If I have to look at ONE more leather powerlifting belt, I swear I’m going to scream and run naked through the streets!
To avoid that disturbing scene, I’ve done tons of research to find some quality non-leather options. If you’re like me, you’ve been searching for the best vegan powerlifting belt for quite a while, coming up short time and time again.
Only, that doesn’t actually happen to me anymore. Not since I found Strength Shop USA. You see, this powerlifting equipment online superstore only produces synthetic leather powerlifting belts.
Not only that, they are known in the powerlifting world (even amongst non-vegans) as having some of the strongest, most durable belts around.
And, yeah, there are a couple of good options from Amazon as well, but if you want to play with the big boys, Strength Shop USA is the way to go.
Editor’s note: These synthetic leather belts offer similar strength to “real” leather belts, except they have slightly more “give”, making them a bit more comfortable.
IN A HURRY? HERE ARE MY TOP PICKS…
Best Lever Vegan Powerlifting Belt –
Strength Shop 10mm Lever Belt
The Strength Shop 10mm Lever Belt is the best choice for those who want an easy-to-use belt without sacrificing quality. This belt is thick, durable, and strong. Perfect for heavy lifting of all sorts. You will likely not need or want another belt for years.
My top pick for the best lever vegan powerlifting belt of 2023 goes to the Strength Shop 10mm Lever Belt. Officially approved by the IPF (International Powerlifting Federation), it is one beast of a belt. As far as durability and strength, it is top notch. Constructed out of artificial leather, it is sturdy enough to support deadlifts around 900 pounds!
The lever function is what makes this belt truly shine and stand out above the others. The lever just makes it easier to take this belt on and off during your workout. No struggle or hassle to strap this puppy in. Just snap the lever into place and you’re ready to use it.
The 10mm thickness is perfect for heavy lifts where you need to keep your core tight and your spine safe. It’s a little less thick and invasive than the 13mm option, which is too bulky for many. You will feel safe and secure while lifting with this belt.
Two drawbacks are the weight and the price. It is heavy, but on the flip side that does make it feel more secure while using it. This belt is the most expensive one on the list, but if you want a strong belt which is easy to work with, it can’t be beat.
Check out the belt in action here:
Best Single Prong Vegan Powerlifting Belt –
Strength Shop 13mm Single Prong Belt
If you’re looking for the strongest, thickest powerlifting belt, the Strength Shop 13mm Single Prong Belt is your best bet. For those who prefer the classic prong style instead of lever, it is the natural choice. You can’t argue with the security and durability of this belt!
My pick for the best single prong vegan powerlifting belt definitely goes to the Strength Shop 13mm Single Prong Belt. Similar to the Strength Shop 10mm Lever Belt, it is made of artificial leather and is IPF approved. The difference between the two belts is this one has a single prong locking mechanism instead of a lever.
For those who want the thickest, strongest belt for heavy duty powerlifting, this one cannot be beat. The 13mm thickness makes it able to withstand the most intense and heavy lifting.
The single prong provides a solid, secure locking mechanism. It’s just like any other classic powerlifting belt with a prong. This type of belt works for those who prefer the prong style.
It’s not as easy to adjust and work with as the lever. It is quite secure, but it can be a pain to lock a belt like this in place during your workout. Because of this, you’re probably going to have to take it on and off instead of being able to wear it throughout your workout like with the 10mm lever belt.
Best Double Prong Vegan Powerlifting Belt –
Strength Shop 10mm Double Prong Belt
The Strength Shop Double Prong belt is a fantastic vegan powerlifting belt for those who prefer the classic double prong approach. The overall quality is extremely similar to the 10mm Lever Belt. For the price, this belt offers similar value and is a serious competitor with the 10mm Lever Belt and 13mm Single Prong Belt.
If you like double-prong powerlifting belts, then the Strength Shop Double Prong 10mm Belt is a fantastic alternative to the ones above. This belt runs cheaper than the Strength Shop 10mm Lever Belt yet doesn’t sacrifice much at all in terms of quality.
