Best Gloves For Crutches In 2025, Softer Grips And Less Hand Pain

Hand pain is one of the biggest surprises when you start using crutches. You expect your injury to hurt, maybe your armpits or shoulders if you have heard the warnings. But nobody really prepares you for how much your palms can ache after just a few hours of gripping those handles. By day two, you might have blisters, sore spots, or that burning feeling that makes you dread picking up your crutches in the morning.

This guide rounds up different types of gloves for crutches and grip covers that can help reduce pressure and friction. I tested a bunch of them over several months, including padded fitness gloves, wheelchair style gloves, foam covers, and gel grips. Some worked great, some felt wrong after a full day, and a few surprised me by being way more comfortable than I expected.

Before we get into the details, I need to say this clearly. If you have new pain, sharp pain, numbness, or tingling that keeps getting worse, talk to your doctor or physical therapist. Gloves and grips can help with comfort, but they cannot fix a medical problem or bad crutch fit. Gear is a tool, not a cure.

Why Crutch Handles Hurt Your Hands

When you use crutches, a big chunk of your body weight shifts into your hands and palms. Every step you take, you are pushing down on those handles. The pressure concentrates on a few small spots, usually the base of your palm and the area right below your fingers. Do that a hundred times on a trip to the kitchen, or a thousand times on a day out, and your hands start to complain.

Underarm crutch users often feel more pressure on their palms because the handles are where most of the load goes. If you lean on the underarm pads too much, you risk nerve issues, so your hands do most of the work. Forearm crutch users shift some weight to their forearms through the cuffs, but your hands still take a lot of force, especially when you are going uphill or on stairs.

Handle shape and material play a big role too. Standard plastic or hard rubber handles are smooth and firm, which feels fine for a few minutes but can dig into your skin over time. If the handle is round and narrow, the pressure concentrates on a smaller area. If it is wide and flat, the load spreads out a bit more but might feel awkward to grip.

Your grip style matters. If you squeeze the handles too hard because you feel unstable, your hands tire faster and you get more blisters. If you grip too loosely, your hands slip and you end up readjusting constantly, which causes friction and hot spots.

For a deeper dive on hand and wrist comfort, see our guide on how to prevent hand and wrist pain on crutches. That article covers technique, fit, and other comfort strategies that work alongside gloves and grips.

Types of Gloves That Can Help

There are a lot of glove options out there, and you do not need to buy something labeled "crutch gloves" specifically. What you need is padding in the right spots, a snug fit, and material that does not make your hands sweat too much. Here are the main types I tested and what I noticed.

Padded Fitness or Cycling Gloves

These are fingerless gloves with gel or foam padding across the palms, usually found in the fitness or cycling section of sporting goods stores. They fit snug around your wrists with a velcro strap or elastic band, and the padding sits right where your palms press into crutch handles.

What they feel like: I used a pair of basic cycling gloves with thin gel padding for about two months. The padding was firm but not thick, so I could still feel the handle shape underneath. My palms felt noticeably less sore at the end of a long day compared to bare hands. The fingerless design meant I could use my phone, open doors, and dig my keys out of my bag without taking the gloves off.

Who they suit: These work well for most people who are on crutches for a few weeks to a few months. They are affordable, usually 15 to 30 dollars, and easy to find online or in stores. The padding is enough to reduce friction and pressure without making the handles feel huge.

Trade offs: The velcro straps can snag on jacket sleeves or bags. After a month of daily use, the padding started to compress and flatten out. Some brands use synthetic materials that do not breathe well, so my hands got sweaty on warm days. I had to wash them weekly to keep them from smelling.

Wheelchair or Push Rim Style Gloves

These gloves are designed for wheelchair users who push their wheels all day, so they have heavy duty padding and reinforced palms. They come in fingerless and full finger styles, and the padding is usually thicker and more durable than fitness gloves.

What they feel like: I borrowed a pair of wheelchair gloves from a friend who used a manual chair for years. The padding was noticeably thicker than my cycling gloves, almost like having a thin foam mat on my palms. The first day felt weird because the handles felt bigger, but by day three I got used to it. My hands felt way less tired after a full afternoon of errands.

