Straps vs gloves – which is best?
Both training gloves and lifting straps are used by strength trainers, but they are designed for different purposes.
Gloves are primarily designed to protect the hands and provide comfort, while lifting straps are developed to improve grip during heavy pulling exercises.
The best choice therefore depends on what you want to get out of your training.
What are training gloves?
Training gloves are used by many to:
- Protect the hands.
- Reduce calluses.
- Increase comfort.
- Provide a little extra grip.
Gloves are often used by beginners and recreational athletes.
What are lifting straps?
Lifting straps are wrapped around the wrist and the bar to create a stronger connection between the hand and the weight.
They are especially used for:
- Deadlifts
- Romanian Deadlifts
- Rows
- Lat Pulldowns
- Shrugs
- Cable Rows
The goal is to ensure that grip does not become the limiting factor.
Advantages of training gloves
✓ Protect the hands
Less risk of calluses.
✓ Increased comfort
Comfortable to train with.
✓ Suitable for lighter training
A good solution for general fitness.
Disadvantages of training gloves
Limited effect on grip
Gloves don’t help much with heavy pulling exercises.
Grip still remains the weak factor
The forearms often get tired before the back.
Advantages of lifting straps
Better grip
Straps provide a stronger connection to the bar.
More quality repetitions
Grip does not limit the set.
Better muscle contact
More focus on the back muscles.
Perfect for heavy lifts
Especially for deadlifts and rows.
What is best for deadlifts?
For heavy deadlifts, lifting straps are clearly the most popular solution.
Gloves protect the hands but don’t help much when the weights get heavy.
What is best for back training?
For:
- Rows
- Lat Pulldowns
- Romanian Deadlifts
- Shrugs
straps are often the best choice because they allow you to focus on the back rather than the grip.
Can you use both?
Yes.
Some choose to use gloves on lighter training days and straps for heavy pulling exercises.
The two products don’t necessarily have to replace each other.
Which straps are best?
At MakeIt, there are several models:
StrapIt Standard
The most popular model.
StrapIt Premium
Extra comfort for high volume.
StrapIt Short
Perfect for smaller hands and back training.
Danish-made lifting straps since 2014
At MakeIt, we have produced StrapIt lifting straps in Denmark since 2014.
More than 50,000 pairs have been sold to strength trainers across Europe, and all models are developed with a focus on quality, comfort, and durability.
Conclusion
Gloves and straps have different purposes.
If the goal is comfort and protection of the hands, gloves can be a good choice.
If the goal is better grip, more quality repetitions, and maximum muscle contact, lifting straps are the preferred solution for most strength trainers.
Frequently asked questions
Are straps better than gloves?
For heavy pulling exercises, many prefer straps.
Do gloves help with grip?
Only to a limited extent.
What is best for deadlifts?
Lifting straps are the most popular solution.
Do bodybuilders use gloves?
Some do, but many prefer straps.
Can you use both?
Yes, the two solutions can easily be combined.
Related articles
If you want to learn more about lifting straps, grip strength, and get more out of your strength training, you can also read:
