American football gloves

Choosing football gloves by position

The right glove depends on what your hands do on the pitch: catch, block or both.

Wide receiver gloves

Designed for receivers but also worn by defensive backs and running backs, receiver gloves combine a high-grip palm with a thin, flexible back so you keep a feel for the ball. Some manufacturers state that their gloves meet the grip requirements of the US high school and college rulebooks (NFHS and NCAA); we note it on the product page when they do.

Lineman gloves

On the offensive and defensive line, your hands strike and grab. Lineman gloves feature a padded back, reinforced fingers and firmer wrist support; protection matters more than grip.

All-purpose gloves

For running backs, tight ends and linebackers, a padded glove that still offers grip strikes a balance between protection when blocking and security when carrying.

Getting the size right

Manufacturers use one or two measurements: hand circumference across the knuckles, excluding the thumb, and the length from the base of the palm to the tip of the middle finger. Measure your dominant hand and check the brand's own chart, because sizes do not line up between manufacturers. The glove should hug your fingers with no empty space at the tips and should not pull between the fingers when you make a fist.

Youth football gloves

Several brands offer youth versions with their own sizing. Avoid putting a young player in an oversized adult glove: grip is of little use if the glove slides around on the hand.

Care and grip

Palms lose their grip through dirt, sweat and washing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions: some gloves are machine washable, others are hand wash or spot clean only, and some brands recommend a damp cloth or a dedicated product to restore tackiness. Air-dry them, never on a radiator, and store them palm to palm.