Lifting straps are some of the most useful fitness accessories you can buy. They’re inexpensive, space-friendly, and downright awesome for lifting weights.
The biggest benefit of lifting straps is that they eliminate one of the most frustrating limiting factors in weightlifting: a failing grip.
We’ve tested every type of lifting strap, including lasso straps, figure-8 straps, and hook straps. We’ve used them on deadlifts, rows, shrugs, lat pulldowns, carries, and more. Here are some of the things we considered when making our list (more below):
- Durability: Are the straps made of high-quality materials that can stand up to heavy loads?
- Ease of Use: Can you quickly put them on? Are they easy to take off after a heavy set?
- Comfort: How rigid are the straps? Do they dig into your wrist or bunch up in your palm?
In this article, I’ll share our top picks for the best lifting straps based on real experience. Whether you’re a competitive lifter or just someone looking to reduce grip fatigue, we’ve got you covered.
What are the Best Lifting Straps?
We found the Gymreapers Lifting Straps to have the best blend of comfort, performance, and value. We love the length for a faster setup and the neoprene lining for a comfortable texture. They were very secure in our testing and greatly reduced grip fatigue. We feel the Gymreapers straps are hard to beat for the money, especially with the lifetime replacement guarantee.
In This Article: Our Picks | Comparison Chart | Benefits of Lifting Straps | Types of Lifting Straps | Lifting Strap Materials | How to Pick | Honorable Mentions | Frequently Asked Questions
Our Top Picks
Best Lifting Straps Overall : Gymreapers Lifting Straps
Runner-Up Straps: Element 26 Lifting Straps
Best Powerlifting Straps: Rogue Ohio Lifting Straps
Best Budget Straps: DMoose Lifting Straps
Best Premium Straps: Versa Gripps Pro Authentic
Best Leather Straps: Rogue Leather Lifting Straps
Best Figure 8 Straps: Gymreapers Figure 8 Lifting Straps
Most Durable Straps: IronMind Lifting Straps
Best Straps w/ Hooks: Grip Power Pads Pro
Best Lifting Grips: Gymreapers Lifting Grips
Best Lifting Straps Overall: Gymreapers Figure Lifting Straps
The Gymreapers Lifting Straps are affordable cotton straps with a comfortable neoprene lining, a secure fit, and multiple color options. They also come with a lifetime replacement guarantee.
Key Specs
- Type: Lasso
- Material: Cotton
- Length: 18″
- Width: 1.5″
- Size Range: One Size Fits All
- Color: Multiple
Summary
The Gymreapers Lifting Straps take top honors for most people on this list. They’re comfortable, secure, affordable, and have a leading lifetime replacement guarantee.
Lasso straps are generally the most popular and well-rounded type of lifting strap. They provide excellent security, and you can use them for nearly every lift. These straps from Gymreapers are 18″ long, which is shorter than most straps (20″-24″). I find the shorter length advantageous because it’s easier to set up, limits bulk in the hand, and remains very secure.
While many lasso-style straps are made with cotton, I’m particularly impressed with how comfortable these are. They have a soft texture and are slightly thinner than some, making them the most comfortable straps I’ve tested. The sewn neoprene lining enhances comfort on the top of the wrist, although it’s shorter than some I’ve used.
The downside to thinner and softer cotton is that they may wear down more quickly. This depends on a variety of factors, including barbell knurling, training intensity, and frequency of use. While they can handle heavy loads, I recommend others on this list if you’re an ultra-heavy lifter.
A big benefit of the Gymreapers Lifting Straps is that they come with a guaranteed lifetime replacement, which others don’t. Lastly, the Gymreapers straps are available in nine color options, making them some of the best-looking straps out there.
When you factor in the fair price and replacement guarantee, these straps are hard to beat for most people.
Pros
- Comfortable cotton construction
- Lifetime replacement guarantee
- Great value
- Multiple color options
- 18″ length is easier to set up
Runner-Up Lifting Straps: Element 26 Lifting Straps
The Element 26 Straps are made with thick cotton and a neoprene inner lining. They also include reinforced stitching and directional arrows for easy setup.
