Best CrossFit Wrist Wraps Reviewed: Get Maximum Wrist Support In The Box (Women's Options Too)
Clearly, wrist wraps provide a lot of support for weightlifting when there is intense pressure on your wrists.
But another form of exercise which exerts immense pressure on your wrists, both through weights and body weighted exercises, is CrossFit.
CrossFit covers a whole range of exercises that are performed at high intensity and builds a range of general physical skills including cardiovascular endurance, stamina, strength, power, agility and coordination.
Because of the intensity of this workout, you might still find an intense amount of pressure on your wrists from supporting your own body weight during push ups, pull ups and planks, and supporting weights or a bar for multiple repetitions.
After intense CrossFit workouts, my wrists are often aching, leaving me worried that the pain might affect my form next time.
Because of this, wrist wraps are recommended to reduce soreness, protect against injury and reduce recovery time between workouts.
In this wrist wrap review, we will look specifically at the best wrist wraps for CrossFit.
Top 5 Best CrossFit Wrist Wraps Reviewed
1. WOD Wear Wrist Wraps
Our Verdict: Best Overall
WOD Wear is a top-rated option which is made for a range of exercises. WOD stands for Workout of the Day, one of the essential phases of CrossFit, which involves completing as many rounds as possible of a set of exercises until you burn out.
As well as CrossFit, they are great for weightlifting and yoga, meaning you’ll get the support needed to lift heavy weight and the flexibility needed for bodyweight exercises. This makes them the best wrist wraps for versatility and the best overall option for CrossFit.
Unlike other options in this review, these wrist wraps do not come with a thumb loop which can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your preference. A thumb loop secures wrist wraps in place and makes them easier to put on as you can insert your thumb through the loop before wrapping the fabric around your wrist.
However, some people find that a thumb loop can get in the way, especially when you are moving between a lot of different exercises in CrossFit and need to move your hands freely.
Without the thumb loop, some customers have found that these wrist wraps are slightly harder to put on than other options as you have to hold one end of the fabric to start wrapping. The wraps are fastened with a string instead of a Velcro strap which can be a good thing as Velcro tends to wear out over time and lose its grip.
To adjust the wrist wraps, you simply twist them around your wrist once they are on. This easy adjustability is great for CrossFit as you might want to change the stiffness of your wrist wraps between exercises depending on whether you need more support or more flexibility.
Finally, they can be used by both men and women and come in a range of colours and patterns. Made from cotton, they are easy to clean and comfortable, as well as featuring double stitching for durability.
What’s more, they are machine washable, which is ideal for CrossFit as they will get very sweaty thanks to the high intensity.
Pros:
- Made for multiple exercises
- Tie around string and twist for easy adjustment
- Variety of colours and patterns
- Unisex
- No Velcro straps
- Comfortable cotton material
- Durable
Cons:
- No thumb loops
- Can be difficult to put on
- One size
2. Rip Toned Wrist Wraps
Our Verdict: Best for Weightlifting
Also listed as great for weightlifting, these best-selling wrist wraps are an excellent option for CrossFit because they come in two stiffness options. The stiffer option offers little movability but provides support for heavy duty weight lifting.
For CrossFit, the medium stiff option is made from the same durable and supportive material but provides the flexibility you need to move freely between workouts.
If you want to take on part of your CrossFit workout without wrist wraps, they are also quick and easy to take on and off when you need them. The thumb loops allow for easy wrap around fastening completed with an extra wide Velcro.
Despite being easy to fasten and adjust, these wrist wraps only come in one size so they might not fit smaller wrists. The medium stiff option provides extra support whilst giving you the mobility to take on body weight exercises if the tightness is enough for your wrist size.
They are also a great option if you have had a previous wrist injury and need extra support as they keep the wrist in place, avoiding further injury, and aid recovery whilst you continue your fitness journey. This makes the Rip Toned Wrist Wraps the best CrossFit wrist wraps for support.
Specifically made for challenging routines and endorsed by powerlifter Kevin Weiss, these heavy-duty wrist wraps are highly elasticated and adjustable making them comfortable and supportive. They are machine washable and come in different patterns and colours including a stylish camouflage.
Pros:
- Unisex
- Range of colours
- Heavy duty
- Supportive
- Extra wide Velcro
- Thumb loop
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Only one size
3. 321 STRONG CrossFit Wrist Wraps
Our Verdict: Best for Women
The best women’s wrist wraps for CrossFit, and anyone with smaller wrists, are the 321 STRONG CrossFit Wrist Wraps as they come in two different lengths and are soft on the skin.
