Our Favorite CrossFit Gloves Tested & Reviewed

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Bear KompleX 3
Test Winner: Bear KompleX 3
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As an avid CrossFitter, I know how important it is to have the best CrossFit gloves—and whether you’re a beginner or a long-time athlete, using a pair of CrossFit gloves will be beneficial to your performance, workouts, and competitions.

Over the years, CrossFit has continued to gain popularity and with Boxes all over the country, that is no surprise. CrossFit is a great option for all types of athletes who want to get better at their sport and anyone who wants to get in the best shape of their life.

The best CrossFit gloves are comfortable, breathable, and built to last you for countless workouts. They should be versatile and flexible enough to wear for all of the different movements and workouts in your WODS, making them the perfect addition to your CrossFit gear!

Take a look at our top picks below!

Standout Picks

I am a little biased to the WOD Nation CrossFit gloves/grips because they are my absolute favorite and I have been using them for over a year now. These are perfect for minimalistic lovers who don’t want a full coverage glove but still want something they can use for added grip and traction for all of their workouts.
Amazon Link
The Bear KompleX gloves are some of the most highly-recommended and reviewed options this season. They are available in the two-hole version as well—but this model seems to be the absolute favorite. These are versatile, comfortable, and breathable, which is why they are perfect for CrossFit athletes!
Amazon Link
Created by athletes for athletes, the WODies 2-in-1 Grips are sure to deliver. They’re 100 percent made in America and guaranteed to be a well-made product. They’re designed to absorb chalk and sweat promoting a great grip every time.
Amazon Link
Described as a stronger version of the WODies 2-in-1 grips, Emerge Pull-Up Grips provide a stronger hold and excellent wrist support. They’re extremely easy to slip on so athletes can get moving faster.
Amazon Link
The WODFitters gloves/grips are another one of the best options for CrossFit athletes. During our research, we found they were at the top of the list by many real-life users. These are durable, comfortable, and perfect for all of your workouts. If you are tired of taking your gloves off and putting them back on in-between movements, then these are a great pair to consider.
Amazon Link
Designed for the serious weightlifter, the Mava Sports Cross Training Gloves with Wrist Support were built to last. They work great for any experience level and provide excellent padding with a reliable grip.
Amazon Link
ProFitness Cross Training Gloves are a popular choice for those who are into CrossFit and who are looking for a good pair of gloves to add to their gear!
Amazon Link
RIMSports Gym Gloves are a popular choice for CrossFit enthusiasts and anyone else really who is looking for a good pair of gloves to add to their gear! They fit well, are comfortable, durable, and affordable which helps make them popular today.
Amazon Link
Designed for heavy lifting, the Fit Active Sports Weight Lifting Gloves afford excellent protection during all workouts, including heavy lifts. They’re designed with silicone padding to prevent calluses and tears for constant comfort. This a great consideration for all athletes from light to heavy weight lifting.
Amazon Link
If you’re looking for high-quality weightlifting/ CrossFit gloves that will prevent injuries and provide wrist support, you should definitely check this one. Many users were also impressed by the total look of the gloves. They look kind of more elegant, especially with this high-quality leather and there are also colors to choose from.
Amazon Link

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Fit

In order for the gloves to work for you, they need to fit properly and comfortably through all of your workouts.

The fit of the glove is one of the most important factors to consider because if CrossFit gloves do not fit you properly, then they will not work for you. The last thing you want is to end up with a pair of gloves that is too large or too small for your hands. We rated the fit of each of the gloves by how true to size they were and whether or not they would retain their fit during your workouts or not.

Size VS how they fit

These gloves are sized differently than standard gloves, so when shopping, athletes need to make sure they follow the sizing guide for each glove. Many reports that some of the gloves on this list may run a bit large, so if between sizes, choose the smaller of the two. The gloves should create a snug fit to reduce slippage and ensure a proper grip.