Key Specs
- Type: Lasso
- Material: Cotton
- Length: 23″
- Width: 1.6″
- Size Range: One Size Fits All
- Color: Black
Summary
Like the Gymreapers straps, the Element 26 straps are lasso-style and made with cotton. The biggest differences are rigidity, length, and durability. These are among the thickest cotton straps I’ve tested, making them ideal for heavy training. I’m impressed with their quality and the extra steps they took to reinforce the straps with tight stitching.
One of the nicest features of these straps are the directional arrows letting you know which wrist to put them on. Element 26 was the first to introduce this simple addition, and it’s truly helpful. Other straps can frustrate users at times if they they accidentally put the strap on the wrong wrist.
These straps also include a long neoprene interior, giving you great protection around your wrist. That said, the extra rigidity make these slightly more uncomfortable than other cotton straps. They break in nicely to become more comfortable, but you should expect several sessions before this happens.
The 23″ length of these straps is plenty to create a very secure fit, but remember that extra length makes it slightly more cumbersome to set up. They also build up more in the hand unless you intentionally don’t fully wrap the straps around the shaft.
The Element 26 straps are affordably priced and come with a lifetime warranty. Overall, I recommend these for heavy lifters wanting stiffer and more durable cotton straps.
Pros
- Heavy-duty cotton construction
- Directional arrows for easy setup
- Reinforced Box X stitching
- 23″ length creates a secure fit
- Thicker than some cotton straps
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Only available in black
- Strap length is slightly more cumbersome
Best Powerlifting Lifting Straps: Rogue Ohio Lifting Straps
The Rogue Ohio Lifting Straps are high-quality USA-made straps with options for nylon or cotton construction.
Key Specs
- Type: Lasso
- Material: Cotton or Nylon
- Length: 20″ or 22.5″
- Width: 1.5″
- Size Range: One Size Fits All
- Color: Black with Red Accents
Summary
The Rogue Ohio Lifting Straps are USA-made straps with the unique option to purchase in cotton or nylon. I’ve owned and used both, and each has advantages and disadvantages.
The cotton straps are around the same thickness as the Gymreapers straps, but they’re noticeably stiffer and not as soft. This makes them better for heavier lifting but at the expense of comfort. They also don’t include a neoprene lining, which may create issues for lifters with sensitive wrists.
This version is 20″ long compared to the nylon version (22.5″), making them a bit easier to set up. They still create a very secure fit, and I’ve found that I prefer the 20″ length overall.
The nylon version of the Rogue straps is much more durable than the cotton. If you’re training with heavy weights, especially deadlifts, I recommend them over the cotton straps. However, nylon is less comfortable and doesn’t handle moisture nearly as well. Cotton may be a better option to prevent slippage if you sweat a lot.
Pricewise, both versions cost the same and are comparable to others. Rogue doesn’t explicitly list a warranty for these straps, but in reading reviews, they will send replacements if you experience failures. Generally, Rogue is known for their customer service, and if US-made is important to you, these are a strong option.
Pros
- Available in cotton or nylon
- 20″ length balances security and speed
- Made in the USA
- Better for heavy lifting than budget straps
Cons
- No color options
- Not as comfortable as some straps
Best Budget Lifting Straps: DMoose Lifting Straps
The DMoose Lifting Straps are budget-friendly cotton straps with neoprene interior padding and a 24" length. They're available in multiple colors.
Key Specs
- Type: Lasso
- Material: Cotton
- Length: 24″
- Width: 1.5″
- Size Range: One Size Fits All
- Color: Multiple
Summary
DMoose is a well-known provider of value fitness accessories, and these straps fill that bill with a low price and good performance.
These lasso-style straps are made of cotton and come with a 24″ length, making them the longest straps on this list. While 24″ is great for creating security, you may want to leave some excess to prevent too much bulk in the hand.
