Gloves are one of the most debated bits of HYROX kit. Some racers swear by them; others think they slow you down. The truth is somewhere in between, and it depends on your hands and the stations.
Check the current rules for your event before race day. Equipment rules can change.
Where gloves help
Sled pull
The rope can be rough, and pulling hand over hand for 50 metres can rub your skin. Gloves protect your hands and can help if your hands are sweaty.
Farmers carry
Some racers find gloves help with sweaty hands on the kettlebell handles, though others find they reduce grip.
Where gloves hurt
Wall balls
Many racers find gloves make the ball harder to catch and control. Taking them off before wall balls takes time.
Grip feel
Thick gloves reduce your feel on the handles and rope. Some people find they grip harder to compensate, which tires the forearms faster.
Time
Putting gloves on and taking them off in the Roxzone costs time. If you use them, practise doing it quickly while walking.
Alternatives
- Chalk, where allowed, for sweaty hands.
- Thin gloves, which protect skin with less loss of feel.
- Tape on areas prone to tearing.
- Nothing — if your hands are used to the work, you may not need anything.
How to decide
Try the sled pull and farmers carry with and without gloves in training, at race weight and after other work. Time both. Choose whatever is faster and more comfortable for you.
If you do use them
- Use gloves you have trained in.
- Keep them somewhere easy to reach.
- Decide in advance when you will put them on and take them off.
Related
Grip strength training helps whether you use gloves or not.