Who they suit: These are great for long term crutch users or anyone who spends hours on crutches every day. If you are juggling work, school, and daily life on crutches for months, the extra padding and durability are worth it. They cost more, usually 25 to 50 dollars, but they last longer.

Trade offs: The thicker padding can make the handles feel bulky, especially if you have small hands. Some styles have full finger coverage, which is great for cold weather but too hot indoors. The extra material can bunch up between your fingers if the fit is not perfect.

Lightweight Fingerless Gloves for Errands and Indoor Use

These are thin, stretchy gloves with minimal padding, sometimes just a thin layer of foam or no padding at all. They are more about grip and protection than heavy cushioning.

What they feel like: I tried a pair of lightweight workout gloves with almost no padding. They did not help much with pressure, but they did reduce friction and blisters. My palms did not slide around on the handles as much, especially when my hands got a little sweaty. They felt almost like wearing nothing, which was nice for short indoor trips.

Who they suit: These work if you only need crutches for a week or two, or if you are mostly indoors and not walking long distances. They are cheap, usually 10 to 20 dollars, and easy to throw in a bag. They also work as a liner under thicker gloves in cold weather.

Trade offs: They do not help much with pain if you are on crutches for hours at a time. The thin material wears out fast, sometimes in just a few weeks of daily use. If you need serious padding, skip these and go for cycling or wheelchair gloves instead.

Full Finger Gloves for Cold or Wet Weather

These are insulated or water resistant gloves with palm padding, designed for outdoor use in cold or rainy conditions. Some are specifically made for cycling or hiking, others are just winter gloves with added grip.

What they feel like: I used a pair of padded winter cycling gloves on a rainy week in February. My hands stayed warm and dry, and the padding still helped with pressure even through the thicker material. The downside was I could not use my phone without taking them off, and they felt too hot indoors.

Who they suit: If you live somewhere cold or wet, or if you commute outdoors daily, full finger gloves make a huge difference. Look for ones with touchscreen compatible fingertips if you need to use your phone outside.

Trade offs: They are bulkier and warmer, which is great outside but annoying indoors. They take longer to dry if they get soaked. Some styles sacrifice padding for warmth, so make sure the palms have enough cushioning before you buy.

Budget Friendly Options, Basic Padded Work Gloves

You can find cheap padded gloves in the hardware or gardening section of most stores. They are not designed for crutches, but some of them work fine if the padding is in the right spot.

What they feel like: I tested a pair of padded work gloves that cost about 8 dollars. The padding was thick but stiff, and the fit was a bit loose. They helped with pressure, but they felt clunky and the seams rubbed against the sides of my hands. After an hour, I had a red mark where the stitching dug in.

Who they suit: If you are on crutches for just a few days or a week, and you do not want to spend much, work gloves can get you through. They are also fine for light indoor use.

Trade offs: The fit is usually not great because they are not designed for precise gripping. The materials tend to be stiff and not breathable. Seams can rub and cause new sore spots. If you are on crutches for more than a week or two, spend a bit more on fitness or cycling gloves.

Types of Grip Covers and Add Ons

Grip covers slip over your existing crutch handles to add cushioning. They are a good option if you do not want to wear gloves, or if you want to combine them with lightweight gloves for extra padding. Here is what I found when I tested different types.

Foam and Gel Grip Covers

These are soft sleeves that slide over your crutch handles. Foam covers are usually made from dense foam rubber, while gel covers have a silicone or gel layer inside a fabric or rubber shell.

What they feel like: I tried both foam and gel covers on my underarm crutches. The foam covers felt firmer and gave the handles a slight rubbery grip. They compressed a bit under my weight but did not flatten out completely. The gel covers felt softer and mushier, almost like squeezing a stress ball. They absorbed more shock when I stepped, which felt nicer on hard tile floors.

