7 Best Weightlifting Gloves That Are as Hardworking as You Are
Hit all of your lifting goals with the proper hand protection.
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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, pandemic-era concern.
The Best Weightlifting Gloves
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What to Consider
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.
Pros
- Highly breathable, flexible material
- Many size options and adjustable closure
Cons
- Doesn’t provide full wrist support
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. Over 70% of reviewers rated them 5 stars!
More: Lifting Weights as You Age Cuts Your Risk of Early Death by 46%
Key Specs
| Colorways | 3 |
|---|---|
| Material | Microfiber |
| Sizes | XS-XL |
Pros
- Wrist support
- Adjustable closure
Cons
- May not hold up to very heavy weights as well as other options
With five sizes and nine colors, there’s a pair of these highly functional and wallet-friendly gloves for every kind of gymgoer. The palms are made from a 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.
One reviewer found that the material on the back of the hand is “very breathable, so my hands can keep dry during exercise.”
Key Specs
| Colorways | 9 |
|---|---|
| Material | Microfiber |
| Sizes | XS-XL |
Pros
- Touchscreen fingerpads
- Full coverage
Cons
- May chafe depending on exercise
If you’re looking for a complete coverage weightlifting glove, these are for you. They are designed for women and for heavy training. The palm-faced padding adds an additional layer of protection, and touchscreen fingertips let you swipe through tunes without having to remove the gloves.
A reviewer recommended considering your sizing when purchasing because they “may cause rubbing depending on the exercise.” Get ready to pump some iron!
Key Specs
| Colorways | 1 |
|---|---|
| Material | Nylon, Lycra |
| Size | XS/S, M/L |
Pros
- No need for wrist wraps
- Unisex and ambidextrous
Cons
- Wrist strap may be more coverage than some people need
These full-coverage gloves go beyond protecting your palms: The built-in wrist wraps also 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.
A satisfied reviewer felt that the gloves really helped improve form and support the wrists.
Key Specs
| Colorways | 6 |
|---|---|
| Material | Microfiber |
| Sizes | S-XL |
Pros
- Stretchy lightweight material
- Adjustable hook-and-loop closure
Cons
- Full coverage is warmer than other gloves
If you want full coverage at the gym, these sleek, 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.
Some reviewers felt like they didn't hold up as well for heavy lifting, but were good for standard workouts.
Key Specs
| Colorways | 1 |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester, faux leather, spandex, silicone |
| Sizes | S-XL |
Pros
- Cooler than other options
- Adjustable closure
Cons
- Neoprene can be stiffer than other materials
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. Reviewers recommend sizing down to get a more comfortable fit.
Key Specs
| Colorways | 1 |
|---|---|
| Material | Neoprene |
| Sizes | XS-XL |
Pros
- Improves grip strength
- Heavy-duty leather construction
Cons
- Not designed for every kind of lift
These straps work differently than traditional weightlifting gloves: They provide support and protection and can even help boost your grip strength. The ventilated foam in the wrist wrap and microfiber grip pad will add a little extra reinforcement as well.
However, they’re not as flexible and versatile as fingered gloves. These are best designed for deadlifts, chin-ups, and rows.
A customer felt these worked better for thinner bars, so consider what you might be lifting when purchasing!
Key Specs
| Colorways | 1 |
|---|---|
| Material | Leather, microfiber |
| Sizes | One size fits most |
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