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Om American Football to play, you have need special protective equipment.
Although gloves ('gloves') are not part of the mandatory equipment, most football players like to use them to protect their hands or to catch – and hold the ball more easily.
There are really a lot of different glove models on the market today. Sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees!
That's why I've done the necessary research for you and picked out the best ones. That will certainly save you a lot of searching.
My own football gloves happened to need replacing last week.
Because my coach is a big fan of the Cutters gloves, I decided to give the Cutters Game Day No Slip gloves to try. My honest feedback? I think they're fantastic. They offer a lot of grip, fit perfectly around the hands, but also keep the hands cool. Even in the rain I still had enough grip to catch balls and score touchdowns.
That must be an expensive pair of gloves, you might think. Nothing could be further from the truth, for less than two bucks you also have them at home!
Were you looking for something different or do you want to know which gloves are available? Check the table below for my top 5.
Below the table I explain exactly what you should pay attention to when choosing a good pair of football gloves. Then I'll give you all the details of the gloves from my top 5.
| Best American Football gloves and my favorites | Image |
| Best American Football Gloves overall: Cutters Game Day No Slip Football Gloves | 
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| Best Customizable American Football Gloves: EliteTek RG-14 Super Tight Fitting Football Gloves | 
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| Best American Football Gloves for Receivers: Battle Double Threat Ultra-Tack Sticky Palm | 
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| Best American Football Gloves For Linemen: Nike Men's D-Tack 6 Lineman Gloves | 
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| Best Hybrid American Football Gloves: Grip Boost Raptor Adult Padded Hybrid Football Gloves | 
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What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
- 1 What should you look for when choosing American football gloves?
- 2 The best gloves for American football
- 2.1 Best American Football Gloves Overall: Cutters Game Day No Slip Football Gloves
- 2.2 Best Customizable American Football Gloves: EliteTek RG-14 Super Tight Fitting Football Gloves
- 2.3 Best American Football Gloves for Receivers: Battle Double Threat Ultra-Tack Sticky Palm
- 2.4 Best American Football Gloves for Linemen: Nike Men's D-Tack 6 Lineman Gloves
- 2.5 Best Hybrid American Football Gloves: Grip Boost Raptor Adult Padded Hybrid Football Gloves
- 3 Why wear gloves in American Football?
- 4 History of the American Football Glove
- 5 FAQ
- 5.1 How Much Do American Football Gloves Cost?
- 5.2 Why do football gloves lose their grip over time?
- 5.3 Is Grip Boost legal?
- 5.4 How long does a pair of gloves last?
- 5.5 Can I wash my gloves in the washing machine?
- 5.6 How do I know the size of my gloves?
- 5.7 Do linemen gloves still have grip for catching?
- 6 Conclusion
What should you look for when choosing American football gloves?
The right pair of gloves can sometimes take a while to find.
To make sure you buy the right pair of football gloves, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Below you can read which ones they are.
Position
What is your position? The first thing to consider when buying gloves for football is your position on the field.
There are different positions in football and the type of glove must be adapted accordingly.
From the outside, football gloves may all look the same, but in reality they are not.
One player mainly opts for protection (lineman), while the other player is more focused on finding gloves with the best grip (wide receiver).
Of course, if your position requires you to catch and protect the ball, then your gloves should have a different set of functions than when you're mainly dealing with blocking or tackling.
In general, there are three types of football gloves that you can choose from. What distinguishes the gloves the most is the degree of grip and protection.
Receiver skill position gloves
Skill players have the most important position when it comes to handling the ball.
Their gloves should therefore be light, have as much grip as possible and should not impede the freedom of movement. This gives players more control over the ball.
These gloves are specially made for receivers, tight ends, running backs and defensive backs to help them catch and hold the ball better.
They are designed light and smooth with extra grip around the fingers and thumbs, and some padding on the tops of the fingers for protection.
The superior gripping ability gives these players a better chance of successfully controlling and scoring the ball.
They are available in a wide range of colors and designs. After all, when you're in the spotlight, you also want to look your best!
Some of these gloves have leather on the palms, but in most cases they are made of a thin synthetic material.
The thin material provides better ball control and reduces heat development. The receiver-skill position gloves are also less expensive than gloves for linemen.
Lineman gloves
Positions that have little to do with the ball need more protection to prevent injuries. They need gloves with more padding.
Lineman gloves are specially made for offensive and defensive linemen who often experience the most physical contact during a football game.
These gloves often tend to be heavier and bulkier than the gloves used by skill players.
