If you’re a calisthenics enthusiast, you already know that hand protection is critical. You need the right gloves to protect your hands from the elements and the wear and tear of working out.
So how would you know which pair of calisthenics gloves to purchase?
A good pair of calisthenics gloves should be comfortable, provide a good grip, and protect your hands from calluses and blisters. Your gloves should also allow you to move freely and not restrict your range of motion.
Gloves are helpful exercise equipment for many reasons, whether doing bodyweight exercises, weightlifting, or CrossFit. And choosing the best calisthenics gloves doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a balance between finding a pair that is both comfortable and has a good grip, as well as one that will protect your hands
In this article, we will take a look at some of the best gloves for calisthenics. Then, we’ll go through their features, pros, and cons so that you can make an informed decision about which gloves suit your needs.
We will discuss the following topics that are important when choosing the best gloves for calisthenics:
- Summary of the best gloves in the market
- Gloves and calisthenics: advantages and disadvantages
- Choosing the right calisthenics gloves
- Our top 5 picks
- FAQ
Summary of the Best Calisthenics Gloves
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| Name | WODner Leather Cross Grips | PULLUP & DIP Neoprene Grip Pads | Fit Vikings Gymnastics Grips | Fit Active Sports Ventilated Gloves | Bionic Full Finger Fitness Gloves |
| Category | Best overall | Best minimalist | Best for cross fitting | Best protection | Bionic gloves |
| Price | Check Price and Reviews | Check Price and Reviews | Check Price and Reviews | Check Price and Reviews | Check Price and Reviews |
Gloves and Calisthenics: Advantages and Drawbacks
Before going in-depth with our top picks for the best calisthenics gloves, let’s look at the advantages and drawbacks of using gloves for calisthenics.
The use of gloves for calisthenics training is highly debated in the fitness community. Some people swear by them, while others say they are unnecessary and dangerous.
To make it easier for you to decide whether or not to use gloves for calisthenics, we have listed the benefits and drawbacks of doing so below.
Benefits:
- Can protect from injury
- Can provide grip comfort and increased endurance
- Can provide extra support for your wrists.
- Gloves protect your hands from calluses.
Drawbacks:
- Can inhibit grip strength
- Can make hands sweat more, which can cause slipping.
- Can be uncomfortable to wear
- Gloves can limit your range of motion.
🏆Benefit #1: Protects from Injury
If you’re someone who is constantly dealing with injuries or pain in your hands, gloves can be a lifesaver. Gloves allow you to keep up with your training without worrying about further injury and are being recommended by Victoria State Government.
Wearing gloves while doing your calisthenics routine can help you protect your hands from scrapes, cuts, bruises, and other injuries. In addition, gloves add extra protection against the hard surfaces you might come into contact with during your workouts, like concrete or metal.
They can also help you avoid friction blisters and calluses, which can be painful and make it difficult to continue your routine.
If you suffer from conditions like arthritis or carpal tunnel, gloves can help you stay active by providing support and alleviating pain. They can also help increase grip strength, benefiting people with these conditions.
🏆Benefit #2: Gloves can Provide Grip Comfort and Increased Endurance
When it comes to grip comfort and endurance when doing calisthenics, gloves can make a big difference.
Many people find that they are able to do more repetitions when they are using gloves, and this is because the gloves help to improve their grip with added padding and support.
In addition, gloves can also help to increase your endurance by providing support for your wrists and palms. This can help reduce the fatigue you feel in your hands and wrists, which can allow you to do more repetitions or sets before needing to take a break.
Some people find that they can increase the number of reps they do by 50% or more when they wear gloves. This can add a lot of extra work throughout a workout session. If you are looking to get the most out of your calisthenics workouts, consider using gloves to help you out.
The added padding can help reduce the amount of friction your hands experience when gripping the bar or other equipment.
Ultimately, gloves can help to improve your grip comfort and also help to increase your endurance because you will be able to do more repetitions without your hands getting as tired or sore.