The foam covers made my handles about half an inch thicker, which felt fine. The gel covers added almost a full inch, which made the handles harder to grip because my fingers could not wrap all the way around. After a few days with the gel covers, I noticed my hands were slipping more because the surface got a bit slick when my palms got sweaty.

Who they suit: Foam covers work well if you want a little extra cushioning without changing the handle size too much. Gel covers are better if you walk on hard floors a lot and want maximum shock absorption, but only if you have big enough hands to grip the thicker handle.

Trade offs: Foam covers flatten over time, usually after a few weeks of heavy use. Gel covers can feel too soft and unstable, and they attract dust and lint. Both get slippery when wet or sweaty, so you might need to wipe them down during the day. Some covers slip and rotate on the handle if they do not fit snugly.

Ergonomic Replacement Handles

These are contoured handles that replace your standard crutch grips completely. They usually have a wider, flatter shape that spreads pressure across your palm instead of concentrating it in one spot.

What they feel like: I swapped the standard round grips on my forearm crutches for ergonomic handles that had a slight curve and a wider surface. The first day felt awkward because I was used to gripping a narrow round handle. By day two, my palms felt less sore because the pressure was spread out over a larger area. The handles had a textured rubber surface that gripped well even when my hands got a little damp.

Who they suit: If you are on crutches for months, or if you have a condition where you will use crutches on and off long term, ergonomic handles are worth the investment. They cost more, usually 20 to 40 dollars per pair, but the comfort improvement is real.

Trade offs: Installation can be tricky. Some handles require tools or specific crutch models. If your crutches are rentals, you might not be allowed to swap the handles. The wider shape can feel weird at first, and some people never get used to it.

Temporary Wraps, Tape, or DIY Padding Fixes

If you are in a pinch, you can wrap your crutch handles with athletic tape, foam pipe insulation, or even towels secured with rubber bands. These are not long term solutions, but they can help in a bind.

What they feel like: I wrapped my handles with athletic tape once when I was out of town and forgot my gloves. The tape added a thin layer of cushioning and improved grip, but it started to peel and get sticky after a few hours. Foam pipe insulation from the hardware store worked better. I cut a piece to fit the handle length and taped it in place. It was bulky and looked ridiculous, but it helped with pressure for a few days until I got proper grip covers.

Who they suit: This is for emergencies or very short term use, like a few days until you can get real gloves or covers. It is also fine if you want to test whether extra padding will help before spending money on gear.

Trade offs: DIY padding looks messy and does not last. Tape gets sticky and gross. Pipe insulation is cheap but slips around unless you tape it really well. If you are on crutches for more than a few days, invest in proper gear.

Round Up, Best Gloves and Grips by Use Case

Instead of naming specific brands, here are the glove and grip styles that work best for different situations. Use these as starting points, then test what fits your hands and daily routine.

Best for All Day Crutch Use at Work or School

Glove style: Padded wheelchair or push rim gloves with thick foam or gel padding. Look for fingerless styles so you can use your phone and keyboard without taking them off.

Grip style: Ergonomic replacement handles or thin foam grip covers. The handles spread pressure, and the covers add a bit of cushioning without making the grip too thick.

Pros: Maximum padding and durability. Handles multiple hours of use without your hands getting wrecked. Fingerless design lets you stay functional.

Trade offs: More expensive, usually 40 to 70 dollars total for gloves and covers. Takes a few days to break in and get used to the thicker feel.

Skip this if: You are only on crutches for a week or two, or if you have very small hands and thick padding feels awkward.

Best for Sweaty Hands and Warm Weather

Glove style: Lightweight fingerless gloves with mesh backs and minimal padding. Look for ones labeled "breathable" or "moisture wicking."

Grip style: Thin foam covers or textured rubber grips. Avoid gel covers because they get slippery when wet.

Pros: Your hands stay cooler and drier. Thin gloves reduce friction without adding bulk. Textured grips help prevent slipping.

Trade offs: Less padding means less cushioning for long days. You might need to take breaks more often to let your hands rest.

