Wrist wraps are an interesting product to review. There are multiple types that include powerlifting, Olympic lifting, CrossFit, or something for those that deal with or are trying to prevent carpal tunnel. Some fall in somewhere between each of those as general workout/lifting wraps. Throughout this article and review, we will cover a little of each, starting with a buying guide that will break down what you should look for in each chosen section.

Top Wrist Wrap Comparison Chart

We have combined them all into one guide as we felt that it would be the most concise way to show you the types of wraps available for different aspects of your life and workout. With that said, the buying guide will include subsections for each wrap type, so don’t hesitate to reference those sections during the reviews. The review section will also be broken up into the top wraps for each type of use, instead of one big review that covers wraps of all types. Save this page as a place to reference when you need to look up a new wrap for a new use.

Wrist Wrap Buying Guide (What to Look For)

CrossFit Wrist Wraps

CrossFit wraps have a bit of an overlap with lifting wraps in that they are used to help support the wrist, similar to a back support. The key is to not use them too often, no more than half the time, so that you can build the strength in your wrists without letting the muscles become reliant on the extra support. The wrap itself is used more for the support and less for strength gains.

For example, look at any Olympic lifter, how many are actually using wraps? For CrossFit, the same is true. You want to use them when needed, but not so much that you rely on them. With that said, look for a wrap that is going to work for your personal style. Some wraps are Velcro while others are traditional wraps that are a bit more flexible.

When wrapping your wrist, proper positioning is key. Make sure that the wrap is just above or at the crease near the wrist and palm of your hand. Some of the wraps on this list will be very easy to put on as they will basically be like a glove. For those that aren’t easy, follow the manufacturer’s directions very carefully.

While CrossFit wraps are very similar to lifting wraps in many ways, you will want to look for something with a bit more flexibility. This will ensure that you have the ability to move from one work out to another. If you are including pull-ups, push-ups or other non-weight lifting exercises in your daily routine, you want something that is going to work on all of those exercises and flexible support is key.

Lifting Wrist Wraps

There is plenty of arguing going on about straps online when it comes to lifting. Many claim that it is a cheat and reduces the “pure” nature of the sport. In reality, there is a space between that wrist straps should be used regardless of what random individuals online may say. First, for non-competitive lifters, they are a no-brainer. The idea is that you are trying to wear out specific muscles in your weightlifting and in specific types of lifting, the hook or strap on the wrap is going to ensure the bar doesn’t go crashing down on the floor when you fatigue too much.

With that said, wraps are not allowed in competition, so you shouldn’t rely on them exclusively. Use them to increase your overall strength gains, but don’t use them to the point that you can’t lift without them.

There are a few types of straps that you will find, so we will cover each here just to give a solid overview of what to expect.

• Loop Straps

This type of strap is the most common and will be the easiest to find in a material of your choice (leather and cloth are most common). They give a secure fit around the wrist, but they can be difficult to wrap around the bar one handed. In addition, the loops leave extra material hanging and can make it difficult to bail from a failed lift. You won’t see these in Olympic lifting at all.

• Speed or Olympic Straps

This is a closed loop strap that is much easier to attach to the bar and much easier to bail from a failed lift. This is the primary reason they are used in Olympic lifting. You won’t get as secure of a grip and the tightness can’t be adjusted, but they are good if you are wanting to move towards a more professional level of lifting.

• Hook Straps

These are becoming more popular as they don’t require any wrapping and they offer a hook that will allow a standard bar to easily rest. The big problem is that you can’t grip the bar as tight as you can with others and that can impact your technique negatively for certain lifts. In addition, the hook is made for standard bars and won’t fit specialized bars in many cases.

Carpal Tunnel

Wraps for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome often very different from the wraps you have read about previously (if you read the other sections) and are made specifically for those that are going to be typing a great deal. Carpal Tunnel is a wrist injury that comes from trauma or injury to the wrist, hypothyroidism, repetitive use of vibrating hand tools, over active pituitary gland, and many others. So, while they are often looked at as something used for typing, they aren’t exclusive to that – it is just the most common use and what people associate with the syndrome most often.