The 14-inch size is great if you are just starting out on building your lower arm strength or are a woman and are looking for a tighter fit on the wrists.
They come with a thumb loop, making them easy to put on and take off, but some customers have found that the loop can become frayed and come away from the rest of the fabric.
The material for the wrap is nylon and elastic which is great for women, and those with softer skin, who are concerned about rubbing. Nylon is also a strong material which is also flexible, making these a great option for CrossFit because the strong support does not impede your movement.
The larger 20-inch option is specifically designed for heavy weight athletes who are looking to bulk up their arms, allowing room for muscle growth. They also have a high-quality Velcro closure which doesn’t lose its grip over time.
With regards to design, these wrist wraps only come in black with red and blue detailing on the logo. They are machine washable, however, and feature high quality stitching which increases their durability.
Pros:
- Two lengths, 14 and 20 inches
- Nylon and elastic material
- High quality durable stitching
- Unisex
- Flexible
Cons:
- Thumb loop can fray
4. DMoose Fitness Wrist Wraps
Our Verdict: Most Durable
Another top-rated option, these are the best wrist wraps for durability because of the quality of fabric. As a CrossFit athlete, you’ll definitely be putting your wrist wraps through some wear and tear.
The heavy-duty design makes these wrist wraps an impressive option for taking on high intensity workouts. Furthermore, they are specifically designed to improve CrossFit technique, keeping your form correct whilst you focus on working to your maximum potential.
The thoroughly adjustable polyester material allows you to adapt the tightness to your preference, cotton and elastic increase flexibility, and the double stitching ensures a long life.
Also, the polyester fastening strap features strong Velcro which has been found to last for longer than other options in this review, so if you know you’re going to be training a lot, this could be the best option.
In sizes of 12 and 18 inches, there isn’t a larger option for more heavy weight athletes. The upside is that it does come in a number of interesting pattern designs. They are suited to both men and women and provide a medium support but the thick material can get a bit hot for intense CrossFit.
The good thing about the thick material is that, again, it adds to the durability of this product. Even with this impressive material, the product comes with a lifetime guarantee so you don’t have to worry about tearing.
What’s more, they are made entirely from non-toxic materials and are free of lead and PVC, making them the more environmentally friendly option.
Pros:
- Durable
- Comfortable material
- Adjustable
- Two sizes
- Unique designs
- Guarantee
- Non-toxic, lead and PVC free
- Unisex
Cons:
- Only smaller sizes
- Thick and can overheat
5. Rogue Wrist Wraps
Our Verdict: Best Heavy Duty
Another option with multiple lengths is the Rogue Wrist Wraps. These wraps come in 12, 18 and 24 inches providing a larger option for heavy weight athletes.
As these wrist wraps are also designed for weightlifting, they might not be as flexible as some of the other options, but they provide a strong support for all wrist sizes.
Coming in a range of colours, they are made from elastic, polyester and cotton. This combination is designed to wipe away moisture without damaging the skin. They also have a Velcro closure which some have found to lose grip over time.
In addition, the stitching is not as durable as some of the other options in this review.
As they are designed for weightlifting, and come in a longer option, these are the best wrist wraps for heavy weight CrossFit athletes who are going to be putting a lot of pressure on their wrists with exercises like push ups and burpees.
As seen at the CrossFit games, these wrist wraps can take on some heavy-duty exercise and provide a lot of support. Even with increased stiffness, they still allow for some wrist flexion so that your movement isn’t too affected.
They come with a hook and thumb loop closure for ease of use, although some people have found that the thumb loop does not add a lot of extra support when it could be used to hold the wrist wrap more firmly to the hand.
Pros:
- Different sizes to fit all
- Elastic, polyester and cotton material
- Hook and loop closure
- Absorbs sweat
- Extra support
Cons:
- Less movability
- Not as durable
- Velcro can lose grip over time
What Should I Look for in Wrist Wraps for CrossFit?
You might already have wrist wraps for weightlifting and be wondering what makes a CrossFit wrist wrap different. Or maybe you are new to wrist wraps altogether and just want to know what to look for.
There are several factors which make a good wrist wrap, and specific things that you need to look for if you are intending to use them specifically for CrossFit.
