Nike Structured Training Belt 3.0 Review for 2020 (Pros & Cons)
Nike isn’t exactly a big name in weightlifting gear — and we can’t explain why a company with so many lifting belt models in recent years only still manufactures one. So when we see Nike lifting belts like the Structured Training Belt 3.0, we’re always a little skeptical.
Now, let’s find out whether the Structured Training Belt 3.0 solidifies Nike’s entry into the weightlifting belt scene.
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Spoiler! Here’s What We Recommend…
While the Nike Structured Training Belt 3.0 is an decent product, we just don’t think the design and features are there for serious lifters. That’s why we have an alternate recommendation instead.
Schiek Sports Model 2004 Nylon 4 ¾” Weight Lifting Belt
- Contours to the back’s natural shape
- Hook and loop closure system for optimal security
- Easily adjustable Velcro system
About the Manufacturer – Nike
Unless you live under a rock, then you’ve probably heard of Nike. You might even own a pair of Nike running shoes, athletic shorts, or even socks.
But you probably don’t know about the beginnings of this global athletic giant.
The year is 1964. University of Oregon track and field coach, Bill Bowerman, pairs up with one of his athletes, Phil Knight, to create athletics shoes designed to improve running performance.
The company is known as Blue Ribbon Sports. Well, that’s until a name change in 1978 rebrands the growing company as “Nike.”
Now selling gear in just about every country in the world, Nike is considered the number one sports company on Earth. In fact, Nike sponsors some of the biggest names in professional sports, including:
- 4-time Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, Simone Biles
- 2-time NBA champion and 10-time NBA All-Star, Kevin Durant
- 3-time World Champion in the 200-meter sprint, Allyson Felix
- 4-time CrossFit Games Champion, Matt Fraser
- USWNT captains, Alex Morgan & Megan Rapinoe
But what about weightlifting?
Nike does have somewhat of a presence in the weightlifting world, but it’s not as much as you would expect from such a huge company.
Nike has a history of selling weightlifting gloves, weightlifting shoes (like the Romaleos), CrossFit-style shoes (like the Metcon series), and even a few weightlifting belts here and there.
But the variety of Nike products in this niche is much less impressive than Nike’s presence in areas like basketball shoes.
What is the Nike Structured Training Belt 3.0?
Right now, the Nike Structured Training Belt 3.0 is the only weightlifting belt still manufactured by Nike. The belt is a solid attempt at what powerlifters and weightlifters are looking for in the ideal workout belt.
Here’s what this Nike belt is supposed to do.
The first key feature is the lower back support.
This belt actually includes plastic inserts that you can install in the back portion of the belt. These inserts are meant to make the belt more firm in the back, which can give you even more core support and lower your risk of injury.
Next up is the comfort factor.
This Nike belt is designed so that it contours to the natural shape of your body. That means it won’t be one of those annoying belts that digs into your ribs and hips as you’re attempting to put up your heaviest lift ever.
Lastly, there’s the breathability factor.
The exterior of this belt is designed with some sort of mesh material. This feature will help to keep sweat wicked away from your body while also keeping your core from overheating from long gym sessions.
Nike Structured Training Belt 3.0 Details
Given Nike’s questionable track record in the lifting belt world, you might be a little skeptical about spending your money on this product. That’s exactly why we’re going to detail everything you need to know about this belt before you buy it.
Here’s what you should expect.
Hook & Loop Closure System
The first thing we want to make clear is that this belt is not made of leather.
That might not make a difference to you if you aren’t a serious lifter or plan to enter competitions. But the fact that it’s made of a nylon-type material means that you’re not getting the typical prong or lever closure system that you would get with a leather belt.
This belt has a hook and loop closure system instead, so shutting this belt and latching it shut is a bit different than when you might be used to.
All you have to do is take the thin strap and hook it through the metal loop on the opposite side of the belt. Then, bring it back around and attach the velcro on the belt so that it’s tightened as snugly as possible.
This type of closure system could be less secure.
But the fact that you can attach the velcro as precisely as possible helps to guarantee the most accurate fit each and every time. You’ll never have to worry about your belt being too tight or too loose ever again.
Lower Back Support
The issue with nylon weightlifting belts is that they aren’t made of leather. That means you might be risking a little lower back support, which can ultimately slow your gains in the gym.
This Nike belt tackles that issue head-on.
That’s all thanks to the plastic inserts that you’ll find at the rear of the belt. These are included to give the belt a more firm feeling and give you more support along your lower back during your new PR attempts.
And what’s even better is that these firm plastic inserts are much more comfortable than a normally-rigid leather weightlifting belt. So this Nike belt is somewhat of a middle-ground between a flimsy nylon belt and a heavy-duty leather belt.
Breathability
Now that you spend more time in the gym, you know exactly how much you work up a sweat and cause your body to overheat. The problem is that many weightlifting belts aren’t designed to handle that aspect of a workout.
Getting too sweaty might cause the belt to slip.
This Nike belt has a mesh interior that’s designed to target every single one of these problems.
The first time you’ll notice the mesh is when you realize you’re 30 minutes into your workout and your core and back don’t seem to be on fire. The mesh will help your skin to breathe and will do wonders when it comes to cooling down your core temperature.
