If you are trying to make serious gains in the weight room, it may be time to invest in lifting straps. Although they are fairly simple pieces of equipment, the type of lifting straps that you use are largely dependent on the type of lifts that you are performing and the overall goals that you hope to achieve. Much like weightlifting shoes, lifting straps are a great addition to a lifter's bag.
Lifting straps can help you build more strength because they allow you to lift heavier weights than your grip can handle. The use of weightlifting straps also provides wrist stabilization which helps your wrists stay healthy and injury-free on lifts from bench press to deadlift. And, although they are usually used for heavy barbell lifts, weightlifting straps can also come in handy for dumbbell or kettlebell workouts. Once you have established the lifting goals that you hope to accomplish, you will want to find straps that provide a comfortable fit. Additionally, when choosing the best lifting straps, we paid attention to stability and security, and durability.
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The Best Lifting Straps - Our Top Picks
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- Best Lifting Straps Overall: Gymreapers Lifting Straps
- Best Lifting Straps for Powerlifting: Rogue Ohio Lifting Straps
- Best Lifting Straps for Beginners: Rip Toned Lifting Straps
- Best Leather Lifting Straps: Rogue Leather Lifting Straps
- Best Budget Lifting Straps: ihaun Lifting Straps
- Best Lifting Straps for Bodybuilding: Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps
- Best Lifting Straps for Support: RIMSports Weight Lifting Straps with Wrist Support
- Most Durable Lifting Straps: Gymreaper Figure 8 Lifting Strap
Best Lifting Straps Overall - Gymreapers Lifting Straps
SPECS
- Material: Neoprene and cotton
- Length: 18"
With their durability, affordability, comfort, and support, the Gymreapers Lifting Straps deserve a permanent spot in your gym bag. These lifting straps are comfortable around your wrist thanks to the neoprene padding. Although the straps are a little shorter than some of the others that made the list, 18 inches still allows for a secure wrap around the bar.
However, what really sets these straps apart is their money-back and lifetime guarantees. Although you will most likely be very pleased with these straps, if you're not, Gymreapers will give you your money back. These lifting straps are durable, but having a lifetime guarantee on gym accessories that takes a lot of wear and tear is an added bonus.
What We Like
- Secure and soft
- Money-back guarantee
- Lifetime guarantee
- Affordable
- Come in various colors
What We Don't Like
- Strap may have to much stretch for some
- Closure is somewhat insecure
Best Lifting Straps for Powerlifting - Rogue Ohio Lifting Straps
SPECS
- Material: Cotton
- Length: 20"
Rogue knows a thing or two about powerlifting, and their knowledge and love of the sport come through in the Rogue Ohio Lifting Straps. These are no-frills straps that are constructed of comfortable, heavy-duty cotton that will be able to go rep for rep with you—even on your heaviest lifts. It may take a couple of uses to break them in, but once they are they will become your go-to's on those heavy power days.
Sweating usually is a given when you're moving enough weight to need lifting straps, and one of the best aspects of these straps is that they absorb moisture very well, which was a little surprising considering that they are made from cotton. Rogue also paid attention to the small details by sewing the edges which keeps them from becoming frayed.
What We Like
- Solid construction
- Absorbs moisture
- Simple to use
What We Don't Like
- No padding on wrists
- Need broken in
BUY: Rogue Ohio Lifting Straps
Best Lifting Straps for Beginners - Rip Toned Lifting Straps
SPECS
- Material: Neoprene and cotton
- Length: 23.5"
The last thing you want to worry about when you start using weightlifting straps is for them to irritate or chafe your wrists, and that is one of the main reasons that Rip Toned Lifting straps were selected as our best lifting straps for those just starting to use lifting straps. They are made from strong, durable cotton, and they have soft neoprene padding to protect your skin.
These straps are easy to use and will provide stability, allowing you to concentrate on the posture of your lifts and not your grip. This will not only help you max out, but it will also help keep you safe. When you're finished with your lifting, you can throw these straps in the washing machine so that they will be fresh and clean for your next session.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Comfortable padding
- Adjustable
- Machine washable
What We Don't Like
- Thinner straps
- Needs breaking in
Best Leather Lifting Straps - Rogue Leather Lifting Straps
SPECS
- Material: Leather
- Length: 20"
Leather is soft yet tough, and it is an extremely durable material. These are all attributes that you'll want in lifting straps. You'll be reaching for these Rogue Leather Lifting Straps for years to come because in addition to being made from leather, they are reinforced with heavy-duty stitching. Therefore, you can rest assured that they will be there for you from one PR to PR.
Rogue's Leather Lifting Straps feel luxurious, but they are more than capable of doing hard work. With a length of 20-inches, they wrap nicely around the bar providing you with the security that you need to make gains.
What We Like
- Durable
- Heavy-duty stitching
- Luxurious feel
What We Don't Like
- May need break-in time
- Could possibly chafe skin
BUY: Rogue Leather Lifting Straps
Best Budget Lifting Straps - ihaun Lifting Straps
SPECS
- Material: Polyester, cotton
- Length: 21"
The ihaun Lifting Straps come in at a low price point, but they are still solid straps that will allow you to lift heavy weights comfortably and safely. These straps are one of the longer options on the list at 21 inches, and this will help them wrap around your bar securely. The neoprene padding in the wrist support makes it comfortable on your skin.
