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If you’re doing things right at the gym, then you should see a gradual increase in the total weight on a barbell or dumbbell.
But this increased weight will take its toll on your hands and wrists.
The only way to avoid those problems is to invest in a good pair of gloves for working out. But unfortunately, there are too many of them that won’t stand up to heavy weights.
So, we teamed up with some of our bodybuilder clients and spent a few months testing out 35 different workout gloves.
And we used these test results to come up with this list of the best weightlifting gloves that we now recommend to all of our clients.
The Best Weight Lifting Gloves
- Best Overall Weight Lifting Gloves: Skott Evo 2
- Cheapest Weight Lifting Gloves: Harbinger Power
- Best Breathable Weightlifting Gloves: SIMARI
- Best Weightlifting Gloves With Padding: Harbinger Power
- Best Protecting Gloves for Weightlifters: Bionic
- Best Gloves for Heavy Weight Lifting: Trideer Workout Gloves
- Best Light Weightlifting Gloves: Fit Active
- Most Durable Gloves for Weightlifters: Skott Evo 2
Our Top Weightlifting Gloves (November 2024)
1 - Skott Evo 2 Weightlifting Gloves (Best Overall & Most Durable)
- - Material: Leather and silicone; Washable: Yes; Warranty: Yes (1 year); Breathability: Mesh for ventilation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The half-finger gym gloves may reduce sweating
- Includes silica gel palm pads for less risk of slipping
- People like the wide wrist strap for added injury protection
- The sizing guide is easy to follow and get the right fit
Cons
- You may need to wash them regularly to avoid smells
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Advanced lifters
- Athletes needing wrist support
Who is it not for?
- Beginners not lifting heavy weights
Final Verdict
The Skott Evo 2 gloves offer superior durability and excellent wrist support, ideal for intense and heavy lifting. They are highly recommended for experienced lifters looking for reliable protection and performance.
I gave the Skott Evo gloves a try during one of my intense lifting sessions. I quickly understood why the majority of our clients rave about them. The hand protection and wrist support they offer is unparalleled.
The double length wrist wraps seem to give us all a good bit more confidence even when powerlifting larger loads.
Just make sure you clean them regularly because they don’t tend to repel smells as well as others.
2 - Glofit Freedom Workout Gloves
- - Material : Microfiber
- silicone; Washable: Machine washable; Special Features: Breathable
- lightweight
- wrist support.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Open back design may provide more breathability
- Strapless exercise gloves make them more suitable for wearing a fitness tracker
- People like the gel padding for better palm protection
Cons
- The sizing runs a bit small
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Gym enthusiasts
- People who prefer breathability
Who is it not for?
- Powerlifters needing wrist support
Final Verdict
Glofit Freedom gloves provide excellent breathability and comfort, making them perfect for regular gym sessions. However, they lack sufficient wrist support for serious powerlifting.
I've always been a bit skeptical about open-back gloves. But when I finally tried them during a particularly sweaty session, I was sold. The cooling effect on the hands is a game-changer.
If wrist support isn't a priority, these workout gloves from GloFit is highly recommended.
I also tend to pack these in my gym bag for lighter training as the lack of a wrist strap means that I can wear my fitness tracker.
It doesn't shy away from palm protection as it comes with a silica gel padding to enhance comfort without compromising your grip.
3 - Trideer Workout Gloves (Best for Heavy Weights)
- - Material: Microfiber; Size: Available in multiple sizes; Special Features: Anti-slip
- adjustable wrist wrap.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Well designed gel padding seems to protect from calluses
- The non-slip surface may help to gain a firm grip
- The mesh material makes them breathable for less sweating
Cons
- Some people found the strap overshoots the velcro
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Cross-trainers
- Heavy lifters
Who is it not for?
- Those preferring lighter, more minimalistic gloves
Final Verdict
Trideer Workout gloves are designed to offer maximum support and grip, ideal for heavy lifting and cross-training. They might be too bulky for those preferring minimalistic gear.
I remember the first time I slipped on a pair of Trideer gloves. Their reputation precedes them, and after several workouts, it's clear why they're a leading brand in weightlifting gloves.
This pair of gym gloves has an 18-inch wrist strap to provide exceptional and customizable support, which comes in handy during either heavy weights or cross-training.
Many athletes have commented that they gain a better grip strength without extreme pressure resulting in blisters.
I also liked the non-slip surface on the palm area, which may become important for intense workouts where sweat might drip onto the gloves.
I found it annoying that the strap seems to be longer than the Velcro patch, which means you might end up with a loose bit of strap.