Buying instore VS buying online

If you are able to buy your CrossFit gloves online, that would be ideal because you will be able to try then on before you buy them. However, if you are unable to buy them--or find them in-store--then you may have to buy them online. If this is the case for you, make sure that you refer to the glove's sizing chart to ensure you are getting the right size for you.

Also, we recommend you purchase from retailers that will allow you to exchange or return your gloves in the case that they don't fir you properly or that you order the wrong size.

Flexibility for all of your movements

Another important thing to look for when establishing how well the gloves fir you or not, is how well you can move with them. Whether you are doing pull-ups or cycling the barbell, you should be able to get a comfortable grip and have a full range of motion when you are working out with your CrossFit gloves.

Materials

Get the CrossFit gloves that are made of the materials that will work best for you.

As you may have noticed by our list of reviews compared with the amount of CrossFit gloves actually out there, you have a ton of options to choose from. That being said, CrossFit gloves are not all made of the same materials nor do they feature the same construction--and this is often what sets the best options apart from the mediocre ones.

Leather. textured leather, and synthetic leather

A lot of CrossFit gloves are made of real or synthetic leather. While these can not be washed in the washer, you can easily wipe them down when you are done to keep them clean. The good thing about using leather or synthetic leather CrossFit gloves is that they provide a good grip and take on the shape of the bar, barbell, or kettlebell you are holding onto for an even more secure grip.

Textured leather allows for optimal grip.

Lycra

If you are on a bit of a budget, you may want to go with CrossFit gloves made out of Lycra. These are less durable and don't absorb moisture well--but they still provide you with a barrier between your hands and the bar, kettlebell, dumbbell--or whatever it may be--to ensure you maintain a good grim and stay comfortable.

Make sure to make the right investment

There are CrossFit gloves made of other materials out there, however, the majority of our picks are made of natural leather, textured leather, or high-quality synthetic leather. This is because these are the most durable and the best options for the level of intensity that CrossFit requires.

At the end of the day, just make sure you purchase gloves made of materials that are comfortable and durable enough for you to use.

Use

Get a pair of CrossFit gloves that will work for your needs and how you plan to use them--this means the workouts you want to do, the intensity of the workout, and the length of the workouts.

As far as use goes, CrossFit gloves should be pretty flexible and versatile. The most important thing to look for is that the gloves will allow you to comfortably move and get through all of the different movements in your WOD. In fact, you shouldn't really have to take them on and off in between movements when you are working out.

Are they flexible and easy to transition with between movements?

The first thing to look for is that you have a full range of motion in the gloves when you put them on. To accurately rate each of our picks based on use, we also took a look at countless user reviews to see what real-world athletes had to say about how easily they transitioned in between workouts and what types of movements they could actually do in the gloves.

Do you need additional wrist support?

For the most part, all of the options on our list are pretty versatile. Some of them double as gloves and wrist wraps--so if you need additional wrist support, these are a great option to look into! Not all CrossFit gloves offer additional wrist support and not all of them are compatible with the use of separate wrist wraps, so make sure to look at those that offer wrist support if you know you need it.

What workouts can you use them for?

Many of the selections on our list offer excellent grip and work for a lot of movements. However, it is important to take a look at the different types of movements you can do with them since not all of them will offer the same variety. Write down the movements and workouts you know you will need your gloves for and then go from there before you make your final decision.

Features

Not all CrossFit gloves offer additional features but some do--make sure to find the gloves that offer exactly what you need!

Some of the gloves on this list are a full glove style while others just cover the high-impact points of the palm and fingers. Depending on what kind of workouts athletes perform will help determine what kind of glove they should buy. Take a look at some of the extra feature we looked for when we evaluated all of our top picks!

Additional wrist support

Some of the gloves include wrist support for heavy lifting. They provide safety and support so athletes can rest assured their wrists are protected. If you have weak wrists or experience wrist pain when you work out or do certain movements, then take a look at the options on our list that offer wrist support, we included several.

Breathability and Moisture-Wicking features

Not all CrossFit gloves offer the same levels of breathability. If you know you already deal with sweaty hands, then you will want to prioritize additional ventilation features that will ensure your hands stay cool and dry. If you really want to make sure they stay fresh, look for gloves that are also moisture-wicking and fast drying.

