CrossFit demands more than just sheer determination and grit; it requires the right equipment to help you power through every WOD with confidence and (relatively speaking) comfort.
While your shoes might keep you grounded and your workout gear well-ventilated, your hands will bear the brunt of CrossFit’s most intense movements, particularly those executed while dangling from a bar.
This is why a pair of CrossFit grips are essential for any athlete looking to protect their hands from calluses and tears during high-rep bar work such as pull-ups and muscle-ups.
Whether you're new to the box or a seasoned RX athlete, the right pair of grips can drastically improve your performance and progression on CrossFit’s signature gymnastics movements. We speak from painful personal experience when we say learning to kip without grips is the easiest way to obliterate your hands and write yourself off from workouts for days thereafter.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best CrossFit grips on the market. But first, a few things to think about before making your purchase.
Can’t I just use chalk?
In theory, yes. Some of CrossFit’s hardest athletes go without hand grips in favour of chalk during workouts, especially when there are multiple movements that require lots of switches between bars, dumbbells and cardio equipment.
“Chalk is widely used when gripping on gymnastic rings and climbing ropes, and is extremely helpful for keeping hands in place when a large amount of force is being generated on or around the bar,” says Alex Watson, coach and owner of south-east London’s CrossFit TwentyThree.
“Some grips work well with chalk to aid grip and reduce friction while the material in others works best on a clean bar,” Watson continues, though he cautions that chalk alone won’t reduce friction.
Most CrossFit gyms supply a communal bucket of powdered chalk, but you could also invest in your own liquid chalk to bring to WODs with you, which could also save you some of the associated mess. We recommend Spider Chalk.
What moves are CrossFit grips used for?
You’re most likely to hear the sound of Velcro filling the CrossFit gym when a WOD calls for hanging from a bar. That includes pull-ups, muscle-ups and toes-to-bar, all of which come with scaled progressions to master.
Grips can also be used for heavy, not-so-dynamic barbell movements like deadlifts, helping to maintain a firm hold, plus kettlebell swings, which are susceptible to slipping when hands get sweaty.
For more dynamic CrossFit movements like skipping, burpees and cardio machine work, grips can get in the way and be a hindrance rather than a help. This is why it’s important to look for grips that are easy to adjust, remove and put back on at speed.
Should I buy CrossFit grips with finger holes?
Ultimately, this will come down to personal preference, says George Bretherton, the other half of CrossFit TwentyThree’s dynamic coaching duo.
Of the two main schools of CrossFit grips, those with finger holes offer a more secure fit akin to traditional gymnastic grips. They’re better for staying in place during dynamic movements and require less adjusting once on.
But it’s these same strengths which act as a turn-off for some CrossFitters. “The more hybrid option of fingerless grips are developed to hang over the bar and assist with grip while reducing friction,” says Bretherton. “They provide a little more versatility and are easier to move out of the way when you drop off the bar and onto the next movement.”
What material is best for CrossFit grips?
The best CrossFit grips tend to be made from genuine/synthetic leather or carbon fibre. The former is valued for providing adequate durability while moulding to your hand over time, though there may be a bit of a “breaking-in” period. Carbon fibre CrossFit grips offer more on the durability front and are lighter weight, which can be a plus when adjusting grips for different movements over longer workouts. They’ll tend to come at a slightly higher cost, though.
If you’re on a tighter budget, slightly less durable options made from nylon and neoprene are also available, and you can even buy single-use disposable grips.
How do I choose the right size CrossFit grips for my hands?
Unfortunately, there isn’t an abundance of shops to try CrossFit grips on for size in the UK. Thankfully, most brands offer comprehensive size guides based on the dimensions of your hands, so be sure to seek these out before you place an order. If you’re still unsure, call on your fellow box mates for their recommendations. This is a community sport after all!
How can I care for and maintain CrossFit grips to make them last longer?
When it comes to longevity, “good grips used regularly and maintained well should last from six to twelve months,” says Watson. “Many grips come with a pouch that allows them to air out, but try to avoid stuffing your sweaty grips away before they’ve had a bit of time to dry out!”
For the times your grips and wristbands tell you they need a wash (usually through the medium of a distinct vinegary pong), avoid machine washing. A short, soapy bath in lukewarm water will do the job, and you can use a soft brush to gently scrub. Rinse, then air dry away from direct sunlight.
Best CrossFit grips at a glance
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Velites Quad Ultra Hand Grips
Best for: overall
Velites’ Quad Ultras are to CrossFit grips what Nike Metcons are to CrossFit trainers – highly reliable and highly popular. The Spanish brand is well regarded for all kinds of CrossFit accessories, including skipping ropes, but grips is where it excels.
Designed for use without chalk, the Quad Ultras are made from a premium synthetic material that balances flexibility and durability particularly well. The textured surface ensures a strong grip on bars and rings, whether you're pushing for max-effort muscle-ups or grinding through endless toes-to-bar sets. Built to withstand heavy training, these Velites grips are many CrossFit athletes’ best training buddy.
