Football gloves are used by both children and adults who play football in any capacity, whether it’s for a recreational team, a high school team, a college team, or in the major leagues. They help players get a good grip on the ball.
We have reviewed dozens of football gloves so we could identify the best of the best. We looked at how they fit, how sticky they were, how much they protected the hands, and what their users have to say about them. The football gloves were carefully categorized and rated so you can make your purchase with confidence. Check out our lists of the best football cleats and the best football helmets to complete your gear.
The Seibertron Pro 3.0 Elite Ultra-Stick Sports Receiver Glove was the clear winner. The manufacturer has created very specific sizing specifications to help you choose the glove that will fit you perfectly. With superior performance, durability, and fit, this glove will help your game in all weather conditions. They are extra sticky with good grip in the fingers and the palms and are great for youth and adults alike.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Football Gloves
Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
---|---|---|
Best Overall | Seibertron Pro 3.0 Elite Ultra-Stick Sports Receiver Glove | 4.5 |
Runner Up | Battle Ultra-Stick Receiver Gloves | 4.4 |
Best Budget Buy | Cutters Game Day Football Glove | 4.4 |
Best Youth Gloves | Under Armour Boys F5 Football Gloves | 4.6 |
Best Lineman Gloves | Adidas Scorch Destroyer Full Finger Lineman’s Gloves | 4.4 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Seibertron Pro 3.0 Elite Ultra-Stick Sports Receiver Glove
If you are looking for a sticky receiver glove that is true to size and will stand up to tough play in all conditions, your top choice should be the Seibertron Pro 3.0 Elite Ultra-Stick Sports Receiver Glove. It has been described as having an excellent grip in both wet and dry weather, so if rain doesn’t hold up your game, it also won’t negatively affect your gloves. These fit tightly, as they should, and there are many sizes available to ensure the right level of snugness.
Available in both youth and adult sizes, these gloves will work for kids’ leagues, high school and college teams, and recreational leagues for adults. They are easy to clean and maintain their stickiness well. Overall these are a solid choice for anyone who needs a moderately priced pair of football gloves.
Seibertron Pro 3.0 Elite Ultra-Stick Sports Receiver Glove Key Features:
- Many sizes available for a snug fit
- Sticky palms and fingers
- Available in several colors
Our Runner-Up Pick: Battle Ultra-Stick Receiver Gloves
The Battle Ultra-Stick Receiver Gloves offer palms and fingers lined with UltraTack, the highest quality tacky material in the industry that will allow you to get a good grip on the ball whether it’s sunny, raining, or snowing. The gloves have reinforced stitching at the wear points to make them durable and able to stand up to all that your game throws at them.
The Velcro closure on the wrist will keep the gloves on your hands, and the PerfectFit material is comfortable and breathable. The gloves come with a 90-day durability guarantee; you won’t need to worry about these losing their snug fit or stick after just a few games.
Battle Ultra-Stick Receiver Gloves Key Features:
- UltraTack palm and finger coatings
- PerfectFit material for comfort
- Velcro closure wrist strap
- Reinforced stitching at wear points
- 90-day durability guarantee
Best Budget Pick: Cutters Game Day Football Glove
Football players who are on a budget or who don’t want to make a large investment in gloves that they won’t too often can’t go wrong with the Cutters Game Day Football Glove. With a silicone gripper, these gloves will be able to help grip the ball whether wet or dry. The material is lightweight and flexible for comfort and breathability.
These gloves can go right in the washing machine and dryer; you don’t have to worry about the stickiness fading in the dryer. In addition, they meet the SFIA specifications for NFHS and NCAA play, making them a good choice for your high school or college player.
Cutters Game Day Football Glove Key Features:
- Silicone gripper on the palm
- Lightweight, flexible material
- Machine washable and dryable
- NFHS and NCAA legal
Best Youth Football Glove: Under Armour Boys F5 Football Gloves
If your child is playing football, they will enjoy the benefits of the Under Armour Boys F5 Football Gloves. These are made out of the lightweight HeatGear fabric, which will keep little hands cool and dry. Made with breathability and moisture transport in mind, this pick from Under Armour will provide the comfort and flexibility that will encourage kids to keep them on.
The super-sticky GrabTack palm will help young players catch and handle the ball easily. These gloves meet NFHS, NCAA, and NOCSAE standards. Their custom-fit closure system provides a perfect fit every time.
Under Armour Boys F5 Football Gloves Key Features:
- Lightweight HeatGear fabric
- GrabTack palm
- Custom-fit closure system
- Meet standards of NFHS, NCAA and NOCSAE
Best Lineman’s Gloves: Adidas Scorch Destroyer Full Finger Lineman’s Gloves
The Adidas Scorch Destroyer Full Finger Lineman’s Gloves provide the padding and controlled grip needed for protection in the lineman position. Enjoy the breathable Lycra material and the 5mm pads that will provide impact dampening protection.
