Wrist Wraps
Wrist wraps make a great workout accessory you can keep in your bag. Wrist wraps protect your wrists, which are your most important joints, while you lift. A quick Amazon search can yield hundreds of results, leading to option overload.
There will be a few wrist straps included in your results. Wrist wraps are lifting straps that twist around a barbell to increase your grip but don’t support your wrists. Wrist wraps are about stability and joint support.
We’ve made it easy for you to find suitable wraps. Check out our recommendations and find the right wrist wrap for you.
How We Chose
We chose these products with the guidance of Jereme Schmacher, DPT, a physical therapist at Custom Treatments in San Diego.
Durability
Workout goals
Additional features
Best for General Lifting: HiRui Wrist Compression Strap
These supportive wrist straps are great for relieving your wrists during strength training.
According to Schumacher, they are great for every day, non-competitive lifting, as they can be adjusted and taken on and off easily.
These can protect your joints during sports such as tennis and basketball. These can be used if you plan to spend a lot of time on the computer. Your wrists will appreciate it.
Best for CrossFit: Gymreapers Strength Wrist Wraps
Schumacher says that while most wrist wraps are pretty snug and stiff, the best CrossFit wraps are flexible.
CrossFit workouts require a variety of movements from your wrists. Your wrists must be very rigid for deadlifts but bend when doing handstands.
Gymreapers wraps can be adjusted and flexible to meet your needs.
Best for Grip: Fit Vikings Workout Gloves With Wrist Wraps
According to Schumacher, grip strength is a common problem for many gymgoers. Schumacher suggests that many pulling exercises, like rows or deadlifts, can cause problems with grip strength.
You want your grip strength to be noticed in your exercise routine ( wrist curls may help), but these wraps include built-in weightlifting gloves to give you a little more grip.
This wrap also protects your skin from tearing or callousing during lifting.
Best for Powerlifting: Iron Bull Strength Wrist Wraps
According to Schumacher, these wrist wraps provide more support than an average wrap and are considered the best for powerlifting.
Powerlifting and moving large loads is best done with maximum support to prevent injury. These wraps offer the highest level of stability thanks to their 18-inch wide band.
Schumacher states, “Look at the length of wrist wraps for powerlifting.” They are generally between 12 inches, 16 inches, and 18 inches in length, which affects their performance and feel. To find a suitable wrap for you, try several types. For more stability, you can opt for longer wraps.
The wraps’ thumb loop adds support.
Best for Durability: Bear Grips Wrist Wraps
What makes Bear Grips wraps different? The outside is lined with elastic to prevent fraying and to catch on equipment. These can be used for many training sessions.
These wraps have a strong thumb loop that helps to build tension between your wrist and hands while keeping the wrap in its place.
Best for Heavy Lifting: Weight Lifting Hooks Heavy Duty PRO Deadlift Straps
You might have more strength in your legs and hands than in your hands. Your grip could fail before you reach your maximum weight.
These wraps come with lifting hooks. These wraps have a metal hook inside your palm that provides extra support when you feel you are losing your grip during heavy deadlifts.
Three Tips to Choose the Best Lifting Wraps
- Support vs. Flexibility Flexibility
All the best lifting wrist wraps do the same: support your wrist joints. However, some are more rigid and supportive than others. Schumacher says that the best wrap for you depends on your activity.
A more stable and rigid pair of wraps is best if you buy them for powerlifting. It would be best if you were looking for a set with maximum support and a thumb loop.
The best CrossFit wrist wraps allow you to bend your wrist if needed. Make sure you read the label before buying to ensure that your wraps are suitable for cross-training and calisthenics.
- Find your ideal length.
There are many lengths available for powerlifting wrist wraps. The more wrap you have, the better support your wrist will receive.
Schumacher states that there are many ways to find the perfect length. You can experiment with three to four sizes to find the one that feels most stable while you exercise.
- Choose Your Perfect Closure
Most wraps are secured with Velcro. However, some are tied with a tie system (such as the second choice).
The wraps stay in place while you lift by using both closures. Velcro is easier to adjust with one hand, but it can sometimes touch your workout clothes and pick up the fabric.