Odor-resistant and Bacteria-resistant features

If you want a pair of gloves that are built to last, then you will want to get a pair of gloves that are odor-resistant and bacteria resistant. Typically these are coated with additional materials that will ensure that bacterial and odor can place a strong foothold on your gloves--which means they won't be smelly and gross!

Additional padding and cushioning

If you are looking for a pair of gloves that offers additional comfort features, then you will love this that have extra padding and cushioning. Not everyone loves this, but if you know you need the added comfort for certain movements then this is a great feature to look out for.

Are they easy to clean

Not all CrossFit gloves are machine washable, although some are. If you want a pair of gloves that are easy to take care of, then you will want to go for the machine-washable options. Remember, if they are not machine washable, you will need to make sure to wipe them after you workout or hand wash them--whatever is specified by the manufacturer.

Value

Whether you are on a strict budget or not, you should get the value you are looking for from your CrossFit gloves and they should be worth every penny you spend on them.

We’ll determine in this section whether or not the glove is worth the purchase based on the other criteria used in the review, such as if they’re breathable, provide a proper grip and padding, and if they’re priced appropriately. We’ll include users’ reviews to help determine the product’s value.

You don’t want to overpay for gloves, and luckily, you don’t have to. There are plenty of options on the market at an affordable price and we provided many of them on this list. Some of the more expensive ones on the market may not actually provide any more benefits than the most cost-effective ones. You may only be paying for the brand name.

At the end of the day, you need to make sure you stick to your budget if you have a strict number to adhere to. If this is you, make sure you only look at the gloves you can afford. On the other hand, if you are more flexible with your budget, then you will want to make sure it fits all of your comfort, use, and durability needs and invest in the pair of CrossFit gloves that are specifically made for your needs.

Our Favorite Crossfit Gloves

1. WOD Nation

Where to buy
Amazon Link
WOD Nation
Amazon Link

I am a little biased to the WOD Nation CrossFit gloves/grips because they are my absolute favorite and I have been using them for over a year now. These are perfect for minimalistic lovers who don’t want a full coverage glove but still want something they can use for added grip and traction for all of their workouts.

Read more

Fit

These gloves are available in small, medium, and large. They fit true to size, so make sure you refer to the size chart if you have any questions or concerns regarding what size to get and how they will fit. They have to finger holes, cover your palms with textured leather and can be adjusted to fit securely around your wrist. The outside of your hand remains free and uncovered.

Materials

Made of Leather and Nylon, these gloves are built to last. They feature high-quality textured leather that makes it more durable and comfortable. They Nylon strap is also really comfortable and durable as well.

Use

If you need something versatile, you will love these. You can use them for barbell work and weightlifting, kettlebell swings, gymnastic movements, and so much more. They allow for a full range of motion and are the perfect addition to your CrossFit gear.

Features

As far as features go, these gloves offer an adjustable fit at the wrist, so you don’t have to worry about it being too tight or too lose. The have textured leather on the palms for optimal grip in all of your exercises as well. Your purchase comes with a storage bag for you to keep them.

Value

If you are on a budget, you will be happy to hear that these come at an awesome price. They are available in three different colors to choose from and are some of the most durable options you will have to choose from.

Amazon Link

2. Bear KompleX 3

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Bear KompleX 3
Amazon Link

The Bear KompleX gloves are some of the most highly-recommended and reviewed options this season. They are available in the two-hole version as well—but this model seems to be the absolute favorite. These are versatile, comfortable, and breathable, which is why they are perfect for CrossFit athletes!

Read more

Fit

You can purchase these gloves in small, medium, or large and—although they fit true to size according to real-life users—you should still refer to the sizing chart before making your purchase. They also have a 3-finger and open hand design. The wrist strap can also be adjusted to fit you securely and comfortably—so they are never too tight or too loose.

