The Best Lifting Gloves

The Best Lifting Gloves

There was a time when I didn't believe in using lifting gloves. However, several ripped callouses later and I am now [kind of] a fan of lifting gloves. But with so many lifting gloves to choose from, how can you know which one to buy?

To be honest, a lot about what makes the best lifting glove is personal preference. Some people like them thick and padded and others like them thin and light. Pretty much everyone wants their gloves to last a long time. But most people don't want to pay a lot for gloves. Here's my rundown of the best lifting gloves around and why.

Before we get right into it, I think it's worthwhile to discuss what I look for in a lifting glove. I want something that is tough, but not so thick that I can't get a good grip or feel the weight. I want a glove that also protects a large amount of my fingers so that I don't have callouses up and down the ends of my fingers. And finally, I want a glove that exposes enough area on my hand that I can put on wraps and use my smartphone without having to take them off in the middle of a training session.

#4 Valeo Ocelot

Valeo Ocelot Gloves

I love the sticky leather on these gloves. You can also get them with of without wrist wraps. I also like the padding on the palms. And although all of that padding isn't necessary, it comes in real handy when bench pressing or deadlifting heavy. These guys will save your hands for sure.

The drawbacks to these gloves are that the 3/4 length fingers don't stay 3/4 length. The leather is so soft on the fingers that they tend to bunch and after a week or two of heavy use, they are more like 1/4 length gloves. I've also had some problems with the stitching between the mesh and the leather. It seems like the mesh is too thin and after a short period of use, it tends to rip. Price: ~$30.00

#3 Valeo GLLS

Valeo GLLS Gloves

These are simple no frills gloves. The leather on the palm is tough and they have a nice light & snug fit. However, they are only 1/2 length gloves and after a week the fingers will bunch a bit. After 3 months you'll be throwing them out and shopping for a new pair? So, how did they land the #4 spot? Price.

I came across these gloves at Sports Authority one day. I was looking for a new pair of gloves and they didn't have anything in my size in men's gloves. So, I tried on a pair of the Valeo GLLS in a women's large. They fit great and they were only $10.00! Price: ~$10.00

#2 Bionic Full Finger

Bionic Full Finger Gloves

This glove has minimal padding and maximum grip. And for how thin it is, it's also relatively durable. Then there is the padding that it does have, which is carefully positioned to prevent callouses. Oh yea, and it's a really comfortable glove.

The only real downside to this glove is that the full finger attribute makes it difficult to use your smartphone or put on wraps in the gym. And while that's not a deal breaker for me (especially since I can just cut off a finger), it is annoying. The obvious question would be, "Why not just get the 3/4 length Bionic gloves?" Because the 3/4 length Bionic gloves suffer from the same problem that many 3/4 length lifting gloves have. They bunch. Price ~$35.00

Gill Pro Racer Gloves

#1 Gill Pro Racer

Ironically, my favorite lifting glove isn't actually a lifting glove at all. It's a 3/4 length sailing glove. It's got a nice sticky leather palm surface, it's incredibly durable, it's got minimal padding to get in the way and it's a true 3/4 length glove that won't bunch. It's everything I want in a glove and I can use it for sailing too! Seriously, this is a great lifting glove! Price ~$45.00

Posted by Clayton Long