The upper portion of the palm is made from GripTack for good grip and control. The bottom half of the palm is made from padded synthetic leather for impact protection. The wide band closure provides a customized secure fit without any uncomfortable binding or restriction.
Adidas Scorch Destroyer Full Finger Lineman’s Gloves Key Features:
- 5mm padding
- Breathable Lycra material
- GripTack on the upper palm
- Synthetic leather on the lower palm
- Wide band closure
Who Should Buy Football Gloves?
Anyone who is playing football on a college, high school, or recreational league should purchase football gloves. If you watch pro football games, you’ll see that everyone on the field is wearing gloves, even the quarterback. This is because gloves give players a better grip and, depending on the position, provide some protection to the hands and fingers.
While children and adults who play casual games of football with friends in the backyard or at a local park do not need football gloves, wearing them will help them handle the ball better. They can also prevent abrasions in many cases. In addition, if they’re playing football in cold weather, football gloves will keep their hands warm without sacrificing the manual dexterity needed to properly pass and receive the ball.
Important Features to Consider
Football gloves should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when purchasing a pair of football gloves for yourself or your child.
- Fit. Gloves should fit snugly without being uncomfortably tight. This is so they do not shift around or impede the dexterity needed to catch and throw the ball. In addition, some gloves have adjustable wrist cuffs to make the fit even more easily customized.
- Stickiness. Receiving gloves, in particular, should be sufficiently sticky so the receiver can get a good grip on the ball when both throwing and catching.
- Padding. Lineman gloves need to have some padding to protect the fingers and hands from abrasions and other injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do football players have to wear gloves?
Football players don’t have to wear gloves in the sense that there is not a rule that says they must. Football gloves do, however, provide protection and enhance performance on the field, so they are recommended for all players. In addition, they provide warmth on cold days; since football season spans throughout the fall and winter months, gloves are a necessity in many states for warmth and protection from the elements.
What are the differences between receivers and lineman football gloves?
Receivers gloves are made of a thin material and the palms are coated with a tacky substance that allows the player to get a good grip on the ball. While the gloves do provide some warmth and protection, their main purpose is to help with gripping, catching, and throwing.
Lineman football gloves do have some tackiness on the palm, but their main benefit lies in the padding. These gloves are thicker than receivers gloves and they provide protection against hyperextension, bruising, and abrasions, all of which are common injuries for football linemen.
How do I make my football gloves sticky again?
Football gloves often lose their tackiness because the sticky material gets dirty and grimy. Perspiration can also cause them to lose their stick. During a game, the best way to make football gloves sticky again is to squirt them with a tiny bit of water and rub them together to remove some of the dirt that is making them less tacky. Another option is to put on the gloves and rub a baby wipe between them.
In between games, you can wash them (read the manufacturer’s instructions to determine whether they are able to go in the washing machine) and dry them by laying them in the sun or hanging them on a clothesline or drying rack. Some gloves can go in the dryer, but this will wear them out faster than air-drying them.
One thing you should not do without checking with your coach or league is add extra adhesive. Not only will it make the gloves stiffer than they were meant to be but adding extra adhesive is sometimes against league rules. There are sprays available, however if you do want to try this option (and your coach and league rules do not disagree).
What are football gloves made of?
Football gloves can be made from a variety of materials. The glove itself is often made of polyester, nylon, neoprene, or other man-made materials. The sticky part is sometimes proprietary depending on the brand and can use various types of technology. The goal is to make the gloves sticky without transferring any of that stickiness onto the ball. Padding on lineman gloves can be made of leather or synthetic materials.
Other Football Gloves We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other types of football gloves. While they did not make our top 5, they are still the best of the rest and would be solid picks for those interested in purchasing a pair of gloves for themselves or for someone else. The information you need to evaluate each one is included with the listing.
Receiver Football Gloves
Adidas adiZERO 4.0 Adult Football Receiver’s Gloves
With four-way stretch, these gloves fit snugly and won’t cause wrinkles or shifting. The GripTack palm delivers a consistent, constant grip and great control.
Key Features:
- Lightweight TPU application
- Combination compression fabric fabric and neoprene band
- Injection molded rubber tab for adjustable fit
Cost: $45
The UltraTack palm is as sticky as most league guidelines allow. These gloves are breathable and made for performance.
Key Features:
- UltraTack palm
- Finger and knuckle padding
- 90-day guarantee
Cost: $45
Cutters Rev Pro Football Gloves
These gloves are made for both extreme grip and good ventilation. They include finger-lock gussets to reduce slipping on the finger material.
Key Features:
- Lightweight material
- Compressed neoprene cuff
- Strategically placed panels for extra support
Cost: $30
Grip Boost Stealth Super Sticky Football Gloves
These all-weather gloves feature a proprietary formula for an enhanced grip. They are also ventilated to help keep hands moisture-free.
Key Features:
- Uses advanced suspended polymerization technology
- Adjustable for a great fit
- Made to perform in all weather
Cost: $30
Nike Superbad 4 Adult Padded Football Receiver
These durable football gloves represent the Nike name well. They offer the combination of a lightweight feel and a bit of padding for protection and comfort.
