Image: MomJunction Design Team
Crossfit training is a strenuous and challenging workout. When your hands are ripped working out, you qualify as a “real crossfitter.” However, it isn’t the right way to approach your workout sessions. Protecting your hands is imperative when training. Using improper gears makes it difficult to gain niche mastery in this field as it can lead to calluses, painful ripped hands, and skin thickening in the long run.
Robert Savin, a fat loss expert, muscle hypertrophy specialist, and founder of Primal Breed Fit, says, “CrossFit hand grips protect your hands during CrossFit workouts, which often involve high-intensity exercises and a lot of gripping, pulling, and lifting. They protect your hands from calluses and blisters, improve your grip, improve your performance, and also improve hygiene in the gym.”
Choose proper protection for your hands from our list of best-selling crossfit hand grips.
Top Picks
14 Best Crossfit Hand Grips In 2024
1. Best Textured Leather: JerkFit Raw Grips Leather Hand Grips
Image: Jerkfit The JerkFit Raw Grips hand grips are durable and crafted with premium textured leather material that covers and serves as a protective layer for your palm. The breathable and adjustable wrist straps provide optimal, custom support and comfort to your wrists. Further, the two-finger grip design of these expert-approved wrist and hand support grips provides maximum mobility and stability to your hand and wrist.
Pros
- Malleable and textured leather
- Breathable material
- Free index finger for enhanced mobility and movement
- Multiple sizing options
- Increased wrist mobility
Cons
- Velcro strap may be slightly weak
- May not be easy to put on
"These well-crafted grips provide much-needed protection from calluses and cuts. They boast a generous fit, and the soft leather ensures excellent palm-to-bar contact."
2. Best For Natural Grip:Macciavelli Gymnastics Grips
The Macciavelli grips effectively protect your hands from blisters and calluses. This pair of grips is designed to provide a solid and natural grip for extra traction without the use of chalk. Made of flexible materials, the palm guards have industrial Velcro to securely attach to your wrist.
Pros
- Ensures a secure grip
- Durable suede leather
- Gives full palm coverage
- Perfect wrist support as it doubles as a wrist wrap
Cons
- May have size issues
3. Best For Preventing Blisters:Fit Viking Gymnastics Grips
Image: Fit Viking For a protected and natural grip, Fit Viking’s crossfit hand grips are the way to go. These field-tested three-hole grips can be used immediately as they do not require a break-in period. Efficiently keeping sweat at bay, these grips protect your palm from blisters and rips. The three finger hole design and Velcro closure make these grip enhancers extremely comfortable and flexible.
Pros
- Grip enhancement
- No sweat
- Suede leather
- Wrist support grips
- Natural feel
Cons
- May not be durable
"These grips offer enough coverage for lifting. They don’t stain the hands, and the wrist guard ensures stability. Overall, they have met my workout needs."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 409 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
4. Best Flexible:Mava Sports Leather Hand Grips
Image: Mavasports With these crossfit hand grips from Mava, you will not experience hand slipping or bar dropping again. Its ergonomically designed buckle and strap provide maximum fit and comfort. Made of 100% genuine suede leather, the hand grip provides an unparalleled non-slip grip to help you gain training mastery. It provides palm coverage with state-of-the-art anatomically shaped finger holes that are perfectly cut.
Pros
- Flexible
- Wrist support
- No roll-down
- Available in all sizes
Cons
- Could be slightly thick
Quick tip5. Best Non-Slip Grip:Element 26 IsoGrip Hand Grips
Image: Element 26 Say bye to blisters by wearing Element 26’s crossfit hand grips that offer comfort. Available in both a loop and no-loop design, these grips fit your hand perfectly. These fingerless grips come with a neoprene padded wrist strap to give a competitive edge and remain comfortable even after the thousandth rep. The synthetic grip’s Isoprene polymer material offers unparalleled support to all types of gym equipment. With an ergonomic design, the quality-tested neoprene grip covers your entire palm to avoid ring burn.
Pros
- Flexible
- Non-slip grip
- Durable
- No break-in period
- No roll-down
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Doesn’t cover the entire hand
"These grips fit me quite snugly. A tiny discomfort arose above my wrist, but it was inconsequential, and they didn't meddle with my calluses either. They're impressive, both in terms of durability and look. I found these rubber hand grips better than most leather grips I had tried."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 797 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
6. Best Durable:Bear Grips 2 Hole Titanium Grips
Image: Bear Grips Armed with a Titanium finish ten times stronger than a traditional grip, these crossfit hand protectors from Bear Grips are a class apart. The built-in neoprene wrist padding provides ultimate support and anchor. The synthetic grips with a 60% thinner material allow you to feel the bar in your hands.and ensure they do not roll down.
Pros
- Flexible pair of grips
- Durable
- Thinner grips for a natural feel
- No roll-down
Cons
- May have size issues
"I was looking for beginner-friendly hand grips, and these are ideal for improving performance during workouts. They are perfect for pull-ups and toes to bar. The thin yet sturdy material provides a comfortable, scratch-free workout. I also found them pretty user-friendly."