After you've put these straps through the wringer, you can put them in the washer to get all your hard-earned sweat out of them. Although these straps are extremely affordable, they also come with a money-back guarantee. Therefore, it makes them a no-risk purchase.
What We Like
- Great price point
- Money-back guarantee
- Comfortable padding
- Durable for price
What We Don't Like
- Overly stiff
- Thin
BUY: ihaun Lifting Straps
Best Lifting Straps for Bodybuilding - Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps
SPECS
- Material: Cotton strap and foam padding
- Length: 21.5"
Most bodybuilders want to build mass, and one of the best ways of achieving this is lifting heavy weights at a high volume. Unfortunately, moving that kind of weight can be extremely taxing on your grip. It is frustrating when the muscles that you are training can handle more reps, but your hands can't. Therefore, when you are bodybuilding, you will want to get comfortable and secure lifting straps like the Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps to take your bodybuilding to the next level.
The foam padding makes this great for long lifting sessions. Additionally, these straps are slightly longer than a lot of others on the market which makes them very easy to wrap around the bar.
What We Like
- Added pad for comfort
- Absorbs sweat well
- Affordable
What We Don't Like
- Not a quick release strap
- Need to build some grip strength before using
BUY: Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps
Best Lifting Straps for Support - RIMSports Weight Lifting Straps with Wrist Support
SPECS
- Material: Cotton, neoprene, and silicone
- Length: 11.3"
By shifting some of the weight of your barbell to your wrist from your hand you can maximize the amount of weight that you can handle on heavy lifts, and the RIMSports Weight Lifting Straps with Wrist Support offers the best support. The wrappings on these are soft and comfortable, and they will keep your wrists in a good position during your workouts. These lifting straps are shorter than most others, but they have a unique silicone feature that helps prevent slippage.
In addition to silicone, these wrist wraps have heavy-duty stitching and durable cotton that make them a reliable accessory. If you need more support than traditional lifting straps, the RIMSports Lifting straps are great accessories to keep on hand.
What We Like
- Added support for wrist
- Silicone feature adds security
- Comfortable
- Durable
What We Don't Like
- Short strap
- Silicone may not be ideal for all users
BUY: RIMSports Weight Lifting Straps with Wrist Support
Most Durable Lifting Straps - Gymreaper Figure 8 Lifting Strap
SPECS
- Material: Cotton
- Length: N/A
Figure 8 lifting straps are, as you may have guessed, shaped like the number eight. The Gymreaper Figure 8 Lifting Straps provide you with a substantially secure grip by tethering your wrist to the bar. This means that even on heavy lifts that are very taxing on your grips, you will be attached to the bar.
These lifting straps will be great for deadlifts and shrugs. Although they are durable, well-constructed wraps, those new to lifting straps may want to stay away from these as they can be hard on the skin. It should also be noted that they don't have a quick-release option.
What We Like
- Heavy-duty construction
- Durable
- Good value
- Quality stitching
What We Don't Like
- May not be suitable for beginners
- Can cause skin irritation
BUY: Gymreaper Figure 8 Lifting Strap
How to Choose the Best Lifting Straps for You
Although there are a variety of lifting straps available, you can choose the best ones for you by considering a few factors. If you're using lifting straps, you're most likely already repping heavier weight. Lifting straps will be able to help you maximize your gains because they will give support to your grip.
Use
Your primary use for lifting straps will help you narrow down your selection. For instance, Figure 8 straps are great for super heavy lifts or if you're training for a strongman competition. However, they won't be necessary for weightlifting. Straps can also be used for dumbbell work as they help your grip.
Material
The most common materials used for lifting straps are cotton, leather, and nylon. Many also utilize neoprene to provide padding around the wrist. You will want to consider how harsh each one of these materials will be on your skin. If you have sensitive skin, you will want to make sure that you find a strap made from a material that will not cause irritation or itching. The amount of weight you plan on moving while using the straps should also help determine what kind of material you should choose; the heavier the weight the more durable the strap you'll need.
Durability
Lifting straps are expected to perform a tough job while being supportive. Therefore, you will want a set that will hold up to the wear and tear of your gym routine. You will want to also consider how frequently you will be using them, as this will play a large role in how durable you will need your straps to be.
FAQs About Lifting Straps
Are lifting straps worth it?
Lifting straps are a relatively inexpensive and small accessory that can greatly support your lifting. If you are planning on lifting a lot of weight, especially if it is more weight than your grip can handle, a good set of lifting straps can be very worthwhile.
Do deadlift straps prevent calluses?
Barbells can wreak havoc on your hands by causing calluses. However, lifting straps can reduce the friction that is caused between the barbell and your hands by redistributing some of the weight from your hands to your wrists.
Should I use lifting straps as a beginner?
Lifting straps are used when the weight gets too heavy for your grip. Therefore, lifting straps will most likely not be needed when you are just starting out in weightlifting.
Are lifting straps or hooks better?
Both lifting straps and lifting hooks can provide benefits when it comes to your lifting. Lifting straps mimic the natural grip of the hand on the bar more than hooks. And hooks don't allow for a weight to be dropped if you reach failure.