Gloves for obstacle racing
Gloves protect your hands on rope and rig but can cost some grip feel. This page covers the pros, cons and common types.
Gloves are one of those items of gear where opinions differ: some swear by the protection they offer on rope and rig, others deliberately skip them to keep the direct grip feel. This page sets out the pros and cons and introduces the common types.
When gloves are worth it
In races with plenty of rope-based or metal obstacles, such as climbing frames, rig systems or rope climbs, the palms are exposed to a lot of friction. Anyone training many repetitions or racing a long event such as a Spartan Beast risks blisters or grazes. Gloves reduce that friction and can also protect against cuts from sharp edges or splintering wooden elements that appear on some courses.
In cold weather, gloves also bring a warmth benefit, covered further on the gear for winter page.
When to skip gloves
Some athletes deliberately race without gloves because they prefer the direct grip feel on rope and rings. On precise obstacles where a fine sense of grip position matters, a thick layer between skin and grip can hinder more than it helps. Anyone with well-trained grip strength who rarely gets sore hands often finds gloves unnecessary.
Types of gloves
- Full-finger gloves with a grippy palm. Offer the most complete protection for palm and fingers, usually with a textured or coated surface for better hold even when wet.
- Fingerless gloves. Protect the palm while leaving the fingertips free for finer grip feel, useful on thinner ropes or small grip elements.
- Padded gloves. Suited to races with a lot of crawling over hard or rocky ground, the padding also protects the palms when bracing against the surface.
- Light, thin gloves. Offer less cut protection but a grip feel closer to bare-handed climbing, for athletes willing to trade some protection for precision.
What to look for in materials
For wet and muddy conditions, gloves with a grippy, water-resistant palm work better than plain fabric gloves, which soak through quickly and then lose grip. The back of the hand should stay flexible enough not to restrict making a fist during pull-ups or gripping rings. A snug but not constricting fit keeps the glove from shifting during the race.
Getting used to gloves before the race
Wearing gloves for the first time on race day risks surprises: some models feel different on a pull-up or on rope than expected. It is worth testing new gloves in training on exercises like those described on grip strength before relying on them in the actual race.
If you are still unsure whether gloves belong in your kit, the packing list gives an overview of what generally makes sense to pack, and the gear page covers all gear categories. For your next race with plenty of rig and rope content, check the race calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need gloves for an obstacle race?
No, many runners race without gloves. They are mainly worth wearing in races with a lot of rope and rig content, to avoid blisters and grazes.
Do gloves reduce grip?
Depending on material and fit, direct grip feel can decrease somewhat, especially with very thick or poorly fitting gloves. Well-fitting, thinner models with a grippy palm mostly offset this.
Which type of glove suits mud and wet conditions?
Gloves with a grippy coating on the palm that still holds when wet are better suited to muddy conditions than plain fabric gloves, which soak through quickly and lose grip.
Can I use ordinary gym or cycling gloves?
That is possible, but they are often not designed for wet conditions and repeated contact with rope or metal grips, and may wear out faster than gloves designed specifically for OCR.