The 10 Best CrossFit Weightlifting Belts In 2022

When it comes to weight lifting belts, CrossFit is in a category of its own. 

Leather weight lifting belts are generally considered the best for powerlifting and are normally better than nylon belts. But for the more dynamic Olympic lifts performed in CrossFit training, nylon belts are preferred. 

We found the best overall belt for CrossFit to be the Rogue USA Nylon Lifting Belt, designed in collaboration with CrossFit champion Mat Fraser with the perfect balance of form, function, and cost.

The Top CrossFit Weightlifting Belts Reviewed

	Product's name	Width	Support Structure	More Info
	Best Overall Lifting Belt Rogue USA Nylon Lifting Belt	5” back, 4” front width	adjustable clasp and nylon belt system	View Product
[amazon fields="B07BMD5V5T" value="thumb"]	Best Performance Lifting Belt [amazon fields="B07BMD5V5T" value="title" title_length="75"]	4” all-around width	adjustable self-locking clasp with quick release	[amazon fields="B07BMD5V5T" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B000WSMO3G" value="thumb"]	Best Body Contour Lifting Belt [amazon fields="B000WSMO3G" value="title" title_length="75"]	4 ¾” with contouring width,	Complex contouring and support all around, adjustable clasp	[amazon fields="B000WSMO3G" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B00USC9IZ8" value="thumb"]	Most Affordable Lifting Belt [amazon fields="B00USC9IZ8" value="title" title_length="75"]	4-5” with larger back	Back support, Velcro only connection	[amazon fields="B00USC9IZ8" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B013FEODYQ" value="thumb"]	Best Lightweight Lifting Belt [amazon fields="B013FEODYQ" value="title" title_length="75"]	4-5” with larger back	Back support, adjustable clasp	[amazon fields="B013FEODYQ" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B01HE1FX22" value="thumb"]	Best Leather Lifting Belt [amazon fields="B01HE1FX22" value="title" title_length="75"]	4” all-around width	Strong support, Leather hole and clasp system	[amazon fields="B01HE1FX22" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B00074H7SC" value="thumb"]	Best All-Around Support Lifting Belt [amazon fields="B00074H7SC" value="title" title_length="75"]	5” all-around width, open front	Adjustable clasp, back padding	[amazon fields="B00074H7SC" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B016RAMIW4" value="thumb"]	Budget Leather Lifting Belt [amazon fields="B016RAMIW4" value="title" title_length="75"]	4” all-around width	Strong support, Leather hole and clasp system	[amazon fields="B016RAMIW4" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B074T3CHYR" value="thumb"]	Most Unique Designed Lifting Belt [amazon fields="B074T3CHYR" value="title" title_length="75"]	4” all-around width	Adjustable clasp	[amazon fields="B074T3CHYR" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B07DK3MN1Y" value="thumb"]	Best Value Lifting Belt [amazon fields="B07DK3MN1Y" value="title" title_length="75"]	4” all-around width, open front	Adjustable clasp	[amazon fields="B07DK3MN1Y" value="button"]

Find the Best CrossFit Weightlifting Belt for You

For all-around benefits, you just can’t do better than The Rogue USA Nylon Lifting Belt. It’s flexible, stylish, has some back support, and is vetted by two-time CrossFit Games champion Mat Fraser. The ability to place a custom patch and the well-placed adjustable clasp are just icing on the cake, as is its sleek design and laser-etched logo. 

Rogue has been top of the field for a while now, and that’s not soon to change. Plus, the price point has good options depending on whether you’d like to support local or get it for cheaper by import.

The preferred belt of CrossFit Games champion Mat Fraser, who won the 2017 Games with it on. This is the gold standard belt when it comes to CrossFit training. Sturdy, balanced, and versatile, this 4” width in the front, 5” in the back nylon belt sports 0.25” thick foam comes in five great looking styles and has a fantastic build quality from the most trusted brand in the business. 

Rogue’s belt is the perfect blend of all the factors a CrossFit athlete is looking for and now includes a newly upgraded blacked-out metal buckle for smoother adjustments of size. This is also helpful for locking in supportive adjustments on the fly when transitioning between exercises. Also cool is their 3×2” Velcro section for custom patches to be placed on. 