🏆Benefit #3: Can Provide Extra Support for Your Wrists.
Calisthenics can put a lot of strain on your wrists. If you have wrist injuries or are just starting with calisthenics, gloves can help support your wrists and prevent further injury.
Some gloves are designed explicitly for calisthenics and provide extra support in the wrist area. In addition, some gloves come with straps that go around your wrists and help keep them supported while you are working out.
🏆Benefits #4: Gloves Protect Your Hands from Calluses.
One of the main reasons people wear gloves during calisthenics is to protect their hands. When doing a lot of pull-ups, chin-ups, and other exercises involving gripping, it is easy to develop calluses on your hands. These can be painful and make it difficult to do specific exercises.
Wearing gloves during calisthenics can help to prevent calluses from forming. If you already have calluses, wearing gloves can help to protect them and keep them from getting worse. Either way, wearing gloves is a good idea if you are worried about your hands.
🤜Drawback 1#: Gloves can inhibit grip strength
If you are doing a lot of pull-ups or other exercises that require you to grip the bar, some people feel that gloves can actually inhibit grip strength. This is because the material of the gloves can make it more difficult to grip the bar.
In addition, the padding on the gloves can make it more difficult to feel where your hands are positioned on the bar, which can lead to losing your grip.
🤜Drawback #2: Gloves can make your hands sweat more which can cause slipping
If you tend to have sweaty hands, gloves can worsen this problem. The material of the gloves can hold on to the moisture and make your hands even sweatier. Sweating can further cause slipping, which can be dangerous when working out with weights.
It is important to choose a pair of gloves that are made from breathable material. This will help to reduce the amount of sweating and make it more comfortable to wear them during your workout.
🤜Drawback #3: Gloves can be Uncomfortable to Wear
Gloves can be bulky and can make it difficult to grip certain surfaces. They can also be sweaty and uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Some materials can be irritating to the skin. If you have any allergies or sensitivities, be sure to check the labels of Calisthenics gloves before purchasing them.
🤜Drawback #4: Gloves can Limit your Range of Motion
If you’re doing a lot of movements that require finger dexterity, you might find it more difficult to perform those movements with gloves on. Of course, you can always take them off if you need to. But, if you’re doing a workout where you’re constantly switching between different exercises, it can be a pain to keep taking your gloves on and off.
🤜Drawback #5: Gloves can be a Hassle to Deal With
If you’re constantly taking your gloves on and off, or if you’re constantly adjusting them, they can be more of a hassle than they’re worth. It can be easy to forget to put them on or to leave them somewhere.
Knowing the benefits and drawbacks of using gloves for your Calisthenics workout routine will help you decide whether or not they are right for you. If you do decide to use gloves, be sure to choose a pair that is comfortable and fits well.
👊Choosing the Right Calisthenics Gloves
Finding the right gloves for you can be tricky. You want something that’s comfortable, won’t slip, and will help you grip the bar better. But with so many calisthenics gloves on the market, it can be hard to know where to start.
There are 5 factors you should consider when choosing calisthenics gloves:
- Type
- Material
- Size
- Wrist support
- Grip
These factors are all equally important in helping you find a pair of gloves that work for you. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
✅Type
The first thing you need to consider is what type of gloves you want. There are two main types of calisthenics gloves:
- Full fingers gloves
- Fingerless gloves
- Full finger gloves
Full finger gloves offer the most protection for your hands. They cover all of your fingers and part of your palm. This makes them ideal for working out in cold weather or if you have any cuts or scrapes on your hands that you want to protect.
They can also help you grip the bar better, which is especially important if you’re doing pull-ups or chin-ups.
The downside of full-finger gloves is that they can be a bit more uncomfortable than fingerless gloves. They can also make it harder to do certain exercises, like gripping a barbell for instance.
If you decide to go with full-finger gloves, make sure you get a pair that fits well.