4 - Grip Power Pads
- - Material : Leather
- neoprene; Maintenance: Hand wash recommended; Special Features: Grip
- wrist support.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Heavy-duty design aimed at powerlifting
- Includes 25-inch wrist wraps for better support
- Lots of positive comments that they stop blisters forming
Cons
- They tend to have a strong leather smell when you first open the box
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Powerlifters
- Professional athletes
Who is it not for?
- Casual gym-goers
Final Verdict
Grip Power Pads are tailored for heavy and professional lifting, with extended wrist wraps for added support. Not the best choice for casual workouts due to their robust design.
I've always struggled with wrist strain during heavy lifts. But when I slipped on these gloves with their extra-long straps, the added wrist support made a world of difference.
With strong and durable leather, you should find that these will last even under professional level powerlifting.
The curved finger design of these gloves makes it extremely convenient to use because it's tapered to fit the natural shape of your hands.
Just prepare yourself for a strong leather smell right out of the box and maybe air them for a few days.
5 - RIMSports Weight Lifting Gloves
- - Material: Leather and spandex; Washable: Hand wash; Special Features: Breathability
- wrist support.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Positive comments from performance athletes that they hold up to heavy usage
- Good quality wrist wrap to help avoid common wrist issues
- Great choice of colors for the fashion-conscious athletes
Cons
- These weightlifting gloves are not machine washable
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Fashion-conscious athletes
- Intense training sessions
Who is it not for?
- Those needing machine-washable gloves
Final Verdict
RIMSports gloves combine style and functionality, making them suitable for athletes who value both aesthetics and performance. However, they require hand washing, which may be a downside for some.
I've tried numerous gloves over the years, but the wrist support from these RIMSports gloves stood out. The long strap design provided a level of support I hadn't experienced before.
Many users comment on the quality of the Velcro strap which holds the gloves in place even when they bend their wrists.
But pros specifically love how the material is breathable, comfortable, and sweat absorbing.
Oh, and if you have a bit of a fashion thing going on with your gym gear, then the color designs might make this a great choice.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to hand wash these gloves as they might get damaged in a washing machine.
6 - SIMARI Workout Gloves (Best Breathable)
- - Material: Microfiber and Lycra; Special Features: Touchscreen friendly
- wrist support; Breathable : Yes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The velcro strap is comfortable and seems to provide great protection
- Terry cloth thumb might make wiping sweat away easier
- Cool looking mesh design on the back makes them breathable
Cons
- The stitching might not hold up to constant and intense powerlifting
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- High sweat activities
- Light to moderate lifters
Who is it not for?
- Daily heavy lifting
Final Verdict
SIMARI Workout gloves are great for high-sweat activities thanks to their breathability, but they are not built for the rigors of daily heavy lifting.
As someone who sweats more than the average lifter, I've always been on the lookout for gloves that can handle it. When I tried these SIMARI gloves, I was pleasantly surprised at how well they managed moisture.
First of all, they have a mesh fiber on the back that should help you get more ventilation onto your skin.
Secondly, the thumb section’s cloth may help wipe away sweat rather than just push it from side to side.
Lastly, it comes with tabs for easy removal and padded palms to provide better support without compromising comfort.
I will just caution you if you intend to use them for daily powerlifting as they seem to be designed for lighter usage.
7 - Fit Active Ventilated Lifting Gloves (Best for Light Weights)
- - Material: Neoprene; Special Features: Lightweight
- extra grip
- wrist support; Washable : Machine wash.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- May be ideal for lighter weights and pull-ups
- Open-back and mesh design might significantly reduce sweating
- The training gloves include wrist straps for better injury protection
Cons
- Probably not suitable for advanced powerlifters
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Light weight training
- High rep sets
Who is it not for?
- Serious powerlifters
Final Verdict
Fit Active Ventilated gloves are ideal for lighter weight training and high rep sets due to their lightweight and breathable design. They are not suitable for serious powerlifting.
On days when I'm focusing on lighter loads and more reps, the Fit Active Sports gloves have become my go-to. They offer just the right amount of palm protection without being too bulky.
And they also seem to work pretty well on battle ropes or pull-up bars, especially if you’re using a weighted vest.
The design is quite uncommon, but many users are pretty impressed with how it keeps their gloves from smelling bad real fast.
The neoprene material also ensures that you can hold on well to your weights without hurting your palms.
If you’re planning on lifting heavy bars, then the wrist support might not be enough as they tried to keep it less bulky.
