How to Buy the Best Football Gloves

Football gloves are a crucial piece of equipment for any player. First and foremost, they provide a better grip on the ball, but they also help protect your hands from injury so you can make big plays with confidence.

With so many different options on the market and the different purposes of these options, it can be tough to know which football gloves are right for you. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to buy football gloves, their benefits, how to find the right ones for your needs, and how to take care of them.

Benefits of Football Gloves

While gloves are optional, and many players prefer not to wear them, they offer several major benefits. Football gloves can give you extra grip, making catching passes and avoiding fumbles easier. This is especially helpful when the ball is slippery due to harsh weather. Football gloves have tacky material on the palms and hands that help maintain a good grip in harsh conditions. Football gloves also are designed to help protect your hands against impacts and abrasions. Your hands will inevitably get scratched and bruised on the gridiron. While gloves can’t prevent that entirely, they can provide additional support, and some even have built-in padding for extra protection.

What to Look for in a Great Pair of Gloves

When you’re shopping for a pair of gloves, there are a few key things to consider. Keep in mind that the best glove for you will likely depend on the position you play.

• Consider the material. Light synthetic materials like polyester and spandex are often considered the best for skill positions, while heavier materials like leather or neoprene may be best for linemen or linebackers. Regardless, make sure to get gloves made of breathable material that helps keep your hands cool.
• Go for grip. If your position involves handling the ball in any way, go for gloves with a tacky, grippy surface to help improve your control. 
• Make sure it fits. A snug fit is important for both comfort and performance. Poorly-fitting gloves can actually reduce your grip on the ball.
• Know the rules. Make sure to get gloves that are allowed in your league. Most football gloves are legal in most leagues, as long as you don't apply any additional sticky materials that might give you an unfair advantage. High schools and the NCAA follow the Sports & Fitness Industry Association recommendations.
• Match the uniform. Some teams have a uniform policy that requires players to wear gloves in a particular color. Make sure to get gloves in your team’s colors.

Football Gloves by Position

Different positions on the field require different features in their gloves. Gloves not suited for your position won't provide the benefits you’re looking for. Note that quarterbacks typically don’t wear gloves on their throwing hands.

Lineman’s Gloves

Lineman’s football gloves are designed with extra padding and wrist support to protect your joints from impacts while blocking. Padded football gloves are typically made of heavier, more durable materials and are designed to withstand heavy wear and tear. They typically lack the high-grip materials that other football gloves have because linemen don't usually have to worry about touching the ball. When buying them, look for reinforced stitching and padding on the palms and fingers. Because centers have to snap the ball to the quarterback each play, they typically opt for center gloves, which are similar to lineman’s gloves but have exposed fingertips. This helps you grip the ball better without sacrificing much protection.

Receiver’s Gloves

Receiver’s gloves have an especially tacky surface to provide maximum grip for skill positions like wide receivers that need to catch and carry the ball. They’re typically lightweight and breathable, with a flexible fit that gives your hands a full range of movement. Defensive players, especially defensive backs, often wear this glove style because the added grip helps them make interceptions.

All-Purpose Gloves (Hybrid Gloves)

All-purpose football gloves, also known as hybrid gloves, are designed to work for multiple positions on the field. They have enhanced grip on the palm and fingers and padded protection to help reduce injury, making them a popular choice for many players. Many running backs, tight ends, linebackers, and defensive backs use these gloves.

How They Should Fit

Much like football cleats, football gloves should feel snug but not too tight. With a proper fit, you should be able to move your fingers and hands freely without the gloves sliding around. Look for gloves that have a flexible fit and allow your hands and fingers to move freely, especially if you play a skill position. Another factor to consider is the length of the gloves. Your gloves should go to the tips of your fingers without extra room past the fingertips. Gloves that are too short will be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time, while gloves that are too long will decrease your feel and control of the ball. If you’re between sizes or have shorter fingers, it’s best to size down, as the gloves may expand over time.

How to Measure Yourself for Football Gloves

Now that you understand how the glove should fit, you need to determine your ideal size. To do so, use a tape measure to find the following measurements:

• The width of your palm at the widest point below the knuckles (not including your thumb).
• The length from the base of your palm to the tip of your middle finger.
• The length between the tip of your pinky and the tip of your thumb when you spread your fingers.

With these measurements on hand, check the manufacturer’s glove sizing chart to find the right size glove for your hand. Note that many manufacturers have a different sizing chart for youth football gloves.

Caring For & Cleaning Football Gloves

With constant exposure to sweat, grass, and dirt, football gloves tend to get dirty very quickly. If you don’t clean them, their quality will rapidly decline. On the other hand, if you properly maintain them, they should last about two full seasons of regular use. Before you start, make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions on how to wash football gloves. Some gloves are made of different materials and may require different types of care. Most football gloves aren’t machine washable. To keep your gloves in top condition, wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or sweat after each use. You can also hand wash them with mild detergent and cold water between games. Avoid using a washing machine or dryer, which can damage the padding and sticky material of the gloves. Allow your gloves to air dry completely before using them again, which prevents damage and reduces odors. Then, store your gloves in a ventilated, dry, and cool place that allows moisture and odors to escape. Taking these steps to ensure clean gloves will improve their longevity, performance, and comfort so you can play at your best each time you take the field.