Sensory friendly wheelchair gloves?

November 19, 2024 2:39 PM

Have you personally found wheelchair gloves that aren't a sensory nightmare? Looking for recommendations.

I'm looking for wheelchair gloves that:
* Are not leather,
* Do not have seams that are uncomfortable,
* Are generally sensory friendly and effective, and
* Come in small sizes.

Thank you for any suggestions.

posted by moira to Health & Fitness (5 answers total)

I, unfortunately, gave up finding gloves that worked for me. But in my efforts to find good wheelchair gloves, I found some better choices when searching for gloves for non-wheelchair applications/sports. Part of this depends on your priorities. Warmth? Waterproof? Lightweight just to protect the hand from dirt?

I was looking for grip when wet, for example. I found that there were gloves for sailing that had nice grip and water resistance.

If you need grip and warmth, you might find that biking gloves fit the bill.

Neoprene gloves will generally not have very many seams, but may not be as flexible. Those are often marketed for scuba diving.
posted by hydra77 at 4:03 PM on November 19 [2 favorites]

You might try nitrile coated work gloves. They have few seams and the palms are water resistant. However, they won't be particularly warm and definitely won't last as long as leather gloves.
posted by RichardP at 7:56 PM on November 19 [1 favorite]

Paddling gloves might fit the bill here.
posted by jimfl at 9:22 PM on November 19

I have also seen people recommend gardening gloves, which tend to be easier to find in smaller sizes than the coated work gloves
posted by DebetEsse at 11:15 AM on November 20

Depending on what you mean by "effective" (warm? waterproof? grippy?) I have had luck with MEC looking at cycling gloves, winter gloves, and mitts. I have also tried sailing and paddling gloves and found them effective for grip and protection but not warm enough and not waterproof.

I find mitts have fewer seams than gloves and so rub and chafe less since they are not around every finger. Mitts are also warmer. Usually unisex XXS or women's XS work for me depending on brand and type. I have also tried children's gloves which fit well but tend to fall apart sooner.

Following for more ideas as I have yet to find a perfect glove or mitt I'd want to buy again!
posted by narcissus_and_ambrosia at 1:57 PM on November 22 [1 favorite]