The cotton thickness and softness fall in between the Gymreapers and Element 26 straps. They’re fairly comfortable out of the box but may require a couple of sessions before breaking in. In terms of construction, the stitching isn’t as nice as others, especially at the end and on the neoprene patch.
The DMoose Lifting Straps have a 30-day money-back guarantee. I recommend them straps to those shopping on a tight budget and who need a basic set of straps. If you’re lifting serious weight or want a better guarantee, I suggest other options, including Gymreapers and Element 26.
Pros
- Very budget-friendly
- Cotton construction with neoprene lining
- Multiple colors and patterns
Cons
- 24″ length is bulkier and not as easy to set up
- Not as durable as other cotton straps
Best Premium Lifting Straps: Versa Gripps Pro Authentic
Versa Gripps are unique lifting straps with a non-slip rubber flap that protects the hands and provides solid security. They're useful for all lifting styles and are available in several colors.
Key Specs
- Type: Wrap
- Material: Nylon & Proprietary Non-Slip Material
- Length: 6.25″
- Width: 3.25″
- Size Range: XS (5″-6″), Small (6″-7″), Med/Large (7″-8″), XL (8″+)
- Color: Multiple
Summary
Versa Gripps have a unique flap design and are the most premium lifting straps you can buy.
The most notable feature of Versa Gripps Pro is the 6.25″ long palm flap. By placing the bar between your palm and the flap, you fold it toward your palm to lock it in. The entire setup only takes a couple of seconds, and you can engage both grips at the same time.
The flap is made of rubber and has a non-slip texture, making it grippy on knurled and smooth surfaces. Another benefit of the flap is that it protects your hands with minimal bulk. These straps work especially well for high-rep sets.
The straight wrist support is also easy to use with a heavy-duty nylon and velcro strap. It comes in several sizes ranging from 5″ to over 8″, and it’s available in multiple colors.
My favorite ways to use the Versa Gripps are for bodybuilding movements, pull-ups, and cable exercises. However, given their quick release and secure fit, they’re suitable for any lift. I didn’t find them quite as secure for heavy deadlifts, but I’m impressed with their overall performance.
You have four Versa Gripps versions to choose from: Fit (women), Classic, Pro, and Xtreme. In my experience, the Pro version is the best for most people. You get a longer flap over the Classic (5.75″) and everything that the Xtreme offers, minus double-stitched seams and a higher price tag. If you’re using them often and with intense training, the Xtreme is the better option for the added durability, but the Pros offer excellent performance.
Pricewise, the Pros cost between $75-80, while the others range from $53 to over $100. These straps are made in the USA and have a fantastic reputation for being durable and effective.
If you want an easy-to-use, versatile lifting strap with a flap design, Versa Gripps are my top pick. They aren’t as effective for heavy lifting, but they excel elsewhere.
Pros
- Excellent reputation with great reviews
- Versatile and easy to use
- No-slip flap feels very secure
- Prevents skin damage
- Made in the USA
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Expensive compared to others
- Not great for heavy lifting
Best Leather Lifting Straps: Rogue Leather Lifting Straps
The Rogue Leather Lifting Straps are 20" long, made in the USA, and available in black or tan. These are secure, durable, and attractive straps.
Key Specs
- Type: Lasso
- Material: Leather
- Length: 20″
- Width: 1.5″
- Size Range: One Size Fits All
- Color: Black or Tan
Summary
I’ve been using the Rogue Leather Lifting Straps since 2017. They’ve performed well and have held up strongly… until that one time I cut one up to prototype a product idea.
The obvious difference between these straps and others is that they use leather instead of cotton or nylon. Leather is a durable material with some nice qualities for a lifting strap, including durability, aesthetics, and even smell.
In terms of durability, leather falls between cotton and nylon, in my experience. They can accommodate heavier lifts better than some softer cotton straps, but they aren’t the best option for ultra-heavy lifts.
Unlike other lasso straps that are fairly comfortable right away, leather can be stiff and quite uncomfortable at first. There is a definite break-in period with these straps, but once you get through that, they mold around your wrist. Like nylon, leather does a poor job of controlling moisture, which can pose issues for individuals who sweat a lot.
