Eleiko Weightlifting Belt Review (2024): Is This Premium Leather Belt Worth the Cost?

What’s in your gym bag? Opening up the typical lifter’s bag, you’d probably find lots of essentials: weightlifting shoes, wrist wraps, knee sleeves, and wrapped around it all—a weightlifting belt.

The best weightlifting belts are a must-have for anyone performing strength training regularly. These belts help remind lifters to brace, increasing intra-abdominal pressure, which can help in an athlete’s performance. Competitive lifters use them, too, whether for powerlifting or Olympic-style weightlifting.

One of the most popular brands for Olympic weightlifting is Eleiko—a premium brand providing high-quality products. Their weightlifting belts are no different, but does the quality match the cost? In our Eleiko Weightlifting Belt review, we’ll go over the company’s leather belt, discussing its durability and construction, to help determine if its high price suits your needs or not.

Thousands of Reps Tested in Weightlifting Belts

Our team of product testers are fitness fanatics, composed of certified personal trainers, lifting coaches, and lifelong athletes. When we’re not testing out home gym essentials or writing reviews about fitness equipment, you can bet we’re in the gym lifting something heavy or working out hard. Our team has a lot of experience with lifting belts because we practice a lot of what we preach about fitness.

Case in point: Our product tester Jacob Penner, USAW-L2, has used the Eleiko Weightlifting Leather Belt for over two years now, performing thousands of reps in snatches, squats, clean and jerks, and deadlifts. He’s gotten a handle on the quality of the belt, noting aspects of its performance, such as its:

• Durability and construction
• Versatility
• Comfort
• Adjustability
• Sizing and customization
• Overall value

Eleiko Weightlifting Leather Belt

Eleiko Leather Olympic Weightlifting Belt

GGR Score: 4.26

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Product Highlights

The Eleiko Olympic Weightlifing belt provides support when things get heavy! Our genuine split leather weightlifting belt with beveled edges, is 10 cm in back and tapers to 5 cm in front. This firm belt gives you just the stability and support you need when going for that extra rep or personal record.

Pros & Cons

Bottom Line

A Quick Look at the Eleiko Weightlifting Leather Belt

Headquartered in Sweden, Eleiko has quite a history in the sport of weightlifting. Starting off constructing small appliances, like waffle irons, Eleiko began to build competition barbells in 1957, with a knurling pattern inspired by their waffle irons. They’ve supplied plates and bars for many World Weightlifting Championships—some of which I’ve competed at. Over the years, they’ve garnered a reputation for premium products beyond their barbells and bumper plates.

The Eleiko Weightlifting Leather Belt continues the high level of craftsmanship in Eleiko products, using high-quality leather and a stainless steel buckle. The belts are handcrafted and have a simple, sleek design, but they’re made to last.

Before You Buy

• If you’re not looking for a leather weightlifting belt, the company also offers a thicker Eleiko Powerlifting Belt, as well as a hybrid lifting belt (formerly known as their EVA belt).
• Since Olympic weightlifting is a weight class sport, lifters of all shapes and sizes compete. That said, the sizing of the Eleiko Weightlifting Leather Belt is somewhat limited, meaning smaller and larger athletes may struggle to find a proper size.

Is the Eleiko Weightlifting Leather Belt Worth It?

At $140, this is one of the most expensive belts on the market, which shouldn’t be a surprise, since Eleiko is a premium, high-quality brand—notably with their Olympic barbell offerings. Leather belts are available on Amazon by brands like Harbinger and DMoose for under $40; likewise, nylon belts are available for half the cost, too.

So is the Eleiko belt worth the high price tag? Although the price may deter some folks from this purchase, if you’re looking for a belt that’ll last for years to come, this is worth it. 

Jacob says in his experience, “This is my favorite belt; it’s my go-to. I will wear it until it’s in shambles.” It’ll be a while before he wears it out, too, since he’s had it for more than two years and says it still looks brand new. He rates the value a 4 out of 5.