If you’re new to calisthenics, it’s best to start with gloves that have fingers. This will help you get a better grip on the bar and prevent calluses from forming on your hands.
Fingerless gloves
Fingerless calisthenics gloves only cover part of your palm and don’t have slots for your fingers. This makes them more comfortable to wear and gives you more dexterity.
They also allow you to grip the bar better, which can be helpful for exercises like pull-ups and chin-ups. This can help to reduce the amount of fatigue that you feel in your hands and wrists, which can allow you to do more repetitions or sets before needing to take a break.
The downside of fingerless gloves is that they don’t offer as much protection as full-finger gloves. fingers. They also won’t keep your hands as warm in cold weather.
✅Material
The next thing to consider is the material of the gloves. Calisthenics gloves are usually made from
- Leather
- Neoprene
- Cloth
Leather
Leather gloves are the most durable option and will last you the longest, but they can be more expensive.
Gloves made of leather are the most comfortable and will give you the best grip as they are not as slippery when they get wet.
One drawback of leather gloves they are not as breathable as other options, so your hands may get sweaty in them.
But if you are looking for a pair of gloves that will last you a long time and provide a great grip, then leather calisthenics gloves are the way to go.
Neoprene
Neoprene calisthenics gloves are made of synthetic rubber that is water resistant and durable.
It is also a cheaper alternative to leather gloves.
Gloves made of neoprene are comfortable and breathable, so you won’t sweat as much when wearing them.
However, they are not as comfortable as leather gloves and may not last as long. Also, neoprene gloves can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Cloth
Cloth gloves are the most affordable option, but they won’t last as long as leather or neoprene. Cloth is also not as durable and won’t give you as good of a grip.
If you are just starting out with calisthenics or don’t want to spend a lot of money on gloves, then cloth gloves may be a good option for you.
✅Size
The next factor to consider is size. Gloves come in all different sizes. It’s important to find a pair that fits snugly but isn’t too tight. You want to make sure the gloves you choose are not too big or too small for your hands. If it’s too small, it will be uncomfortable and may cause blisters.
You should be able to make a fist in the gloves and they shouldn’t slip off when you’re sweating.
To find the right size for your calisthenics gloves, measure the circumference of your hand just below the knuckles, excluding the thumb.
Find your size in the table below:
Source: nike.com
✅Wrist support
Some calisthenics gloves come with wrist support built-in. This can be helpful if you have weak wrists or are doing a lot of handstands and other inverted exercises. A wrist support can also help prevent injury.
There are a few different types of wrist support available. Some gloves have rigid support that goes all the way around the wrist. Others have softer, more flexible support that is only on the bottom of the glove. Choose the type of wrist support that feels best for you and provides the level of protection you need.
✅Grip
The level of grip is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing calisthenics gloves. A good pair of gloves will provide a comfortable grip that helps you maintain your grip on the bar without slipping.
The amount of padding will also affect the level of grip. If you are someone who wants a good grip on the bar, then you will want to choose gloves with less padding.
If you’re doing a lot of pull-ups, you’ll want a glove with a good amount of grip. But if you’re mostly doing push-ups and dips, you won’t need as much grip.
The grip is also important if you’re doing any handstand work. A good rule of thumb is to get a glove with more grip if you’re doing more pulling exercises.
✨Our Top 5 Picks
Now that you know what to look for in calisthenics gloves, let’s take a closer look at our top 5 picks for the best calisthenics gloves on the market today.
🔥Our #1: WODner Leather Cross Grips
Premium Leather Grips Cross Training Gloves for WODs, Gymnastics, Olympic Weightlifting, Calisthenics & Gym, Great Protection Against rips and blisters.
WODner leather cross grips are the perfect calisthenics grips for athletes of all levels. Designed for pull-ups, chin-ups, and other calisthenic exercises, the WODner cross grips are made of premium leather and feature a comfortable, ergonomic design.
The WODner cross grips are also equipped with a unique locking system that prevents the grips from slipping during your workout.
