The best lifting straps for strength training 2026
Have you experienced your forearms and grip giving out before your back muscles are finished? It’s one of the most frustrating problems in strength training – and it’s exactly the problem lifting straps solve.
In this guide, we review the best lifting straps on the market in 2026, what to look for, and why the right choice can transform your training.
What are lifting straps and who needs them?
Lifting straps are strips of fabric, leather, or nylon that wrap around the bar and your wrist. They transfer some of the grip load from the fingers and forearms to the wrist and forearm as a whole – so your target muscles can work harder and longer.
You need lifting straps if you:
- Lose grip during deadlifts, rows, or pulldowns before your muscles are fatigued
- Train with heavy weights and want to remove grip as a limiting factor
- Have problems with sore palms or calluses
- Want to lift more consistently and with better technique
The best lifting straps in 2026
1. StrapIt Lifting Straps from MakeIt – Best choice for most
StrapIt is designed for the serious lifter who wants maximum control without compromising quality. They are produced in Denmark and tested by over 30,000 Danes.
What makes StrapIt special: StrapIt is made from a strong, durable material that provides a secure grip without cutting into the wrist. They are long enough to wrap properly around the bar but not so long that it becomes cumbersome.
Suitable for: Deadlifts, rows, pulldowns, shrugs, rack pulls, and all types of pulling exercises.
Price: 249 DKK.
Rating: 9.5/10 – the best choice for most lifters regardless of level.
2. StrapIt Premium from MakeIt – Best choice for the heaviest lifts
If you lift extremely heavy and want the absolute best durability and comfort, StrapIt Premium is the upgrade worth investing in.
What makes StrapIt Premium special: The premium version is made of thicker material with extra reinforcement at critical stress points. They fit more securely and maintain grip even during the heaviest lifts.
Suitable for: Competitive lifters, advanced lifters, and anyone consistently lifting over 150 kg.
Price: 349 DKK.
Rating: 10/10 – the best on the market for serious strength training.
3. Versa Gripps Pro – Good alternative for back training
Versa Gripps work as a hybrid between a glove and a strap. You don’t need to wrap anything – you just lay the flap over the bar.
Advantages: Quick to put on and take off, good for high-volume back training.
Disadvantages: Expensive (500-600 DKK), and you have less control over the grip compared to StrapIt. Does not work optimally for deadlifts.
Rating: 6/10 – good but overpriced compared to StrapIt.
4. SBD Figure 8 Straps – For extremely heavy deadlifts
Figure 8 straps lock you to the bar in a figure-eight shape. This provides maximum safety during record-heavy lifts.
Advantages: Extremely secure grip, impossible to drop the bar.
Disadvantages: Time-consuming to put on, can only be used for deadlifts, and you can’t release the bar quickly if something goes wrong.
Rating: 7/10 – a specialized tool for competitive lifters, not for everyday training.
How to choose the right lifting straps
Are you a beginner to intermediate? Start with StrapIt Lifting Straps. They are easy to use, durable, and cost 249 DKK.
Are you an advanced lifter lifting heavy? Go straight to StrapIt Premium. The extra 100 DKK investment is felt every single workout.
Do you mainly want to use them for high-volume back training? Versa Gripps are an alternative – but StrapIt handles that job just as well for half the price.
Competitive lifter aiming to set a deadlift record? Figure 8 straps as a supplement to your regular StrapIt for daily training.
When should you NOT use lifting straps?
Lifting straps are not always the answer. Avoid them when:
- You are training specifically to improve your grip
A good rule of thumb: Use straps for the heaviest working sets and go without straps on lighter warm-up sets.
Frequently asked questions about lifting straps
Can I use lifting straps in competitions? It depends on the federation. In most powerlifting federations, straps are not allowed in competition – but they are indispensable in training.
Do lifting straps weaken my grip strength? Only if you use them for EVERYTHING. Use them on heavy sets and train grip separately with farmers walks, dead hangs, and lighter sets without straps.
What is the difference between lifting straps and wrist wraps? Lifting straps improve grip and transfer load from the fingers. Wrist wraps stabilize the wrist during pressing exercises like bench press and overhead press. They solve two different problems, and many lifters use both.
How long do lifting straps last? StrapIt is designed to last for years with normal use. The quality of the material is crucial – cheap straps from unknown brands wear out quickly.
Is 249 DKK a lot for lifting straps? Compared to what you spend on gym membership, protein powder, and other equipment, 249 DKK for StrapIt is a minimal investment that delivers maximum effect from day 1.
Conclusion
The best lifting straps for most lifters in 2026 are StrapIt from MakeIt. They combine quality, durability, and ease of use at a price that's hard to beat.
Do you want to lift heavier, train harder, and remove grip as the limiting factor in your training? Shop StrapIt here →