The belt may not be for everyone, aside from the price. Powerlifters may want a thicker, wider belt than the Eleiko belt, which is specifically designed to meet competitive weightlifting standards, not IPF standards. Also, those who prefer nylon belts may feel the leather belt is too constricting or rigid.

Eleiko Leather Weightlifting Belt Specs

Using the Eleiko Weightlifting Belt 

Our product tester and owner of Endless Strength Weightlifting, Jacob Penner, USAW-L2, has used the Eleiko Weightlifting Leather Belt for over two years now, primarily for Olympic weightlifting and barbell strength training—snatches, clean and jerks, squats, and pulls. He’s lifted over 400 pounds in the belt, and it supports just as well on those heavy loads.

The belt’s nearly 4 inches wide, and tapers at the front, to allow mobility for the Olympic lifts. Jacob recommends this mostly for Olympic lifters, saying, “Powerlifters tend to use more high-profile belts; the Eleiko belt is small enough that you can snatch with it and it wouldn’t get in the way. You can definitely use this for power lifts—I wear this for squats and deadlifts and it’s great—but true powerlifters may want something bigger and sturdier.”

RELATED: 13 Deadlift Benefits, According To An Olympian

That said, he adds that it can be worn for CrossFit-style workouts, jumping from exercise to exercise. “I could wear this for something like CrossFit, since you can adjust it quick enough—but you’d want to keep it on.” He rates the versatility of the belt a 4.5 out of 5.

One thing to note is that the Eleiko belt—as with any leather belt—will require a break-in period at first, usually a few weeks’ time. It will be very stiff at first, but over time will bend and flex a bit, allowing it to be a bit more comfortable.

Durability and Construction

Eleiko has a high standard when making their equipment, including their weightlifting belts. The handcrafted Eleiko Weightlifting Leather Belt is made of sustainably sourced rawhide. The belt is constructed with high-quality materials, like heavy-duty leather along with a stainless steel belt buckle and dual prongs.

The belt is made to last. Having used leather belts before (and using one currently), I can vouch that they’re long-lasting and provide the same level of support years later. Jacob’s experience with Eleiko’s leather belt is no different. “After over two years, it still looks brand new,” he explains. “This is super high-quality; I love this belt’s durability.” He rates the durability a perfect 5 out of 5.

RELATED: Dominion Starting Strength Leather Weightlifting Belt Review

Adjustability

The Eleiko Weightlifting Leather Belt has a stainless steel buckle with two prongs that insert into the holes punched into the belt. The adjustment mechanism is just like any other belt you’ve used, and once you’ve latched the belt to the holes, it won’t budge—providing optimal support during your lifts.

RELATED: When To Use a Weightlifting Belt

“I’ve never felt like I couldn’t get it to the right tension—sometimes I use the fifth hole, sometimes the sixth, but the holes are close enough together that this isn’t a concern at all,” Jacob says. “Still, it doesn’t have the micro-adjustments that something like a nylon Velcro belt would have.” He rates the adjustability of the belt a 4 out of 5.

Customization and Sizing

There aren’t a lot of customization options on the Eleiko belt. It comes in one of two colors—black or brown. Also, the sizing is somewhat limited, ranging from small to XXL. Smaller or larger athletes (like myself) may have trouble fitting into one of those sizes. For this reason, we rate the customization of the Eleiko Weightlifting Leather Belt a 3 out of 5.

In Jacob’s experience, the belt does run pretty true to size. He adds, “my belt is a medium, and it fits as it should. I’m in the middle of the holes available on the belt, so I could stick with this even if I gain or lose weight for a little while.”

Eleiko Weightlifting Leather Belt vs 2POOD Straight Belt

2POOD Straight Belt

2POOD Straight Belt

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Great for CrossFit
• 4″ straight belt
• Velcro closure system
• Easy to use
• High-quality nylon construction

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality nylon lasts for years
• Tons of color and design options
• Straight cylindrical design is great for CrossFit lifts
• Worn by many elite CrossFit athletes during training and competition

Cons

• Very firm for a nylon belt (more so than most)
• Almost uncomfortable at first, but breaks in quickly
• Durable, but still not as durable as leather weightlifting belts

Bottom Line

A functional weightlifting belt suitable for CrossFit or functional fitness workouts.