👍Pros:
- Made of premium leather
- Comfortable, ergonomic design
- Unique locking system prevents slipping
- Less friction than rubber counterparts
- One size fits all
👎Cons:
- It is not ideal for street workouts with bar swings
- No thumb protection
- Needs special care when washing
Size Guide
- One size fits all
Our rating: 4.7/5
🔥Our Top 2: PULLUP & DIP Neoprene Grip Pads
The PULLUP & DIP Neoprene Grips are a great way to improve your grip strength and protect your hands while lifting.
They are made of neoprene material, which makes them durable and comfortable to use.
Lifting Grips, The Alternative to Gym Workout Gloves, Lifting Pads for Weightlifting, Calisthenics & Powerlifting, No more sweaty Gym Gloves
The pads feature an adjustable strap that allows you to customize the fit and provide a secure grip.
They offer great grip even when your hands are sweaty since they are contoured to fit your palm perfectly. Neoprene counteracts sweat and bacteria build-up, making these pads perfect for use in any environment
It is one with the minimalist look in the market available in black. The overall minimalist look makes it perfect for both men and women.
👍Pros:
- Minimalist look
- One size fits all
- Anti-slip
- Made of high-quality neoprene
- Breathable
👎Cons:
- Others find stitching not durable
- No wrist support
Size
- One size fits all
Our rating: 4.5/5
🔥Our Top 3: Fit Vikings Gymnastics Grips
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Fit Vikings Gymnastics Grips are a great choice for anyone looking for a quality grip. Made from top-quality materials and featuring a comfortable neoprene wrist wrap, these grips are perfect for anyone who wants to take their calisthenics routine to the next level.
Gymnastics Grips – Gloves for Crossfit – Workout Gloves with Wrist Wraps – Weight Lifting Gloves – Gym Gloves for Pull Up – Fitness Hand Grips – Calisthenics Equipment
The neoprene wrist wrap makes the gloves comfortable and adjustable, and it also keeps them in place. It acts as a shock absorber, giving you the support you need when performing your routine.
The palm cover is made of durable leather that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. It gives you a good grip on the bar, preventing you from slipping. The thumb loop is also made of durable leather, ensuring that your grip stays in place.
The grips are also easy to take on and off, so you can quickly adjust them to your needs. The design of the grip also allows for a more natural range of motion, making it ideal for those who are new to calisthenics.
Since it is an open hand glove design type of grip, the grip minimizes sweating and provides comfort and breathability.
The Fit Vikings Gymnastics Grips are a great choice for anyone looking for quality and durability. With their comfortable neoprene wrist wrap and easy-to-use design, these grips are perfect for anyone who wants to take their calisthenics routine to the next level.
👍Pros:
- Good wrist support
- Breathable
- Quality materials
- Less friction than rubber ones
👎Cons
- No thumb protection
- The finger may be too big for others
Size:
- Small, Medium, Large
Our Rating: 4.3/5
🔥Our Top 4: Fit Active Sports Ventilated Gloves
If you’re looking for a pair of gloves that will keep your hands cool and dry while you’re active, the Fit Active Sports Ventilated Gloves are a great option. They offer complete palm protection, breathable fabric, a comfortable and secure fit, and a good grip.
New Ventilated Weight Lifting Workout Gloves with Built-in Wrist Wraps for Men and Women – Great for Gym Fitness, Cross Training, Hand Support & Weightlifting.
Fit Active Sports Ventilated Gloves offer complete palm protection preventing calluses and blisters even in the inner area of your thumb.
They are made of neoprene, allowing your hands to stay cool and dry. Neoprene helps wick away moisture and keeps your hands dry while working out.
The gloves have a comfortable and secure fit with an adjustable strap. They also provide a good grip, thanks to rubber padding in the palm area.
The gloves are available in sizes ranging from small to extra large. So whether you have large or small hands, you can find a pair of gloves that will fit you well.