Materials

Made of high-quality leather, these gloves will ensure you have the grip and traction you need when you workout out with them. They also feature reinforced quadruple stitching to ensure that they last you the long haul.

Use

If you want a pair of gloves specifically made for CrossFit, you will love these. These are perfect for pull-ups, toes to bar, kettlebell swings, lifting, and so much more. They offer a full range of motion and are well ventilated for optimal breathability.

Features

These gloves also come with carabiner clip—so you can easily attach them to your gym bag and never worry about losing them or getting them stuck within your gym bag. They also come with a PDF workout sheet so you can refer to it when you are working out at home or on the road!

Value

If you are okay spending more than average, then you will be okay with the higher-than-average price on these. Although they are expensive, they are worth every penny and will last you as long as you take care of them properly.

Amazon Link

3. Jerkfit WODies

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Jerkfit WODies
Amazon Link

Created by athletes for athletes, the WODies 2-in-1 Grips are sure to deliver. They’re 100 percent made in America and guaranteed to be a well-made product. They’re designed to absorb chalk and sweat promoting a great grip every time.

Read more

Fit

The WODies Grips come in very specific sizes measuring from the base of the palm to the base of the middle finger. They have a very specific sizing chart. They come in an assortment of colors for personalization. They are unisex, so sizes fit both men and women.

Material

Made with exceptionally durable material, these gloves are composed of hypoallergenic, latex-free, woven elastic. They absorb chalk and sweat so they always have an optimum grip so slippage won’t be an issue.

Use

They only come in a two-fingered version, so CrossFitters need to decide if it will provide enough protection. They do cover most of the palm very well for most athletes.

Features

In order to provide proper wrist support, the gloves are made of strength wraps with gymnastic grips. They’re designed to achieve a natural glide over the bar, so with no bunching or pinching, blisters and tears can be avoided. Designed with Grip-Ridge Technology, the gloves include tiny grooves that retain more chalk for an even better grip, less break-in time and increased comfort and durability.

Value

Handmade by a small company in the U.S. so the grips remain affordable. They provide excellent hand protection and a solid grip. With their natural glide, they never bunch or pinch and thereby prevent blisters and injury after their break-in period. This is a great purchase at a great price if CrossFitters are willing to commit to the break-in process.

Amazon Link

4. Emerge

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Emerge
Amazon Link

Described as a stronger version of the WODies 2-in-1 grips, Emerge Pull-Up Grips provide a stronger hold and excellent wrist support. They’re extremely easy to slip on so athletes can get moving faster.

Read more

Fit

Sizing based on knee cap circumference with straight leg: Extra Small: 6 to 6.9 inches; Small: 6.9 to 7.7 inches; Medium 7.7 to 8.6 inches; Large: 8.6 to 9.4 inches; Extra Large: 9.4 to 10.2 inches.

Material

These grips are made with extremely durable and textured leather callus guards which are extremely easy to wear. They easily slip on so CrossFitters spend less time correcting their grips and more time working out.

Use'

If your hands have a tendency to tear right where your fingers start, these are a great pick. They’re perfect for kettlebell swings, kips, and pull-ups without slippage or excess chalking.

Features

The grips come with a breathable design that eliminates calluses, overheating and moisture. They eliminate slippage without the need to use excess chalk. The wrist wrap is two inches thick and fifteen inches long, providing one of the best wrist protection on the market.

Value

The wrist wrap is extremely effective without getting in the way. CrossFitters who want grips stronger than WODies 2-in-1 at a very affordable price, this is a great pair to consider.

Amazon Link

5. WODFitters

Where to buy
Amazon Link
WODFitters
Amazon Link

The WODFitters gloves/grips are another one of the best options for CrossFit athletes. During our research, we found they were at the top of the list by many real-life users. These are durable, comfortable, and perfect for all of your workouts. If you are tired of taking your gloves off and putting them back on in-between movements, then these are a great pair to consider.

Read more

Fit

You can adjust these to fit you securely and comfortably thanks to the hook and loop system at the wrist. They are available in extra small, small, medium, and large. Make sure to refer to the sizing chart before you make your purchase.

