Whether it’s your first time touching a free weight or you’re a Crossfit champion, having a good pair of workout gloves designed for weightlifting is a great way to protect your hands and joints and make the strenuous task a little more comfortable.
Weightlifting gloves can relieve some of the pressure when lifting weights and also help give your hands some crucial traction if you sweat. Aside from shielding against joint pain, gloves also protect your precious digits from chafing and blistering, as well as keep things more sanitary if you’re sharing equipment at the gym — a very real, post-pandemic concern.
Before you buy a new pair of weightlifting or exercise gloves, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Purpose: Consider how and where you plan to use them. While the traditional fingerless design is a good all-purpose model for lifting weights, doing pull-ups, and rowing on an erg machine, if you plan to focus seriously on deadlifts or another specific exercise, you may want something more specialized, such as a strap or full-finger gloves.
Material: In addition, consider the materials. A comfortable glove is stretchy, breathable, and form-fitting. Some amount of spandex is a good bet to ensure the glove slides on and off easily. Stiffer materials like leather and neoprene tend to provide a stronger layer of defense against calluses and blisters, but can be less forgiving and less breathable.
Fit: Finally, the fit of your gloves is very important. If your gloves are too small, they’ll restrict hand movement and your ability to lift safely and with full dexterity. If they’re too large, you may chafe or things can get slippery. Always consult the brand’s sizing chart before buying. It can also be helpful to browse customer reviews to see what sizes fit others with hands similar to yours.
We’ve researched the most popular weightlifting gloves, being sure to include a variety of price points, styles, and features, to find the all-around best weightlifting gloves for every kind of workout in 2022.
These gloves are great for every kind of gym day, from hitting up the erg machine to arms and shoulders day. They come in a range of sizes and have an adjustable Velcro closure to fit your hands snugly and comfortably, avoiding friction and chafing. The palms are nicely padded for minimal shock and to protect against blisters and other wear.
May not hold up as well as other options to very heavy weights
Key Specs
Colorways: 10
Material: Microfiber
Sizes: XS-XL
With five sizes and 10 colors, there’s a pair of these highly functional and wallet-friendly gloves for every kind of gymgoer. The palms are made from high-density sponge to absorb shock and make lifting as comfortable and frictionless as possible. The gloves also have wrist support to prevent joint pain and silica points on the palm for added grip.
Velcro closure can catch and pull on other fabrics
Key Specs
Colorways: 2
Material: Nylon, elastane, polyester
Sizes: XS/S, M/L
These light gloves are designed for women and for heavy training. They have a durable cushioned pad and a moisture-wicking upper to keep your hands cool, no matter how hard you’re working. They have the cute design and functionality you expect from Lululemon and are built to last.
Wrist strap may be more coverage than some people need
Key Specs
Colorways: 6
Material: Microfiber
Sizes: S-XL
These full-coverage gloves go beyond protecting your palms: The built-in wrist wraps help relieve pressure on your wrists during intense lifts, making these great for anyone attempting especially heavy or Olympic lifts. The glove palms have a foam pad cushion to buffer your hands and prevent calluses and tears, as well as sticky silicone dots for extra grip.
If you want full coverage at the gym, these sleek and stretchy fingered gloves are your best bet. They’re made from a soft, flexible polyester-spandex blend that makes the gloves breathable, comfortable, and easy to take on and off. The palms are also lined with sticky silicone dots and a thin layer of foam to absorb shock.
These open-back gloves are great for workouts in especially warm weather or if you tend to sweat in a more full-coverage pair. They’re designed to protect your palms from calluses and injury, leaving the back of your hand open and cool. The gloves have wrist wraps for added joint support and are made from highly durable neoprene that will last for years of regular use.
These straps work differently than traditional weightlifting gloves. They provide support and protection and can even help boost your grip strength. However, they’re not as flexible and versatile as fingered gloves. These are best designed for deadlifts, chin-ups, and rows.
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