👍Pros:
- Breathable
- Good grip
- Velcro wrist strap
- Fingerless design
- Available in many sizes
👎Cons:
- Some find the fabric between fingers to be very thick
- Sizing issue-double check your hand size before buying
Size:
- xxl-xl
Our rating: 4.3/5
🔥🔥Our Top 5: BIONIC Gloves Men’s Premium Full Finger Fitness Gloves
Bionic Gloves Men’s Premium Full Finger Fitness Gloves are designed to provide you with the support, comfort, and protection you need while working out.
With Natural Fit Technology, Gray/Orange
They’re made with premium materials and feature a snug fit, so you can be sure they won’t slip or fall off while sweating.
The palm area is made of leather for durability, while the fingers are reinforced with gel padding to absorb impact. In addition, the Bionic gloves are made of flexible and breathable Lycra throughout motion regions like the knuckles and finger webs to make them more flexible.
It offers a perfect grip with a patented design. The Bionic Glove’s pre-rotated finger design adapts to your hand’s natural curving motion, allowing you to power through any activity quickly.
The politowel thumb is another of our favorite features since it allows you to wipe away your sweat with ease easily.
👍Pros:
- Full protection, no exposed thumb or palm
- Material is easy to clean
- Pre-curled fingers for comfortable grip
- Pads are placed so that the pressure distributes uniformly
- Politowel thumb to wipe the sweat
👎Cons:
- No wrist wrap
- Narrow fingers issue
- Sizing issue
Size:
- Small-Large
Our rating: 4/5
🧐Frequently Ask Questions
🔎Do calisthenics gloves work?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the effectiveness of calisthenics gloves will depend on how they fit your hands and what exercises you use them for.
Generally speaking; however, gloves can help with grip during exercises like pull-ups, chin-ups, and handstands.
They can also help protect your hands from calluses and blisters. However, if you are new to calisthenics or have any concerns about how gloves might affect your grip, it is best to consult a coach or trainer before using them.
🔎How do you use calisthenics gloves?
You can use calisthenics gloves can be used in a variety of ways. For example, gloves can help increase grip strength, keep hands warm during colder weather, and add more resistance to exercises.
🔎How long should I use calisthenics gloves?
You should use them for as long as you want to improve your grip strength and increase your hand resistance. However, if your hands are getting too sweaty or the gloves are causing any discomfort, it is best to discontinue use.
🔎Do gloves help with push up?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the person’s individual strength and abilities. For example, it may be easier for some people to perform push-ups with gloves on, while for others, they may be more challenging. Ultimately, it comes down to what works best for each person.
🔎Should I wear gloves for pull-ups?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question; it depends on what you are most comfortable with. Some people feel that gloves give them a better grip, while others prefer to go without gloves to build up their grip strength. Ultimately, it is up to you!
🔎What are some alternatives to calisthenics gloves?
Some people use chalk or tape as an alternative to gloves for workouts. According to research, chalk can significantly increase grip strength and reduce hand sweat. If you opt for chalk, make sure to use magnesium-based chalk and not calcium carbonate, as the latter can dry out your hands. You should also avoid using too much chalk, as this can lead to irritation or inflammation of the skin.
On the other hand, the tape can be used to create a more personalized grip and is frequently utilized by weightlifters. It may also assist in preventing calluses and blisters, but not in the same way as gloves would.
📌Final Thoughts
A great pair of calisthenics gloves should be comfortable, have a solid grip and protect your hands from calluses and blisters. Of course, you should also be able to move freely while wearing them.
We’ve reviewed the top five picks so you can find the perfect pair for your needs. The right gloves should make your calisthenics workout more enjoyable and help you achieve your fitness goals.
If you want to get strong through bodyweight exercises alone, then a customized and progressive strategy is the way to go. Take your calisthenics workouts to the next level; it’s time to complete the Free Assessment and obtain the ideal customized training program that can help you reach your fitness objectives.
Stay motivated, have fun, and enjoy the process! Thanks for reading!