American football is a tactile sport that is responsible for 1.2 million injuries per year. You can avoid many of these injuries by simply using proper equipment. This sort of gear includes shoulder pads, helmets, thigh and knee pads, shoes, mouth guards, jockstraps, compression shorts, protective cups, and gloves.
That’s right - if you want to take care of your hands when you play (and improve your catching abilities), you will need to invest in a decent pair of football gloves.
We’ve put together this handy buying guide to cover everything you need before buying your next pair of football gloves.
Continue reading to learn more!
What are football gloves?
Football gloves are items of clothing specifically worn to play American football. They are usually designed to increase a player’s grip and to defend against hand and finger injuries.
What are the benefits of using football gloves?
There are many benefits to using football gloves. Here are just a few.
Maximize your catching ability
Football gloves are made from thin material that is sticky on the outside. This allows you to feel the ball and increases your chances of catching a pass. If you want to ensure you can turn that hail mary into a touchdown, you’ll need a decent pair of football gloves.
Protect your hands
The extra padding of football gloves protects your hands from injury and stops your fingers from snagging on another player’s equipment. The extra padding also prevents your hands from becoming too cold in the winter and stops them from becoming too slippery in the rain.
Express yourself
Unfortunately, the uniform you must wear doesn’t give you much opportunity to show your individuality. If you are a part of a football team, you may wish to stand out with a funky pair of football gloves.
Things to consider when buying football gloves
With so many football gloves on the market, you may struggle to find a pair that fits your requirements. Keep the following things in mind if you want to make an informed decision.
Here are some of the things you need to consider before making a decision.
Type of glove
There are numerous football gloves available depending on your position and duties in the team.
Receiver gloves are made for players in skill positions such as quarterbacks, receivers, tight ends, and running backs. Receiver gloves give sticky palms and fingers for good grip in any weather. These gloves are lightweight, with padding on the back of the hand to absorb shock, causing injuries.
Lineman gloves are made from thicker and stronger materials than receiver gloves because linemen are more likely to sustain a nasty injury. These gloves have extra padding on the back and palm, as well as a reinforced interior. Lineman gloves offer better wrist support than receiver gloves.
Basically, if you play in a defensive position, choose a glove with extra padding. If you play in an offensive position, choose a glove with extra grip.
Are you still confused? You can also purchase all-purpose gloves that will provide adequate grip and padding.
Size
Measure from the base of your palm to the top of the middle finger to measure the length of your hand. Measure below the knuckles to measure the circumference of your hand. Like most other clothing brands, football glove brands use different sizing methods from each other. This means that you may be a small in one brand and a medium in another. Have your measurements ready whilst you shop so you can easily work out your glove size.
Ventilation system
We suggest buying football gloves with good ventilation. Ventilation between the fingers is essential. Without this feature, you may suffer from sweaty hands, and it could ruin your performance.
Materials
Find football gloves that are made with a synthetic stretchable material. Your gloves should have a reinforced seam or be completely seamless.
Style
There are tons of different styles and colored football gloves to choose from. You can stand out from the crowd or choose entirely practical gloves.
Durability
Obviously, you want your football gloves to last a long time. Find out how long the gloves last before they need replacing. If the gloves are cheap and need replacing often, you will save money in the long run if you buy a more expensive pair that will last longer.
Try them on
If you are going to a store, try your gloves on. Only buy the gloves if they are a comfortable fit. The gloves should feel snug but should not prevent you from moving freely. If you buy your gloves online, order them with plenty of time before a big game, so you have time to wear them in or return them if necessary.
USGA rules
Make sure the gloves you wish to purchase conform with USGA rules. This information should be in the product description. If it is not, you can contact the glove manufacturer to find out.
Football gloves price range
If you are purchasing adult football gloves, you can easily spend between $25 and $265. If you are looking for a mid-range pair of adult football gloves, you should budget between $60 and $160.
For children’s football gloves, budget between $17 and $25 for a decent pair
FAQ
How long do football gloves last?
Football gloves can last 3 to 4 years if they are looked after properly. If you play often, you should probably change your gloves every season. Football gloves lose their grip over time, especially if they are cheap.
Why do football gloves smell bad?
Football gloves often smell bad because you sweat profusely in them. Try using a product like Drysol on your hands before you put on your football gloves. Drysol will absorb some of the sweat on your hands. You could also try talc powder or climbing chalk.
Clean your gloves after every game by letting them soak in water and detergent for a few minutes. Take them out, rinse them with clean water, and let them air dry.