Best weightlifting straps: Expert picks for achieving strength goals

Best lifting straps for weightlifting - (Pexels)

Weightlifting straps are a must for anyone serious about smashing strength-training goals. Whether you’re pulling heavy deadlifts, rows, or extra reps on pull-ups, these simple yet effective tools can make a big difference to your fitness routine. By taking the strain off your grip, straps let you lift heavier and train harder without your hands giving out first.

Paired well with a weightlifting belt, they offer a mess-free alternative to chalk; no clouds of powder, just pure lifting power. Beyond keeping your gym bag cleaner, they’re useful for protecting your hands and letting you focus on building strength.

What do weightlifting straps do?

Weightlifting straps are a simple accessory for strength training particularly for powerlifters and bodybuilders. They are designed to improve your grip by wrapping around your wrists and the barbell or dumbbell, reducing the strain on your hands and forearms during heavy lifts.

By taking the pressure off your grip, straps allow you to lift heavier weights and focus on the targeted muscle groups without grip fatigue limiting your performance. They’re particularly useful for pulling exercises like deadlifts, rows, and pull-ups, where grip strength can often become the weak link.

Think of weightlifting straps as a way to push past plateaus, allowing you to train harder while reducing the risk of slipping or dropping weights. Whether you’re a seasoned bodybuilder or a casual lifter, they can help you maximise your strength potential.

Expert tips for using a weightlifting strap

To help you make the most of your training sessions, we’ve compiled a guide to the best weightlifting straps, alongside expert tips from Gymbox's personal training manager, Adam Hamilton.

How to choose the best weightlifting straps

When selecting straps, consider factors such as material, length and type. Cotton straps are highly durable and great for most lifters, while leather straps offer more rigidity and support for extremely heavy lifts. For convenience, look for straps with added padding or ergonomic features for enhanced comfort during extended sessions.

The right straps will depend on your lifting style. For example, Olympic lifters may prefer shorter, thinner straps for quick adjustments. Meanwhile, powerlifters might favour thicker straps for maximum durability and grip.

How we tested

From professional bodybuilders like myself and my ultra-strong weightlifting friends who can shift the equivalent of a small car, I put these straps to the test in different settings, including Gymbox and London's bodybuilding gym, Zone. With a mix of heavy lifters and casual gym-goers, the ES Best Shopping team and fellow bodybuilding friends assessed each strap for its performance across different levels of training.

We focused on key factors like material quality, comfort during extended sessions, and durability under heavy loads. Whether it was a big bodybuilding pro or someone looking for a lightweight option, we made sure to consider every type of lifter’s needs.

Best weightlifting straps at a glance

Read on for more.

Gorilla Wear Leather Lifting Straps

Best for: grip versatility

These straps are designed to reduce grip fatigue, helping you lift heavier weights while protecting your wrists and lowering the risk of injury. Their high-quality leather construction means that I can withstand intense workouts even until my very last exercise of the session.

The rugged yet polished design, featuring stitched labels and a stamped Gorilla Wear logo gives a more premium look. Whether you're hitting a deadlift PR or perfecting your barbell rows, these straps provide the support you need.

These straps are made with a 4cm width that offers superior grip and comfort. Versatile enough for deadlifts, rack pulls, barbell rows, and more, they are a reliable addition to any workout routine.

Buy now £26.99, Gorilla Wear

Built For Athletes Lifting Straps

Best for: athletes

Literally built for athletes, this brand is a favourite among Hyrox competitors, weightlifters, bodybuilders and CrossFitters. These leather lifting straps are made with premium materials to provide both comfort and durability for hardcore workouts.

Tested to be as strong as the athletes who use them, they offer the support you need to push past your limits. Whether you're lifting super heavy or powering through functional fitness circuits, these straps are built to keep up with your goals.

