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The 6 Best Weightlifting Gloves for Maximum Power and Protection

The ultimate gear for your weightlifting journey for unparalleled performance

By
Alexa Erickson
Alexa Erickson

Alexa Erickson is a Newport, California-based writer who covers travel, health, wellness, home decor, food and drink, fashion, beauty, and scientific news.

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Updated on April 22, 2024
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Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more.
by
Tara Laferrara, CPT
Tara Laferrara
Reviewed by Tara Laferrara, CPT
Tara Laferrara is a certified NASM personal trainer, yoga teacher, and fitness coach. She also created her own online training program, the TL Method.
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Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more.
by
Emily Swaim
Emily Swaim
Fact checked by Emily Swaim

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

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Weightlifting Gloves and dumbbell on a green background

Verywell / Chloe Jeong

Whether you're a seasoned powerlifter striving for new personal bests or a newcomer looking to optimize your workouts, weightlifting gloves can make all the difference. The best weightlifting gloves enhance grip, reduce friction, and prevent calluses, enabling lifters of all levels to push their limits without fear of injury or discomfort. When shopping, make sure your gloves fit correctly to provide proper protection. Look for options with adjustable straps to customize the tightness and support.

To find the best weightlifting gloves on the market, we spoke with industry experts to learn more about what key features to look for when shopping. Then, we researched dozens of options from top, trusted brands. We evaluate each glove based on materials, design features, grip, breathability, and overall value. We also had a NASM-certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article for accuracy surrounding what to look for in weightlifting gloves, who should use them, and how they should fit.

Whether you’re weightlifting, cycling, or bodybuilding, these are the gloves that can do it all which makes them our best overall selection. Designed with high-quality lightweight microfiber, they offer the utmost durability, so you can expect them to do the job well for a long time.

The gloves feature dual Velcro straps, which are adjustable and provide stability to the wrist. The silica gel palm allows for great gripping, and the 18" wrist wraps provide maximum support and safety to allow you to comfortably, effectively, and safely lift heavy weights, or keep that sturdy grip on your bicycle’s handlebars. They're also comfortable enough that you could wear them while on an elliptical machine, cycling, and more.

These are popular among women for their comfort. The lightweight material, made of 100% leather and spandex, is great for beginners who aren’t used to wearing something on their hands, while pros will love that the material is breathable, keeping perspiration to a minimum. The gloves also have great wrist padding, allowing your wrists to be held securely in place, while there is also exceptional cushioning on the palm side allowing you to grip with confidence so you can do your exercises correctly and get more reps in. They're also comfortable enough that you could wear them while running on an elliptical machine, cycling, and more.

These gloves come in five sizes and nine colors to suit all your needs. Reviewers note that these provide solid wrist support and stability for all of their weightlifting needs.

If you are looking for full palm protection which will prevent you from getting calluses or torn hands, this is the pair for you. Built-in wrist wraps keep your hands steady and comfortable while you lift, and velcro wraps around your wrists give you the perfect fit. Silicone printed neoprene grip ensures you can hold on well to the dumbbells. What is really neat about these is the open back design, which allows your hands to breathe so your hands won't get sweaty and the gloves won't be smelly.

Reviewers who lift a lot think these are the perfect solution for tired, worn hands. They note that they protect your hands but aren't bulky, which can interfere with your routine.

Some people prefer full finger weightlifting gloves because the type of exercises they do, like heavy shrugs and deadlifts, can cause their fingertips to hurt from the etching on the bars. Bionic’s full finger gloves have a lot of great features worth mentioning. They help to prevent fatigue while increasing strength with the patented anatomical pad relief system and genuine leather palm, with relief pads placed to even out the surface of your hands, displacing the pressure.

The terry cloth pads inside the gloves serve as perspiration management, while the back of the glove’s Cool-On™ material ensures maximum breathability to keep your hands from feeling overheated. Furthermore, the Lycra® between the fingers and flexion zones allows for plenty of flexibility during your workout.

If your utmost concern is grip, these gloves are for you. Intense weightlifting workouts require a good pair of gloves, and the Grip Power Pads—with pressured pads that deliver a topnotch grip by boosting the friction with the weights in your grasp—are the pair that promise to give you security. A good grip gives you the peace of mind that you won’t injure yourself from the weights slipping out of your hands. These gloves are another great pair that are very easy to pull on and off as well.

Reviewers comment that these are worth the money and can handle various exercises like pull-ups, dumbbells, bench presses, and more with their sturdy construction and cushioning.

If you have an intense workout regimen, you need intense gloves, and these Harbinger Men’s Power Weightlifting gloves are super heavy duty. Designed to make your weightlifting as safe as can be, they feature StretchBack performance mesh on the back of the hand to keep your hands from sweating, and they provide a noteworthy amount of flexibility between the fingers. The half-finger gloves’ leather palm feature protects the hands from calluses and general discomfort from friction on the bar while still maintaining a strong feel on the equipment. Additional features include open cell foam cushions on the palm and fingers as well as fully adjustable wrist closures.

What to Look for When Shopping for Weightlifting Gloves

Fit

The size of your hand will determine your options for gloves. Some are adjustable and made to fit most hands, while others come in specific sizes that may provide a better fit if your hands are on the larger or smaller side. Make sure that all parts of the glove fit well, including the wrist strap. You want to be able to adjust the wrist strap to provide the level of support that meets your needs. 

Comfort

Beyond a good fit, the level of comfort will depend largely on your preferences. Some pairs have fingers, while others only cover the palm. The material gloves are made of will also make a big difference in how they feel while you’re pumping iron. Look for ones made of materials that offer ample protection but are also breathable and flexible. 

Support

Weightlifting can be stressful on your wrists, and weightlifting gloves can help alleviate that. How much support you need will depend on the amount of weight you usually lift. Some gloves are meant more to protect your hands from calluses than for wrist support, but others offer both support and protection.

How We Selected the Weightlifting Gloves

To find the best weightlifting gloves on the market, we first consulted fitness experts. Their insights helped us understand key features and factors to consider when choosing weightlifting gloves. With their advice in mind, we meticulously researched dozens of products from top brands in the weightlifting gear category. We analyzed customer reviews and product specifications, comparing materials, design features (such as padding thickness, support mechanisms, and finger mobility), grip, breathability, and overall value.

Why Trust

Alexa Erickson is a Newport, California-based writer who covers travel, health, wellness, home decor, food and drink, fashion, beauty, and scientific news. Her work has been published on MSN, AoL, Business Insider, Reader's Digest, INSIDER, Shape Magazine, and more. 

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