These gloves are heavier, so they can take a beating and protect the hands against helmets, shoes and men (or women!) of about 120 kilos.
The gloves are made of durable material with extra padding on the palm and on the top of the hand and fingers. The padding/extra lining can be made of leather or synthetic material.
They also have finger reinforcements and the gloves – unlike receiver skill gloves – are not sticky on the palms, because grip is generally not necessary for these players.
The lineman gloves are also suitable for the defensive tackle, defensive end, linebacker, safety and cornerback.
The main purpose of these gloves is to protect. However, the linemen gloves are often more expensive than those for receivers/skill positions because you pay for the level of protection.
The more protection, the more expensive the gloves.
Hybrid gloves
This type of gloves is intended for the players who handle the ball, but also end up in contact situations, such as running backs, full backs, tight ends and linebackers.
The hybrid gloves have both grip and padding, so that the players can handle the ball well, but at the same time will remain sufficiently protected.
If you often play in the rain or if you play different roles on the field, it might be wise to take a set of versatile (hybrid) gloves.
The price of this type of gloves is in between that of the receivers/skilled position and linemen gloves.
Material
In general, your gloves should be made of high quality materials to ensure durability throughout the season.
In harsh weather conditions, such as extreme cold, the materials must provide sufficient warmth; in hot weather, they should provide adequate ventilation.
Even in the rain, the gloves must remain functional, and therefore lose as little grip as possible. So keep that in mind when choosing your next pair of gloves.
Grip
The grip area on the surface of the gloves is considered a separate part of the main material.
Gloves with an excellent grip layer increase your dexterity and the ability to catch and hold the ball.
To give gloves the right 'stickiness', silicone rubber is used.
Cutters and EliteTek are two excellent examples of companies that excel at making great football gloves.
The gloves of these brands are known for their stickiness and are very light in weight.
Protection
As mentioned before, this is the most important feature of gloves for linemen.
The synthetic or leather padding must be firm and stiff enough to provide adequate impact and bending resistance to prevent injury.
Do you want to protect your arms during the game in addition to your hands, check out my review American Football arm protection
Sustainability
The material of the gloves must be tear and abrasion resistant to ensure that they remain intact and continue to protect the player during the game.
They must also withstand numerous washes.
In addition, gloves should not – or should lose as little as possible – their stickiness (for skill player gloves) or their stiffness (for linemen gloves).
Ventilation
Due to the texture and tight fit of gloves, your palms tend to sweat and become clammy if you wear them for extended periods of time.
To avoid this, you'll need a glove with mesh or gaps between the fingers and on the back to promote airflow and keep your hands cool and dry.
Filling
Go for a glove that has a flexible padding on the fingers and the top of the hand.
These fillings can absorb the impact of blows and protect your fingers. For skill players, the filling is less important than for linemen.
Comfort
Whichever gloves you choose; if they do not provide comfort, it must be replaced.
The gloves should feel soft on the skin and should not be too thick; you have to be able to maintain the 'feeling'.
The gloves should feel like a second skin and you should be able to maneuver your fingers in them.
For skill players it is important that the gloves are not too thick. This will negatively affect the handling of the ball.
Washable
Gloves should not require much maintenance or care. A good pair of gloves should be machine washable and quick to dry.
The stickiness should be restored after washing.
By the way, it is normal for the surface of skill player gloves to lose its tack over time. Then the gloves need to be replaced.
Size
The perfect fit is extremely important when wearing (football) gloves.
If the gloves are too big, you can just lose control over the gloves and therefore also over your goal (catching or tackling the ball).
If the gloves are too small, they can affect your circulation and slow down your reaction time.
That's why you should know your size before you buy a pair.
Please note that football gloves often come in slightly smaller sizes, so it is advisable to go for a size that is slightly larger than usual.
Also, it is never a bad idea to try on gloves before purchasing.
Style
When you look good, you play better! 'Look good, play good' as they say. Do you go for a unique pair of gloves with bright colors or do you prefer to keep it basic?
An American Football back plate not only provides good protection, he looks cool too!
The best gloves for American football
Well, that's quite a list! Now that you know about the hat and brim, it's time to get acquainted with the best football gloves of the moment.
Starting with the best overall: the Cutters Game Day No Slip gloves.
Best American Football Gloves Overall: Cutters Game Day No Slip Football Gloves
- Excellent grip
- Ventilation
- Washable in the washing machine
- For all weather conditions
- Light weight
- Suitable for all ages
- Available in different sizes
- Budget choice
- Black or white
Cutters is a well-known name in the football industry and specializes in gloves.
