When it comes to tough mudders, the proper hand protection can mean the difference between a fantastic experience and a miserable one. After all, the use of your hands is essential throughout an obstacle course, with all the climbing, pulling, gripping and dropping. That’s why being prepared with a pair of the best gloves for tough mudder obstacle course races can give you the edge you’re looking for, so you won’t be slowed down by scrapes, cuts, blisters, or other common hand injuries. You may not choose to wear your gloves throughout the entire race, but you’ll sure be glad you have a pair on you when you do need them.
It can be challenging to find the best gloves for tough mudder for your unique needs because so few gloves are marketed specifically for this purpose. So when selecting your tough mudder gloves, a few of the key features you’ll want to look at closely include flexibility, palm cushioning, palm and finger grip, minimum retention of water or sweat, and overall comfort. Other considerations that are based on your personal preference will include durability, fingerless or full-fingered, gloves, fabric construction, and price.
Mad Grip F100 Pro Palm Knuckler Gloves
Due to their delivering a full range of motion while also being highly protective, the full line of Mad Grip gloves have become extremely popular among tough mudder and other obstacle course racers looking for tough full finger coverage. Among the favorites are these Mad Grip F100 Pro Palm Knuckler Gloves, a great choice for extreme comfortable and hand fatigue relief. They are designed to follow the natural curves of the hand, meaning you don’t have to work as hard to curl or straighten your fist, and at the same time they minimize uncomfortable bunching or creasing through the palm.
Notable Features
- Anatomical cut maximizes fit while minimizing hand fatigue
- Constructed of half polyester half rubber material
- No seam design reduces chance of blistering or irritation in areas where other sports gloves traditionally have seams
- Rubberized palm provides an intense grip when you need it
- Machine washable for easy care
Colors: Black/Black, Grey/Black, Khaki/Grey
Sizes: Unisex Small/Medium, Large/X-Large, XX-Large
NeoSport Wetsuits Premium Neoprene 3/4 Finger Gloves – Unisex
Perfect for the wet and muddy condition of many obstacle courses, these NeoSport Wetsuits Premium Neoprene Gloves deliver superior grip whether you find yourself in wet or dry situations.
The ¾ length fingers of these gloves come highly rated by those who prefer the fine tactile dexterity that open fingered gloves provide, while still having protective coverage over vulnerable pressure points of second knuckles than standard fingerless gloves.
Key Features
- Non-slip grip is maintained even when wet
- Vented and padded palm for greater protection and air flow
- Flexible anatomical fit is comfortable even after hours of wear
- 1.5mm Neoprene adds warmth in cold conditions
- Broad range of unisex sizes fit most men, women and older youth
Colors: Black
Sizes: Unisex X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
Mechanix Wear Original Tactical Gloves
Mechanix Wear maintains a global reputation for their line of high quality, extremely durable gloves. And these Original Tactical Glove are considered among the best gloves for obstacle racing whether it be mud runners, spartan racers, or other obstacle course challenges, due to their ideal blend of protection, durability, grip, and dexterity. And they’re machine washable so you can wear them for training then freshen them up before the big race.
Notable Features
- TrekDry microfiber is form fitting, breathable, and flexible
- Seamless single layer palm for a solid grip without seam abrasion
- TPR (Thermal Plastic rubber) hook and loop closure at the wrist for a secure fit
- Machine washable for longer-lasting care
Colors: Black
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, X-Large
Under Armour Men’s CTR Trainer HF Gloves
If you’re looking for just a thin layer of protection without bulk or limited motion, then check out these Under Armour CTR Trainer HF Gloves. Yes, it’s another top pick from Under Armour, and they’re very similar to the Flux gloves above. These half finger gloves deliver high performance while feeling almost as though you aren’t wearing any gloves at all. So many minimalist glovers choose these as their best gloves for tough mudder.
Notable Features
- Well ventilated and extremely lightweight performance
- Moisture wicking and quick drying mesh and HeatGear fabrics keep hands cool and comfortable
- Allows full hand dexterity
- Helps maintain a good grip with minimal palm padding
Colors: Black/Black/Oxford
Sizes: Men’s Medium, Large, X-Large
Under Armour Men’s Flux Half-Finger Training Gloves
Under Armour has grown to be a highly trusted name in sport gear of all types, so it’s no surprise that Under Armour gloves appear on our list more than once. This first pick is the highly popular Under Armour Flux Half-Finger Training Glove. These gloves offer an ideal balance of lightweight breathability with supportive durability. And because they’re made of a moisture wicking HeatGear fabric, they’ll work to keep your hands as dry as possible even in damp and muddy conditions.
Notable Features
- Silicone palm delivers extra grip and durability
- Made of a soft and breathable fabric, with palm perforations for increased airflow throughout
- UA Power Strap at wrists provide a bit of extra wrist support
- Soft terry thumb wipe for keeping sweat out of eyes
Colors: Black/Black, Graphite/Yellow
Sizes: Men’s Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
Under Armour Women’s Flux Gloves
Although many women like the fit of some unisex or men’s gloves, those with especially narrow or small hands may find that they are better off with a glove that is specifically designed for women. Fortunately, the Under Armour Flux Gloves reviewed above also come in women specific sizes.
Notable Features
- Same broad array of benefits as the men’s counterpart above, including breathability, grip-ability, durability, and comfort
- Even greater softness and breathability with mesh-like cooling area on palm and flexible backing
- Cut is styled to fit the smaller dimensions of many women’s hands, being narrower across the palm and back
- Available in more color options than men’s
Colors: Black/Black, Steel/White, Pink/Black
Sizes: Women’s Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
Mechanix Wear Tactical M-Pact 3
If you’re looking for the ultimate tactical glove, the Tactical M-Pact-3 from Mechanix Wear delivers superior protection and reliability under the roughest of conditions. With smart rich-featured construction they provide advanced full hand reinforcement while maintaining maximum flexibility
Notable Features
- High-density single piece TPR knuckle guard is anatomically built to absorb forceful impacts
- 3mm accordion padding protects the thumbs and fingers with maximum mobility
- Shock and vibration absorbing palm design provides enhanced grip and strength
- Fingertip fortification provides supreme abrasion resistance
- Moderately curved shaping reduces hand fatigue
Colors: Black
Sizes: Men’s Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, X-Large
Hyperflex 3/4 Finger Glove
For a lightweight, budget friendly solution that delivers the boost you need when you need it, these 3/4 finger gloves from Hyperflex are an ideal choice . They offer a a thin protective layer that enhances the grip and protects palms and fingers, without adding any bulk.
Notable Features
- Open fingers for full tactical use of fingertips, while covering vulnerable finger knuckles
- Lightly padded synthetic leather palm offers a more secure grip while adding durability and protection
- Constructed of neoprene with vented fingers for cooling comfort
- Wrist cinch is adjustable for a quick and secure fit
Colors: Black/Grey
Sizes: Unisex X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, X-Large
Although not all obstacle course racers use gloves, more and more are wearing them, or at least choosing to have a pair tucked into their shorts and easily accessible in the event that they need them. The best gloves for tough mudder obstacle racing can give you the advantage of minimizing hand pain and increasing grip and overall comfort, leading to improved performance throughout the toughest courses.