Unlike other wraps, the ones used for Carpal Tunnel are going to be a bit less scientific in the reviews. This is because you need to be extremely comfortable using them during your normal activities. You will find that in lifting or other workouts, you end up with a short use wrap that has a specific purpose. For CTS you are using a wrap or brace that will last throughout the day at times and it needs to feel right.

There are two primary types of supports for those suffering from CTS. The first is using bandages to simply wrap the wrist. This can be a good choice as it is generally a lighter option, but it requires much more work to put on and does not offer the same type of support that you would get from a brace. That brings us to braces, which are more commonly used for more severe cases of Carpal Tunnel. These are essentially like gloves with a harder brace to keep your wrists angled correctly and help to prevent the progression of the syndrome.

The choice you go with is up to you, but our advice, at least for recurring cases, is to go with a comfortable but firm brace. Using a bandage to wrap your wrist is not only difficult to put on correctly, but it often doesn’t offer the same health benefits in regards to recovery that you would get from a brace. When looking at braces keep the material in mind. You want something that is firm, but also breathable. If you are planning on wearing the brace throughout a day or work, you don’t want to build up sweat throughout the day. There is no perfect brace, but with a little research you can get a good idea for the ones that are likely going to work best for you.

Wrap and Brace Care

It doesn’t matter if you get a wrap or a brace or just use bandages, keeping them in good shape is important. There isn’t a whole lot to it, but it needs to be mentioned in its own area just to ensure that your wrap lasts as long as possible. Most will not do well in the washing machine, but with a quick rinse in the sink and a little hand soap, you should get the sweat out of the wrap and letting it air dry is all that is required.

As you sweat in your wrap it will be a perfect home for bacteria to grow. This will make it so that the wrap doesn’t last nearly as long as it should. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning. Barring any clear directions, do a little research on the material and ensure that you clean them properly. You are making an investment (regardless of the size) and the more use you get out of it, the better.

Best Wrist Wrap Reviews

Before getting into the actual reviews, I wanted to take a moment to explain how we rate the products and how this review will be written as it will be different than most. First, value is what we look for first – a product that is a good price (based on our research) and a good quality, will generally win over a similar product that is better but priced much higher. That isn’t going to be the case in every situation, but most of the time “bang for your buck” is our main concern.

For this review, the products will be broken up into three separate sections. The first will be CrossFit Wrist Wraps, followed by Lifting Wrist Wraps (which includes Powerlifting and Olympic Lifting), and finally Wraps and Braces for Carpal Tunnel. The top three in each section will be picked, but for CrossFit and Lifting I will make a special note if they are good for both types of exercise. With that out of the way, read on to the reviews.

Best CrossFit Wrist Wrap Reviews

1.   Wrist Wraps by Rip Toned

The first pair on the list is a set of wrist wraps that can be used for lifting as well as CrossFit. The big points here include the fact that they will stabilize your wrists which will boost your performance in burpees, strength training, pushups, planks, and all types of lifting. They are also guaranteed, so if you don’t see an improvement, you’ll get your money right back.

They are also endorsed by the 2014 World Champion Powerlifter Kevin Weiss, which you can take or leave as a positive. It may be good marketing, but the wraps themselves deserve the stamp of approval either way in our opinion. If you suffer from wrist pain, this pair will alleviate it significantly. They are extremely secure and keep your wrists in the position they need to be. They also help you prevent injury.

Easy to put on and take off, they have the advantage of being beginner-friendly as they will fit in one specific way – no need to read through instructions or watch videos on how to wrap, they just fit. They work for men or women; the only issue will be with people with smaller wrists. In that case, they may not be the right choice – otherwise, these are the best for CrossFit and general workouts and not a bad choice for lifting as well.

Pros

• Great for CrossFit and Lifting.
• Very secure fit.
• Easy to put on and take off.
• Works well for men or women.
• Stiff, but comfortable.

Cons

• Not a good choice for people with small wrists.
• For some, they are entirely too stiff.

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2.  WOD Nation Leather Barbell Gymnastics Grips

While the name implies these are good wraps for all workouts, including powerlifting, these are more for CrossFit and less strenuous workouts. This wrap is the style that comes as a long “ribbon” that you have to wrap around your hand and wrist to give support. While they do provide support, they fall far short of the heavy-duty wraps on our list.