Skip this if: You are walking long distances daily and need maximum padding, or if you are in a cold climate.

Best for Cold or Rainy Climates

Glove style: Full finger padded gloves with water resistant or insulated material. Look for touchscreen compatible fingertips if you use your phone outside.

Grip style: Standard foam covers or textured rubber grips. Avoid gel covers in wet weather because they get too slick.

Pros: Your hands stay warm and dry. Full finger coverage protects from wind and rain. Padding still helps with pressure.

Trade offs: Too hot for indoor use. Bulkier and harder to take on and off. Can not use your phone without removing gloves unless they are touchscreen compatible.

Skip this if: You are mostly indoors, or if you live somewhere warm year round.

Best for Budget and Short Term Injuries

Glove style: Basic padded fitness or cycling gloves. Look for ones in the 10 to 20 dollar range at sporting goods or discount stores.

Grip style: Thin foam covers, usually 5 to 15 dollars per pair. DIY padding with pipe insulation and tape works in a pinch.

Pros: Cheap and easy to find. Good enough to get through a few weeks without major discomfort.

Trade offs: Lower quality materials wear out fast. Padding compresses and loses effectiveness after a few weeks. Fit might not be perfect.

Skip this if: You are on crutches for more than a month, or if your hands are already really sore and need serious padding.

Best for Long Term Crutch Users Who Want Something More Durable

Glove style: High quality wheelchair gloves with reinforced palms and double stitched seams. Look for styles with replaceable padding or machine washable fabric.

Grip style: Ergonomic replacement handles with textured rubber surfaces. These last for years if you take care of them.

Pros: Built to last for months or years. Maximum comfort and durability. Worth the investment if you use crutches regularly.

Trade offs: More expensive upfront, usually 50 to 100 dollars total. Takes time to find the right fit and get used to the feel.

Skip this if: You are only on crutches temporarily, or if you are not sure how long you will need them.

How to Choose the Right Glove or Grip for You

Here is how to narrow down your options based on your situation.

Your Crutch Type

Underarm crutches put more pressure on your palms because your hands carry most of your weight. You probably want thicker padding in your gloves or grip covers. Forearm crutches shift some load to your forearms through the cuffs, but your hands still take a lot of force, especially on stairs or hills. You might be fine with medium padding.

If you are deciding between underarm and forearm crutches for the first time, check out our guide on underarm vs forearm crutches for short term injuries. That article explains how each type affects your hands, shoulders, and daily routine.

Your Typical Day

How many hours are you on crutches each day? Are you mostly indoors at home, or are you commuting, working, and running errands? Do you need to carry things like bags, water bottles, or a backpack?

If you are juggling bags and daily tasks, fingerless gloves are essential so you can grab things without removing them. For more strategies on managing bags and essentials, see our guide on Carry Things on Crutches.

If you are on crutches for just an hour or two a day, lightweight gloves or thin foam covers are probably enough. If you are on them all day, invest in thicker padding and durable materials.

Your Climate

Warm and humid climates need breathable gloves and textured grips that do not get slippery when you sweat. Cold climates need insulated full finger gloves. Rainy climates need water resistant gloves and grips with good traction when wet.

Any Allergies or Material Preferences

Some gloves and grip covers contain latex, which can cause reactions if you are sensitive. Look for latex free options if that is a concern. Some people do not like synthetic materials against their skin and prefer natural fibers like cotton or bamboo blends.

Style, Color, and Feeling Like Yourself

Gloves and grip covers do not have to be boring. A lot of options come in bright colors, fun patterns, or neutral tones that match your personal style.

I started with plain black cycling gloves because that is what the store had. After a few weeks, I got sick of looking at them and bought a pair with teal accents that matched a jacket I loved. It sounds small, but it made a difference. Wearing something that felt intentional instead of purely medical helped me feel less self conscious on bad days.

Grip covers come in all kinds of colors too. You can match them to your crutches, contrast them for a pop of color, or go neutral so they blend in. Some people like bright colors because it makes their crutches feel less medical and more like a mobility tool they chose. Others prefer black or gray so the gear does not stand out.