The price is reasonable but on the expensive side at $45, but if you wanted to get a better deal, you can go for the Rogue 5” Nylon Lifting Belt which is the same belt but imported. The USA version is built in the USA.

With a slightly different design philosophy but a similarly stylish design compared to the Rogue, the Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt goes for a contourless and padless design. The folks at Element 26 believe that even weight distribution and minimal padding actually provides the most support for proper form, and this is similar to the design of most leather belts. 

Their self-locking and quick release mechanisms are also perfect for use in CrossFit competition, letting you lock and unlock and the belt’s tightening with ease.

Neck and neck with the Rogue USA Nylon Lifting Belt, the Element 26 Belt trades comfort for an overall more supportive design. While only 4” width all around, the lack of padding and uniform design keeps weight distribution even which is the style of most leather belts.  

Its other leg-up on the competition is its self-locking metal buckle with a quick-release mechanism. This serves two purposes: the first is that it keeps the buckle secure and supportive for the most strenuous lifts a CrossFitter could undertake; but second, the quick release allows the abdominal pressure of the belt to be released during non-lifting sections of the course, allowing for a fast transition between wearing the belt and not without sacrificing performance.

Element 26’s belt is fully approved for competition and was designed specifically for CrossFit performance. Its snow-white design with black background also looks stylish and clean, along with its other options. At $34, it’s not a bad deal either, making it a good choice on multiple fronts.

Four-time women’s champion Tia Toomey’s preferred belt, the highly contoured design is beloved by CrossFitters. For others, the design is uncomfortable, proving to be one of the more controversial on the list. 

The build contains an adjustable clasp for support alongside their patented design. It’s expensive, but worth it for some, conforming to the natural shape of their back and hips.

We couldn’t leave the arena of high-performance belts without looking at the Schiek Sports Model 2004 Nylon 4 3/4″ Weight Lifting Belt. A favorite of Tia Toomey’s, four-time women’s CrossFit Games champion, the Schiek belt sports a unique design that may not be suitable for all users, but is built to support the natural shape of your back.

Depending on your preference and position in the debate about the use of a weightlifting belt, this unique belt might be the perfect shape and support you’re looking for. We already know its vouched for use in high-performance competition.

Its patented design also feels extra comfortable for some people with its rib and hip contouring. However, be warned that other’s have found the design doesn’t work for them at all, and so its probably the most love it or hate it belt we’ve mentioned.

While not likely to win a beauty contest, the belt works for some people and deserves its place. At $50, it’s on the pricier side, but comparable to the Rogue USA belt. 

The budget option on the list, the quick adjustment of the Garbor Fitness belt’s Velcro is the fastest adjustment on this list and very useful for CrossFit. 

However, the lack of support compared to the other belts can be a problem but works for those who are looking for a comfortable, back contoured belt on a dime. The look of the belt is also flimsy, but its design is helpful for easy storage.

The Garbor Fitness Neoprene Contoured Weight Lifting Belt is by far the most affordable option on this list at $7. It’s made of a neoprene foam body with a thicker back contour support. Its large Velcro strap is easily adjustable and it also is the most lightweight belt on the list. 

However, with a lack of nylon and adjustable strap, its maximum flexibility comes at the cost of heavyweight support.

Essentially, it’s best for someone who only needs minimal support but wants maximal comfort and good value. The ability to readjust without a metal clasp is also the easier and speediest on the list. This belt is most recommended for beginners and CrossFitters lifting a lighter weight set.

For another great overall design somewhere between the Rogue and the Schiek, the Fire Team Fit mixes strong back support with an overall flexible design. 

Moderately priced and with all the same benefits as the other top picks, the company is highly supportive of veterans, you can feel good with this safe overall option to buy. Its only problem is its lack of a standout feature, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

The Fire Team Fit Weightlifting Belt is the best choice if you’re looking for something lightweight, flexible, and easy to adjust on the fly. It doesn’t stand out in any category compared to the other top picks, but its works as a balanced and versatile belt with a solid build design. The amount of back support on it is great as well. 