For weightlifting belts, you have two major choices—a leather belt or a nylon belt. Comparing the Eleiko belt to the 2POOD Straight Belt, we can see the strength and uses for each.

One immediate pro of the 2POOD belt is the inclusive sizing, ranging from XXXS to XXXL, unlike the Eleiko belt’s small through XXL. For those wanting a unique belt, 2POOD has you covered, too, with dozens of patterns and colors to choose from, unlike Eleiko’s two colors to pick from.

The nylon material of the 2POOD belt is more flexible than the firm rawhide of the Eleiko belt once it’s broken in. The flexibility makes the Straight Belt great for the explosive movements of the Olympic lifts, as well as for CrossFit workouts and training sessions, where you’ll be working through a variety of movements. Its quick-release buckle helps make adjustments between movements requiring the belt’s support, and movements where you may not want the belt constricting your core.

The leather belt from Eleiko is great for strength training, but doesn’t have quite the same level of versatility for functional fitness. Still, the belt provides rigid support for training and the competition stage, while also permitting flexibility with its tapered width toward the front of the belt.

Both are solid choices for weightlifting belts and are both compliant with IWF guidelines for lifting belts. Having used both nylon and leather belts during my 25-year lifting career, I can vouch and say that both styles of belt are outstanding for Olympic lifts. Price is a factor as well. Although the Eleiko leather belt will be long-lasting, the 2POOD belt is half the price of the premium belt, making it a better choice for a lifter watching their budget.

You can see our full thoughts on the Straight Belt—and other 2POOD belts—in our in-depth 2POOD Belt review.

Customer Experience 

You can contact Eleiko in a few ways through their website: a live chat function, a contact form, and through email. Eleiko also offers 30-day returns on their products for anything unused in its original packaging. Although there’s no warranty listed on the website for Eleiko leather belts, their powerlifting belts and hybrid belts have a one-year limited warranty, as does their other lifting gear, like knee sleeves and wrist wraps.

Ordering the Eleiko Weightlifting Leather Belt

These weightlifting belts can be ordered directly from Eleiko’s website. If you’re looking for options on payments, you can pay in four interest-free payments through Klarna. In our experience, we’ve rarely had an issue with Eleiko products shipping and delivering, earning it a 5 out of 5 for delivery.

Customer Reviews

There aren’t many customer reviews on Eleiko’s leather belts: only a total of 9 at the time of this writing. However, the majority of them are overwhelmingly positive, earning an average rating of 4.8 stars out of 5. These reviews mostly praise the belt for its support and durability, saying it will last a lifetime—or longer, as one customer cheekily talks about handing the belt down to his children and grandchildren.

The one 3-star comment mentioned that the belt’s buckle is a little difficult to open, as there’s no rolling mechanic like on other belts. The belt was also larger than he anticipated. That said, most reviews said that the belt ran true to size.

Final Verdict of Our Eleiko Weightlifting Belt Review

If you’re looking for a quality product, Eleiko provides it with their weightlifting belt. Using high-quality materials combined with a high level of craftsmanship, this leather belt is made to last. Its price point isn’t for everyone, and its design specific to Olympic weightlifting might mean there are better options available for powerlifters. Still, for those practicing the snatch and clean and jerk, this is a fantastic leather belt to consider for your training.

Full Rating

Eleiko Weightlifting Belt

One of the best weightlifting belts offered at a modest price point.

Product Brand: Eleiko

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 140.00

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.26

Eleiko Weightlifting Belt Review: FAQs

Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1

Caine Wilkes is an Olympian, placing 9th in weightlifting at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A former gym owner, he also has more than 15 years of experience coaching other athletes in weightlifting, CrossFit, and functional fitness.

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