CrossFit demands more than just sheer determination and grit; it requires the right equipment to help you power through every WOD with confidence and (relatively speaking) comfort.
While your shoes might keep you grounded and your workout gear well-ventilated, your hands will bear the brunt of CrossFit’s most intense movements, particularly those executed while dangling from a bar.
This is why a pair of CrossFit grips are essential for any athlete looking to protect their hands from calluses and tears during high-rep bar work such as pull-ups and muscle-ups.
Whether you're new to the box or a seasoned RX athlete, the right pair of grips can drastically improve your performance and progression on CrossFit’s signature gymnastics movements. We speak from painful personal experience when we say learning to kip without grips is the easiest way to obliterate your hands and write yourself off from workouts for days thereafter.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best CrossFit grips on the market. But first we spoke to Personal Training Lead at Nuffield Health, Samuel Quinn, about what to think about before making your purchase.
What are the benefits of using CrossFit hand grips?
“The high-intensity nature and repetitive movements required in CrossFit can damage the skin on the hands and compromise grip strength. CrossFit hand grips can be very useful in protecting the hands from blisters, callouses, cuts and tears, as well as providing wrist support and stability, improving grip strength, and enhancing performance.”
How do I choose the right size and type of hand grips?
“First of all, you’ll want to decide on fingerless or finger grips; the most effective grips can provide both options in one set of hand grips. The most appropriate type of grips and grip thickness will depend on the training style you are focusing on (weightlifting, gymnastics, etc.). Grips used for pull-ups or gymnastics-style training will be designed to protect the hands, while strength training grips will help to improve grip strength, enabling you to hold on to the bar during your workout. User reviews can be a helpful tool in determining the type most suitable for your style of training.
“You’ll need to measure your hands and check for the correct size of the grips; they should be big enough to cover your hand. Carbon, rubber, or leather are the most popular options. If applicable, ensure your grips can be adjusted mid-workout if you don’t need them for a certain exercise so you can transition between gymnastic or barbell work or remove them entirely when unnecessary.”
How do I break in new hand grips?
“Aside from wearing hand grips during workouts, you can break in new hand grips by not securing the wrist strap too tightly, using chalk on your hands and the grips to soften the material and prevent unnecessary friction. Bar knurling can also gradually soften the material.”
Can hand grips improve my performance in CrossFit workouts?
“Hand grips can improve performance during CrossFit workouts by reducing hand fatigue, preventing injuries, and allowing you to maintain a stronger grip for longer durations. This can lead to better endurance, efficiency, and overall strength gains in high-repetition movements.”
Best CrossFit grips at a glance
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Velites Quad Ultra Hand Grips
Best for: overall
Velites’ Quad Ultras are to CrossFit grips what Nike Metcons are to CrossFit trainers – highly reliable and highly popular. The Spanish brand is well regarded for all kinds of CrossFit accessories, including skipping ropes, but grips is where it excels.
Designed for use without chalk, the Quad Ultras are made from a premium synthetic material that balances flexibility and durability particularly well. The textured surface ensures a strong grip on bars and rings, whether you're pushing for max-effort muscle-ups or grinding through endless toes-to-bar sets. Built to withstand heavy training, these Velites grips are many CrossFit athletes’ best training buddy.
The only drawback? The ergonomic straps can dig into wrists during longer workouts. Thankfully, Velites includes fabric wristbands for an added layer of comfort, while a mesh carry bag keeps everything organised and odour-free. Unlike many other grips on the market, we’re also big fans of having multiple colourways to choose from.
Buy now £47.99, Amazon
Picsil Hawk Grips
Best for: Competitions
Picsil’s Hawk Grips deliver an impressive balance of durability and comfort, making them a top choice for many competitive CrossFit athletes.
Much like Velites' Quad Ultras, these grips excel without the need for chalk, thanks to their tough yet flexible synthetic material. The thin but sturdy design might feel rigid on unboxing, but offers a natural feel once broken in, and we very much appreciate the extra material to protect your thumbs, which are often the first to tear during high-rep gymnastics movements.
What sets the Hawk Grips apart are their wrist straps – some of the most comfortable we've tested. They’re easy to adjust and feature ample cushioning to prevent digging into the wrists during longer sessions. We think this makes them ideal for drawn-out competitions that might involve multiple workouts using grips.
Buy now £45.90, Amazon
Picsil Falcon Grips
Best for: Versatility
Crafted from carbon fibre, Picsil’s featherlight and flexible Falcon Grips deliver a responsive feel to see you through all kinds of CrossFit workouts.
They’re available in fingerless, two- or three-hole designs, the latter of which enhances finger dexterity and allows for seamless transitions from bar holds to more dynamic movements like kettlebell swings or even when using the rower or ski-erg.
For us, the feel of these CrossFit grips hits the sweet spot between soft and firm, making them equally suited for gymnastics and intense barbell work. Picsil has incorporated magnesium into the build of these which provides an extra strong grip, while a microfibre layer also ensures they stay breathable.
