As with most activities, having the right gear for rock climbing is essential for maximum overall performance. And that includes your choice of gloves. While it’s true that some climbers prefer not to even wear gloves, others swear by them. They’re really a must for anyone new to the sport, for those who don’t want to build up unsightly calluses, and they’re critical if you’re training for tough, cold-weather outdoor climbs where you plan to wear them.
When selecting your indoor rock climbing gloves, it’s important to know what characteristics to look for. The right gloves will help improve your grip and provide front and back of hand protection, without hindering your moves in any way. You want a snug, no-slip fit, in a material that breathes and keeps hands dry. Half-finger or fingerless gloves are best because they provide hand and knuckle protection while still giving full finger grip and dexterity.
Below are 5 of the top rated indoor rock climbing gloves, across a variety of styles and price. And they all come in a broad range of sizes for a good fit for men, women, and older youth.
Black Diamond Crag Half-Finger Climbing Gloves
Black Diamond is known for delivering top quality in all types of climbing gear, and these Crag Half-Finger Climbing Gloves are no exception. Designed to fit securely and comfortably, the material of these gloves is stretchable, breathable, lightweight and durable, the best combination for indoor and outdoor climbing of all levels.
Palms and finger faces are made of a synthetic leather that provides a good grip for climbing and prevents rope burn when belaying, and the backs of the knuckles are lightly padded for protection for these vulnerable areas.
A notable feature the extra reinforcement they have in the crotch between thumb and forefinger, strengthening the area that is often the first to tear open in many other sports gloves. Choose from blue or black, in 5 sizes X-Small through X-Large.
The Gripper Glove – Unisex
If you’re on the fence about wearing gloves, then these Gripper Gloves by Fit Four may be for you. These are minimalist gloves that protect just the parts of your hands that need protection, without hindering the rest of your hands, fingers, or wrists. No more chalk needed. The silicone anti-slip palm boosts your grip while still providing superior flexibility of fingers.
The compression material is cool and breathable and fits close to your palms so they won’t bunch up with use. These are so compact you can easily tuck them into a pocket and decide whether or not you want to use them when you get there.
Available in 5 sizes from XS-XL. Choose from black, blue, pink, or green.
Outdoor Research Chroma Sun Gloves
I know, you’re probably wondering why you’d need sun gloves for an indoor sport. Well, we wondered too, until we talked to an avid indoor climber who wears them, and then read all of the positive reviews of users using them indoors as well as out.
This pair of three quarter finger gloves from Outdoor Research is a great choice whether you do indoor climbing, outdoor climbing, or a bit of both.
Great fitting, breathable polyester material is lightweight and very comfortable, and the palm is vented and thin – no extra padding here, just a nice layer of protection for those vulnerable areas where your fingers meet your palms. The fact that they also offer UPF 50 protection is a great added bonus, so you can wear them for tons of other activities as well. They come in 5 sizes.
Black Diamond Stone Climbing Gloves
Another optimal choice from Black Diamond, these are straight-forward traditionally designed rock climbing gloves. Made of genuine goat’s leather, they’re naturally soft and flexible allowing full hand mobility while providing great protection.
If you’ve ever owned a pair of leather gloves, you know that these can last seemingly forever. The palms and knuckles are reinforced for added durability where it’s most needed. Choose from black or natural, and from 5 unisex sizes.
Harbinger 155 Power StretchBack Glove
If you’re looking for an inexpensive pair of gloves, even just to have on hand when you need them, these Power StretchBack Gloves from Harbinger are a great low cost option. Comfortable and durable, these gloves are simply designed with a stretch to fit, breathable lycra backing.
Just enough coverage to provide protection to blister areas that will be needing it the most, the fingerless design enables direct contact for a natural touch, making them perfect as indoor rock climbing gloves. Available in sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL.
If you’ve made the decision to wear gloves as part of your gear, then any of these indoor rock climbing gloves are a good pick to help keep hands blister free without hindering your ability to climb, belay, and have fun.