If you don’t, you may find yourself suffering from an injury that won’t only be incredibly painful, but that will keep you from training for at least a few weeks.
To stop this from happening, it’s a good idea to add a pair of Olympic weightlifting straps to your gym bag. These are designed to improve your grip, helping you pull more weight, and ensuring that you’re safe and comfortable throughout every training session or competition.
However, a quick search online for Olympic weightlifting straps will pull up thousands of results, and each of them will claim to be better than the last. This doesn’t only make the shopping process confusing, but it can eat into a lot of your time as well.
That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you! Below, you’ll find our list of the best Olympic weightlifting straps. Each of these is ideal for helping you reach your weightlifting goals and they’ll reduce your risk of developing an injury as you hit each new milestone.
Let’s start by taking a look at our top choice. If you’re looking for comfort as well as increased grip, these Padded Lifting Straps from Harbinger are a great choice.
They are made from cotton, and also feature NeoTek cushion wrist pads to ensure you’re comfortable and supported as you take on those heavy lifts.
Measuring 21.5-inches when fully extended, these weightlifting straps give you the ability to wrap them around the bar several times. This, along with their 1.5-inch width, helps you establish a wider grip surface.
These lifting straps have been designed with durability in mind, too. They feature heavy-duty stitching throughout as well as merrowed-end tabs that prevent them from fraying over time.
Despite their quality, these straps are fairly inexpensive, so they would be an excellent choice for anybody working with a limited budget.
You can also choose between various colors and designs. This makes it easier to spot which straps are yours when they’re loose in the gym and allows you to inject a little personality into your workout.
Pros:
Durable & comfortable - the cotton construction isn’t too rough against your skin and ensures that the straps don’t easily break
Neotek wrist pads - provides further comfort and support while you’re lifting
21.5-inches long and 1.5-inches thick - allows you to create an increased grip surface
Merrowed-end tabs & heavy-duty stitching - stops the straps from fraying over time
Available in multiple colors & patterns - makes it easier to spot your wrist straps in a crowded gym
Cons:
Take a while to loosen up - you may find that they are a little stiff the first few times you use them
Constructed from specially designed premium-grade cotton, these Lifting Straps from Rip Toned are strong, flexible, and ready to use straight out of the box. This means you won’t have to spend any time breaking them in, and you can head straight to the weight rack to try them out.
They are also really comfortable to use and feature Soft-Tech Neoprene wrist padding. This doesn’t only ensure comfort, though. It also adds support and allows you to lift heavier weights while reducing the risk of injuring yourself.
These weightlifting straps measure 23-inches when fully extended and are 4-inches wide. This gives you the ability to wrap them around the bar several times, increasing the grip surface, and making it easier to lift those super heavy weights. They can also be used on all types of gym equipment including dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, and pull-up bars.
They are available in a wide choice of colors which makes it easier to identify them if you accidentally leave them at the gym. They also come with a lifetime warranty included, which acts as a testament to their quality and performance.
Constructed from specially designed premium-grade cotton, these Lifting Straps from Rip Toned are strong, flexible, and ready to use straight out of the box. This means you won’t have to spend any time breaking them in, and you can head straight to the weight rack to try them out.
They are also really comfortable to use and feature Soft-Tech Neoprene wrist padding. This doesn’t only ensure comfort, though. It also adds support and allows you to lift heavier weights while reducing the risk of injuring yourself.
These weightlifting straps measure 23-inches when fully extended and are 4-inches wide. This gives you the ability to wrap them around the bar several times, increasing the grip surface, and making it easier to lift those super heavy weights. They can also be used on all types of gym equipment including dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, and pull-up bars.
They are available in a wide choice of colors which makes it easier to identify them if you accidentally leave them at the gym. They also come with a lifetime warranty included, which acts as a testament to their quality and performance.