Aesthetically, leather has a unique look that stands out among fabric straps. These straps from Rogue are available in black or tan. I’ve owned both, but I prefer the tan for the natural patina they develop over time.
Pricewise, leather straps are more expensive, but regardless of which color you buy from Rogue, they’re priced the same. Ultimately, I recommend these to lifters who want and appreciate leather. While these are strong straps, the performance doesn’t justify the price premium for most people.
Pros
- 20″ length creates great support
- Leather is very durable
- More comfortable than nylon after a break-in period
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Limited color options
- Doesn’t control moisture well
- More expensive than cotton/nylon
Best Figure 8 Lifting Straps: Gymreapers Figure 8 Straps
The Gymreapers Figure 8 Straps are ideal for Strongman and heavy deadlifts. These cotton straps are easy to use and available in three sizes.
Key Specs
- Type: Figure 8
- Material: Cotton
- Length: Varies
- Width: 1.5″
- Size Range: Small (<6″), Medium (6″-7.5″), Large (>7.5″)
- Color: Black
Summary
The Gymreapers Figure 8 Lifting Straps are well-priced, durable, and effective for heavy training.
Figure 8 straps are some of the easiest straps to use because there’s nothing to continually wrap around the bar. You can set these up in only a couple of seconds, making them much faster than lasso-style straps.
These straps are mostly found in Strongman/woman training, but they’re great for heavy deadlifts, rows, and rack pulls. Aside from how easy they are to use, my favorite feature is that there’s nothing between your hand and the barbell. Therefore, you can get the benefits of a lifting strap while also enjoying the full knurling experience of your favorite barbell.
The Gymreapers Figure 8 Straps are made of cotton and come in three sizes ranging from wrists less than 6″ to over 7.5″. While the straps are flexible, the angle of tension is different from other straps, so they may be less comfortable for people with pain on the inner side of the wrists.
Sizing can also be a bit awkward with figure 8 straps in general. I recommend sizing down if you’re close to two sizes to ensure a secure fit.
Despite these being some of the strongest straps you can buy, a downside is that they’re less versatile. Again, I recommend these to strongman/woman athletes and those lifting heavy from the floor (deadlifts, rows, etc.).
Like the Gymreapers Lifting Straps, their Figure 8 Straps have a guaranteed lifetime replacement.
Pros
- Excellent security
- Great for heavy deadlifts and rows
- Easy to use
- Comfortable cotton construction
Cons
- Size options introduce possible fit issues for some users
- Not as versatile as other straps
Most Durable Lifting Straps: IronMind Lifting Straps
The IronMind Lifting Straps are some of the most respected nylon straps on the market. They're ideal for Strongman and powerlifting because of their strength and durability.
Key Specs
- Type: Lasso
- Material: Nylon
- Length: 21.25″
- Width: 1.5″
- Size Range: One Size Fits All
- Color: Royal Blue
Summary
IronMind Straps are a household name in the strongman community. These straps have been used by some of the most elite strength athletes in the world, including Brian Shaw, Hafthor Bjornsson, and many more.
The IronMind straps are built with heavy-duty nylon, making them stiffer and more durable than cotton or leather. The overall craftsmanship is outstanding, with quality stitching and consistent edging. Each strap is 19.25″ long, which creates a secure grip and an easier setup.
The downside to these straps is that they aren’t nearly as comfortable as others. Not only is nylon generally more coarse, but these straps don’t have any inside protective features like neoprene. That’s normal for nylon straps, but it’s something to consider if you have sensitive skin or wrists.
Another thing to keep in mind is that nylon doesn’t handle moisture well and is naturally a slicker material than cotton or leather. If you’re using a well-knurled bar, this likely won’t matter, but smooth surfaces may require chalk.
IronMind straps have been around since 2000. They have a fantastic reputation and are known for being durable. You’ll pay slightly more for these than other lasso-style nylon straps, but you’re getting a durable and respected product. These are also made in the USA.