8 - Harbinger Power (Cheapest & Best Padded)
- - Material: Leather and stretchback mesh; Special Features: Adjustable wrist closure
- durable leather palm.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Includes additional layers of padding on the thumbs for more durable wear
- The sizing seems to be accurate for a comfortable fit
- Leather palm material for durability
- The mesh material seems to provide good breathability
Cons
- Doesn’t come with wrist wrap support
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Beginners
- Budget-conscious buyers
Who is it not for?
- Advanced athletes needing more support
Final Verdict
Harbinger Power gloves offer great value and adequate protection for beginners or those on a budget. They might not meet the needs of more advanced lifters looking for comprehensive wrist support.
I've been a fan of Harbinger's for years. From my amateur days to more competitive lifting, their gloves have been a constant companion, providing both comfort and durability.
These power weightlifting gloves stood out for me because of a nicely placed extra layer of lpadding on the inside of the thumb.
I sometimes find that this is a pressure point that is a bit sore and distracting, but the extra layer seems to help reduce the pressure.
A lot of users particularly like the half-finger design which helps protects their hands from calluses while still having a strong feel on the bar.
You would need to order some wrist support straps to fully protect yourself from injury, but it's pretty good for beginners.
9 - RDX Weight Lifting Gloves
- - Material: Spandex; Special Features: Slip-resistant
- padded
- half-finger; Washable : Hand wash only.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Positive comments about the breathable material to cool down your hands
- Available in cool designs and colors
- The pull tabs make them easier to get off sweaty hands
Cons
- Might not be durable enough for regular powerlifting
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Variety workout levels
- Style-conscious lifters
Who is it not for?
- Regular, intense powerlifting
Final Verdict
RDX Weight Lifting gloves are versatile and stylish, suitable for various levels of workout intensity. However, they might not withstand the demands of regular, intense powerlifting sessions.
I must admit, I was initially drawn to these RDX gloves because of their sleek design. But after using them, I realized they're not just about looks. Their performance in the gym is just as impressive.
These gloves work well for all performance levels, and they have a cool feature that makes taking them off easier.
There are little tabs that you can pull on, which helps when your hands are sweaty.
But we also thought that our hands seemed to be a bit cooler in them, which may be down to the ventilation from the mesh.
While they work well for lower loads on bars, they might not stand up to extreme lifting.
10 - Bionic Full Finger Fitness Gloves (Best Protecting)
- - Material : Spandex
- leather; Washable: Machine wash; Special Features: Full finger
- breathable
- patented pad system.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Full finger weightlifting gloves may provide added protection for fingertips and nails
- Positive reviews about less pressure on finger joints
- Soft feel doesn’t seem to restrict hand movements
Cons
- They seem to be a bit less breathable
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those needing full hand coverage
- Tech-savvy users (touchscreen compatible)
Who is it not for?
- Lifters preferring breathability
Final Verdict
Bionic Full Finger gloves provide complete hand coverage and are touchscreen compatible, ideal for tech-savvy users. They are less breathable, making them less suitable for those who sweat heavily.
I've always been a fan of open finger gloves, but I decided to give these Bionic Full Finger gloves a shot. To my surprise, the full-finger protection didn't hinder my grip, and the added protection was a bonus during certain exercises.
And speaking of grip, the patented pre-rotated finger design makes for a comfortable and solid grip as it adapts to your hand’s natural curving motion.
And you won't have to worry about taking the gloves off for a selfie at the gym because they're touchscreen compatible.
Material:
Just prepare yourself for sweatier hands as these weightlifting gloves are not particularly breathable.
How We Tested These Weight Lifting Gloves
Here's how we chose the best weight-lifting gloves:
Durability
A glove that wears out quickly can not only be a waste of money but can also compromise safety during workouts. To test durability, we put each pair of gloves through rigorous workout sessions, simulating real-world conditions.
We subjected them to heavy weights, high-intensity routines, and even outdoor conditions to see how they held up. We also paid close attention to the stitching, padding, and overall construction, noting any signs of wear and tear over time.
Price
We categorized the gloves into different price brackets: budget, mid-range, and premium. For each category, we evaluated the gloves based on their features, performance, and durability to determine if they justified their price tag.
Our goal was to find options that provide the best balance between cost and quality, ensuring that there's something for everyone, regardless of budget.
Material
We closely examined the materials used in each glove, from leather and neoprene to synthetic blends. We evaluated how each material affected the glove's breathability, flexibility, and grip on various surfaces.
Additionally, we considered factors like moisture-wicking capabilities and potential allergenic properties.
Buyer’s Guide
There are focus points you should consider in your own decision-making.
