If you've picked up blisters in a previous WOD, high-quality gloves add some protection. However, gloves make it difficult to move hands around a barbell. They work very well for something simple like a strict press, but not ideal for kipping movements and Olympic lifts. However, gloves can really save your skin (literally) when you train hard and should be a part of the essential equipment for everyone that works out with barbells and fixed bars.