7. Best Vegan Material:JerkFit Fly Hand Grips
Image: Jerkfit 100% vegan handgrip from Jerkfit is an environmentally conscious product. These durable grips are composed of soft leather that effectively reduces pain and skin rips. A 1.5in super strong hook-and-loop strap provides ultimate comfort to the wrist. It also prevents the hand grip from slipping down. These expert-approved pull-up grips feature tiny perforations to improve grip and help you gain niche mastery. They are made of extremely lightweight and durable material.
Pros
- Natural feel
- Full coverage
- Flexible
- No roll-down
Cons
- May get loose with time
"I found these grips durable, akin to wrist wraps, but better for pull-ups. Although the material felt a tad flimsy and took some time to break into, they safeguarded my hands well. Letting the minor issues slide, I'm prepared to make the most of them!"
8. Best For Intensive Workouts: Wod Nation Hand Grips
Image: Wod Nation Prevent blisters or tears on your hands while you work out with the Wod Nation hand grips. Made of premium leather, these offer a good fit, giving you an excellent grip without being bulky. The durable grips are available in three sizes and three colors.
Pros
- Durable nylon wrist straps
- Rough outer surface for increased grip
- Soft inner surface for comfort
- Great for intensive workouts
Cons
- Some colors may stain palms
- Wristbands may fray upon repeated usage
Do remember9. Best Wide Strap:Crazy Fox Gymnastics Grips
Image: Crazy Fox The CrossFit hand grips from the Crazy Fox store are made of carbon fiber material, which is stronger than genuine leather, for enhanced grip strength and support. First-in-class metal O-ring ensures the Velcro strap stays in place, making your workouts safer. The handgrip is slightly elastic with a 2mm thickness for a natural feel. Its ergonomic design fits in your palm perfectly. A three-hole provision facilitates a secure grip throughout the workout, providing extra protection to the hands for CrossFit.
Pros
- Durable
- Natural feel
- Wide strap
- Flexible
- No roll-down
Cons
- Might slip
"These grips are effective at keeping my hands from tearing and are holding up well after several months of use. They match the performance of pricier options and make a functional choice for regular CrossFit workouts."
10. Best With Reinforced Stitching: Bear KompleX Carbon Hand Grips
Image: Bear Komplex These tried-and-tested leather grips from Bear KompleX are ideal for fitness, practice, and competition, as their carbon fiber provides ample stickiness to improve hand grip. They come in two variations–two-holed and three-holed–and do not dig into or hurt the wrist. Moreover, their triple-reinforced stitching enables them to withstand wear and tear effectively.
Pros
- Durable leather construction
- Flexible and ergonomic design for optimal performance
- Helps reduce pain and injuries
- Lightweight and breathable material
Cons
- May not be true to size
- Strap may not be long-lasting
"I love using these grips on the pull-up bar; they enhance comfort and performance significantly. While they felt a bit uncomfortable for lifting weights initially, in the CrossFit setting, they effectively protect hands from blisters. Their durability is remarkable too. Transitioning to them has significantly eased my workouts."
11. Best For Different Workouts:Churro Macho Hand Grips
Churro Macho’s hand grips are made from carbon leather on the front and soft leather on the back. Three-hole design hand grip provides additional palm protection effectively while avoiding calluses and rips. These callus guards are also available with an adjustable Velcro strap for a comfortable and supportive grip on your wrists. The hand grips are flexible and durable.
Pros
- Available in different sizes
- Suitable for different workouts
- Stylish and practical
- No roll-down
Cons
- May not be durable
Quick tip12. Best Long-Lasting:Franklin Sports Hand Grips
Image: Franklin Sports T=The Franklin Sports high-quality genuine leather hand grips are exceptionally robust and can withstand the test of time. They shield your palms against a range of ailments such as calluses and rips. These hand grips effectively keep perspiration at bay while also preventing hand blisters and protecting the hands from tears. They are incredibly comfortable and flexible, thanks to the two-finger hole design and Velcro fastening.
Pros
- Durable leather
- Flexible
- Available in different sizes
- No roll-down
Cons
- May offer poor wrist support
"These grips enhance safety for gymnastics bars, and provide comfortable handling. Versatile and easy to wear, they protect hands during strength training and fit well. Though slip resistance could be improved, they are ideal for CrossFit and help maintain finger dexterity. Certainly a valuable gym bag addition!"
13. Best Silicone-Based: ProFitness Cross Training Gloves
Image: Profitness If you are looking for gloves that provide a firm grip and ample control, these gloves by ProFitness might be the right solution. The palms of the gloves are padded with reinforced silicone that facilitates an enhanced grip and optimal performance when lifting dumbbells and free weights. Apart from improving your control, the silicone padding of these weightlifting grips helps prevent sores and calluses.