Last but not least, Picsil’s signature secure wrist straps ensure a snug fit that won’t loosen or cause discomfort, even during workouts with seemingly never ending timecaps.
Buy now £32.95, Amazon
Victory Grips X2 Freedom
Best for: quick changes
The fingerless Victory Grips X2 Freedom are top-tier for seamless transitions between movements. Extra material on both sides of the grips allows you to easily flip them out of the way when not in use, keeping them secure without the hassle of having to twist them around your wrists or unstrapping them.
On the bar, their minimalist design ensures unrestricted movement and sits comfortably over watches or fitness wearables – something many grips cause issues with. The soft straps are another highlight, providing a snug fit without digging into your wrists and bolstering their appeal for athletes who prioritise efficiency during workouts.
Buy now £59.99, eBay
Rogue V2 Gymnastic Grips
Best for: budget
New to CrossFit and still getting your head around the eye-watering monthly fee compared to high street gyms? It’s understandable if you’re hesitant to splurge on extra gear right away.
Rogue Fitness’ V2 Gymnastics Grips are a relatively budget-friendly option for improving your bar work without the high cost of premium brands. Made from textured leather, these grips provide solid hand protection and grip control, even if they provide slightly less palm coverage than competitors.
The more natural feel lent by finger holes also makes them an easier choice for beginners who are just getting to grips with new movements and forms.
Buy now £29.00, Rogue Fitness
Frog Grips Elite Grips
Best for: comfort
Ever wondered what it would feel like to have the grip of a frog? Inspired by the amphibian famed for its superior hold, Frog Grips offer a natural feel that allows you to stay on the bar much longer than you could without them and possibly longer than any other grip in this edit.
A three-finger hole design (also available without) mirrors the flexibility and freedom of movement bestowed upon the hoppy creatures, making it easy to switch between gymnastics and barbell work without the need for adjustments.
A few factors give these grips an edge, one being the perforations on the material which excel in breathability and thereby reduce sweat build-up to help you push through longer, more intense sessions. Another is its ultra-soft padded wrist straps, which are leaps and bounds ahead (if you’ll pardon the pun) of many we’ve had our hands on (there’s another).
The catch? In addition to their (justified) premium price, this Australian brand comes with a higher-than-average shipping fee and time frame at most global stockists.
Buy now £59.99, Kit Box
Bear KompleX Carbon No Hole Speed Grips
Best for: high-rep sets
Some CrossFit workouts call for up to ten reps on a bar in any given set. Others might call for much longer stints, which can wreak havoc on your hands even with a pair of grips to support you. It’s during these workouts that Bear KompleX’s grips come into their own.
These fingerless grips mean business – and their tough-as-nails branding says it all. They deliver an exceptionally strong grip on any surface, whether it’s bars, rings or barbells, all without unnecessary bulk. Made from thin yet durable carbon fibre and triple-stitched, they offer strength and flexibility in spades.
We also love the positioning of the wrist straps – high enough for sustained comfort and secure enough to stay put during even the lengthiest sets – so you won’t have to worry about them coming loose mid-workout.
Buy now £39.99, Amazon
For Time Hand Grips
Best for: wrist support
Featuring a neoprene wrist anchor, these For Time grips stay securely in place while preventing chafing, ripping or blisters. They are made with 2mm thick material, combining a silicone surface for superior grip and a microfibre layer for comfort. With no break-in period, they are ready for use immediately, making them ideal for pull-ups, bar work and high-intensity training.
Buy now £41.99, Amazon
Velites Handgrips Quad Pro Wristbands
Best for: soft material
The Velites Quad Pro Hand Grips offer a balanced mix of flexibility, comfort and strength. Their hole-free design allows for quick transitions between exercises, perfect for bar work, rings and kettlebells.
The gym essentials feature a double-layer microfibre material that gives me a soft yet secure grip, best used with chalk for enhanced performance. Designed for athletes of all levels (under 90kg recommended), they also come with a free wristband for added support. Available in blue, orange and pink.
Buy now £36.99, Amazon
Repton Leather Gymnastics Hand Grips
Best for: any level
These Repton grips deliver full palm protection to help reduce the strain and prevent injuries during exercises like deadlifts and pull-ups. Made from leather, they offer a firm, anti-slip grip with reinforced stitching, providing sturdy support for high-intensity workouts. These grips are designed to fit comfortably from the first use, so you won’t experience slipping or discomfort during reps. Perfect for any level, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced athlete.
Buy now £4.99, Amazon
Verdict
Each of the grips in this guide offers something unique to suit the varying strengths and experience levels of CrossFit athletes.
However, the Velites Quad Ultra Hand Grips stand out as the full package, delivering the best balance of protection, flexibility and convenience – all wrapped up with a welcome smattering of gym style.