Quality Material & Durability
Each of the wrist wraps in this review are made from high quality material which is stretchy and comfortable.
They are all made from cotton, elastic, nylon or polyester which provide comfort and flexibility so you can move your wrist whilst still feeling a tight support.
Just The Right Stiffness
During CrossFit, you will find that you need to be able to move your wrists whilst still feeling supported.
A lot of the wrist wraps designed for weightlifting will be very stiff, which makes them difficult to use during the plethora of body weight exercises included in CrossFit.
Ideally, you will have a wrist wrap which provides enough support for you whilst still allowing for some wrist flexion.
If you feel like you need more support, try a stiffer option like Rip Toned Wrist Wraps.
Size it Right
Depending on your requirements, you should also check the sizing:
- For women and people with smaller wrists there are 12 or 14-inch-long options which you will be able to wrap tightly without being left with excess fabric.
- If you are a heavy weight athlete and have more bulky forearms, look for options which come in 20 inches and above.
Thumb Loop or No Loop
Finally, you might be looking for a thumb loop for extra security.
Some people find that a thumb loop can get in the way during CrossFit but they do provide extra support and keep the wrist wraps in place.
There are options in this review with and without thumb loops to suit your preference. You can see how to use them in the video below:
What Are the Benefits of Using a Wrist Wrap for CrossFit?
Just like with weightlifting, you will be using a lot of heavy weight in CrossFit but alongside a variety of different exercises and, because of this, there are a number of benefits to using wrist wraps.
Injury Prevention
If you start to feel pain in your wrists during body weight exercises, it is a good idea to stop what you are doing to avoid serious injury.
Wrist pain can get in the way of your momentum and make your workout generally uncomfortable. Using a wrist wrap supports your wrist so that you don’t feel the kind of pain that can stop you in the middle of your set.
And since we're talking about injury prevention, we also have a good review of the best dip belts prepared for your consideration.
Reduce Joint Pain
After exercising and putting excess pressure on your wrists, you might feel some joint pain which stops you from going back for more.
With wrist wraps, recovery time is improved and you can keep up with your workout schedule.
Maintain Proper Form For Longer
Furthermore, CrossFit athletes will know that you need to push your body to its limits.
If your wrists start to feel weak, you could lose your form, reducing the effectiveness of your workout.
I know that when I reach my limit with push ups—even after taking a pre-workout for CrossFit—my wrists start to collapse meaning that my arms can’t hold my body up to perform the correct movement.
If you continue to workout without the correct form, you can cause real damage to your joints and muscles.
Enhance Your Grip
While the main function of wrist wraps is to stabilize your wrists during tough movements, a secondary benefit is the improved grip you'll have as a result of using them.
That said, for exercises like pull-ups and deadlifts, ladies especially will perform better when using a set of the best women's weight lifting and workout gloves instead of wrist wraps.
But sometimes, sweat can get in the way. You might as well prep yourself up with a gym towel ready all the time.
Which Wrist Wraps are the Right Option for Me?
As all of these wrist wraps have the qualities required for CrossFit and will all help you improve your workout and form.
However, there are some individual differences which might make the decision for you.
- If you are planning on including heavier weights in your exercise, you will want wrist wraps that can take on the extra pressure such as the Rogue Wrist Wraps.
- If you need extra support from a previous injury, try the Rip Toned Wrist Wraps.
- Finally, if you are looking for the most durable option, especially if you are planning on working out regularly for a long time, try the DMoose Fitness Wrist Wraps.
Our #1 Recommendation
Although each CrossFit wrist wrap in this review has something to offer CrossFit athletes, the overall best choice is the WOD Wear Wrist Wraps.
Specifically designed for CrossFit, these wrist wraps are the best because of their versatility. You can use them for a range of different exercises as they combine strong support with flexibility.
The simple twist adjustability makes them easier to use during CrossFit than other options. You might find that you need to adjust the support offered by your wrist wrap in the middle of your workout, when moving between weights and bodyweight exercises, and these wraps are the easiest to adjust without having to remove them.
Because they are designed for CrossFit, they offer more flexibility than those designed with weightlifting in mind, allowing you to perfect your form during each stage of your CrossFit workout.
The highly durable cotton material of the WOD Wear Wraps makes them long lasting and able to take on all the intense exercise you can throw at them.
Last Updated on July 14, 2020
