Running obstacle courses like Spartan Races and Tough Mudders can really chew up your hands. No amount of training will prevent bare hands from debilitating calluses, blisters, and cuts. To protect your hands and improve your success you’ll want to get the best gloves for Spartan race and Tough Mudder courses that you can get.
Even though there are mixed opinions on whether or not to wear gloves when doing obstacle races, it always makes good sense to have a pair with you. You can tuck them away and only use them if and when you need them depending on the obstacle and the conditions.
For top results, you want gloves that have a solid grip wet or dry, fit your hand well to reduce sliding or filling with water, and provide protection where you need it. Based on actual user reviews and ratings, here are the best gloves for obstacle racing.
Fox Men’s Dirtpaw Race Gloves
Originally designed to withstand the rugged conditions of dirt biking, these high performance Dirtpaw Race Glove from Fox have fast become a favorite at mud runs and Spartan races. They offer full fingered grip and protection in a highly durable and comfortable fit.
Available in black, blue, red, gold, or white.
Choose from 7 men’s sizes from Small through 4X-Large.
Key Features
- Full fingered with silicone Gripper finger tips for maximum gripping surface area
- Padded palm and knuckles for full hand protection
- Lycra finger gusset for extra flexibility and comfort
- Adjustable hook and loop wrist closure for a secure fit
NeoSport Wetsuits Premium Neoprene 3/4 Finger Gloves – Unisex
Ideal for wet obstacle courses, these premium neoprene gloves from NeoSport Wetsuits provide maximum grip in wet or dry conditions. Their ¾ length fingers are a great for those who prefer open fingers for greater feel and dexterity.
These gloves are available in a wide range of sizes – XS, S, M, L, and XL – to fit most men and women.
Key Features
- ¾ fingers cover pressure point but leave finger tips free for tactile feel
- Maintain no-slip grip even in wettest conditions
- Palm is vented and padded for breathability and protection
- Designed with a flexible anatomical fit that adds comfort and reduces hand fatigue
- Adjustable Velcro wrist fasteners offer a secure fit and make gloves easy to put on and remove
- 1.5mm Neoprene adds warmth in cold conditions
Mechanix Wear Original Tactical Gloves
The Original Glove from Mechanix Wear is a perfect example of this company’s reputation for high quality, super durable gloves. These full fingered gloves are rated among the top choices for spartan racers and mud runners everywhere because they offer a great combination of durability, protection, grip, and dexterity while keeping hands cool and dry. And they’re machine washable so you can wear them for training then freshen them up before the big race.
Choose from sizes S, M, L, X-L, 2X-L.
Key Features
- Seamless single layer palm for a solid grip without abrasive seams or bulky padding
- TrekDry microfiber construction is form fitting and breathable, wicking moisture to keep hands dry
- Flexible material for superior dexterity
- TPR hook and loop closure for an adjustable fit
- Machine washable
Harbinger 155 Power StretchBack Glove
These Harbinger 155 Power StretchBack Gloves are the most economical gloves on our list. Designed as weightlifting gloves, these fingerless gloves offer the durability, protection, and comfort you want at a low price.
Available in sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL.
- Short finger length provides a natural feel and direct contact while protecting blister prone surfaces
- StretchBack Lycra for increased breathability and comfort, plus better flexibility and fit
- Double stitched all around for extra durable abrasion resistance
- Adjustable wrist closure ensures a snug fit
- Low cost means you can buy extra pairs to stash in your gear bag
Under Armour Men’s UA Nitro Receiver Gloves
Many racers have found that football receiver gloves work great on obstacle course because they have all the key ingredients needed: enhanced grip, don’t hold in water, and maintain sticky grip even when wet. And these Under Armour UA Nitro Gloves are no exception. Their ultra-sticky grip and full fingered flexibility are perfect for your next Spartan Race or Tough Mudder. For those who prefer fingerless gloves, you can cut off the tips on these and still retain the other great advantages of these gloves.
Key Features
- Patented GrabTack ultra sticky material on the palm and fingers for a non-slip grip in all conditions
- Light and breathable stretch fabric with perforations for ventilation bring full mobility in a comfortable, form-fitting fit
- Under Armour’s own Power-Catch construction secures index fingers and thumbs to prevent painful twisting
- Reflective details for low light visibility when needed
The Gripper Glove – Unisex
If you’re a minimalist who is tired of the hassle of taping your hands for enhanced palm grip and protection from nasty blisters, these Gripper Gloves from Fit Four may be your new solution. These minimalist gloves are specially designed for maximum grip and mobility, covering just the areas that need it the most and leaving the rest of your hand free.
Choose from black, pink, green, or blue.
Available in unisex sizes SX, S, M, L, XL to fit most men and women.
Key Features
- Minimal coverage of just the callus areas of the hands where athletes would normally tape
- Patented compression fit lays flat on the palm and reduces bunching or discomfort
- Anit-slip silicone on palm for enhanced grip
- Honeycomb patterned palm allows flexing in all directions for full mobility
- Breathable form-fitting lycra backing
- Easy to quickly put on and take off, and ultra compact for stuffing into a pocket or waistband
Having the right gear is essential for maximizing your performance in any sport or athletic event. Obstacle course races are no exception. So protect yourself and improve your results by bringing along any of these best gloves for Spartan Race or Tough Mudder to your next event.