Key Features:
- Breathable knit construction
- Magnigrip palms
- Padding on the back of hand
Cost: $50
Spiderz RAW Extra Tacky Sticky Grip Football Receiver Gloves
Style meets performance with these brightly colored receiver gloves. They are super flexible and easy to squeeze thanks to three-piece palm technology.
Key Features:
- Neoprene/lycra backhand construction
- Logo acts as a knuckle guard for extra protection
- Available in several colors and designs
Cost: $38
Under Armour Men’s Spotlight Football Gloves
These receiver gloves offer high compression with seamless HeatGear fabric to keep your hands cool and dry. Power Catch panels offer additional support.
Key Features:
- Integrated neoprene closure strap
- UA GlueGrip provide long-lasting tack
- Meets NFHS, NCAA, and NOCSAE standards
Lineman Football Gloves
Adidas Men’s Freak Max Football Gloves
The combination of the exclusive GripTack palm and an integrated “jam pad” zone for impact reduction makes this a great option for any lineman.
Key Features:
- Multi-directional compression stretch
- Sectional pad zones
- Extended wrist cuff
Cost: $50
Adidas TechFit Lineman Football Half Finger Gloves
For those who prefer to have their fingertips free, these gloves are breathable and comfortable. The palm features GripTack as well as synthetic leather for protection.
Key Features:
- Impact jam pad at base of palm
- Heavy duty elastic wrist closure
- Combination of performance grade lycra and breathable mesh
Cost: $45
Cutters Force Padded Football Glove
With C-Tack material on the fingers, thumb, and palm, these gloves offer good grip as well as sturdy protection. These flexible gloves are comfortable and supportive.
Key Features:
- Compressed foam padding on lower back of hand
- Double wrist strap
- Perforated compressed neoprene for flexibility
Cost: $50
EvoShield Adult EvoBrawl Lineman Football Gloves
These gloves feature a vented palm, padded fingers, and knuckle and palm protection. The wrist support is detachable.
Key Features:
- Made of silicone, nylon, and synthetic leather
- Vented palm for breathability
- Padded fingers, knuckles, and palms
Cost: $55
Nike Men’s D-TACK 5 Football Lineman Gloves
Made to stand up to whatever is thrown at you no matter what the weather conditions, these lineman gloves offer a hydragrip palm material, mesh panels, and strategic padding.
Key Features:
- Mesh panels and perforations for ventilation
- Adjustable wrist strap for support
- Strategic padding
Cost: $55
Under Armour UA Combat III SM Black
These gloves offer excellent protection for aggressive play. The removal power strap adds wrist support and the GrabTack palm offers great grip.
Key Features:
- Blocking pad on the palm
- Custom-molded, streamlined finger padding
- Lightweight ArmourMesh construction
Youth Football Gloves
Adidas Youth TechFit Lineman Football Gloves
These youth football gloves can be used in both receiver and lineman positions. They combine GripTack enhanced grip technology with specific jam impact pads.
Key Features:
- Made of lycra and breathable mesh
- Part of the palm is heavy duty synthetic leather
- Heavy duty elastic wrist band.
Cost: $30
Battle All American Youth Football Gloves
These patriotic gloves are perfect for the young player who wants to show his spirit! They have been designed to provide comfort, breathability and performance.
Key Features:
- Wrist designed for freedom of motion
- Velcro closure wriststrap for snug fit
- 90-Day durability guarantee
Cost: $35
Battle Youth DoubleThreat Football Gloves
These youth gloves offer the highest quality tacky material in the industry. In addition, the gloves were made to be both comfortable and breathable.
Key Features:
- Ultra-Stick tacky material
- Velcro closure wrist strap
- 90-day durability guarantee
Cost: $30
EliteTek RG-14 Football Gloves Youth
The EliteTek gloves are ultra-sticky and tight-fitting for a great grip without any slippage. These are available in several colors to suit any style.
Key Features:
- Tight fit
- NOCSAE certified
- 100% money back guarantee
Cost: $25
Franklin Sports NFL Team Licensed Youth Football Receiver Gloves
These gloves are one-size-fits-most, so it takes the guesswork out of ordering. They are breathable and stretchable.
Key Features:
- One-piece tacky silicone palm
- Contoured neoprene wrap-around wrist closure
- One size fits most (6-6.5 inches from base of palm to tip of middle finger)
Cost: $25
Grip Boost Stealth Super Sticky Football Gloves Pro Elite Football Gloves Youth
With just the right amount of tacky grip to make the most of every play, the Grip Boost Stealth youth gloves are a solid choice for any player.
Key Features:
- Lightweight material with breathable ventilation
- Adjustable for the perfect fit
- Good for playing in all weather
Cost: $25
These gloves are styled to be sleek and ergonomically correct. They help players get a good grip on the ball in all weather situations.
Key Features:
- Tacky for a good grip
- Sleek and comfortable
- Made of 100% textile
Cost: $60