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Weightlifting gloves can help people tighten their grip and prevent accidents during strength training. These accessories may also help prevent calluses and blisters.
A quick look at the best weightlifting gloves
- Best for easy removal: Trideer Weightlifting gloves
- Best breathable gloves: Harbinger Pro
- Best lightweight and flexible gloves: Lifect Freedom Workout Gloves
- Best luxury gym gloves: Grip Power Pads Gym Gloves
- Best all-purpose gloves: Grip Power Pads Cobra Grips Pro Weightlifting Gloves
- Best for smaller hands: RIMSports Premium Weightlifting Gloves
- Best for bar and bell lifting: Fit Active Sports New Ventilated Weightlifting Gloves
- Best padded: skott Evo 2
- Best shock-absorbing gloves: Simari Workout Gloves
This article discusses weightlifting gloves and the benefits of using them. It also lists some of the best weightlifting gloves available to purchase online.
We use “men’s” and “women’s” in this article to align with how companies market their products, but there is no need to stick to one or the other. A person should choose the product with the fit, style, and features that work best for them.
Strength training involves repeatedly lifting, pulling, or pushing against weights to build and tone muscle. According to a
Learn more about strength training.
Weightlifting gloves are an accessory a person may use while training. These gloves aim to increase a person’s grip and prevent weights from slipping or falling and potentially causing injury.
There are several different types of weightlifting gloves available to purchase, such as:
- Half-fingered gloves with wrist pads: This is the most common type of weightlifting gloves. They may provide more stability and support to the wrists and reduce calluses. However, depending on the material, they may be less breathable.
- Fingerless gloves with an extended pad and wrist support: This type offers similar support to half-fingered gloves. However, they may offer more flexibility, and they are open to the back of the hand.
- Grip pads: This type of glove only covers the palm of the hand, which may help prevent sweating and slipping. Some products may have additional wrist support.
- Palmless gloves: This type only covers the fingers and may not extend all the way to the fingertip.
A person may wish to consider the following factors when choosing a weightlifting glove:
- Size: People should ensure that they purchase the correct size. Gloves that are too big may increase slipping, and gloves that are too small may be uncomfortable to wear.
- Material: Weightlifting gloves usually contain leather, synthetic leather, microfiber, or silicone. People should choose the material that best fits their requirements and ethical considerations.
- Construction: A person should purchase the type of glove that gives the right amount of support for their needs. For example, some individuals may require more wrist support and may therefore want to purchase a glove with wrist straps.
- Padding type and thickness: Gloves may have foam, silicone, or other materials as padding. Some people may prefer extra padding to reduce the likelihood of developing calluses and blisters.
Medical News Today’s methodology
Medical News Today chooses products that fit the following criteria where possible:
- Price: Products are suitable for a range of budgets.
- Type: Products have different types of construction, such as fingerless and half-fingered gloves, and a variety of wrist support.
- Materials: Products use different materials, such as leather, synthetic leather, and microfiber.
Below are some of the best weightlifting gloves available to purchase online.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for easy removal: Trideer Weightlifting Gloves
- Materials: microfiber with gel-filled palm padding
- Sizes: S–XL
- Pro: They are suitable for a variety of exercises, including weightlifting, bodybuilding, CrossFit training, and cycling
- Con: The hook and loop strap may not be secure.
- Price: from around $20–22
These microfiber fingerless gloves have an 18-inch (in) hook and loop strap that a person can wrap around their wrist for extra support. The microfiber fabric may be more breathable than other materials, reducing sweating and odor.
The 5-millimeter gel-filled palm padding may help protect the skin from rubbing and slipping against weight bars, which may reduce calluses and blisters.
The company has designed these gloves with pull buckles on the fingertips, which may make removing the gloves easier.
Positive customer reviews state that the gloves are durable and supportive.
However, those who left negative reviews say that the stitching and hook and loop straps started to wear after several uses. Additionally, some customers state that the sizing chart is inaccurate.
Best breathable glove: Harbinger Pro
- Materials: polyester, cotton, leather, nylon, and spandex
- Sizes: M–XXL
- Pro: They are durable, breathable, and adjustable.
- Con: The sizing may come up too small for some people.
- Price: around $22
These gloves are polyester, cotton, leather, nylon, and spandex. Harbinger describes them as lightweight and flexible. They have wrist and finger pull tabs and users can adjust the fit with an adjustable hook and loop wrist fastener.
They are unsuitable for people who follow a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle as they contain leather.
According to positive reviews, the gloves are durable and supportive. However, some people advise others to buy a size up as they can come up small.