The Cutters Game Day football gloves have received over XNUMX positive reviews on Amazon for a reason.
They have a silicone material (Speed Grip) on the inside that protects the hands and provides extra grip.
These gloves offer ventilation and a perfect fit which increases comfort; they feel like a second skin.
The gloves are also machine washable and easy to care for. They are also lightweight, flexible and keep your hands cool.
They are the ideal gloves in both wet and dry weather conditions and you can buy them in black or white.
There are no gloves that can match the tackiness of Cutters.
The precise stitching and durable fabric combine to create a fantastic product suitable for athletes of all ages.
The gloves are available in different sizes, ranging from Youth Extra Small to Adult XXXL. The Game-Day gloves collection is intended to be a close fit.
To find the right size and ensure the best fit, measure the length of your hand (from the bottom of the palm, to the top of the middle finger).
Do you have wide hands? Then it is advised to order one size larger.
The gloves are perfect for tackle football (the classic American football) but also for flag football.
Do the gloves also have disadvantages? Well, the gloves will have to be replaced fairly soon. So always have an extra pair on hand.
In addition, they are less suitable for offensive linemen, defensive linemen and other players in the defense. They are mainly intended for skill position players who need to catch the ball.
These sticky gloves from Cutters have the perfect grip to take your game to the next level; whether it is raining or when the sun is shining.
These are THE 'fumble proof' gloves. And all for a great price.
Best Customizable American Football Gloves: EliteTek RG-14 Super Tight Fitting Football Gloves
- Tight-fitting
- Comfortable
- Warm
- Flexible
- Grip Tech for increased stickiness
- Also work well in humid weather conditions
- Easy to maintain
- Ventilation
- Available in four colors
- Available in various sizes, for all ages
- Customizable
- Cheap
EliteTek is another famous company that has successfully made a name for itself in the football industry, especially in the world of cleats, or football shoes.
At EliteTek, they place a strong emphasis on sports equipment that will enhance a player's performance, while the products keep him or her safe.
They have the same price as the Cutters and here too you get a lot for your money.
As we all know, accidents can happen at any time during a football game, so it is important to take proper safety precautions.
The EliteTek RG-14 gloves are the perfect combination of safety and performance, while looking stylish.
Available in multiple sizes, the gloves are suitable for players of all ages (sizes range from the smallest youth size to the largest adult size).
A child who is just starting to play will really enjoy the gloves. On the other hand, a professional athlete will also be happy with these gloves, because they offer a lot of grip.
The gloves are so snug that the player will forget they are wearing them. They are extremely light and are the perfect partner for cold periods because they keep your hands warm.
At the same time, they are provided with pores that allow air to pass through so that sweating is prevented as much as possible.
The gloves feel smooth and they have an attractive appearance.
Special Grip Tech features improve the user's gripping power, so a caught ball never slips out of their hands again.
EliteTek gloves have just enough grip to improve your performance in all weather conditions.
The gloves perform best in dry conditions, as is the case with most gloves, but luckily they are not greatly affected by humid weather conditions.
The maintenance of these gloves is also easy. They won't tear easily and you don't have to wash and dry them extensively to clean them.
A damp cloth and timely maintenance are enough to keep these gloves brand new.
An extra special feature is that you can have your back number printed on the wrist with these gloves. Furthermore, the gloves are available in four beautiful colors: red, blue, white and black.
A possible disadvantage of these gloves is – just like with the Cutters – the lack of durability and a shorter lifespan. It is advised to always keep an extra pair on hand.
If you're looking for a pair of football gloves that feel like a second skin without pinching your fingers or hands, this is a perfect choice.
These sticky gloves are perfect for high ball positions.
These gloves have also received a lot of positive feedback and are comparable in properties to the Cutters.
The nice thing about the EliteTek gloves is that you can personalize them and that you can choose from a number of beautiful colors. Both brands offer a perfect grip and the gloves fit like a glove.
In addition, they have the same price. So it will mainly be a matter of style and color which suit you best.
Are you a defensive player or an offensive linemen? Then you better read on, because the EliteTek gloves are mainly intended for the skill position players.
Best American Football Gloves for Receivers: Battle Double Threat Ultra-Tack Sticky Palm
- Equipped with PerfectFit
- Ultra Tacks for extra grip
- strong structure
- Sustainability
- Strong stitching
- High breathability
- Comfortable
- Adult sizes
- Available in different colors
- 90 Day Warranty
The Battle Double Threat gloves are designed for passionate players who always strive for the top. That's why these gloves are designed with wear points and extra reinforced stitching.
