The Best Gloves for Weight Lifting
If your calloused hands are tired of running through bags of chalk while lifting, it might be time to invest in a reliable pair of weight lifting gloves. An ideal pair of lifting gloves should suit your particular needs, which could range from wrist support to grip strength, without majorly impacting your grip positioning and overall performance. Depending on how much you lift and how much your hands sweat, you also might want to consider gloves designed to be both breathable and washable. Don't worry, though — we've rounded up a list of the best weight lifting gloves the internet has to offer, so the only thing you'll be maxing out is your deadlift.
Simari Workout Gloves
Microfiber, Major Performance
If you’ve ever thought about why callouses appear, you’ll know that they’re the result of high pressure applied unequally to various parts of your skin. Simari’s workout gloves feature individualized leather padding at those high-pressure points, which demonstrates a deep understanding of callous-prevention. The main construction is made of durable microfiber, supplemented by foam padding around the palm for years of use. Velcro-closures on the wrist straps also allow you to adjust the tightness to your desired level of support, making these an all-around champion.
Pros:
- Microfiber construction is lightweight but breathable
- Localized leather and padding for flexibility and protection
- Sweat does not make colors leak
Cons:
- Wrist straps may be too restricting for some users
Ihuan Ventilated Weight Lifting Gloves
Break Records, Not Your Wrists
These gloves from Ihuan provide the stability and support of traditional wraps with the added ability to protect your palms and fingers. The quarter-inch-thick foam may not be suitable for the “deadlift every day” kind of lifter, but if you’re focused on supporting your wrists while front squatting, bench pressing, or curling, they’re perfect. They have enough padding to insulate your hands but not so much that they dramatically affect your grip. Sweat doesn’t stand a chance against the open-backed design, and even if the gloves do start to smell, feel free to throw them in the wash with your regular cycle.
Pros:
- Strong wrist support thanks to adjustable velcro wraps
- Open back to reduce sweating
- Machine-washable
Cons:
- Padding may not be suitable for heavy Olympic lifters
Fit Active Sports Weight Lifting Gloves
Protection Without Paralysis
People are often hesitant to use lifting gloves because of their tendency to restrict their range of motion. Fit Active Sports heard that loud and clear and responded with a pair of gloves designed with silicon-printed neoprene. The thin but durable material is oil- and water-resistant for a longer-lasting lifting life. It’s complemented by concealed rubber padding along lifting pressure points, adjustable neoprene wrist straps, and an open back design. To top it off, these gloves are machine-washable, so they’ll never stink up your gym bag.
Pros:
- Silicon-printed neoprene provides exceptional grip and wear-resistance
- Concealed rubber padding protects pressure points
- Machine washable (require air-drying)
Cons:
- Sizing can be difficult to determine
Glofit Freedom Workout Gloves
Five Fabrics for the Win
Chalk gets the job done when it comes to reducing moisture and upping your gains, but as soon as you wipe the sweat off your face, you’re the Joker 2.0. This is just one of the problems Glofit’s Freedom gloves ameliorate with their use of five different materials. Underneath the palm lies a layer of foam for added padding, while the exterior is covered with silica anti-slip points for maximum grip. Light and long-lasting microfiber complete the underside, and a perforated, flexible mesh covers the back of the hand. The cherry on this chalk-saving sundae is the soft towel fabric located behind the thumbs for easy sweat removal mid-lift.
Pros:
- Velcro wrist wraps leave enough room for smart watch-wearers
- Silica anti-slip points for a strong grip
- Cutout on the back for breathability
- Machine-washable
Cons
- May not provide as much wrist support as other gloves
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gloves really better than chalk?
While they may affect the sensory experience of lifting (i.e., lower your awareness of where the bar rests in your hands), gloves are certainly more than adequate when it comes to providing grip support and protecting your hands. They don’t stop your hand from sweating like chalk does, but with added anti-slip pads at most pressure points, many gloves effectively result in the same end, just with less mess and dust.
How are lifting gloves sized?
Each pair of gloves will be sized differently based on their brand, so be sure to pay attention to the directions on how to find an accurate size. This is especially important because the tighter the fit, the less it will change your feel for the bar and the position of your grip. Many glove companies will offer a limited return period to ensure you’re not stuck with a useless pair of gloves, so you’ll definitely want to read the fine print when you order.
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