The best gym gloves – a.k.a. best weightlifting gloves – won't lift the weights for you, but they can be an excellent alternative to chalking your hands which, admittedly, is a messier way to work out. Plus, if you prefer not to have calluses and blisters all over your palms from the rough knurling on Olympic barbells or a pair of dumbbells, then you better invest in a pair of weightlifting gloves today.
How do you pick suitable gym gloves for you though? Do they need to be fingerless or full-fingered gloves? We've listed the best gym gloves on the market below and, at the end of this article, try to answer all your burning questions about weightlifting gloves.
Best gym gloves to buy right now
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Best gym gloves overall
+ Cushioned palms
+ Adjustable wrist support
+ Available in two colours
+ Affordable
- Sizing a little on the small side
These gym gloves from ihuan don't just deliver on the performance front, but they're great value for money too. The palms have 23 inches of padding which have undergone repeated testing to ensure they provide adequate protection. There's also anti-slip silicone points on the palms to create more friction between your palm and the equipment for a superior grip.
The back of the gloves have an open back design and are made from a soft mesh fabric, so your palms won't get sweaty, even in the most strenuous of sessions. Plus, if you need extra wrist support you can tighten up the strap to provide extra pressure to this area.
Our rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Best full-fingered gym gloves
+ Pre-rotated finger design
+ Very comfortable
- Can get warm inside the gloves after a longer session
What sets the Bionic PerformanceGrip Gloves apart from all the rest? According to Bionic, they are the only glove brand on the market which has been created by a leading orthopaedic hand surgeon. How about that?
And indeed, the Anatomical Relief Pads smooth out your hands' natural peaks and valleys and cut down on painful blisters. This is exactly why people wear fitness gloves, so it all checks out for us!
Our rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Best gym gloves for wrist support
+ Extra sturdy material
+ Integrated wrist support band
- Rather stiff at first
The RDX lifting gloves are made out of cowhide leather, making them durable and a worthwhile investment too. Even the finger areas are padded to avoid any blistering. The half-finger design makes putting on and taking off the gloves super easy.
And most of all, the extra long wrist support strap keeps the gloves firmly in place while supporting the wrists during those heavy lifts. Even the stitching is quality grade and won't let the gloves fall apart anytime soon.
Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Best gym gloves for CrossFit and bodybuilding
+ Ideal for dumbbell/barbell workouts
+ Breathable design
- Not ideal for all types of workouts
- Looks a bit odd
A CrossFit favourite, the Bear Grip offers superb ventilation without compromising on grip. Say goodbye to sweaty palms and soggy hands after a strenuous workout!
The adjustable wrist wraps are integrated into the open-back gloves providing extra support during those heavy lifts. If you prefer little to no obstruction between you and the weights but don't like blisters, choose the Bear Grip Gloves.
Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Best leather gym gloves
+ Excellent gripping performance
+ Well-padded for extra comfort
+ Machine washable
- Not the best value for money gloves (a.k.a. expensive)
Harbinger's FlexFit Weightlifting Gloves TechGel pads provide excellent cushioning in key stress points such as the palm and the thumbs. Made from machine-washable and dryable leather, the FlexFit gloves have BiFlex palm with integrated layers that flex naturally with the hand, allowing you to maintain grip without sacrificing long-term comfort. The gloves also offer some wrist support, albeit not too much.
Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Best gym glove for women
+ Lightweight and non-bulky
+ Good grip
+ Come in a wide range of sizes
+ Machine washable
- Don't absorb sweat as well as other gloves
Whether you're doing deadlifts or pull-ups, these padded gym gloves from Lululemon will assist you while protecting your delicate skin. They're lightweight with perforated fabric on the palms for extra ventilation, whilst the fabric on the top is sweat-wicking. They come in a large size range, from XS through to XXL and are safe for throwing in the washing machine after your sweaty sessions.
Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars
How to chose the best gym gloves for you?
Before you purchase your gym gloves you need to think about what you’re using them for, how much support you need from them, as well as your budget. There are three main types of gym gloves that you can get, so here’s a quick breakdown of them…
Half-fingered gym gloves are the most common gloves seen on the gym floor. They cut off halfway down your fingers, so you still have good breathability and some come with long wrist wraps to provide extra support in this area.
Fully-fingered gym gloves are a full glove and are probably what you’ll see the least in the gym. They’re a good option for beginners looking for full-hand protection, or if you do workouts outside using unconventional equipment.
Hand grips are more popular amongst CrossFit athletes. Technically, they’re not a glove, but they provide protection to your hands during high-repetition movements, like deadlifts, muscle-ups, pull-ups etc, and can be removed quickly.
FAQ
Why are gloves frowned upon in gym?
Hardcore bodybuilders will tell you not to wear gym gloves in the gym. In Arnold Schwarzenegger's words, "If you are gonna wear gloves when you lift, just make sure they match your purse." However, not everyone in the gym is a bodybuilder, and not everyone is fond of having calluses on their palms, no matter how cute that Instagram video is of the Rock's daughter trying to file them away.
Long story short, don't listen to the haters and wear gloves if you want to. For hardcore lifters, we recommend getting lifting straps/deadlifting straps for those heavy lifts. Using gloves for heavy lifting can compromise grip, so you're better off using straps or your bare hands covered in lifting chalk.
Why are the benefits of gym gloves?
Gym gloves protect your hands from blisters and a build-up of calluses from the rough knurling on Olympic barbells, dumbbell handles and pull-up bars. They can also aid your grip and those that come with long wrist wraps can provide support to this area.
