of the biggest names in athletics
- Dual-closure system for guaranteed security
- Custom sizes available up to 62”
Cons:
- Velcro is sometimes known to detach
- Runs larger than predicted
- Takes a while to adjust
7. Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt
The Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt is a solid choice if you care for a belt that’s 100% secure at all times and easy to tighten and loosen.
This belt actually has an auto-lock system, so you can be sure that this belt is secured as soon as you pull it tight. As soon as your WOD transitions into rope climbs or double unders, you can easily flick the roller buckle and loosen the belt instantly. You don’t even need to take it off!
For a nylon belt, this weightlifting is as safe and sturdy as they come. That’s probably because this belt was designed by a doctor of physical therapy and is actually made of 100% nylon that can support deadlifts exceeding 600 pounds without slipping.
Most importantly, you might find yourself dabbling in weightlifting and powerlifting competitions in the future. If that’s the case, you don’t have to buy another belt since this one is approved to be used in competitions. It’s time to bring the titles home!
Pros:
- Easily comparable to a leather weightlifting belt
- Can be unhooked easily during fast-paced workouts
- Refuses to slip and budge
- Can handle lifts over 600 pounds
- Locks automatically
Cons:
- May take a while to get used to
8. Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt
The Harbinger 4-Inch Nylon Weightlifting Belt is so much like a leather weightlifting belt that it’s surprising that it’s actually made of 346-count nylon.
This belt measures in at 4” wide, which is honestly the perfect amount of consistent support when you’re looking to make gains on powerlifting exercises. You can definitely count on this belt to keep your muscles warm and flexible during burpees, snatches, and deadlifts.
Comfort won’t be something you have to worry about with this weightlifting belt. That’s because it’s made to be gentle on the skin and prevent pinching and sliding. So, you can actually expect this belt to stay exactly where you put it during those dreaded long runs snuck into your WOD.
The fact that this is a nylon belt using a velcro closure doesn’t have to be something that makes you nervous. That’s because this belt comes with a 3” support strap that can handle the heaviest loads without tearing or ripping.
Pros:
- Won’t pinch your skin or slide up
- Made of heavy-duty nylon to handle the toughest workouts
- 3-inch support strap for added safety
- Doesn’t need to be removed during a workout
Cons:
- Some have reported it only lasting for 6 months
- Runs a little small
- May not be good for really heavy deadlifts
9. ProFitness Weightlifting Belt (6 Inches Wide)
Finally, there’s the ultra-wide ProFitness Weightlifting Belt (6 Inches Wide).
This belt is a better choice for beginners given the width and the nylon construction, but that doesn’t mean that this belt isn’t worth writing home about. This belt is more than capable of handling basic lifts at lighter weights as you learn proper form for CrossFit exercises.
And when you’re still ailing from a back injury from when you were in your prime, this belt might actually be your saving grace. The incredible back support offered by this belt makes it an awesome choice for anyone getting back into fitness after some time off.
Pros:
- An awesome choice for CrossFit newbies
- Handles deadlifts, squats, and thrusters with ease
- Can return at no cost to you within 60 days
- Comes in 4 color options
Cons:
- Integrity wears away with repeated heavy use
- May ride up and down your waist
Top Picks for the Best Weightlifting Belts for CrossFit
Fire Team Fit Weight Lifting Belt
- 12 different styles to choose from
- Won’t weigh you down (less than ½ pound)
- Contours to the shape of your body
- Lifetime warranty & free replacements
- Precise fit due to velcro strap
Literally any of the belts we went over will help you as you progress in CrossFit and start to make gains.
But….we have a favorite.
The best choice is the Fire Team Fit Weight Lifting Belt.
This belt can handle every single exercise in your WOD without forcing you to constantly take the belt off and put it back on as you go from one exercise to another. Don’t be afraid to do agility work, power exercises, and flexibility training while wearing this belt.
You’ll be seeing progress before you know it.
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