So you're getting into powerlifting

Inzer has been the powerlifting belt standard for 40 years, and the Forever lever belt is why. The 10mm thickness is manageable for beginners while being competition-legal in USAPL and IPF. The lever snaps shut for fast transitions between sets. This is the belt coaches recommend, the belt you see at every local meet, and the one you'll still be using in five years.

At roughly half the price of an Inzer, the Gymreapers leather belt is the most legitimate budget option in powerlifting. Single-prong closure means you can adjust tightness between sets without a hex key — useful if your weight fluctuates. Genuine leather, 10mm construction, and a reliable buckle that holds through heavy training. If you're not certain powerlifting will stick, start here.

The belt you see at IPF World Championships. SBD's lever belt is 13mm thick, precision-built, and designed to last your entire lifting career. The lever is noticeably smoother than competitors, and the extra stiffness of a 13mm belt makes a real difference when you're handling maximal weights. Worth the price after two-plus years when you know this sport is yours.

The Powerlift is Adidas's entry-level lifting shoe — purpose-built with a 0.6-inch heel drop at $110 instead of $200. It has the heel that makes squat mechanics click for most people, a wide velcro strap for lateral stability, and a flat non-compressible sole. The right shoe for 80% of beginners who need help getting depth with an upright torso.

The flat-soled option half the powerlifting world deadlifts in. Chuck Taylors have a completely flat, barely-cushioned sole that gives direct contact with the floor and consistent leg drive. They work for wide-stance squats too. At $55–70, they're the simplest way to stop lifting in running shoes, and they'll be in your gym bag for years.

The premium heeled squat shoe. The Romaleos 4 SE has a 0.75-inch heel vs. the Powerlift's 0.6 inches, a rigid midsole, and dual velcro straps for maximum lockdown. Noticeably more stable than the Powerlift at max effort — you'll feel the difference once you're squatting heavy. Difficult to justify before year two, but worth it when you get there.

Rehband makes the knee sleeve that physical therapists and strength coaches recommend by name. The 7mm neoprene is the right thickness for powerlifting — stiff enough to keep the knee warm and supported, flexible enough to move naturally through a full squat. IPF- and USAPL-approved for competition. They'll last five years of hard training use.

At roughly a third of Rehband's price, these deliver real compression for training. 7mm neoprene, decent warmth, and they hold up reasonably for a year or two of regular use. Not approved for strict IPF-level competition, but fine for training and meets with looser gear rules. The right answer if you want to try sleeves before committing.

SBD sleeves are stiffer than Rehband and provide noticeably more rebound out of the hole. At elite meets they're as common as Rehband. They're also harder to put on — most lifters use a thin plastic bag over the foot to slide them up. The extra stiffness matters once you're squatting near maximal weights and is worth the price when you're competing seriously.