Pros
- Tried and true straps built for heavy lifting
- Nylon construction is more durable than others
- Popular for Strongman and Powerlifting
- Good strap length for security and speed
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Not as comfortable as others
- Doesn’t control moisture well
- Single color option
Best Lifting Straps with Hooks: Grip Power Pads Pro
The Grip Power Pads Pro Hooks are an easy-to-use option with a coated steel hook to protect the palms and create security.
Key Specs
- Type: Hook
- Material: Nylon, Neoprene, & Rubber
- Width: 2.75″
- Size Range: Men & Women
- Color: Multiple
Summary
The Grip Power Pads Pro Hooks are some of the easiest lifting straps to use because there’s nothing to wrap around the shaft. A steel hook extends from the wrist support to attach to your bar, making setup almost immediate.
While these straps are easy to use, they’re not as versatile as others. I like them more for bodybuilding movements, but I don’t recommend them for heavy lifting or dynamic movements. The hooks have a non-slip coating that works reasonably well, but they may slide on some movements. For example, performing dumbbell rows at a slight angle with these hooks led to some slippage, which you won’t experience with other styles.
Because the hook is made of rigid, formed steel, the weight may sit differently depending on shaft diameter. For example, a 34mm dumbbell handle rests differently in the hook than a 28mm barbell. On the other hand, it effectively creates the same diameter for every shaft, which may appeal to some lifters.
One of the best use cases of the Grip Power Pads Pro is for adaptive lifters. Individuals with hand deformations can benefit from hooks like this because they don’t require wrapping and are generally more accessible. Depending on how heavy you’re lifting, you may not need to use your fingers/grip at all since the hook handles the load for you.
The Grip Power Pads Pro are surprisingly affordable at ~$20. I don’t recommend them to lifters looking for maximum versatility, but they’re a good choice for speed and adaptive users.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Useful for individuals with adaptive needs
- Protects skin
- Multiple color options
- Non-slip coating over steel hook
Cons
- May be awkward if you’re using shafts with multiple diameters
- Not great for heavy lifting
- Not as versatile as others
Best Lifting Grips: Gymreapers Lifting Grips
The Gymreapers Lifting Grips are versatile grips with non-slip flaps to protect the hands. They perform best on bodybuilding-type movements.
Key Specs
- Type: Wrap
- Material: Nylon & Rubber
- Length: 6.25″
- Width: 3.5″
- Size Range: Small (5″-6.5″), Medium (6.5″-8″), Large (8″+)
- Color: Black, Red, Ranger Green
Summary
The Gymreapers Lifting Grips are a more affordable and efficiently-sized version of the Versa Gripps.
These grips use a straight wrist enclosure with three sizes ranging from wrist diameters of 5″ to over 8″. Like other straps with size options, I recommend sizing down if you’re between sizes. Setting these straps up is straightforward and very similar to the Versa Gripps with the 6.25″ flap length.
These lifting grips are best used for bodybuilding movements, especially cable-based exercises like lat pulldowns, rows, etc. I also like them for lighter dumbbell movements, but they were lacking for heavy efforts with a barbell. I also like them for pull-ups since you get the added palm protection.
If you like the idea of the Versa Gripp style but don’t want to pay versa Gripp prices, these are a good choice. They come with a guaranteed lifetime replacement like the other Gymreapers lifting straps on this list.
Pros
- Versatile strap that can be used on many lifts
- Durable nylon construction
- Non-slip rubber flap feels secure
- Wrist enclosure is very comfortable
- Prevents hand damage
Cons
- More expensive than lasso and figure 8 straps
- Not as durable as Versa Gripps
Compare our Top Picks
Compare our selection of the best lifting straps below based on key specs. Scroll right to see more.
