Best gym gloves 2024 for weightlifting and gym workouts

The best gym gloves will improve your grip and prevent blisters from forming when lifting heavy weights

Best gym gloves: person moving dumbbells wearing gym gloves
(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

But, how do you pick suitable gym gloves for you when there are so many on the market? Do they need to be fingerless or full-fingered gloves? If you're not sure, then you can jump straight to our 'How to choose' section, where we outline the different types of workout gloves and their benefits.

If you're keen to get going though, then you can check out our pick of the best gym gloves below. Whether you're on a budget, need extra wrist support, or are doing a particular style of training, you'll be able to find some gym gloves for you.

Best gym gloves to buy right now

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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.

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.