Calluses, no unwanted wrist strain, slip-free grip, and lower chances of injury are a few of the benefits you get by choosing the right gloves for your rigorous weight lifting workout.
Did you notice the word right is bolded?
Because choosing gloves that are not fit for your workout can actually backfire. From reduced performance to serious injury, anything is possible. Also, the right pair of gloves for one workout might not be a good choice for another. On top of that, having so many brands and styles available doesn’t make life any easier. If you’re looking for the best weight lifting gloves, this guide has got you covered. We have put together a list of the very best gloves, used and endorsed by thousands of weight lifting enthusiasts, just like yourself.
But let’s talk about something very important first.
Three Pillars of Great Weight Lifting Gloves
- A Snug Fit. You don’t want the gloves to be loose as it increases the risk of losing control when you’re using heavy weights, neither you want the gloves to be too tight as it might cut off the circulation.
We’ll shortly discuss how you can find the perfect fit.
- A High-Quality Material. It’s a no-brainer to get a pair made with high-quality materials. For instance, gloves made of leather or neoprene offer much better grip and will outlast the gloves made of nylon or other cheap materials. A good material also protects your palms from friction blisters when hitting extremely heavy weights.
- An Appropriate Design. Fingerless gloves with wrist straps are the most popular design as they offer breathability (to avoid sweat build-up) and added support for your wrists. In addition, there are some unique, quirky designs available on the market, which could be a good fit depending on your workout style.
Top 10 Weight Lifting Gloves Ultimate Chart
| Picture | Name | Available sizes | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Versa Gripps® PRO Glove Straps Hooks | x-small, small, medium/large, x-large | $$$$ | 4.8 |
| 2. Quality Gear by Nordic Lifting® | x-small, small, medium, large, x-large | $ | 4.5 |
| 3. Cross Training Gloves by Mava Sports | x-small, small, medium, large, x-large | $$ | 4.5 |
| 4. 2-Fitness Women's Men's Weight Lifting Gloves | x-small, small, medium, large, x-large | $ | 4.5 |
| 5. Gym Gloves Alternative GymPaws | one size fits all | $$$ | 4.4 |
| 6. Crown Gear Weightlifting Gloves | small, medium, large, x-large, xx-large | $$ | 4.4 |
| 7. Contraband Pink Label | x-small, small, medium, large | $ | 4.4 |
| 8. Harbinger Men's Training-Grip Wristwrap | small, medium, large, x-large, xx-large | $$$ | 4.3 |
| 9. Meister Women's Fit Grip | small, medium, large, x-large | $ | 4.3 |
| 10. RIMSports Gym Gloves | x-small, small, medium, large, x-large | $ | 4.3 |
How to Determine Your Glove Size
To buy the ideal pair, you’ll need to know your size, and there are two ways to do so. The easy but less accurate way is to use your shoe size as an indicator.
| Shoe size (American) | Approximate glove size |
| 6 to 7 | X-Small |
| 7.5 to 8.5 | Small |
| 9 to 10 | Medium |
| 10.5 to 11.5 | Large |
| 12 to 12.5 | X-Large |
| 13 and above | XX-Large |
A more accurate approach to finding the perfect fit is to wrap your dominant hand right at the knuckles with a tape measure. Place and press the hand against a wall or any flat surface while keeping your fingers relaxed. Tighten the tape around your hand so it’s flush with your skin but doesn’t go deep in your hand. Note down the number in inches, which is your glove size.
Top 3 Best Weight Lifting Gloves Reviews
1. Versa Gripps
If you wonder what type of gloves do the professional weight lifters use, well, they don’t wear gloves, they wear Versa Gripps. They are a mutual favorite of experts as well as amateur weightlifters because of their unique design, peerless durability, and extreme performance.
There are two popular series of Versa Gripps, Fit series and Pro series. The Fit is mainly for women or men with smaller hands, while the Pro series is for men. Other than that, they’re pretty much the same except for the colors.
The uniquely engineered material not only lasts long but also gives a grip like no other. On top of that, the neoprene padding ensures great wrist support and safe operation. Remember, they are grips and not gloves. The sides, as well as the back, have absolutely no covering whatsoever, so sweating is out of the question. The wide wrist straps are ergonomically designs to allow maximum support without having to interfere with blood circulation.
The Versa grips have a unique design, and to get the ideal size, instead of the knuckles, you need to measure your wrist right at the base of your hand.
In short, no other gloves or grips offer such grip or support for serious weight lifters. No matter you have wrist issues or feel weaker on certain days, the Versa Gripps can take your workout to a whole new level. The only moan we can have against the product is their high price – but you get what you pay for!
2. Nordic Lifting
Ideal for both men and women, the premium quality gloves by the reputable brand Nordic Lifting™ offer extreme durability and great grip at an affordable price. The gloves are so sturdy that the manufacturer backs them up with a one-year warranty. Not to mention, they’ve a great, friendly customer service. So, unlike the pair you see at your local Walmart – which usually get tattered in a matter of a couple weeks – expect these gloves to last for a while.
Just like the best bike saddles that come with strategic paddings in just the right areas so you can ride for extra miles without your bottom going numb or feeling tired, the weight lifting gloves by Nordic have the right amount of padding in the right spots. This not only offers protection against blisters and calluses, but also offers an ideal, no-slip grip.
The gloves have everything that should be in the best weight lifting gloves: premium quality leather material, ultra-powerful reinforced stitching, padded palms, and integrated 12” wrist straps. On top of that, there are certain things that set them apart. The gloves are a clever mix of thick leather exterior and suede for a softer interior. The elastic points, around your wrists, finger points, and at the back of your hand, take the unwanted stress on your hands out of the equation.
The only thing you’ll feel wearing them is power.
However, just like any other products, the gloves have a couple of downsides. Firstly, the wrist straps tend to get a little tight, especially during intense workout sessions. Therefore, the manufacturer recommends you to adjust them between sets. Secondly, if your gym doesn’t have air conditioning, your hand might get a little hot because of the design.
All in all, the weight lifting gloves by Nordic Lifting® deserve to be the second best on our list and a favorite for every lifter.
3. Mava Sports
The Training Gloves by Mava have a unique open back design, with extra leather and silicone padding covering the contact points on your palm to minimize any grip loss and prevent calluses. The ingenious design ensures that there is minimal sweating and the oversized wrist wraps offer added stability. The manufacturer also offers a 30-day money back guarantee.
Ideal for both men and women, Mava gloves take all the hassle out of your training. The raw materials used include neoprene reinforced with high-quality leather, ensure extreme durability. But the coating of silicone is what really allows you to have the best possible grip.
A minor glitch with these gloves is that when you’re doing serious lifting and extended sessions, the inside of your palms will get a little sweaty, and the padding there isn’t as great as it’s in the other gloves we have reviewed before. However, this could be a plus point for those who don’t feel comfortable with too much padding.
The list above has the very best weight lifting gloves, one of them will definitely fit your bill. If you’re still not sure, choose any of the top three gloves, and you have buyer’s remorse.
