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The best weight-lifting gloves won't suddenly give you super strength or increased stamina, but they will work to ease tension on your wrists and prevent calluses or blisters. This new addition to your weight-lifting accessories will help you to consistently get the most out of your workout sessions both at the gym and at home.
I had put off the idea of buying weight-lifting gloves for a while because I didn't want it to seem like I was trying too hard. I built up this fear in my own head that by wearing a pair of gloves, everyone would assume I knew what I was doing. In reality, no one cares - everyone is at the gym for the same reasons, and they're focused on themselves, not their surroundings.
The best weight-lifting gloves, at a glance
• Best overall weight-lifting gloves: Grebarley Gym Gloves - View now on Amazon
• Best weight-lifting gloves for breathability: ihuan Ventilated Weight Lifting Workout Gloves - View now on Amazon
• Best cheap weight-lifting gloves: CORENGTH Fitness Training Pad Essential Gloves - View now on Decathlon
Then, as my strength grew and my weights got heavier, I noticed that my hands didn't look nor feel as good as they used to. Now slightly embarrassed by my not-so-cute and rough-looking hands, I took matters into my own hands and purchased myself a pair of weight-lifting gloves. Right away, I noticed I could hold my lifts longer. Not only did the gloves protect my palms and offer wrist support, but It felt as though it was easier to hold my hands in perfect form throughout sets.
If you also lose grip easily, weight-lifting gloves feature added texture and non-slip materials to allow a confident hold on bars, kettlebells and dumbbells. With the extra grasp, you're allowing yourself to maintain correct form and push yourself for another set that you wouldn't normally think is feasible with sweaty and tired hands. There's also the extra reassurance that the weight won't slip out of your hands and prevent any injuries, which is a bonus.
SHOP: The best weight-lifting gloves
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best overall weight-lifting gloves
AmazonIf you're looking for top-quality and durable gloves, these all-purpose Grebarley weight-lifting gloves may just be for you. With a new design, these gloves are manufactured with microfibre to deliver better tear and crack resistance. They also feature a thickened gasket for non-slip and durability to ensure you get plenty of wear.
Pros
- Lightweight and stretchy fabric
- Allows increased flexibility and comfort when heavy-lifting
- Relieves the stress placed upon your wrists during intense workouts
- Non-slip design
Cons
- Gloves take a few uses to soften and provide top comfort
Best weight-lifting gloves for breathability
These breathable and lightweight ihuan gloves work to let your hands breathe, because who doesn't want to prevent sweaty hands, right? That's thanks to the fact that the back of the gloves are made from ultralight microfibre. The gloves are also tightened and loosened with Velcro so you can adjust the gloves to have a snug fit for added comfort when lifting.
Pros
- Anti-slip silicone gel pattern on the palm
- Breathable
- Made of silicone-printed neoprene for water resistance and durability
Cons
- These gloves are only ideal for beginners doing light workouts
Best cheap weight-lifting gloves
www.decathlon.co.uk
These training gloves are more than just a simple piece of equipment, it's a versatile tool designed to enhance your lifting experience. The thickness of the pad means your hands are always protected when weight training, meanwhile the non-slip grip is there to mould to your palm to prevent any injuries. Plus, the reinforced seams mean your gloves can be worn wear after wear and give the best protection.
Pros
- Great value
- Non-slip grip that adapts to your palm
- Thick glove pad for added protection
Cons
- No size XS available
Best high-end weight-lifting gloves
A very close contender is the Beace Weight Lifting Gym Gloves; they're durable and made of breathable and flexible material. The adjustable wrist straps offer a customised fit, and the stylish design adds a touch of flair to your gym attire. Meanwhile, the palm of the glove is separated into two sections; one foam and one real leather for extra protection.
Pros
- Palm of the glove is made out of two parts - foam cushions and leather
- Comfortable and firm grip on the weights you're lifting
- Back is made out of mesh to help reduce sweat
Cons
- They can be slightly uncomfortable at first
Best women's weight-lifting gloves
After something a bit more colourful? The RDX glove uses the finest Lycra fabric to keep your hands intact and comfortable throughout your workout. These gloves go beyond the basic, providing a perfect balance of functionality and comfort. The strategically placed padding and Lycra finger webbing conform to simplify the finger movements and provide breathability. It's fair to say the RDX Weightlifting Gloves are a powerhouse accessory for any female fitness enthusiast aiming for excellence in their strength training.