1. Check For Breathability
If you’re going to be spending a significant amount of time wearing gloves, then according to an article published in the National Library of Medicine, your hands will sweat a lot [1].
That may become uncomfortable, and worse, it can cause skin irritation that can ruin your proper form and solid grip.
And let's be real, guys. Sweaty gloves can get really stinky fast, which is why we prefer training gloves that have a breathable mesh or other ventilation design.
2. Grip With Confidence
According to another article in the National Library of Medicine, good grip is directly correlated to exercise performance [2]. The best weightlifting gloves we tried out will have gel padding, which absorbs and spreads out some of the pressure.
Whether it’s a loaded barbell or just some pull-ups, that gel might help to reduce the risks of calluses forming, which, according to an article on the Men's Health website, might become quite painful [3].
“But calluses have some practical disadvantages, too. Whether you consider them brag-worthy battle scars or just a pesky side effect of your new weight lifting routine, calluses can cramp your style, not to mention disrupt your workouts.”
- Dan Michel, Writer for Men’s Health
3. Support Weaknesses
Weightlifting gloves should ideally protect your hands and provide wrist support as well.
This is especially important for powerlifting, where the weight shift can put a lot of pressure on your wrists [3].
A firm wrist wrap should make a big difference, as this is a weak spot for many athletes getting to weight loads they haven’t experienced before.
To ensure safety, make sure that the wrist wraps can support the amount of weights you usually lift.
4. Pick The Right Size
I have found the trick with glove measuring is that you should measure your palm before and after a workout.
Your hands and fingers tend to swell up a bit as you go through a workout routine. And that could result in gloves that feel too tight.
So, take a measurement after immediately training and then use the size chart for your chosen gym gloves to get a comfortable yet snug fit.
5. Ease of Removal
After a sweaty and intense workout, removing gloves can sometimes feel like a second workout in itself. Here's what to look for to make sure you'll be able to easily remove your gloves:
- Pull tabs: These tabs allow the user to grip and pull the gloves off with ease, reducing the struggle after a tiring session.
- Quick-release features: Certain gloves have a design where the wrist wrap or strap has a quick-release mechanism, ensuring that the glove can be loosened quickly before removal.
- Open-back design: Some gloves have an open-back design, which not only provides ventilation but also makes the glove easier to slide off.
6. Fingerless vs. Full Finger Gloves
Fingerless gloves, often referred to as half-finger gloves, provide protection to the palm while leaving the fingers exposed. This design offers a more direct tactile connection with the weights, enhancing grip sensation and dexterity.
They're also generally cooler, making them a popular choice for intense workouts or warmer environments.
Full-finger gloves offer comprehensive protection, shielding the entire hand from potential calluses, blisters, and external contaminants.
They're especially beneficial for those who engage in exercises that might put the back of their fingers at risk or for individuals who prefer complete coverage for hygiene or comfort reasons.
7. Types of Exercises
The specific exercises you engage in can greatly influence the type of weightlifting gloves you should opt for.
For instance, powerlifters, who focus on lifting maximum weights in exercises like deadlifts, squats, and bench presses, might prioritize gloves with robust wrist support and dense padding.
Bodybuilders, on the other hand, often perform a variety of exercises targeting different muscle groups and might prefer versatile gloves that offer a balance between grip enhancement and flexibility.
CrossFit enthusiasts, known for their high-intensity, varied workouts, might lean towards gloves that provide both protection against friction and agility for dynamic movements.
Meanwhile, those into calisthenics, which involves bodyweight exercises like pull-ups and dips, might prioritize gloves that offer optimal grip without excessive padding.
Related Lifting Equipment Articles:
FAQs
Do Weightlifting Gloves Prevent Calluses?
Yes, weightlifting gloves prevent calluses if they have the right amount of padding. It’s also important for the padding to be in the right places in your palms to reduce direct pressure.
Should You Wear Gloves When Weight Lifting?
You should wear gloves when weight lifting to increase performance and safety. There would be lesser chances of your hands slipping, and they may also provide extra protection from wrist injuries.
Our Verdict on the Best Weight Lifting Gloves
After extensive testing and personal use, I can confidently recommend the Skott Evo 2. These gloves perfectly blend protection, comfort, and breathability.
From my own workouts to feedback from our clients, they've consistently proven their worth.
Our #1 Recommendation
Skott Evo 2 Weightlifting Gloves (Best Overall & Most Durable)
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- The half-finger gym gloves may reduce sweating
- Includes silica gel palm pads for less risk of slipping
- People like the wide wrist strap for added injury protection
- The sizing guide is easy to follow and get the right fit
- You may need to wash them regularly to avoid smells
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