The look is not for everyone with its large air holes, but the breathability might be nice for some and there’s a lot of styles to choose from. Like other contoured designs, the Fire Team Fit belt hugs nicely to your body. 

It is fairly priced and at a little less than some of the other top performance picks. The team is also veteran-run and donates a small portion of all belt sales to different veteran organizations. 

While CrossFit athletes generally steer away from leather belts, if you do want one with a flexible enough design for the program, The ProFitness Workout Belt is a solid choice. 

Affordable, versatile, and comfortable after getting broken in, the belt provides overall great support. The main advantage of a leather belt is the greater support, but it loses flexibility in comparison to nylon, which is important in CrossFit.

You might be interested in getting a leather belt instead, perhaps because you plan to do some powerlifting on the side or just like the look and feel of leather. If so, the ProFitness Genuine Leather Workout Belt is a great choice. 

Leather’s main advantage is that it can provide more support overall than nylon, but it comes at the cost of flexibility and the ability to insert Velcro, which means it takes longer to get on and off.

With a 4” wide overall band and no-nonsense buckle system, you know what you’re getting with this belt. It won’t be nearly as easy to get on and off as a Velcro belt would, but for a leather belt, it is small and versatile enough for anything CrossFit has to offer. Also, at $40, it is a solid deal for a leather belt.

Similar to the Fire Team Fit belt, the Harbringer 5-Inch Weightlifting Belt is another great all-rounder. The back-first design may be preferable to some and a no-go for others, so that’s something to consider. 

The flexible, ultra light but thick closed cell foams maintain muscle warmth and provide maximum comfort when you’re lifting heavy. With heavy gauge steel roller buckles and durable abrasion resistant fabric, the Harbinger will provide you enough cushion and strength to lift most heavy weights.

With strong padding and build design, as well as a strong buckle clasp system, it’s definitely up there with the other top picks. Its price can’t be beaten for the value as well at $25. 

Another option for leather lovers, The Dark Iron Fitness Belt is very comparable to the ProFitness one and it’s essentially up to your preference which one you’d like to purchase. 

They have a 600 lb limit allowing you to bench and squat. Further, it is USAPL approved meaning that it can be used for professional competitions.

Made out of 100% genuine buffalo hide leather, meaning that the lifting belt is supple, soft, and flexible, providing you the support you need when you need to brace and stay strong during your lifts.

Produced with expert craftsmanship, you can always rely on Dark Iron Fitness Leather Weightlifting Belt when you’re doing your heavy sets.

The Bear KompleX Belt is another great all-around nylon belt while being affordable. They are known for support your lifting technique during intense and heavy squats, metcon movements, snatches, deadlifts, Olympic lifts, and more. 

The steel roller buckle keeps the belt secure while light enough for you to not feel like you’re wearing anything at all. It has a 4” strong velcro and adjustable sizing, perfect for any athletic build.

If you’re looking for a CrossFit related belt that can cater to any size, we recommend choosing Bear KompleX Strength Weightlifting Belt

The last one on our list is the WOD Nation Belt. Simple and sleek in design, the WOD belt is a no-nonsense 4” all-around belt with a metal clasp fixture for a cheap price, $20. 

It is designed to provide strong abdominal and lower back support while keeping the belt amazingly comfortable. It is easy to take on and off with its quick tug of a ‘shark-tooth’ velcro straps, that can be easily tightened and loosen without losing time between reps.

With the belt designed to lift more with your legs than your back reducing the chances of overall injury to your body.

Useful for those on a strict budget but will still get the job done when it comes to supporting. Another belt that focuses on the back and doesn’t fully wrap around.

Weightlifting Belt for CrossFit Buying Guide

What to Look for When Buying a Weight Lifting Belt for Crossfit

There is some debate when it comes to weight lifting belts and what they are used for. But essentially, they get your core engaged when lifting: helping to prevent back injuries, strengthen your core, and hone proper weightlifting form. For some, this allows them to lift more weight because their form is improved, but this should not be expected.

