If you've ever missed a deadlift PR because your grip gave out before your legs did, you've probably wondered whether lifting straps are the answer. The short answer: yes — but only when used at the right time and in the right way.
Here's everything you need to know.
What Are Lifting Straps?
Lifting straps are simple loops of material — usually cotton, nylon, or leather — that wrap around your wrist and the barbell. They transfer some of the load from your grip to your wrists and forearms, letting you hold onto heavier weights for longer.
They're one of the most underrated pieces of kit in a lifter's bag, and for deadlifts specifically, they can be a genuine game-changer.
Browse our Lifting Straps collection to see the options available.
Do Lifting Straps Actually Help With Deadlifts?
Yes — and here's why.
The deadlift is one of the most grip-intensive movements in strength training. As weights get heavier, your grip often becomes the limiting factor before your posterior chain (hamstrings, glutes, lower back) is anywhere near its limit. That means you're leaving gains on the table.
Lifting straps solve this by offloading grip fatigue, allowing you to:
- Pull heavier weights — your legs and back can work to their true capacity
- Complete more reps — especially useful on high-volume training days
- Reduce forearm fatigue — so grip doesn't accumulate across sets
- Focus on form — less mental energy spent on holding on means more focus on bracing and positioning
When Should You Use Lifting Straps for Deadlifts?
Straps aren't for every set — here's when they make sense:
1. Heavy working sets above 85% of your 1RM
When the weight is genuinely challenging your posterior chain, straps let you train the movement pattern without grip being the bottleneck.
2. High-rep accessory work
Romanian deadlifts, deficit pulls, and rack pulls at moderate weight for 8–15 reps will destroy your grip over multiple sets. Straps keep the focus where it belongs.
3. When grip is fatigued from earlier in the session
If you've already done rows, pull-ups, or farmer's carries, your grip is pre-fatigued. Straps protect your deadlift quality.
4. During a peaking or competition prep phase
When every rep needs to be as close to perfect as possible, straps remove one variable.
When Should You NOT Use Lifting Straps?
Straps aren't a crutch — and using them too early can actually slow your grip development.
- Warm-up sets and lighter work — build raw grip strength without straps on anything below ~75–80% of your max
- If you compete in powerlifting — straps are not allowed in competition, so you need to train your competition grip regularly
- When you're a beginner — spend your first 6–12 months building grip strength naturally; it'll pay off long-term
Lifting Straps vs. Mixed Grip vs. Hook Grip
You have three main options for deadlift grip:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Double overhand (no straps) | Builds grip strength | Limiting at heavy weights |
| Mixed grip | Strong, no equipment needed | Asymmetric loading, bicep injury risk |
| Hook grip | Competition-legal, very secure | Painful to learn, thumb discomfort |
| Lifting straps | Maximum grip security, easy to use | Not competition-legal |
How to Use Lifting Straps Correctly
- Thread the strap through the loop to create a wrist cuff
- Slide your wrist through so the tail hangs down from the inside of your wrist
- Place the tail under the bar and wrap it around 1–2 times
- Roll the bar toward you to tighten the strap before you pull
It takes a few sessions to get the wrapping motion feeling natural — stick with it.
What to Look for in a Good Lifting Strap
Not all straps are equal. When shopping, look for:
- Material — cotton is comfortable and grippy; nylon is more durable; leather is stiff but very long-lasting
- Length — longer straps give more wraps and more security; 18–22 inches is a good range
- Width — wider straps distribute pressure more comfortably across the wrist
- Stitching quality — double or triple stitching at stress points is essential for heavy loads
Check out our full Lifting Straps collection to find the right pair for your training.
Should You Also Use a Belt With Straps?
For heavy deadlifts, absolutely. A weightlifting belt increases intra-abdominal pressure, protecting your spine and allowing you to brace harder — which directly translates to more weight moved safely. Straps and a belt work together, not in competition with each other.
If you're pulling serious weight, both are worth having in your kit.
The Bottom Line
Lifting straps are a legitimate training tool that can help you deadlift more weight, complete more quality reps, and reduce grip fatigue — as long as you're not using them as a substitute for building baseline grip strength.
Use them smart: skip them on lighter sets, rely on them for your heavy work, and pair them with a good belt for maximum performance and safety.
Ready to add straps to your kit? Browse our Lifting Straps collection and find the right pair for your training style.
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