Built out of the same thick artificial leather, it is extremely similar to the 10mm Lever Belt except it has a double prong instead of a lever locking mechanism.
Double prongs can be a bit frustrating to adjust during your training session, which is why many people prefer levers or single prongs. But, if you love the good old fashioned double prongs, this belt is a must buy.
Best Vegan Deadlift Powerlifting Belt –
Spud Inc. 3-Ply Deadlift Belt
The Spud Inc. 3-ply Deadlift Belt is an incredibly comfortable and surprisingly durable alternative to the traditional artificial leather belts. Ideal for deadlifts, great for rows, and suitable for squatting, this belt offers a nice compromise of strength and comfort.
Looking for a thinner belt built specifically for deadlifting? Then the Spud Inc. 3-ply Deadlift Belt is your best choice. Not as thick or bulky as the traditional artificial leather belts, this one a nice middle of the road option.
The main benefit is it’s much more comfortable. The artificial leather material of the other belts can sometimes dig into your sides because of the thickness. That doesn’t happen with this one. Which means when you are pulling heavy weight off the floor, you can breathe better and more comfortably.
It’s constructed out of nylon with a Velcro loop and closure system. Although not as strong as the artificial leather, the nylon is deceptively strong. It’s a great belt to use when you need solid support, but don’t want a big, bulky belt. There is a 2-ply option, but I recommend the 3-ply for extra support.
Great for barbell rows and back training in general, this belt can easily function as a squatting belt as well. Many people use it for both deadlifting and squatting, although some prefer the traditional artificial leather belts for squatting.
The biggest drawback to this belt is it just isn’t quite as strong or supportive as the artificial leather belts on this list. That said, many people claim to prefer it to the thicker belts. It’s definitely worth trying if you’re looking for a more comfortable option.
Best Budget Vegan Powerlifting Belt –
Strength Shop Deadlift Belt
The Strength Shop Deadlift belt is the best vegan powerlifting belt option for those on a budget. If you’re looking for increased comfort, this is the belt for you. At such a low price, it’s hard to beat the value this belt offers.
The Strength Shop Deadlift Belt is another great option for those desiring a more comfortable fit. Extremely similar in design to the Spud Inc. 3-ply Deadlift Belt, this one is built primarily for deadlifting, yet suitable for squatting as well.
Made out of nylon, this belt is much more comfortable than the other Strength Shop artificial leather belts on this list. It won’t dig into your sides or restrict your breathing while deadlifting and squatting.
This is a great belt to use when you want a belt which is less bulky and invasive than a traditional artificial leather belt. It’s great for deadlifts, rows, and even military presses.
The only downside with this belt is it is not quite as strong or supportive as the artificial leather belts. That said, for the cost, this belt has an incredible value.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a “powerlifting” belt and a “deadlift” belt?
A: A deadlift belt is a type of powerlifting belt. Traditional powerlifting belts are (artificial, in our case) leather and they are bulky, strong, and offer a lot of support. Deadlift belts are not as bulky, not quite as supportive, but are much more comfortable to wear. When pulling heavy weight, they do not dig into your stomach and/or hips like the traditional belts do.
Q: What kind of exercises are powerlifting belts designed for?
A: In general, you want to only use a powerlifting belt on your heavier sets. The exercises I recommend performing with a powerlifting belt are:
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- Squats
- Deadlifts
- Cleans
- Snatches
- Barbell Rows
- Military Presses
Q: What about sizing? Any tips?
A: Follow the manufacturers direction in terms of sizing. If you are on the upper or lower end of the size range for a belt, you may need to size up or down. Call the company if you are unsure of which belt would be the best fit. You can also check Strength Shop and Amazon reviews for people with a similar size to you and see what worked for them.
Q: Are these belts really comparable to their (real) leather counterparts?
A: Yes! The artificial leather belts from Strength Shop USA are incredibly sturdy and strong. They’re IPF approved and used by many powerlifters. Give them a try and you won’t regret it!
P.S. check out this article for some great, scientifically-backed information regarding the benefits of weight lifting belts:
https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/3-key-benefits-of-wearing-a-weightlfting-belt.html
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