Gymreapers Straps See More | Element 26 Straps See More | Rogue Ohio Straps See More | DMoose Lifting Straps See More | Versa Gripps Pro See More | Rogue Leather Straps See More | Gymreapers Figure 8 See More | IronMind Straps See More | Grip Power Pads Pro See More | Gymreapers Grips See More |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Award | Best for Most | Runner-Up | Best Powerlifting | Best Budget | Best Premium | Best Leather | Best Figure 8 | Most Durable | Best w/ Hooks | Best Grips |
| Type | Lasso | Lasso | Lasso | Lasso | Wrap | Lasso | Figure 8 | Lasso | Hook | Wraps |
| Material | Cotton | Cotton | Cotton or Nylon | Cotton | Nylon | Leather | Cotton | Nylon | Nylon/Steel | Nylon/Rubber |
| Length | 18″ | 23″ | 20″ or 22.5″ | 24″ | 6.25″ | 20″ | Varies | 21.25″ | N/A | 6.25″ |
| Width | 1.5″ | 1.6″ | 1.5″ | 1.5″ | 3.25″ | 1.5″ | 1.5″ | 1.5″ | 2.75″ | 3.5″ |
| Colors | 9 | Black | Black | 8 | 10 | Black or Tan | Black | Royal Blue | 10 | 3 |
Benefits of Lifting Straps
Reduces Grip Fatigue
The biggest benefit of lifting straps is that they reduce grip fatigue. Nothing is more frustrating than physically being able to lift heavier or longer, but failing because your grip gives out. Lifting straps transfer the load from your hands to the straps, meaning your grip can’t be a limiting factor.
Improves Strength & Technique
Studies have shown that wearing lifting straps can increase max strength, velocity, and force (1). Additionally, another study showed that wearing lifting straps with a weightlifting belt improves deadlift kinematics, time to complete, and rating of perceived exertion (2).
Muscle Isolation
By removing grip fatigue from the equation, lifters can focus on proper muscle contraction and isolation. This mind-muscle connection can be a powerful asset when training for hypertrophy, but it’s helpful in all training aspects.
Wrist Support & Palm Protection
Some lifting straps include wrist support and palm protection. Wrapping the wrists with a supportive enclosure can help lifters with wrists issues during pushing movements. Additionally, it can increase general comfort for some lifters when traditionally used for pulling movements.
While straps inherently have some level of palm protection, some are better than others. Hooks and flaps, for example, are especially good at preventing skin damage. By protecting the hands, lifters can increase volume and frequency, benefiting overall performance.
Types of Lifting Straps
Lasso
Best for: Powerlifting, Strongman, & Bodybuiding | Versatility: Good | Security: Great | Ease of Use: Good | Price: $10-$25
The most common type of lifting strap is the lasso strap. With a small loop at one end, the lifter threads the other end through it to create a larger loop for the wrist. The remaining strap extends from the palm and wraps around the bar.
Lasso straps are the most versatile, and I recommend them to most lifters. They’re ideal for barbell and dumbbell training and are great for beginners and high-level athletes alike.
The downsides to lasso straps are that they take longer to set up, and they aren’t made for lifts where you have to release the bar quickly (e.g., Olympic weightlifting).
Figure 8
Best for: Powerlifting & Strongman | Versatility: Good | Security: Great | Ease of Use: Great | Price: $15-$35
Figure 8 lifting straps are also popular, especially in the strongman/woman community. With two large loops, you position the strap under the bar and feed your hand through both loops. Then, offset your hand to grip the barbell and allow the straps to handle the load.
Figure 8 straps are an excellent choice for heavy deadlifts because of their security. They’re also among the most durable types of lifting straps.
The downsides to Figure 8 straps are that they don’t provide hand protection, and they can’t be released quickly.
Single-Loop
Best for: Olympic Lifting & CrossFit | Versatility: Fair | Security: Fair | Ease of Use: Great | Price: $10-$20
The single-loop strap, also known as the speed strap, is one-half of a figure 8 lifting strap. By sliding your hand through the loop and placing the strap under the bar, you can wrap the remaining strap around the bar to secure it.
This type of strap isn’t as versatile as others and may not provide as much security, depending on the length. I don’t recommend it to those looking for a maximum grip advantage unless you’re using it for Olympic weightlifting, where a quick release is necessary.