The only drawback? The ergonomic straps can dig into wrists during longer workouts. Thankfully, Velites includes fabric wristbands for an added layer of comfort, while a mesh carry bag keeps everything organised and odour-free. Unlike many other grips on the market, we’re also big fans of having multiple colourways to choose from.
Buy now £47.99, Amazon
Picsil Hawk Grips
Best for: Competitions
Picsil’s Hawk Grips deliver an impressive balance of durability and comfort, making them a top choice for many competitive CrossFit athletes.
Much like Velites' Quad Ultras, these grips excel without the need for chalk, thanks to their tough yet flexible synthetic material. The thin but sturdy design might feel rigid on unboxing, but offers a natural feel once broken in, and we very much appreciate the extra material to protect your thumbs, which are often the first to tear during high-rep gymnastics movements.
What sets the Hawk Grips apart are their wrist straps – some of the most comfortable we've tested. They’re easy to adjust and feature ample cushioning to prevent digging into the wrists during longer sessions. We think this makes them ideal for drawn-out competitions that might involve multiple workouts using grips.
Buy now £45.90, Amazon
Picsil Falcon Grips
Best for: Versatility
Crafted from carbon fibre, Picsil’s featherlight and flexible Falcon Grips deliver a responsive feel to see you through all kinds of CrossFit workouts.
They’re available in fingerless, two- or three-hole designs, the latter of which enhances finger dexterity and allows for seamless transitions from bar holds to more dynamic movements like kettlebell swings or even when using the rower or ski-erg.
For us, the feel of these CrossFit grips hits the sweet spot between soft and firm, making them equally suited for gymnastics and intense barbell work. Picsil has incorporated magnesium into the build of these which provides an extra strong grip, while a microfibre layer also ensures they stay breathable.
Last but not least, Picsil’s signature secure wrist straps ensure a snug fit that won’t loosen or cause discomfort, even during workouts with seemingly never ending timecaps.
Buy now £32.95, Amazon
Victory Grips X2 Freedom
Best for: quick changes
The fingerless Victory Grips X2 Freedom are top-tier for seamless transitions between movements. Extra material on both sides of the grips allows you to easily flip them out of the way when not in use, keeping them secure without the hassle of having to twist them around your wrists or unstrapping them.
On the bar, their minimalist design ensures unrestricted movement and sits comfortably over watches or fitness wearables – something many grips cause issues with. The soft straps are another highlight, providing a snug fit without digging into your wrists and bolstering their appeal for athletes who prioritise efficiency during workouts.
Buy now £59.99, eBay
Rogue V2 Gymnastic Grips
Best for: budget
New to CrossFit and still getting your head around the eye-watering monthly fee compared to high street gyms? It’s understandable if you’re hesitant to splurge on extra gear right away.
Rogue Fitness’ V2 Gymnastics Grips are a relatively budget-friendly option for improving your bar work without the high cost of premium brands. Made from textured leather, these grips provide solid hand protection and grip control, even if they provide slightly less palm coverage than competitors.
The more natural feel lent by finger holes also makes them an easier choice for beginners who are just getting to grips with new movements and forms.
Buy now £29.00, Rogue Fitness
Frog Grips Elite Grips
Best for: comfort
Ever wondered what it would feel like to have the grip of a frog? Inspired by the amphibian famed for its superior hold, Frog Grips offer a natural feel that allows you to stay on the bar much longer than you could without them and possibly longer than any other grip in this edit.
A three-finger hole design (also available without) mirrors the flexibility and freedom of movement bestowed upon the hoppy creatures, making it easy to switch between gymnastics and barbell work without the need for adjustments.
A few factors give these grips an edge, one being the perforations on the material which excel in breathability and thereby reduce sweat build-up to help you push through longer, more intense sessions. Another is its ultra-soft padded wrist straps, which are leaps and bounds ahead (if you’ll pardon the pun) of many we’ve had our hands on (there’s another).
The catch? In addition to their (justified) premium price, this Australian brand comes with a higher-than-average shipping fee and time frame at most global stockists.
Buy now £59.00, Kit Box
Bear KompleX Carbon No Hole Speed Grips
Best for: high-rep sets
Some CrossFit workouts call for up to ten reps on a bar in any given set. Others might call for much longer stints, which can wreak havoc on your hands even with a pair of grips to support you. It’s during these workouts that Bear KompleX’s grips come into their own.
These fingerless grips mean business – and their tough-as-nails branding says it all. They deliver an exceptionally strong grip on any surface, whether it’s bars, rings or barbells, all without unnecessary bulk. Made from thin yet durable carbon fibre and triple-stitched, they offer strength and flexibility in spades.
We also love the positioning of the wrist straps – high enough for sustained comfort and secure enough to stay put during even the lengthiest sets – so you won’t have to worry about them coming loose mid-workout.
Buy now £39.99, Amazon
Verdict
Each of the grips in this guide offers something unique to suit the varying strengths and experience levels of CrossFit athletes.
However, the Velites Quad Ultra Hand Grips stand out as the full package, delivering the best balance of protection, flexibility and convenience – all wrapped up with a welcome smattering of gym style.
