Strength training is hard on your hands.
Whilst you may think only serious weight-lifters would benefit from wearing gloves at the gym, if you’re using your grip for any form of exercise - push-ups, bicep curls, chest press and rowing included - investing in a pair of palm-protectors could be worthwhile.
What are gym gloves for?
Anyone who regularly lifts weights will be familiar with the hand-related woes that arise fairly easily. Calluses, hardened skin, blisters, weeping wounds - the list goes on. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. If you want to preserve your baby-soft palms and avoid developing a range of painful sores, gloves are the answer.
Other than preventing friction-related injuries, some designs provide stability, prevent overextension and deliver extra comfort with enhanced padding for a more enjoyable experience overall.
Our top tip? Go for a fingerless design. One downside of gloves is less control when compared to using your bare hands - but those without fingers provide a happy middle ground between flexible grip and protection.
Should I use gym gloves?
Anyone who’s regularly strength training should consider gym gloves. Whether you’re doing HIIT classes or circuit training, heading to Barry’s Bootcamp or 1Rebel, anything that involves lifting could result in soreness- which could throw you off your workout routine altogether.
So, if there’s any chance wearing gloves will prevent injury and improve the health of your hands, it’s a no-brainer.
How we tested
The ES Shopping team tested these gym gloves with various sports in mind, as we all have different fitness routines and look for specific features. From high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to strength training, we each needed gloves that would serve our unique workout needs.
Some of us are after solid wrist support for lifting, while others are looking for breathability and comfort during long sessions. Whether we were testing for grip stability in rowing, extra protection for push-ups, or enhanced flexibility for barbell lifts, each glove was assessed based on how well it catered to these varied demands.
Ultimately, we evaluated the gloves on durability, fit and the level of support they provided in different activities, ensuring that each option stood out for its specific strengths. Whether you're in need of a glove to prevent blisters, add wrist stability, or simply keep your hands cool, we’ve got a top pick for every type of workout.
Best gym gloves at a glance:
Keep scrolling for our top picks.
Gymshark Wrap Lifting Gloves
Best for: overall performance
Gymshark has some of the most high-performance activewear on the market and that extends to its accessories. From the neoprene wrap-around wrist support to the added palm padding and mesh panels, these gloves are supportive, comfortable and breathable - so all the bases are covered.
Buy now £20.00, Gymshark
Under Armour Men's UA Weightlifting Gloves
Best for: a cool workout
As with most of Under Armour’s activewear, these gloves are built with the brand’s patented Iso-Chill fabric. That means they effectively disperse heat and feel cool to the touch, regardless of how heavy your workout is. Besides the temperature-regulating credentials, they have leather palms for protection and perforations for a breathable finish.
Buy now £36.00, Under Armour
Alo Power Moves Workout Gloves
Best for: ventilation
Alo is a go-to for premium sportswear - and these gloves are no exception. From the moulded fit to the quality fabric, they have a luxurious feel. The sweat-wicking and quick-drying mesh will keep your palms comfortable throughout your workout.
Buy now £39.00, Alo
Adidas Training Gloves
Best for: anti-slip
Since Adidas’ gloves are built with an anti-slip palm, you’ll be able to keep a good grip on everything from barbells to machine handles. They’ve got a hook-and-loop wrist closure, too, so you can achieve the perfect fit in an instant.
Buy now £30.00, Adidas
Domyos Comfort Weight Training Glove With Wrist Strap
Best for: wrist support
If it’s value for money that’s top of your must-have list when it comes to weightlifting gloves, Decathlon is a great place to start. The retailer’s own brand, Domyos, delivers effective products at a great price time and time again. These gym gloves have a reinforced wrist strap for extra joint support as well as foam cushioning in the hand’s pressure points - all for just £14.99.
Buy now £14.99, Decathlon
Bulk Training Gloves
Best for: budget
Perhaps this is your first foray into training gloves - in which case, why not start your journey with a wallet-friendly pair? Bulk’s design is just that. At £12.99, they give real bang for your buck - padding and perforations are included.
Buy now £11.69, Bulk
Reebok Weight Lifting Gloves, Black
Featuring real leather palms and heavy padding, Reebok’s gloves offer reinforced protection as well as enhanced grip and support, not to mention mesh panels and a double-loop wrist strap for a more secure fit.
Buy now £11.99, Workout for Less
Bear Grip Open Workout Gloves
Best for: versatility
The open-hand design kept my hands cool and comfortable throughout my workout, which is a huge bonus over traditional gloves that can feel too enclosed. The padded silicone grip was a standout feature as it reduced blisters and calluses during intense lifting sessions.
Plus, the adjustable wrist wraps provided extra support during heavy lifts, keeping everything secure. These gloves are great for all kinds of workouts, from CrossFit to bodybuilding and even rope climbing. They're perfect for anyone looking for a reliable, breathable and supportive pair of gloves.
Buy now £12.97, Amazon
Verdict
Gymshark excels in delivering high-performance activewear - and these Wrap Lifting Gloves are no exception. With a neoprene wrap-around wrist support, added palm padding and breathable mesh panels, they hit all the right marks for support, comfort and ventilation.
Whether you're lifting, doing HIIT or any other strength-based workout, these gloves provide the perfect balance of protection and flexibility, making them our top pick for overall performance.