Hook/Flap
Best for: Bodybuilding & Recreational Lifting | Versatility: Good | Security: Good | Ease of Use: Great | Price: $20-$100+
Hook or Flap lifting straps are secured at the wrists and have hooks or straps that extend from the inner wrist. Hooks are made with steel and coated with a no-slip texture, while flaps are flexible to wrap around the shaft.
The biggest benefit of these straps is that they’re fast to use. Hooks are generally better for bodybuilding-type movements, making them less versatile. Flaps have a greater utility and feel more natural in the hand.
Lifting Strap Materials
Cotton
Styles: Lasso, Single-Loop, & Figure 8 | Comfort: Great | Durability: Good | Moisture Control: Great
Cotton is the most common lifting strap material and carries a couple of benefits. First, cotton is comfortable on the skin because of its softer characteristics. While some cotton straps are thicker and stiffer than others, they’re generally comfortable out of the box. If anything, a short break-in period will help loosen the fibers.
Second, cotton absorbs moisture far better than other materials. You’ll likely appreciate this if you sweat a lot.
You may also find a piece of neoprene sewn into the inner lining when buying cotton lifting straps. This piece sits on the upper wrist and further increases comfort.
The downside to cotton straps is that they aren’t as durable under heavy lifting. If you’re pulling serious weight, I recommend nylon or stiff cotton straps like the Element 26 Lifting Straps.
Nylon
Styles: Lasso, Single-Loop, Figure 8, & Hook/Flap | Comfort: Good | Durability: Great | Moisture Control: Poor
Nylon lifting straps are slightly less common than cotton, but they’re a great and popular choice. The main benefits of nylon are strength and durability. Nylon has a stiffer fiber profile with less stretch, making it an ideal choice for heavy lifting. For example, the IronMind Lifting Straps have been a staple in Strongman competitions for years.
The biggest downside of nylon is that it’s not as comfortable as cotton or leather. The coarse texture can cause chaffing for some lifters, while the stiffer fabric can irritate others. Nylon will break in and become more comfortable, but not to the same level as the others.
Another drawback of nylon is that it doesn’t control moisture well, which may cause problems for sweaty individuals.
Leather
Styles: Lasso & Single-Loop | Comfort: Good | Durability: Good | Moisture Control: Poor
Leather is a less common material for lifting straps. It gets mixed reviews in terms of comfort, depending on thickness and leather quality. Of course, softer leather is more comfortable, but it may not be as durable. On the plus side, leather offers a beautiful, natural aesthetic that ages nicely.
Leather straps are generally limited to lasso and single-loop styles, which makes them less versatile. They also do a poor job of controlling moisture and are more expensive than others.
While leather is a strong and durable material, it doesn’t perform as well as nylon or cotton and may show signs of wear and tear more quickly.
How to Pick Lifting Straps
Here are a few of the most important factors to consider when buying a pair of lifting straps:
Purpose
The most important thing to consider when buying lifting straps is how you plan to use them. Are you a powerlifter, bodybuilder, CrossFitter, strongman, or just someone looking to incorporate straps into your regular training? Knowing this will guide you toward the right type of strap. As a general reference, I recommend the following styles:
- Powerlifters: Lasso or Figure 8
- Weightlifters: Single Loop or Hook/Flap
- CrossFitters/Functional Athletes: Single Loop or Hook/Flap
- Bodybuilders/Recreational Lifters: Any style
Material
When selecting the best lifting strap material, consider your lifting style, comfort needs, and how much you sweat. Cotton is the best material for most people, but I recommend nylon for heavy lifters and leather for those wanting a premium look.
Durability
While the strap material largely influences durability, you should also pay attention to stitch quality and edging. Loose threads or stitched seams too close to the edge may indicate long-term durability concerns. Additionally, fraying at the seams or edges may create durability issues.
Lifting straps will naturally deteriorate over time depending on various factors, including material, frequency of use, training intensity, etc. Some companies offer replacement guarantees, which is a great benefit.