Pros
- Adjustable and attached wrist strap
- Keeps the hands sweat-free and dry
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Flexible Velcro closure
- Gymnastics-friendly
Cons
- Might bunch up over time
- A few may find them a tad bit tight
"I've been testing these grips for a while now with frequent CrossFit sessions, including pull-ups, kettlebell swings, and other demanding exercises. They're grippy and durable, protecting my hands effectively yet allowing a good feel of the equipment. Do consider sizing down for a better fit."
14. Best Rugged Design: Lyft-RX Carbon Fiber Hand Grips For Crossfit
Image: Lyftrx Crafted from sturdy carbon fiber, the hand grips by Lyft-RX feature a rugged design, making it a suitable workout companion. Its wide palm grip effectively protects your palms from blisters, calluses, and cuts and offers a superior grip. These fingerless grips feature an ambidextrous pattern, allowing you to wear them on either hand, and have a 360-degree rotatable Velcro strap with a steel buckle for ultimate support and reduced wrist strain. With their robust design and thoughtful features, these hand grips help enhance performance.
Pros
- Available in two colors
- Reinforced stitching
- Fingerless design
- Flexible
Cons
- Size might run small
- Might slip when palm gets sweaty
"I am delighted with these grips. They offer the perfect fit for large hands and are durable. This pair effectively addresses the hand woes one might have post workouts. They ensure great coverage and grip, and I appreciate the support."
How To Choose The Right CrossFit Hand Grips?
Before purchasing hand grips, look at the buying guide to get the best one for yourself.
- Material: For the most durable hand grips, leather is a perfect choice. For increased grip, choose textured leather hand grips. For fellow vegans out there, high-quality woven fabric can be a good choice.
- Two vs. three holes: A two-hole handgrip is the classic one and is widely available. It is known to reduce palm flexibility. However, a three-hole grip is preferred by many, as it is wider.
- Flexibility: While purchasing hand grips, comfort should be a priority. Thus, picking flexible hand grips is important. Flexible hand grips mold and adapt to the shape of your hands, thus reducing or eliminating injuries.
- Wrist support: When it comes to crossfit hand grips, it’s simple, the wider the strap, the more support you receive. If you suffer from wrist fatigue, choosing a wider strap will reduce the strain caused, thus helping you in the long run.
- Breathability: If you choose bulky hand grips, you are probably compromising on the breathability of the product. Reduced breathability increases sweat production that can lead to slippage of equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What grips do pro CrossFitters use?
Of late, most CrossFit athletes prefer carbon fiber-based grips as they are very sticky, thus providing a strong grip.
2. Do I need hand grips for CrossFit?
Using gymnastic hand grips is important while indulging in CrossFit rig exercises as they help improve your performance and protect your hands from calluses and skin tears to a large extent.
3. How big should my CrossFit grips be?
CrossFit grips should be big enough to cover your hand from the third joint of your fingers to the base of your hands while allowing you to wrap the strap around your wrist comfortably.
4. How do I keep my hands from ripping in CrossFit?
The foremost solution is to use gymnastic grips that act as a buffer between your hands and the exercise bar, thus reducing the friction on the skin. A two-holed grip might be more fitting if you have smaller hands, but three-holed ones naturally offer more coverage.
5. How often should I replace CrossFit grips?
As a thumb rule, replace the grips as soon as you notice:
- Ripped stitches
- Reduction in the grip capacity
- Hands are getting hot while using them.
- Micro-tears on or thinning of the grip fiber
- On average, they can last for about six months when used rigorously daily.
6. Do I use chalk with grips CrossFit?
Chalk, also known as magnesium carbonate, helps to keep the hands as sweat-free as possible. Therefore, it can be applied both on the hands and the grips after putting them on.
7. How to wash CrossFit hand grips?
For a precise assessment as to how to wash CrossFit hand grips, read the care details provided by the manufacturer. Most grips may not be machine-washable and hence it’s best to hand wash them with mild detergent and water and air-dry them.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah is passionate about sports, fitness, and wellness products and channels this interest into finding the right gear for different fitness activities. He dives into the minute details of the products and their reviews to bring you best-selling and reliable recommendations. He has thus compiled this list of the best crossfit hand grips after researching several user forums to introduce you to strong and flexible hand grips that are perfect for your fitness routine.
Effective hand grips are an underrated crossfit training accessory that serves as a protective layer to safeguard your hands against calluses, joint pain, thick skin, and many other issues that come with regular hardcore workouts. The best crossfit hand grips mentioned in the above list are made from high-quality materials, durable, and offer a strong, flexible grip. They also have different coverage options that can extend to your whole palm. However, make sure to opt for a pair of grips that serves your purpose and best suits your personal workout style.
Infographic: When To Replace Your CrossFit Grips?
CrossFit grips are vital in providing comfort and protecting your hands during intense workouts. However, you must replace them with new ones to ensure they give the optimum benefits. Check out the infographic below for indications showing that it’s time to invest in a new pair of CrossFit grips.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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