Buy now £24.99, Built For Athletes

Myprotein Suede Lifting Straps

Best for: suede style

The Myprotein Suede Lifting Straps are a must-have for anyone looking to lift heavier without spending too much. Designed for a secure grip, these straps are perfect for pull movements like deadlifts or rows, providing the extra grip support you need to push past limits.

Padded for enhanced comfort, they are designed so that you stay focused on your performance without distractions. Durable and versatile, they’re an essential addition to any gym kit and ideal for all types of weightlifting. Whether you're an experienced lifter or just starting out, these are an affordable set for any gymgoer.

Buy now £10.99, Myprotein

Gymshark Silicone Lifting Straps

Best for: style

Known for bringing fashion to fitness, Gymshark’s attention to aesthetics is evident in these straps, with a finish that not only performs but looks premium in any gym setup.

Designed to reduce grip fatigue during heavy pull movements like deadlifts and rows, they feature silicone strips for enhanced grip and padded material for maximum comfort. Made from durable polyester, these straps are built to handle intense training sessions while adding a touch of style to your workout gear. Gymshark’s reputation for creating gym essentials with both style and function makes these a standout choice.

Buy now £15.00, Gymshark

Adidas Weight Lifting Straps

Best for: weight training

The Adidas weightlifting straps are a top choice for athletes who value both function and design. Known for its iconic sportswear, Adidas delivers durability and comfort with these straps, crafted from durable woven materials and featuring neoprene padding to protect your wrists during intense training.

Whether you’re tackling heavy deadlifts, barbell rows or other grip-heavy lifts, these straps are designed to secure your connection to the bar while reducing grip fatigue. With their minimalist look, they’re not just a tool but a style-conscious accessory.

Buy now £9.99, Decathlon

RDX Sports Lifting Straps

Best for: durability

Not only is there a good colour and pattern selection on offer at RDX Sports, but these straps are super durable. Designed with a blend of elastic and high-quality cotton, these straps deliver comfort, sweat-wicking properties, and durability to withstand high-level sessions. They provided me with a stronger grip and a secure wrist position, which helped reduce the risk of injury during strenuous lifts.

With a 20.5-inch length and 1.5-inch width, these straps fit comfortably into your palm, while the wrist pad enhances traction between your hand and the bar. Engineered for sweat absorption, their design means that my grip stays dry and steady.

Buy now £10.99, RDX Sports

Bear Grip Figure 8 Lifting Straps

Best for: secure grip

Bear Grip is a brand I really love and is a favourite among professional bodybuilders who push the limits with extra-heavy lifts. Known for reliability and comfort, these straps are made from heavy-duty cotton webbing, offering exceptional durability and grip support.

Available in a variety of colours, styles and thicknesses, they suit a wide range of preferences while adding a touch of personality to your gym gear. The neoprene padding enhances comfort and stability, protecting your hands from abrasions and wrists from strain, even during maximum deadlifts or heavy shrugs.

Engineered with industrial-strength stitching, these straps provide unparalleled reinforcement, ensuring they hold strong through the most intense pulls.

Buy now £10.97, Bear Grip

Harbinger Padded Cotton Lift Straps

Best for: support

With soft Neotek wrist pads, the Harbinger Padded Cotton Lift Straps make heavy lifts so much more comfortable, cushioning my wrists and reducing irritation during intense sessions. At 21.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, these straps wrap securely around the bar, giving me a stronger grip and more control over my lifts.

What I love most is the durability. The heavy-duty stitching and reinforced edges ensure they hold up under heavy loads without fraying, even with regular use. Plus, the variety of colours like camo, merlot, and classic black adds a bit of personality to my gym gear.

Buy now £8.16, Amazon

Verdict

The Gorilla Wear Leather Lifting Straps are the ES Best choice for serious lifters because they deliver the perfect balance of functionality, durability and style. The high-quality leather construction ensures they can handle intense, heavy-duty workouts while reducing grip fatigue and providing exceptional wrist support.

With a versatile fit and dependable performance across various exercises, they help you to lift heavier and train harder with confidence.