Pros
- Raved about by professionals
- Feature a special ventilator mesh to stay cool
- Allows full range of movement
Cons
- The padding is rough and hard to start with but softens and moulds to your palm after a fair amount of use
Best full-finger weight-lifting gloves
For the highest protection, opt for these full-finger weightlifting gloves that offer perfect grip through a patented design and padding in all the right places. Created with attention to detail, the use of natural-fit technology and relief pads ensure these gloves mimic the anatomy of your hands and distribute pressure evenly when gripping. Also, the antimicrobial treatment keeps any unwanted odours at bay, maintaining freshness even after the most intense lifting sessions.
Pros
- Has relief pads to distribute pressure evenly when gripping
- Prevents fatigue in the fingers
- Supports all aspects of your hand
Cons
- Some reviewers feel the thickness all around is a barrier and irritable when working with bars
Best black weight-lifting gloves
www.bulk.com
The Bulk Training Gloves are made with precision and are designed for optimal performance. The durable construction and padding provide essential protection to your hands during intense workouts, reducing the risk of calluses and ensuring comfort. The perforated design keeps your hands cool, so whether you're lifting weights, engaging in functional training, or HIIT, your training gloves are engineered to meet the demands of your fitness journey.
Pros
- Padded for maximum comfort
- Sleek black design with white contrast branding
- Perforated for enhanced breathability
Cons
- Some reviewers found the gloves feel a little chunky
Best weight-lifting gloves with elastic finger loops
These IsoGrip Hand Grips are designed with precision for activities like CrossFit, gymnastics and weight-lifting. The IsoGrip material ensures a secure hold, allowing athletes to confidently push their limits without compromise, and it also allows for the durability and longevity you're after in a pair of weight-lifting gloves. Although these are more grips than gloves, they still make for a great addition to your workout bag.
Pros
- These grips act like glue and lock you into the bar without the use of chalk
- Custom trim wrist strap so you can cut it down to the perfect size to fit you
- Grip is made from a single piece of IsoGrip material to allow for durability and longevity
Cons
- Not an obvious left and right grip
Best weight-lifting gloves with spandex
Alo Yoga
Alo Yoga's Power Moves Workout Gloves are a multi-purpose athletic gloves made from a blend of polyester and spandex foam. This is not only for extra protection but also for a decent stretch. To prevent your hands from sweating and slipping, Alo Yoga have crafted their gloves with open mesh panels and a Velcro adjustable strap. They make the ideal companion for power-paced gym sessions.
Pros
- Open mesh panels for breathability
- Velcro, adjustable wrist straps for that perfect fit
- Features a reflective 'Alo' logo
Cons
- Some reviewers found they run a little big
The best weight-lifting gloves: FAQs
What do weight-lifting gloves do?
Different weight-lifting gloves target different areas, but the main purposes are for protection and wrist support. The padding and materials act as a barrier to prevent any calluses and blisters, whereas the wrist straps offer support when heavy lifting - decreasing the chances of any pain or injury.
Are weight-lifting gloves necessary?
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, some people love them, and others feel that they can get in the way. Weight-lifting gloves work to aid your workouts and prevent any discomfort. Without a pair you’re still fully capable of using weights and machinery, just more prone to sore and blistered palms. It also depends on what type of workout you do, whether that be primarily weight-lifting or something more like CrossFit.
What size weight-lifting gloves do I need?
Sizing will always vary between different brands; each brand will have its own size chart and recommendations. It’s best to always ensure you measure your hands correctly and reference a size chart for a skin-tight feel. A snug fit is recommended with weight-lifting gloves, so make sure they don’t feel too loose.
How do I choose weight-lifting gloves?
With such a wide selection of weight-lifting gloves, it’s easy to get lost in all the choices. Each individual will have a certain problem area they wish to target, if it's sore wrists, you’d be looking for optimum wrist coverage and support. Whereas someone only looking to protect their palms from blisters and rough skin will opt for a glove with a focus on heavier padding on the palm and fingers. Some gloves will offer a solution to all your weight-related problems, whilst others will have a more distinct purpose, so again, it comes down to personal preference.
Angelica Daujotas is a Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media where she tests products for What's The Best.
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