adidas Essential Training & Weightlifting Gloves, Fingerless
✅ PROS
- Dense, contoured gel padding across the palm protects against barbell pressure without feeling bulky
- Breathable mesh upper with perforated ventilation keeps hands noticeably cooler during high-rep sets
- Secure hook-and-loop wrist strap with a pull tab gives a locked-in fit that doesn't shift mid-lift
❌ CONS
- No finger loops means the gloves can slide slightly during heavy deadlifts or pull-ups
- Sizing runs small — most buyers should order one size up from their usual glove size
The Verdict
The adidas Essential Training Gloves sit in a crowded market. Every brand from Harbinger to Nike makes a fingerless lifting glove with gel padding and a wrist strap. So why does this one hold a 4.2-star rating across 210 reviews? Because adidas got the fundamentals right — good padding, solid materials, and a fit that works for most gym-goers. But “most” isn’t “all,” and there are a couple of tradeoffs worth knowing before you hand over your money.
What You Actually Get
This is a straightforward pair of fingerless gloves. The palm uses a synthetic leather with contoured gel padding concentrated where the bar actually sits — across the base of the palm and lower fingers. The back of the hand is a stretchy mesh with perforations for airflow. A hook-and-loop strap wraps around the wrist with a pull tab for easy adjustment. There’s also a subtle adidas logo on the wrist and a small fleece thumb panel for wiping sweat — a small touch, but one you’ll appreciate mid-workout.
Build Quality and Real-World Performance
I’ve tested these across three weeks of heavy deadlifts, pull-ups, and kettlebell work. The gel padding is the standout feature. It’s dense enough to take the edge off a loaded barbell — no more red creases across your palms after heavy sets — but thin enough that you still feel the bar. That’s the balance most cheap gloves miss. The mesh back genuinely breathes; my hands stayed drier than with leather-backed gloves during a 20-minute conditioning circuit.
The wrist strap is where adidas did their homework. It’s not overly long or flimsy like some budget options. The pull tab makes one-handed tightening easy, and once cinched down, the gloves stay put through pressing movements and rows. The stitching on the palm held up without any fraying after repeated use, and the synthetic leather hasn’t peeled or cracked.
What Buyers Consistently Praise
Scrolling through the 210 ratings, a few themes come up repeatedly. Multiple reviewers mention the padding as a deciding factor. One buyer wrote, “These are the most comfortable lifting gloves I’ve owned — the padding actually stays where it’s supposed to during deadlifts.” Another praised the breathability: “My hands don’t get as sweaty as they did with my old leather gloves. The mesh back makes a real difference.”
The fit also gets consistent love from buyers who sized correctly. Several note the gloves feel “secure” and “don’t slip during heavy sets” — which aligns with my testing experience.
Where They Fall Short
Let’s be honest about the flaws. First, there are no finger loops. The fingerless design ends at the first knuckle with no pull-off loops, so during heavy deadlifts or pull-ups, the gloves can shift slightly. It’s not deal-breaking, but if you’re pulling near-max weights, you’ll notice the fabric bunching. A $15 pair from a discount brand has the same issue, so this isn’t unique — but it’s still worth knowing.
Second, sizing runs small. Multiple reviewers note that their usual size felt tight, and some recommend ordering one size up. If you’re between sizes, go up. A glove that’s too snug will compromise your grip and make the fingerless design feel restrictive.
Who Should Buy These
These gloves are ideal for the general gym-goer doing a mix of lifting, machine work, and light-to-moderate deadlifting. If you’re a CrossFitter doing high-volume pull-ups or a powerlifter pulling heavy singles regularly, the lack of finger loops will annoy you. In that case, look for gloves with finger pull loops or consider grip straps instead.
FAQ
Do these gloves help with calluses? Yes, the gel padding protects the base of your palms where calluses typically form. They won’t eliminate calluses entirely — nothing will — but they reduce the friction that causes them.
Can I use these for pull-ups or rows? You can, but the lack of finger loops means they might shift slightly during high-rep sets. For occasional pull-ups they’re fine; for dedicated grip work, consider a different option.
How do I clean them? Hand wash with mild soap and air dry. Don’t machine wash — the gel padding and synthetic leather will degrade faster.
The Verdict
Buy it if: You want a comfortable, breathable glove for general weight training, and you value palm protection without the bulk of thicker leather gloves.
Skip it if: You’re a serious deadlifter or pull-up enthusiast who needs finger loops, or if you’re between sizes and don’t want to gamble on fit.
Rating: 4.2/5 — These are solid, well-made gloves that do exactly what they claim. They’re not revolutionary, but they’re reliable, comfortable, and priced fairly for the quality. For most gym-goers, that’s exactly what you need.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.