There is also an emotional side to this. Being on crutches can make you feel visible in ways you might not want. Small style choices, like picking gloves in your favorite color or grip covers that match your outfit, can help you reclaim a bit of control over how you present yourself.

For more ideas on outfits and style while on crutches, check out our guide on fashion tips for crutches. That article covers clothing hacks, shoe choices, and how to feel like yourself even when your mobility setup is front and center.

Care, Cleaning, and When to Replace

Gloves and grip covers get dirty, sweaty, and worn out. Here is how to keep them clean and know when it is time to replace them.

Cleaning Gloves

Most padded gloves can be hand washed with mild soap and warm water. I washed mine in the sink once a week, scrubbing the palms gently with a soft brush to get rid of sweat and grime. Then I rinsed them well and let them air dry. Do not put them in the dryer because the heat can damage the padding and elastic.

If your gloves smell even after washing, sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the palms, let it sit for a few hours, then shake it out and wash again. That usually helps.

Cleaning Grip Covers

Foam and gel grip covers can be wiped down with a damp cloth and a little soap. Pull them off the handles every few days and clean both the covers and the handles underneath. Let everything dry completely before putting the covers back on, otherwise moisture can build up and make things slippery or moldy.

Textured rubber grips can be scrubbed with a brush and soapy water. Rinse well and dry with a towel.

When to Replace

Replace gloves when the padding compresses flat and stops cushioning your palms. This usually happens after a few weeks to a few months depending on how much you use them. If the fabric tears, the seams rip, or the gloves smell bad even after washing, it is time for new ones.

Replace grip covers when the foam flattens, the gel cracks or leaks, or the surface gets slippery and worn. Check them weekly by squeezing the padding. If it feels hard and does not bounce back, replace it.

I replaced my first pair of cycling gloves after about six weeks because the padding turned into a thin sheet that did not do much. My foam grip covers lasted about two months before they got too flat to help.

Strength, Posture, and Sharing the Load

Gloves and grips help with comfort, but they do not replace good crutch technique and basic upper body strength. The stronger your arms, shoulders, and grip, the less brutal crutch use feels on your hands.

I noticed a huge difference after I started doing simple arm exercises a few times a week. My hands still got sore, but not as badly, because my arms were doing more of the work instead of dumping everything onto my palms.

Good posture matters too. If you lean forward or hunch your shoulders, more weight shifts into your hands. If you stand upright and engage your core, the load spreads more evenly across your whole body.

For gentle movement ideas that can help you build strength without breaking your weight bearing rules, check out our guide on exercises to stay in shape on crutches. That article has safe routines you can do while healing.

Important reminder: Always clear any exercise or movement changes with your doctor or physical therapist. Respect your weight bearing restrictions and do not push through sharp pain or new symptoms.

FAQ, Gloves and Grips for Crutches

Your Hands Do Not Have to Hurt This Much

Hand pain on crutches is real, and it can make an already tough situation feel worse. But gloves for crutches and grip covers can make a real difference if you pick the right ones for your setup. The "best" choice depends on your crutch type, how many hours you are on them each day, your climate, and whether you need to carry things or stay functional with your hands.

Start with one option. If you are on crutches for a few weeks to a few months, try basic padded fitness gloves or thin foam grip covers. If you are using crutches all day for work or school, invest in wheelchair gloves or ergonomic handles. If you are in a warm climate and sweat a lot, go for lightweight breathable gloves. If you are outside in the cold, get full finger gloves with insulation.

Pay attention to how your hands feel after a full day. If you still have pain, numbness, or tingling that gets worse, talk to your provider. Gloves and grips are tools that help with comfort, but they are not magic fixes. Proper crutch fit, good technique, and addressing any underlying issues with your doctor or physical therapist are just as important.

Pick one glove style and one grip idea to test this week. Note what hurts, what feels better, and what you still struggle with. Then adjust. Your hands do not have to hurt this much, and the right gear can help you get through your recovery with a lot less misery.