Pros:
No breaking in period - the premium-grade cotton construction is strong, flexible, and ready to use straight away
Soft-Tech Neoprene wrist padding - provides comfort and protection while you lift
Measures 23-inches long and 4-inches wide - perfect for creating an increased grip surface across a bar
Available in multiple colors - makes it easy to identify them if you misplace them
Comes with a lifetime warranty - so you know they’re of the highest quality possible
Cons:
May be slightly too long for some people - while the 23-inch length is good for creating an increased grip surface, you may find that you have excess straps hanging that can be distracting
Constructed from highly durable cotton, these Lifting Wrist Straps from Gymreapers have been “created by athletes, for athletes'' and will give you the power to take on really heavy weights safely. You’ll also be kept comfortable at all times, and they won’t pinch or dig into your skin.
Further comfort is provided in the form of Neoprene wrist padding. This also adds stability to your wrists and allows you to tackle heavy weights with a reduced risk of accidentally injuring yourself.
Despite being so comfortable, these weightlifting straps are incredibly tough. They won’t rip or tear easily, and they have a weight capacity of up to 600lbs. They also measure 18-inches in length, which is perfect for creating a large grip surface without too much excess getting in your way.
A lifetime warranty is included with these weightlifting straps. So, in the highly unlikely event of something going wrong, you can rest assured that you’re covered for an immediate replacement. You can also choose from a variety of colors, giving you the opportunity to match them with the rest of your gym attire.
Pros:
600lb pull force - perfect for taking on those heavy, Olympic weights
Tough cotton construction - ensures both durability and comfort
Neoprene wrist padding - provides further comfort and helps keep your wrists protected while you lift
Measure 18-inches when fully extended - ideal for creating a large grip surface with minimal excess overhang
Includes a lifetime warranty - gives you the ultimate peace of mind about their quality
Cons:
Need to be broken in - as the cotton is so tough, it may take few training sessions for these wrist straps to start feeling comfortable and fully flexible
If you’re looking for ultimate durability, these Anvil Fitness Lifting Straps could be the perfect addition to your gym gear.
They are made from super-strong cotton, and feature cross-stitched end details that give them the strength to help you take on heavier loads. They also have hemmed ends, which prevents them from fraying over time.
This durability doesn’t mean that comfort has been sacrificed, though. The cotton used to make them is soft on your skin and won’t pinch or dig in while you’re lifting. They also feature 5mm thick Neoprene padding to add further comfort to your wrists and help keep them supported.
You can also adjust the wrist-loops to fit your hands better, which is something that a lot of brands don’t think about, choosing instead to take the “one size fits all” approach. Being able to adjust the wrist-loops also makes it much easier to get the straps on and off.
The weightlifting straps measure 22-inches in length and are 1.5-inches wide. This gives you the ability to create a large grip surface, and may even be enough to cover the entire bar if needed. They are also available in a choice of three colors, so there is an option for every taste.
Pros:
Super durable - made from premium-quality cotton and feature cross-stitched ends for extra durability
Hemmed ends - there’s also a reduced risk of them fraying over time, adding to their durability
5mm-thick Neoprene padding - provides comfort and ensures your wrists are supported while you lift
Adjustable wrist loops - allows you to create a better fit and makes it easier to get them on and off
18-inches long and 1.5-inches wide - gives you the ability to create an increased grip surface with minimal overhang
Cons:
Feel stiff at first - like most weightlifting straps, these take a little while to break in and it can take a few training sessions before they begin to feel fully comfortable
As you start making your way towards the super heavy weights, you’ll need a pair of weight lifting straps that aren’t only comfortable, but that are capable of withstanding the weight you're lifting.
This is where the Serious Steel Figure-8 Straps are a great choice. With a pull force of 1000lbs, they are every Olympic weightlifter’s dream accessory!
Their figure-8 design makes them easier to put on quickly too, as there are no straps or loops to contend with. Simply slip one hand through the back of the strap, loop the other end underneath the bar, and slide your wrist through the other end. Then, when you’re ready, lift. It’s really that easy!
This design means that they can be used with all types of free weights as well as weight machines, so they’re ideal for both competing and training. They are also incredibly durable and are constructed from super-strong cotton with reinforced seams. This means they’ll be able to take loads of abuse without getting damaged.