These are also much more difficult to put on than the wraps that you just slip over your hands, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a high spot on our CrossFit section of the list. You can customize how tight they are which allows you to have more or less support based on the particular activity you are planning on focusing on. They are also extremely affordable and easy to throw in your purse or gym bag for travel. The biggest drawback is that they are seriously lacking on heavy support.

Pros

• Great all-purpose wrap.
• Extremely affordable.
• Traditional wrap, gives a bit more customization of support.
• Easy to travel with as they roll up into a small package.

Cons

• Can be a little difficult to put on for novices.
• Lacks the support needed for heavier lifting.
• Some can smell when first opened.

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3.   Pivot Elite Rotating Cross fit wrist & callus protection

• Innovative design.
• Solid palm protection.
• Enough Support and protection for elite level athletes

Cons

• Finger holes were too small for some users
• Pivot screw assembly broke in one user’s case

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Best Lifting Wrist Wraps Reviews

4.   StrapWrapz by Nordic Lifting

The StrapWrapz by Nordic Lifting are some of the best all-around wraps available on the market. They likely won’t fit the bill for seasoned veterans, but casual lifters, or those still newer to the sport will find everything they are looking for in these wraps. More seasoned users may still like them, but there are a few questions as to how well they grip on your hands and how well they let you move during your lift.

For the most part, they are fantastic wraps that offer a great deal of support. While they say they can be used for CrossFit training, they are a bit too cumbersome and heavy to make that list. For just lifting, though, these are the best value out there and they have built in straps that are great for deadlifts.

Pros

• Great for most lifting.
• Added support for your wrists.
• One size fits all (most).

Cons

• Does not offer the best grip on hands in some cases.
• Can be too large or cumbersome for anything but lifting.
• Quality is not consistent.

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5.   Anvil Fitness Lifting Straps

If you read through the CrossFit section, you are going to notice a similar pattern so far. While the first lifting strap was a simple to use, yet innovative, wrap, these are more traditional wraps that require more experience to put on. With that said, they are a bit easier to figure out as a foam support pad is included in the wrap which makes it much easier to figure out where to start. Still, you will likely need to follow instructions or watch a video to put them on correctly the first time.

That isn’t a negative though, the lifting hooks can wrap 2 or 3 times around the bar and they work with dumbells, barbells, kettlebells, row or pull up work and just about anything else. The main use for this wrap will be towards the end of your work out when you are losing some of your grip strength but need to push just a bit further. They are a bit large for smaller wrists, but other than that they would have been our top pick if they were a bit easier to put on for newer users.

Pros

• Incredibly versatile.
• Comfort is unmatched.
• Very durable wraps.

Cons

• May be difficult to use for beginners.
• Not sized perfectly for smaller wrists.

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6.   Cobra Grips PRO Weight Lifting Gloves

There aren’t many negative things to say about the Cobra Grips outside of their price point. They are more expensive than traditional wraps, but they offer support and a solid grip. They offer new patented technology that will ensure you have a solid grip while also supporting your wrists.

The Cobras are often compared to the Versa Grips, which are one of the biggest names in this category, but the price puts them off our list besides the mention here. If it weren’t for the Cobra grips, which are as good or better than the Versa Grips, being a less expensive alternative the Versa Grips would be in this spot. Still, the Cobras are great for more experienced lifters and only fall to number three on the list because of their price point. They are likely the best for pure lifting that we have put on the list, but value is our big focus on every item. For the average user, you are better off going with one of the other two listed in this section.

Pros

• New technology on offer that gives a solid grip and wrist support.
• Wider grip works well with bigger hands.
• Extremely comfortable wrist wraps.

Cons

• Designed for more experienced users.
• Priced for more experienced lifters.

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Best Carpal Tunnel Braces and Wraps

 

7.   Futuro Night Sleep Wrist Support

Carpal Tunnel doesn’t just cause discomfort or pain while you are typing on the computer or using your wrists for repetitive action, it can cause a constant issue throughout your day and night. The Futuro Night Wrist Sleep Support Wrap works on the left or right wrist and helps relieve the discomfort associated with the syndrome.

Easy to use, lightweight and easily breathable, this is one of the best wraps to use even when not working. The only real issue we have is the locking system, which is very adjustable, is suspect when it comes to durability. It may only last you six months or so. It is priced low enough that you shouldn’t be too put out, but it is worth a mention.