Mesh is also able to absorb sweat. That means those 90-minute lifting sessions at the gym won’t be so gross and you don’t have to worry about your belt slipping due to an insane amount of sweat on your core.
There’s also a lower back ventilation system designed to let the heat out. The cooler and drier you stay, the longer you can stay in the gym.
Anatomical Design
You can technically strap any weightlifting belt on and expect lower back and core support. Well, the problem is that many of these belts aren’t exactly helpful when it comes to giving you the right support.
This Nike belt is designed to give anatomical support.
That means that this weightlifting belt was designed with the average human body in mind. So you can expect this belt to contour to the natural curves and shape of your body.
So what does that mean for you?
Most importantly, your body won’t be forced into unnatural positions when you’re attempting to perform any type of Olympic lift. You can keep proper form at all times without putting yourself at risk for injury as you compensate for the design of the belt.
In a sense, safety is definitely not lacking.
The Fine Details
Even though not much is known about the dimensions of this belt, there are a few key things worth mentioning in a short and easy-to-read list. That includes….
- Spot cleaning
- Mesh interior
- Nylon construction
- Sizing between 24 and 48 inches (S to XL)
- Plastic inserts
- Hook & loop closure system
3 Benefits of the Nike Structured Training Belt 3.0
Great Lower Back Support
Yes, a weightlifting belt will do wonders when it comes to pushing back against your lower back and core during a heavy lift. This can absolutely help you to lift heavier than ever and set new PRs in a few short weeks.
But weightlifting belts are about safety too.
And this belt won’t let you down when it comes to giving you a solid amount of support.
That’s because it’s not so rigid or stiff where it digs into your sides as you’re attempting to lift. But it’s also not so flexible that it doesn’t give you any support at all.
The plastic inserts serve as the perfect alternative to an uncomfortable leather belt.
Decent Amount of Comfort
Weightlifting isn’t about comfort. In fact, even a 30-minute workout might be absolutely grueling and leave you limping all the way back to your car.
But a comfortable weightlifting belt can allow you to extend your workouts.
When it comes to this Nike belt, that comes down the breathability of the mesh fabric and the rather flexible nylon material. So you no longer have to worry about excessive sweating, overheating, or even ending your workout with bruised ribs.
The longer you put off those aches and pains of powerlifting, the more sets you can squeeze in, and the more gains you’ll rack up.
A Solid Fit
You’ve had a poor-fitting weightlifting belt before.
Securing your belt with one set of holes made it feel like you were being squeezed to death. Yet, loosening your belt to the next set of holes meant the belt would slide up and down your core as you moved.
This belt will give you a snug fit always.
That’s because this belt boasts an awesome hook and loop closure system with the help of a strap and velcro system. So you don’t have to worry about gaining or losing weight and ruining the fit of your belt anymore.
3 Negatives of the Nike Structured Training Belt 3.0
Might Have Limitations for Heavy Lifts
This Nike belt is definitely a good option if you’re a beginner and crave a comfortable belt for your long gym sessions. The problem is that it’s made of nylon, uses velcro, and makes use of plastic inserts to add rigidity.
This could prevent you from doing really heavy lifts.
Velcro isn’t always secure and could tear with an extremely heavy lift. It also loses its strength every single time that you open and closes it.
Don’t expect this belt to burst at the seams, but be a little cautious about starting out with 500-pound deadlifts right off the bat.
Brand Reputation
Nike is a great brand. But Nike isn’t the most popular brand when it comes to weightlifting gear.
You’ll want to be careful about using Nike’s brand reputation as a reason to trust this belt with your body and lifting goals. The last thing you want to do is experience belt failure and possibly injure yourself or waste your money.
We suggest waiting until this belt sticks around a little longer to see that it’s worth it.
Nike Structured Training Belt 3.0 Final Recommendation
| Review | Nike Structured Training Belt 3.0 |
|---|---|
| Summary | The Nike Structured Training Belt 3.0 version is marketed as a weightlifting belt designed for lower back support during resistance training with heavy weights (think squats and deadlifts). It's made out of nylon, has a Velcro loop closure system, and uses plastic inserts for additional lower back support. Even though this belt provides good lower back support, decent comfort, and a snug fit, the design doesn't appear to support very heavy lifting. This belt is a decent product, but it's recommended more for casual lifters as opposed to serious trainees. |
| Author | Jess Billitz |
| Rating | 6 (out of 10) |
The Nike Structured Training Belt 3.0 has a lot of potentials.
It seems to be comfortable and flexible without risking much support in the process. The problem is that there’s not much information about the belt online, so what you end up getting when it’s delivered will be somewhat of a surprise.
This belt does serve its purpose for some people, but probably not for more skilled lifters. This Nike belt would fare better if used by beginners and those who are just getting involved in weightlifting and powerlifting.
That’s why if you’re looking for a similar belt with a velcro closure system, we recommend the Schiek Sports Model 2004 Nylon 4 ¾” Weight Lifting Belt.
If you want a more reliable belt for heavy-duty lifting, you can’t go wrong with the Dark Iron Fitness Genuine Leather Pro Weight Lifting Belt.
And if you want to see more of our top picks – make sure you check out our massive list of the best weight lifting belts to reach maximum performance in the gym.
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