Best lightweight and flexible glove: Lifect Freedom Workout Gloves
- Materials: mesh and silica gel
- Sizes: XS–XL
- Pro: These gloves are flexible and lightweight and may be suitable for use with fitness trackers.
- Con: The gloves do not have a thick wrist strap and may not offer as much wrist support as other products.
- Price: around $22
These fingerless gloves contain a mesh fabric and silica gel padding. The company writes that the mesh material can help reduce sweat on the palms, and the padding is anti-slip and abrasion-resistant.
The product has an open back, which may mean a person has more flexibility when wearing the gloves. Additionally, the gloves have an adjustable wrist strap and a terry cloth thumb panel to wipe off sweat.
People can choose from six colors.
Positive customer reviews state that these gloves are flexible, lightweight, and breathable. Additionally, some reviewers say that the smaller wrist strap means they can wear and use a fitness tracker.
However, those who left negative reviews note that the sizing runs small and that the wrist strap does not offer as much support as some other gloves.
Best luxury gym glove: Grip Power Pads Gym Gloves
- Materials: leather and rubber
- Sizes: XS–XXXL
- Pro: These gloves are durable and may be best suited for free weights.
- Con: Some reviewers find these gloves too bulky.
- Price: around $56
These fingerless gloves contain leather and rubber. The company states that the gloves can provide a good grip on all types of gym equipment, including rubber and metal.
The pressure pads on the gloves may help maximize grip by increasing friction. Moreover, the company states that the gloves feature a curved finger design that may ensure a superior fit.
People can choose from five colors. Due to the leather content, they are unsuitable for people who avoid animal-derived materials.
Positive customer reviews note that the gloves are durable and suitable for use on free weights. Some reviewers also say that they did not notice any reduction in flexibility despite the bulkier design of the gloves.
Less favorable reviews point out that the gloves were too bulky and that the finger sizes run small. Some customers claim that the gloves began to come apart at the stitching after several uses.
Best all-purpose gloves: Grip Power Pads Cobra Grips Pro Weightlifting Gloves
- Materials: black rubber
- Sizes: wrist sizes of 5.5–8.75 inches
- Pro: Customer reviews state that this product is suitable for lifting and pulling exercises.
- Con: Some reviewers say that the material is rough and rubs against the hand.
- Price: from around $40–96
These one-size-fits-all gloves have adjustable wrist straps and padding in the palms to help prevent slips, calluses, and blisters. They come in a very wide range of colors and designs. The price varies depending on the design a person chooses.
These gloves may be more breathable than some other ones, as they are open at the back. Additionally, people can simply turn the gloves around on their wrists to free their hands for other activities, such as drinking water.
Positive customer reviews state that these gloves protect the entire palm and fingers, unlike some other products. Furthermore, reviewers say that this product is particularly suitable for lifting and pulling exercises.
However, less favorable reviews say that, while the gloves protect the wrist, the rubber material rubs against the palm and fingers, leading to bruises and blisters. Other reviewers say that the stitching began to tear after several uses.
Best for smaller hands: RIMSports Premium Weightlifting Gloves
- Materials: leather and spandex
- Sizes: XS–XL
- Pro: These gloves feature a thicker wrist strap that may provide extra support.
- Con: Some reviewers say that dye runs onto their hands.
- Price: around $16
RIMSports states these leather and spandex gloves are lightweight and breathable. The company also writes that the thick and flexible wrist padding can offer extra stability and grip.
People can choose from a range of 10 colors.
Positive customer reviews note that the gloves are comfortable and fit well on smaller-sized hands, reducing calluses and blisters. Some reviewers also say that the thicker wrist strap provides extra support to the wrist.
However, negative reviews state that the gloves are stiff and may require a longer breaking-in period, which can lead to blisters. Other customers say that the dye on the gloves transfers onto their skin.
Best for bar and bell lifting: Fit Active Sports New Ventilated Weightlifting Gloves
- Materials: neoprene
- Sizes: XS–XL
- Pro: They can provide a comfortable fit.
- Con: The Velcro strap may irritate the skin.
- Price: around $20
These gloves provide full-palm protection against blisters and calluses and feature an open back, which may increase breathability.
The silicone neoprene grip on the palms of the gloves may increase friction and reduce slipping.
Positive customer reviews state that the gloves are durable and fit well. Other reviewers say that the grip on these gloves makes them most suitable for bar and bell lifting.
However, negative reviews state that these gloves are not as durable as some other products, with the lining and stitching coming undone after several uses. Other reviewers claim that the Velcro strap is rough and rubs and irritates the skin.
Best padded gloves: skott Evo 2
- Materials: leather
- Sizes: S–XXL
- Pro: They are padded, durable, and use anti-slip material.