Materials

Thanks to the use of textured leather, the WODFitters provide you with optimal grip. They are also really comfortable and won’t allow any chafing, friction, or irritation to occur.

Use

As far as use goes, the WODFitters offer the perfect grip for all of your workouts—whether you are using a barbell, kettlebell, or dumbbell or are doing toe to bars, pull-ups, or push-ups. These work for everything.

Features

So you don’t have to just throw your gloves in your gym bag, the WODFitters come with a storage bag for you to keep them in. They will also provide additional wrist support for those of you who want to minimize any strain or pain to your wrists.

Value

Available at a great price, these are an affordable set of gloves that really hold up to their value over time. They are perfect for all levels and will grow with you as you improve your performance.

Amazon Link

6. Mava Sports

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Mava Sports
Amazon Link

Designed for the serious weightlifter, the Mava Sports Cross Training Gloves with Wrist Support were built to last. They work great for any experience level and provide excellent padding with a reliable grip.

Read more

Fit

Sizes are available for both men and women. Measurements are to be taken based on the circumference of the knuckles. Extra Small: 6 to 6.9 inches; Small: 6.9 to 7.7 inches; Medium: 7.7 to 8.6 inches; Large: 8.6 to 9.4 inches; Extra Large: 9.4 to 10.2 inches. They come in many color options.

Material

Made with neoprene to help reduce sweat and reinforced with a split leather layer for optimal palm padding. Velcro strap closure helps athletes quickly adjust without losing tension.

Use

These gloves are excellent for anyone from novice to expert level. Their intelligent design helps hands and wrists stay dry and injury-free without getting in the way. The leather material helps promote durability but is thin enough so CrossFitters can still feel the bar for a superior grip. Mava Sports will exchange grips for sizing issues.

Features

The wrist straps provide excellent support for serious workouts so athletes can keep working for longer without concern that wrists will fail. The palm design is intended to promote superior comfort and provide an excellent grip, regardless of the sport or workout. The included neoprene helps promote breathability and reduce moisture build-up so hands stay dry for a strong grip. The material design is thick enough to prevent blisters, tears, and calluses, but are thin enough so users can still feel the bar during lifts or pull-ups.

Value

These gloves come at a higher price and work for all skill levels but if you want a pair of gloves that are worth the investment, you will find that these end up being worth every penny.

Amazon Link

7. ProFitness

Where to buy
Amazon Link
ProFitness
Amazon Link

ProFitness Cross Training Gloves are a popular choice for those who are into CrossFit and who are looking for a good pair of gloves to add to their gear!

Read more

Fit

These gloves are designed to be comfortable and functional as they product support to the hand and the wrist while still allowing the fingers relatively unobstructed movement. It can be adjusted for the perfect fit and is a popular choice among seasoned CrossFit fans and beginners alike.

Materials

These gloves are made from soft and durable materials that are non-toxic and low-allergen causing. The ProFitness Cross Training Gloves are made to support your hand while also allowing a decent range of motion so you can do your workout routine safely and easily.

Use

If you want a versatile pair of CrossFit gloves that provide optimal support, you will love these. Not only are they versatile but they work for almost all of your movements in CrossFit!

Features

These neoprene gloves are made with carefully placed silicone padding in the palms which are designed to improve your grip and support. These gloves also are made with durable Velcro wrist straps designed to help keep them in place so they do not rub and cause calluses or blisters.

Value

The ProFitness Cross Training Gloves are very affordable, making them great for beginners to the world of CrossFit and they are fairly durable so they are a great investment for anyone to make. Newbies will love the price and fit and pros will love the design and flexibility that they provide.

Amazon Link

8. RIMSports

Where to buy
Amazon Link
RIMSports
Amazon Link

RIMSports Gym Gloves are a popular choice for CrossFit enthusiasts and anyone else really who is looking for a good pair of gloves to add to their gear! They fit well, are comfortable, durable, and affordable which helps make them popular today.