These weightlifting straps come in a choice of three sizes; 60cm, 70cm, and 80cm. This gives you the opportunity to find the perfect size for your needs, rather than having to adjust them or worry about excess overhang getting in the way.
Pros:
1000lb pull force - ideal for lifting super heavy weights
Incredibly durable - made from super-strong, high-quality cotton and finished with reinforced seams
Feature double and cross reinforced stitching - provides even more strength and durability
Figure-8 design - easier to put on and off, and makes them suitable for use with free weights and weight machines
Available in three sizes - allows you to find the perfect size for your wrists
Also features double & cross reinforced stitching for added strength and durability
Cons:
1-year warranty - while this is still generous, it’s not as long as the lifetime warranty offered by some other brands
Best Olympic Weightlifting Straps Buying Guide
It might seem as though purchasing a pair of Olympic weightlifting straps is a fairly straightforward task. After all, they’re all designed to do the same thing; help keep you supported and comfortable while you take on heavier lifts.
However, there is a little more to it than meets the eye! From material to their overall design, we’ll take a look at some of the most important things you need to pay attention to when you’re shopping for Olympic wrist straps. Taking the extra time to do this will help you find the best choice for your individual needs, and save you time and money in the long run.
Material
This is something that’s often overlooked, but the material that your Olympic weightlifting straps are made of is an incredibly important thing to look into. There are two materials that are most frequently used to make Olympic weightlifting straps; cotton and leather. Each is durable, but each is slightly different from the other.
Of the two, cotton is the most common material used to make Olympic weightlifting straps. It’s a good choice to go for, too. It’s super comfortable and will provide you with a decent amount of grip strength, even when you’re tackling heavy weights.
Cotton is also a great material for anybody that sweats quite a lot while they lift, as it absorbs moisture. This means that there’s a reduced chance of your steps slipping further up your wrists while you lift, and they’ll generally feel more comfortable.
Cotton isn’t without its downsides, though. Over time, it can stretch and become slack, especially if you’re lifting incredibly heavy weights. However, many Olympic weightlifting straps come with a lifetime warranty included. So, if you do find that they are starting to stretch, you should be able to get them replaced for free and without any objections from the brand.
However, leather does come with a much higher price tag than cotton. This means that they aren’t the best choice for somebody working on a limited budget. They also don’t absorb sweat and, instead, will wick it away. This means there’s a higher chance of them slipping around your wrists while you lift.
Length & Width
Olympic weightlifting straps come in a variety of different lengths and widths. This might not seem like something you need to pay too much attention to, but it’s actually really important. There are two reasons for this.
Secondly, the longer and wider your Olympic weightlifting straps are, the more times you’ll be able to wrap them around the bar. Doing this gives you the ability to create a larger grip surface, which is essential when you’re using a bar without knurling.
Another important thing to think about when looking at the length and width of your lifting straps is that they won’t leave too much excess overhang when you’ve finished wrapping them around the bar. This could potentially get in your way and cause an accident.
The ideal length for a set of Olympic weightlifting straps is between 18-inches and 23-inches, and the ideal width would be between 1.5-inches and 4-inches. However, the actual measurements will be personal to you and based on your specific training needs. If you’re unsure, ask a fellow weightlifter if you can try theirs on for size.
Olympic weightlifting straps that have built-in padding (usually in the form of Neoprene) will also provide you with extra comfort while you lift. In turn, you’ll be able to concentrate on your form and technique more, rather than worrying about your straps digging into your skin or pinching you.
Design
Finally, it’s worth looking into the different designs that you’re being offered from your potential new Olympic weightlifting straps. There are loads of different colors and patterns to choose from, but there's more than just aesthetic appeal to this.
If you have a brightly colored pair of Olympic weightlifting straps, or if they are a unique pattern, it will make them much easier to identify if you accidentally leave them behind. You’re also given the opportunity to add some personality to your workout as well as making that workout selfie really stand out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is using Olympic weightlifting straps considered cheating?