A weight lifting belt accomplishes this by bracing your core when you lift. Therefore, the ability to support your core and be comfortably adjusted to your body is paramount. CrossFit’s more dynamic Olympic lifts involve more flexibility than powerlifting and therefore don’t require all the bells and whistles. 

Therefore, this guide tends towards the economical, aiming for the best deal while still accomplishing everything that is needed for an intense CrossFit routine.

Material

As we’ve already noted, genuine leather is the best material, although there are a lot of fake or lower quality leathers out there. Nylon is cheaper and doesn’t look as good, but it is the most suitable for our purposes at a CrossFit gym. In addition, nylon allows for velcro strap securement, whereas leather belts use a buckle and hole system. Velcro straps are easier to use and fast, allowing for easy adjustment, whereas buckles aren’t as flexible but better holds the belt secure.

But it’s not just that. Nylon is also more comfortable overall, and unless you are lifting very heavy weights, can support most exercises. They can also be folded up more easily, taking up less space in your closet overall. Therefore, for most novice to medium-level users, nylon is a good way to go.

That being said, we’ve included some of both options in case one is more to your preference. 

Best Material for CrossFit 

Because CrossFit requires a lot of change-ups in exercise time, Velcro has another serious advantage. By being able to take the belt on and off easily and adjust on the fly, it works perfectly for complex and varied routines. 

Using a leather belt is still perfectly possible, but the inflexibly buckle hole distances and trying to clasp and unclasp it between exercises can be a pain. 

Width and Thickness

Two other considerations are the width and thickness of the belt. Basically, the wider and thicker the belt, the more support you’ll gain – but at a price. This is especially tricky with the flexibility and transitions required in CrossFit. You see, the wider the belt, the more it’ll press up into your ribcage and down into your pelvis. For some, the extra support is worth the discomfort, especially if the material is flexible like properly supple leather or nylon.

But positioning is also a factor, and because you’ll be putting it on and off often, it can be hard to get the position exactly right every time. Therefore, a medium width of 4-5 inches is recommended for most CrossFit users.

As for thickness, 13mm is the highest allowed for weightlifting. Even 10-11mm is probably sufficient for most CrossFit users, but certainly going over 13mm is overkill. Again, comfort is a big factor here, as the thicker the belt the harder your range of motion will be. 

Price

Prices for nylon weight lifting belts suitable for CrossFit range from about $10-$60. If you go leather, you’re generally looking at about 3x the price, from $40-$200. Most of the belts we’ve looked at here ended up around the $35 range, so that’s a good starting point between a truly budget option and a top performance belt.

More importantly, we’ll be comparing prices for similar materials, thickness, and width. This will provide the general value for your dollar the specific belt has – but it is also important to take into consideration how well-crafted the belt is. 

Build Quality

Another very important factor, build quality in belts refers to stitching, padding, and how the buckle is assembled. You want double or even triple stitching and no loose threads. Build quality is also something that can often only be figured out after repeated testing and use, so brand reputation can also be big here. 

If you get a chance to try the belt on, feel for the comfort of the padding and the general heft and quality of the metal or velcro depending. Some types of velcro will become unwieldy much more quickly or not support the belt tightly, so try opening and closing it a couple of times to get a feel for these factors.

Size

Finally, you’ll have to pick your size. This is fairly easy, although different from pant size. You’ll want to take a tape measure starting from your belly button all the way around your waist. The measurement you get can be used with your vendor’s charts to determine the size you want. This is important, so be sure to do it before just guessing your size and having to return your belt. 

FAQs for CrossFit Weightlifting Belt

Conclusion

CrossFit athletes face a different set of challenges when it comes to weight lifting belts than other types of weightlifters. They need versatility, flexibility, and the ability to take the belt on and off in a flash. Understanding that, the specific belts recommended here are specialized for those conditions and also take into consideration the many different levels of CrossFitters that exist. 

Overall, the best belt for CrossFitters is the Rogue USA Nylon Lifting Belt due to its versatility and balance of uses for CrossFit. The Element 26 Self-Locking Weight Lifting Belt is a close second, with similar uses, style, and support. But many of the other belts have their specific niches, Like the Gabor Fitness Neoprene Contoured Weight Lifting Belt which is a great budget option.