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Fit

While it is not adjustable it does have some stretch to the material so it is easier to get a fi that is supportive yet flexible.

Materials

These RIMSports Gym Gloves are constructed with 100% leather and spandex for long-lasting durability. They can be hand washed and will last a long time which also makes them popular for CrossFit lovers of all skill and experience levels!

Use

These gloves are designed to improve your grip and support of your hands while allowing your fingers to be free for easy movement, gripping, and flexibility.

Features

These gloves are made with leather tops and bottoms to provide good gripping power and support. It also has spandex in the sides to allow some stretch for a snug yet comfortable fit and good movement of the hands drying your workout sessions.

Value

The RIMSports Gym Gloves are very affordable, making them great for beginners in CrossFit and they are made to last which makes them an even better choice for the financially limited individuals. Newbies and pros will love the design, support, flexibility, and protection they offer!

Amazon Link

9. Fit Active Sports

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Fit Active Sports
Amazon Link

Designed for heavy lifting, the Fit Active Sports Weight Lifting Gloves afford excellent protection during all workouts, including heavy lifts. They’re designed with silicone padding to prevent calluses and tears for constant comfort. This a great consideration for all athletes from light to heavy weight lifting.

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Fit

Great for both men and women. Sizing based on length from base of hand to tip of middle finger: Extra Small: 0 to 3.7 inches; Small: 3.7 to 4.0 inches; Medium: 4.0 to 4.5 inches; Large: 4.5 to 5.0 inches. Some reports mention that the gloves may run a bit large, although the measuring system is very specific.

Material

Made with durable silicone-printed neoprene which is resistant to water, oils, heat, aging and dangerous chemicals.

Use

This is a great CrossFit glove. It promotes excellent wrist support and is designed with silicone-printed neoprene coverage for proper padding which prevents tears and calluses.

Features

Full palm and thumb silicone-printed neoprene coverage which provides better protection and prevents tears and calluses. The velcro bands promote wrist support and adjust for comfort. The open-hand design encourages extreme comfort by allowing hands to breathe during intense workouts. This reduces odor and moisture. These gloves are excellent for cross-training and Olympic lifts, such as snatches, clean and jerks, squats and lifts requiring wrist support.

Value

The open-hand design allows for proper airflow which keeps hands dry and clean. There are one or two reports discovered of the inner palm rubbing, but these are few and far between. If there’s a problem, the gloves come with an excellent return policy for any reason. And with a low price tag, these gloves are an excellent purchase.

Amazon Link

10. Nordic Lifting

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Nordic Lifting
Amazon Link

If you’re looking for high-quality weightlifting/ CrossFit gloves that will prevent injuries and provide wrist support, you should definitely check this one. Many users were also impressed by the total look of the gloves. They look kind of more elegant, especially with this high-quality leather and there are also colors to choose from.

Read more

Fit

Despite the fact that the gloves are large, they have this snug fit. They hug the palm very well. There aren’t any problems with sliding around. You can easily adjust the tightness thanks to the elastic wrist wrap.

Material

It’s made of high-quality leather and it also has reinforced the stitching.

Use

The palms are also padded in some areas for more comfortable wearing. There are 5 sizes to choose from x-small, small, medium, large, x-large.

Features

As we’ve mentioned before, this product provides a good amount of protection to your wrist, so you can now exercise longer and harder without worries.

Value

When it comes to the pricing, this comes at a pretty standard price for the CrossFit glove. The price starts above 20 dollars, it strictly depends on when you plan to buy the gloves. There’s also 1- year warranty on this product.

Amazon Link

Sources

  1. Niharika Arya, Must-read Tips and Advice on Choosing the Right Weightlifting Gloves, Information Website
  2. Editorial Team, The 7 Best CrossFit Gloves, Buying Guide
  3. Gripad, How to Choose Fitness Gloves for Weightlifting, Informational Website
  4. Editorial Team, Complete Guide To Pick Perfect Workout Gloves For Gym, Fitness Blog

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