What are foam gloves?

"Foam gloves" refers to gloves that incorporate foam material in their construction, primarily for cushioning, grip, insulation, or comfort. Here's a breakdown of common types and uses:

■Household Cleaning Gloves:
These are the most instantly recognizable "foam gloves" for many people.
Typically made by dipping a fabric liner (like cotton or polyester) into liquid latex or PVC mixed with air to create a foamy, spongy texture.
The foam structure provides thickness and cushioning, protecting hands from hot water and mild chemicals during dishwashing or cleaning.
The slightly porous foam surface offers a secure, slip-resistant grip on wet dishes or surfaces, even when soapy.
They are usually lined for comfort against the skin and come in various thicknesses.

■Padding in Sports & Impact Gloves:
Many protective sports gloves use foam layers as padding:
Boxing/MMA Mitts & Gloves: Contain thick, resilient foam padding (often layered or composite foams) to absorb and disperse the force of punches, protecting both the wearer's hands and their sparring partner.
Cycling Gloves: Frequently feature foam padding (gel or standard foam) in the palm area to cushion hands from vibrations and pressure on handlebars during long rides.
Weightlifting Gloves: Use foam padding over the palm to improve grip comfort and protect against bar friction.
Motorsports Gloves: May incorporate foam layers for impact protection and comfort.

■Insulating Layers in Work & Cold Weather Gloves:
Some insulated gloves for cold environments use foam materials as part of their insulation system.
Closed-cell foam traps air, creating a barrier that slows heat loss from the hands.
This foam layer is often combined with other insulating materials (like synthetic fiber fills) and sandwiched between an outer shell and a liner. It's common in winter work gloves, ski mittens, or snowmobile gloves.

■Foam Grip Aids:
Less common, but some products are essentially sleeves or pads made of sticky, dense foam worn over the fingers or palm.
These aim to dramatically increase friction and grip strength, often used in gym settings for activities like pull-ups or weightlifting without needing to grip a bar tightly.