Pros

• Can be worn all night without any discomfort.
• Can be worn on the left or right wrist.

Cons

• Durability is questionable.
• Construction may only last half a year.

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8.   Mueller Fitted Wrist Brace Green Line (Right)

Mueller goes green with their extremely comfortable and supportive brace. Made from eco-conscious non-petroleum based materials, this is a brace that is perfect for those that are concerned about the manufacturing of their product. This brace is sturdy and extremely comfortable for daily wear but may not hold up as well for sleep. They have plenty of sizes to choose from and most will fit any wrist, so you are sure to get a comfortable fit no matter which one you purchase.

Mueller would be number one on our list if it could work on either wrist, but you won’t have to pay much more to grab a pair than the Futuro. Still, if you just need one, this review stands for the left wrist as well. There are a few complaints about uncomfortable stitching from some users, as well as Velcro that doesn’t stand up well for support, but these are likely just manufacturing anomalies. Still, keep it in mind when you are making your purchase.

Pros

• Extremely comfortable for daily use.
• As sturdy as any other brace on the list.
• Eco-friendly materials for the eco-minded.

Cons

• Only works on one wrist as opposed to the Futuro’s dual wrist design.
• Some quality issues with the stitching and Velcro are not completely uncommon.

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9.   ORTONYX Wrist Support Brace with Splint for Carpal Tunnel

This is one serious brace for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!  The best part is that it treats other conditions like wrist tendonitis, swelling, and other painful wrist and forearm issues.  It’s even useable for sports!  The fabric is moisture-wicking, durable and light.  Of course, it’s pretty bulky compared to less supportive wraps, but that comes with the territory.  Gentle compression is applied while it dissipates any external pressures evenly.  The palmer pad absorbs vibrations and shocks.

It’s not bad at allowing movement and not being too restrictive, but still, it’s more restrictive than a pure compression sleeve.

Pros

• Promotes healing.
• Sturdy and comfortable.
• Helps regulate temperature.
• Clinically proven to work.

Cons

• Somewhat bulky.
• Results vary based on other users of the device.

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Conclusion & Recommendations 

There you have it, a list of all the types of wraps and braces you may need to protect your wrists and help them heal. Obviously, the final pick (CarpalCure), is the best brace for recovery, but won’t do much for prevention. The CrossFit Wrist Wraps at number two (under the CrossFit section) and the Rip Toned at number one are the best two all-around wrist wraps available. They may not do the trick for powerlifting or more advanced lifters, but for those that are headed to the gym for CrossFit and moderate lifting, the two are about even in how well they work.

For those looking to do some heavy lifting on a more professional level, the StrapWrapz and Anvil Lifting Straps are going to be the place to look. They offer two takes on the traditional support needed for lifting at a higher level. If you are looking for something a bit more innovative the Cobra Grips are a great place to start. While the Cobra’s are primarily reviewed in our lifting section, their flexible design could have just as easily landed them a spot on the CrossFit section.

When it comes to recovery, we already mentioned the CarpalCures but the price tag is too high for the average recovery. The Mueller Fitted Green Line is a great place to look for recovery while you are at work, or doing your daily duties. For overnight support and recovery, you are likely going to be best served going with the Futuro Night Wrist Sleep Supports.

The key here is to know what you need. Are you primarily working on a CrossFit regimen, or is powerlifting your goal? Are you simply looking for support while you are at work, or recovery while you sleep? Unfortunately, there isn’t a brace or wrap that covers all three of the sections we reviewed on this list, but we made sure to add affordable options in each category that will make it painless to purchase one for each need you may have. Keep an eye on the Carpal Tunnel braces though as most are made for a right or left wrist – only the Futuro works for either.

The best advice is to look for a wrap or brace from a reputable retailer (online or brick and mortar) that allows exchanges and returns. If you end up with a brace or wrap you don’t need, there is no reason that you should just be stuck with it. If you find one you like, but it isn’t perfect, do not hesitate to try something different, you can always go back. Use this list as a jumping-off point. You may start with one of our suggestions and follow a rabbit hole to something unique that is perfect for you. Everyone is different, so there is not a perfect choice that we can suggest – we are here to get you started and give you our opinions on the best wraps and braces out there.

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