The Battle gloves are equipped with PerfectFit and Ultra Tacks, so that you can reach your maximum limits.
The PerfectFit technology keeps your hands cool and thanks to UltraTack the gloves are extra sticky. The ball just sticks to your hands!
These gloves are valued for their durability and robustness. They also have a high breathability and offer a lot of comfort.
The gloves are provided with the highest quality material on the palms. When you catch a ball, you can fully rely on these Battle gloves.
The improved grip and ball control of the Ultra-Stick football gloves make them a favorite with receivers.
Functionality is important, but let's not forget that you also just want to look stylish on the pitch. These gloves certainly look better than most of the others.
You can choose from an extensive range of colours; orange, pink, yellow, nothing is crazy enough!
Battle's team consists of former athletes. Combining cutting edge science with excellent athlete knowledge, they produce some of the best sports equipment, and continue to push the boundaries to make sports safer.
These gloves are also the only gloves that come with a 90-day durability guarantee.
Perhaps a disadvantage of these gloves is that they are not suitable for young football players. They are designed for adult hands only.
The Battle gloves are also, just like the Cutters and EliteTek models, mainly intended for the players who handle the ball.
So they are aimed at providing the best grip and comfort.
With the gloves from Battle you can choose from more (striking) colors. On the other hand, they are a bit more expensive than the Cutters and EliteTek gloves.
All three models are doing really well and have been very positively reviewed by buyers. The choice is a matter of taste and perhaps also preference for a certain brand.
Best American Football Gloves for Linemen: Nike Men's D-Tack 6 Lineman Gloves
- For linemen players
- Sustainability
- Good grip
- Protective
- High breathability
- Flexibility
- High quality stitching
- Comfortable
- Extremely light
- Different (adult) sizes
- Various colors
Are you a linemen player and a Nike fan? Then the D-Take 6 lineman gloves are made for you!
These gloves are known for their durability, so you can be sure that the gloves will support you all season long.
In addition, they are versatile and even offer a good grip; something that many linemen gloves lack because protection is more important than stickiness.
Furthermore, the gloves are equipped with mesh in the low-impact zones and padding in the high-impact zones, which guarantees optimal grip, protection, high breathability and better flexibility in the heat of battle.
Thanks to the high quality stitching and silicone structure, it is one of the most comfortable and durable gloves on the market.
Thanks to Nike's unique choice of materials, the gloves are also extremely light, which adds to your gaming experience when you wear them.
They are available in multiple colors and all popular sizes; you are sure to find a pair that suits you!
The available colors are: black/white, navy/white, red/black, blue/white, white/black and black/white/chrome.
Possible disadvantages of these gloves are that the grip decreases over time (which happens with most gloves) and that they are expensive. In addition, there are no sizes available for young players.
All in all, a versatile linemen glove with a lot of useful features!
Best Hybrid American Football Gloves: Grip Boost Raptor Adult Padded Hybrid Football Gloves
- Excellent grip
- Protective
- Suitable for different positions
- Flexibility
- Available in different sizes
- Different colors
These Grip Booster gloves provide excellent grip and protect your hands at the same time.
The football gloves are very suitable for different positions, such as tight ends, running backs, linebackers and defensive linemen.
In addition, the gloves offer great flexibility, even with the added padding.
The gloves are available in the colors white and black and the sizes range from (adult) Small to 3XL.
As described above, hybrid gloves are intended for the players who handle the ball, but also end up in contact situations.
Hybrid gloves have both grip and padding, so that the players can easily handle the ball, but at the same time will also remain sufficiently protected.
The perfect gloves for when you play in different positions where you have to attack as well as defend. The price of these gloves is between that of skill players and linemen gloves.
If you really have one clear position on the field, for example receiver or linemen, then you should opt for the Cutters, EliteTek or Battle gloves and the Nike Men's D-Tack 6 Lineman gloves respectively.
Why wear gloves in American Football?
Gloves have been used in football for decades for a variety of reasons.
Improved performance
Football gloves give you an extra edge on the pitch by improving your grip on the ball. Good gloves give players an edge over their opponents.
Protection
Football is an aggressive sport. In every position on the field (except the kicker) the hands are used in some way and protection is therefore a necessary aspect of preparation.
Protecting your hands from the dangers associated with your position, cannot be emphasized enough! With gloves you prevent injuries to bones and joints, as well as cuts and scrapes.
Trust
Wearing gloves gives you confidence on the pitch.
Whether you use them to improve your performance or for style; with a pair of gloves you feel good and confident.
