Choosing Football Gloves: Types & Fitting Guide

a football player wearing a pair of football gloves on the bench

When prepping for the upcoming football season, players need plenty of protective gear to stay safe on the field—including football gloves. Whether you're shopping for a wide receiver, lineman, or youth player, finding the right pair of gloves can make a big difference in performance and comfort. If you're a parent looking to purchase new football gloves for your athlete, our Experts break down the different types of gloves, key features to consider, and how to get the perfect fit.

Why Do You Need to Wear Football Gloves?

No matter the position, football gloves help offer protection and performance on the field. For skill position players like receivers and running backs, football gloves help improve grip for catching and holding onto the ball, no matter the weather conditions. For linemen, gloves provide padding and protection when blocking or tackling.

Types of Football Gloves

There are two main types of gloves on the market—receiver and lineman.

Receiver gloves are designed for skill position players, because they feature tacky palms to help players grip and control the ball when running or catching. These gloves are typically lightweight and flexible, allowing for maximum hand mobility.
Lineman gloves are built for protection over grip. With extra padding on the back of the hand and reinforced fingers, these gloves help absorb impact during blocking while still offering decent flexibility and grip.

Key Features of Football Gloves

When selecting a pair of football gloves, consider the following features that can affect performance and comfort:

Grip & Tackiness

Grip is a top priority for skill position players like wide receivers, running backs, and defensive backs. Leading brands like Nike, Battle Sports, adidas, and more use advanced grip technology to create ultra-sticky palms that help players maintain control of the ball. This enhanced tackiness makes it easier to secure tough catches—even one-handed grabs—and reduces the chances of dropping passes.

Durability

Look for gloves made from high-quality, abrasion-resistant materials and reinforced stitching. This will ensure your gloves last throughout the season.

Padding

Depending on position, looking for football gloves that offer plenty of padding on the back of the hand and along the fingers can be a key feature. This extra padding absorbs impact during blocks and tackles.

Ventilation

When playing in warm conditions, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics are key as well as mesh panels to enhance airflow.

How Should Football Gloves Fit?

A properly fitting football glove is essential for both comfort and performance. It should fit snugly, but not so tight that it restricts movement. Follow these tips for getting the proper fit:

Measure: Wrap a flexible measuring tape around your knuckles (excluding the thumb). This is your hand circumference.
Size Chart: Glove sizing can vary slightly between brands so use the specific brand's size chart to find the best match.
Try Them On: Pay attention to any excess material or areas that seem a little too tight. These are indicators that your football gloves are too big or small.

Finding the right pair of football gloves can give players a competitive edge while also helping prevent injury. Whether your athlete needs gloves for catching passes or blocking at the line, focusing on position-specific features like grip, padding, and ventilation ensures they’ll be protected and confident on the field. If you have additional questions about choosing the right football equipment, stop into your local SCHEELS to speak with a Football Expert.