- Con: They may not suit people who lift very heavy weights.
- Price: from around $16–26
These padded leather weightlifting gloves offer wrist wrap support and are suitable for males and females.
The gloves feature an anti-slip design that provides a secure grip and a pull tab to make the gloves easy to remove.
These gloves have a large number of positive reviews on Amazon. Positive comments praise the quality and durability of the gloves, and customers also wrote that they are easy to remove.
However, more critical reviews state that the gloves can be stiff, making it harder for individuals to hold weightlifting bars. Additionally, they may not be suitable for those lifting heavy weights.
The price of these gloves may vary depending on the style a person chooses.
Best shock-absorbing gloves: Simari Workout Gloves
- Materials: microfiber
- Sizes: XS–XL
- Pro: They have a hoop and loop closure design, adjustable straps, and absorb shock.
- Con: Some buyers found the sizing inconsistent.
- Price: from around $10–16
Simari recommends these workout gloves for a range of activities, from weightlifting to cycling. They are lightweight and breathable microfiber gloves with a hook and loop closure design.
Simari claims they can absorb shock and use anti-slip silica gel. People can also adjust the wrist straps.
Customers leaving positive reviews note that Simari’s gloves offer protection when weightlifting or engaging in other workout programs. They also have pull tabs, which make them easy to remove.
However, some buyers found that the gloves did not have enough padding and that the sizing was inaccurate.
The price of these gloves may vary depending on the color a person chooses.
The table below compares the weightlifting gloves in this article for their pros and cons, price, and more.
| Best for | Materials | Sizes | Pros | Cons | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trideer | easy removal | microfiber with gel-filled palm padding | S–XL | suitable for different exercises | hook and loop strap may be insecure | from around $20–22 |
| Harbinger | breathable fabric | polyester, cotton, leather, nylon, and spandex | M–XXL | breathable and adjustable design | may be too tight | around $22 |
| Lifect | lightweight and flexible gloves | mesh and silica gel | XS–XL | compatible with fitness trackers | may not offer enough wrist support | around $22 |
| Grip Power Pads Gym Gloves | luxury gym gloves | leather and rubber | XS–XXXL | durable and may be best suited to free weights | bulky | around $56 |
| Grip Power Pads Cobra Grips | all-purpose gloves | black rubber | fit wrist sizes of 5.5–8.75 in | suitable for lifting and pulling exercises | rough material and may rub against the hand | from around $40–96 |
| RIMSports | smaller hands | leather and spandex | XS–XL | have a thick wrist strap | dye may stain the hands | around $16 |
| Fit Active Sports | bar and bell lifting | neoprene | XS–XL | comfortable | Velcro strap may cause irritation | around $20 |
| skott | padded gloves | leather | small | padded, durable, and anti-slip | may be unsuitable for heavy weights | from around $16–26 |
| Simari | shock-absorbing gloves | microfiber | XS–XL | hoop and loop closure design, shock-absorbing, and adjustable straps | inaccurate sizing | from around $10–16 |
A popular alternative to weightlifting gloves is chalk. People may use chalk balls or liquid chalk on their hands when they are lifting weights. According to
However, not all gyms allow people to use chalk. A person should check with the gym guidelines to ensure they will be able to apply chalk while exercising.
Alternatively, individuals may choose to lift weights bare-handed. However, if a person does not protect their hands from friction, it may increase the risk of calluses and blisters forming.
Below are answers to some common questions about weightlifting gloves.
Is it good to wear gloves while lifting weights?
It may be best to wear gloves while weightlifting. They help provide a secure grip to prevent a person’s hands from slipping during a lift, preventing potential injuries.
Is it better to lift with gloves or without?
Authors of a recent study focusing on weightlifting injuries recommend that people who weightlift wear gloves, as they often have anti-slip designs that can improve a person’s grip.
What is a good brand of weightlifting gloves?
There are many brands offering weightlifting gloves to choose from. Popular brands include Trideer, Fit Active, and Grip Power Pads.
People should opt for gloves that fit securely, are comfortable to wear, effectively improve their grip, support the wrists, and protect the hands against friction.
Can I use weightlifting gloves for a punching bag?
People should not use weightlifting gloves when using a punching bag. People should use gloves that adequately protect the fingers, wrists, and hands.
Weightlifting gloves increase friction between gym equipment and gloves to help reduce slipping and improve grip. Thanks to their padded palms, the gloves can also help prevent blisters and calluses from forming on the hands.
When purchasing weightlifting gloves online, it’s important that a person consider which type of glove best suits their needs and ensure the materials and padding are suitable for the exercises they perform.