Size
Some lifting straps have size ranges based on wrist diameter. While lasso and single-loop straps are one-size-fits-all, hook/flap and figure 8 straps have different sizes. Use a flexible tape measure to measure your wrist and follow the manufacturer’s size guide. If you’re close to two sizes, I recommend sizing down to get the best balance of fit and security.
Length
Length is most important on lasso lifting straps, but it can also play a role in single-loop straps. On lasso straps, I recommend 18″-22″ for most. Shorter straps are easier to use but may not provide the same security. Conversely, longer straps have more security, but they create more bulk in the hand and take longer to set up.
On single-loop straps, I recommend a minimum of 7.5″ to allow the strap to fully wrap around the bar and through the palm. Individuals with thicker wrists may consider longer straps to ensure ample security.
Budget
Lifting straps are some of the most affordable training tools you can buy. While premium straps, like the Versa Gripps Extreme, can cost $100+, most cost less than $25. Generally, single-loop and lasso straps are the least expensive, followed by figure 8 straps and hook/flap straps.
Honorable Mentions
- Warm Body Cold Mind Cotton Straps: The WBCM straps held a top spot on this list for over a year until they were replaced by the Element 26 straps. These 22″ cotton straps are well-constructed and include a leather patch to prevent the ends fraying. They’re also available in multiple colors. However, the Element 26 straps had similar build quality, a longer length, and the insertion guide at a more affordable price.
- Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps: The Harbinger Lifting Straps are the most reviewed lifting straps on Amazon. They’re a nice budget option, but I didn’t include them on this list because they reduced the thickness, which created some concerns with durability. These are worth a look if you’re shopping on a very tight budget and only using straps for light training. Otherwise, I recommend sticking to the ones that made the list.
- Cobra Grips Pro: The Cobra Grips Pro are a great alternative to the Versa Gripps. They get their name from their unique cobra-shaped flap. With excellent reviews, a lower cost, and multiple color options, they’re a very nice option for those looking for this style of lifting strap.
- Weightlifting House Wrist Straps: The Weightlifting House Wrist Straps are a solid choice if you’re looking for a single-loop strap for snatches and pulls. I didn’t include any single-loop straps in the main list because they’re the least secure straps you can buy. However, they have a quick release and are ideal for some Olympic movements. These specific straps are made of cotton and have a good length for most people.
- Grip Power Pad Rod Hooks: The Grip Power Pad Rod Hooks are an alternative to the hooks that made this list from the same company. The difference is that these have two individual hooks instead of a single, wide hook. I didn’t include them in the main list because the gap between the hooks can feel awkward, but they’re slightly less expensive and are better for adaptive users.
FAQs About Weightlifting Straps
What Exercises Work Best for Lifting Straps?
Any pulling movement that stresses your grip is a candidate for lifting straps. Deadlifts, rows, and shoulder shrugs are three of the most common exercises. Additionally, using straps on cable movements is a great way to isolate the target muscles and remove grip fatigue.
What is the Best Type of Lifting Strap?
While sport specificity is important, cotton or nylon lasso lifting straps are the best for most people. They’re effective, durable, and affordable. However, strongman/woman competitors may prefer figure 8 lifting straps, while bodybuilders may prefer hooks. Furthermore, Olympic weightlifters might opt for single-loop straps for speed.
Will Lifting Straps Make me Stronger?
Some studies have shown a correlation with increased velocity, force, and power when using lifting straps. Because they eliminate grip fatigue, you may be able to lift heavier if grip is a limiting factor for you. Additionally, your volume and overall workload may improve, which can improve your strength levels.
References
- Hori, N., Appleby, B.B., Andrews, W.A., & Nosaka, K. (2010). The effect of lifting straps on peak velocity, force, and power during clean pull.
- Fong, S. S. M., Chung, L. M. Y., Gao, Y., Lee, J. C. W., Chang, T. C., & Ma, A. W. W. (2022). The influence of weightlifting belts and wrist straps on deadlift kinematics, time to complete a deadlift and rating of perceived exertion in male recreational weightlifters: An observational study.