History of the American Football Glove
John Tate Riddell invented football gloves in 1939. John designed the gloves to protect players from the cold.
American football is a sport that is played in all weather conditions, including when it is freezing.
Of course, if players lose the feeling in their fingers, it becomes much more difficult to throw, catch and hold a ball.
Playing football can be quite taxing on the human body.
Because it's mostly a game of high-speed collisions and tackles, players sometimes get hurt or injured.
Hand protection
The relative fragility of the hands, compared to other body parts, means that the hands are also prone to potentially serious injuries.
That's why football gloves have evolved over time to not only protect against the cold, but also reduce the number of injuries.
Previously, gloves were mainly designed to protect the hands against the cold.
Furthermore, they were not intended to make handling the ball easier. Therefore, only the players who had little contact with the ball wore gloves, such as the linemen.
Development
Gloves have evolved enormously over time. Not only have they acquired additional functions such as improving grip, but they have also become a stylish accessory.
Originally, the gloves had the colors of the team the athlete played for with perhaps the player's number or initials on them (to make sure you always knew which pair was yours).
Today, the gloves look like true works of art and players buy them in all colors and designs.
Gloves have therefore become a real hype. Some brands even give you the option to have them designed entirely to your preferences.
The main functions of gloves are to protect your hands from injuries and the cold and to improve your performance.
FAQ
How Much Do American Football Gloves Cost?
Sports equipment is usually not cheap, especially if you are looking for high quality equipment that will last. This also applies to football gloves.
The price varies according to the quality of the brand and the type of glove. Below is a price overview to help you manage your budget.
Duration
Gloves are expensive between 60-100 dollars. These are high prices, but at least you can be sure that you have high-quality gloves that will last for seasons.
Intermediate
Most gloves fall into this category and are around $30 and $60. These are also of high quality, are durable and will last at least a season.
Cheap
Cheap gloves are between 15 and 35 dollars. However, with these models you cannot assume that you will receive gloves of good quality.
Only if you are looking for gloves for a child who is still growing, a pair in this price range might come in handy.
Why do football gloves lose their grip over time?
Gloves simply lose their grip with use.
Gripping a football, the weather conditions and trying to “restore the grip” (ie wetting the gloves and rubbing them together) will all cause your gloves to lose their grip over time.
It is good to remember that this is part of the process and to always have a second or third pair on deck.
Is Grip Boost legal?
Grip Boost, in addition to being a brand of gloves, is also a liquid that a player can apply to their gloves to improve grip or bring back some grip on a pair of nearly unusable gloves.
While it may seem like an unfair advantage, Grip Boost is currently legal on all levels of play.
How long does a pair of gloves last?
Although gloves sometimes seem to last 2-3 seasons, it is recommended to buy a new pair for every season.
Linemen can probably do the whole season with one pair of gloves.
However, a receiver or running back should purchase 2-3 pairs of gloves for each season, as their gloves should have maximum tack all season long.
Can I wash my gloves in the washing machine?
It is important to read the care instructions that come with your gloves.
Certain materials may require a special cleaning method or detergent to prevent damage. It is also important not to constantly rinse your gloves.
Skill players' gloves must maintain their adhesive strength or they will lose their target.
As a general rule, don't wash your gloves in the washing machine unless the instructions say you can.
And if you are going to wash them in the washing machine, always choose a delicate program with cold water. Then hang them to air dry.
How do I know the size of my gloves?
There are two methods of finding your size, it is best to use both as some brands may vary in measurement methods.
The first method is to measure your dominant hand in length. Grab a ruler or tape measure and measure your hand from the bottom of your palm to the tip of your middle finger.
The second method is to measure the circumference just below the knuckles of your dominant hand.
Please note that US brand sizes are in inches. So if you measure in centimeters, divide this number by 2,56 to get your measurements in inches.
The gloves should enclose your hands well, but should not impede blood flow.
Do linemen gloves still have grip for catching?
Lineman gloves have a limited grip. The palms are made of leather, and designed to withstand rough handling and to protect the hands while blocking and tackling.
Conclusion
Hopefully, with this article I've provided you with all the information you need to help you find the best gloves to secure your performance on the pitch.
As you know by now, skill players need gloves with a sticky substance on the palms in order to handle the ball in the best possible way.
Linemen need reinforced gloves for protection. And players who defend and handle the ball need a hybrid glove.
The gloves must be made of high quality material to remain effective in the long term.
Decisions about colors and patterns are made based on personal preference. Money spent on good quality gloves really is worth every penny!
Does your American Football helmet also need to be replaced? Read my top 4 review and make the right choice
