When you start a new workout routine, changes often need to be made: that could mean everything from adjusting to an earlier morning alarm to learning the proper weight for a deadlift versus a farmer’s carry. And if you find yourself in the weight room frequently, you’ll notice some changes in your hands — from barbell blisters to rough palm patches.
Solution? Weightlifting gloves. These guys can quickly become your trusty sidekicks, helping you work out harder and more efficiently while protecting your hands and wrists from the weighted pressure.
They can support your wrists when lifting heavy weights, to relieve the pressure and provide more structure and protection, says Abby Schmidt, CPT and Instructor at Studio Three in Chicago.
Even better, they can actually help you heave heavier weights. “Using gloves takes the pressure out of your fingers and hands and puts the weight into your forearms, which can increase how much you’re able to lift,” she explains.
When looking for gloves, make sure they are easy to clean. A buildup of sweat and moisture in them can lead to skin infections, says Caleb Backe, CPT and health expert for Maple Holistics. It’s also worth considering what workout you’re choosing.
“Gloves, wrist supports and lifting straps should vary depending on the workout,” he says. “When doing muscle-ups, gloves are important because you can easily tear up your hands. Wrist support should be the main priority when doing heavy dumbbell press and overhead press.”
With that in mind, these are the seven best options.
Schiek Sports 425 Power Lifting Gloves
Best Everyday Weightlifting Gloves
“These gloves serve a more diverse purpose, which means they are functional for a wide variety of your weight training needs,” Backe says. They are ideal for several different types of lifting, as they give added wrist and hand support to help with a variety of workouts and moves. “While they won’t make up for grip strength, they will protect your wrists from injury and stop your hand from getting calloused,” he adds.
Trideer Padded Weight Lifting Gloves
Best Budget Weightlifting Gloves
“These gloves are super durable and come at a great price point,” says Schmidt. The Trideer gloves are great for powerlifting and using heavy weights. “The gloves are padded through the palm and the fingers and are fully supported with added StretchBack Lycra for increased flexibility through the wrists,” she says. Use them with deadlifts, heavy chest and back exercises.
RimSports Premium Weight Lifting Gloves
Best Powerlifting Gloves
“These gloves are ideal for powerlifting because they help improve your ability to pick up the heaviest bar possible,” says Backe. “They give you the necessary wrist support to lift heavier weights and also double as lifting straps,” he explains. What’s more, they can help you build muscle past your grip strength limitations, so you can expect some serious gains when wearing these on your hands and wrists.
Fit Active Sports RX1 Weight Lifting Gloves
Best Travel Weightlifting Gloves
“The Fit Active RX1 Weight Lifting glove would be my choice for travel, [as it] combines user friendly features for comfort and support, including wrist straps and breathable material,” says Jamie Hickey, CPT, founder of Truism Fitness. Plus, they’re easy to pack in a small carry-on and keep odors at bay due to the openhanded design and ventilation.
Pullup & Dip Grip Pads
Most Versatile Weightlifting Gloves
“These gloves are ideal for muscle-ups, pull-ups, dips and kettlebell workouts because they don’t restrict your wrist mobility,” Backe explains. “These gloves will protect your hands near your fingers while still allowing you to have the proper dexterity in your wrist,” he adds, so swap opt for these gloves if you do a lot of bodyweight or kettlebell work.
Crown Gear Weightlifting Gloves
Most Stylish Weightlifting Gloves
“For style I would choose Crown Gear weight lifting gloves,” says Hickey. “Featuring a striking black and red design with ergonomically curved fingers, these gloves are very easy on the eyes,” he says. Plus, the gloves are made from soft leather with stitching for contrast and durability, so they’re super sleek while still being incredibly functional.
Mark Bell Sling Shot Lifting Straps
Best Lifting Straps
“These are very affordable and offer extra hand support if you’d like to train while giving your grip a rest,” says Aaron Alexander, CR, LMT, CPT, author of The Align Method. They’re strong, light and made of high-quality materials. “These can also come in handy for gymnastics or training on pull-up bars,” he says.
