7 Best Football Gloves For Grip and Performance

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Choosing the best football gloves can be difficult, as there 10+ popular options to choose from. 

What are The Best Football Gloves?

Here are my top picks for the best football gloves to use this season.

1. Nike Men’s Vapor Jet 7.0 Football Receiver Gloves

Overview. 

Nike Vapor Jet 7.0 takes the top spot as the best football gloves on the market. 

Nike improved their Magnigrip+ material for extra grip to help make the tough catches look easy. 

These pro receiver gloves are most notably worn by Ja’Marr Chase.

They will last you the entire season, feeling good on game day. 

Features: 

• Flexible, lightweight, breathable material for maximum comfort
• Designed to keep your hands cool
• Top-rated football gloves

2. Cutters Rev Pro 5.0 Football Receiver Gloves

Overview.

Cutters have produced the best sticky football gloves since my playing days. 

The C-Tack material produces extreme stickiness for maximum grip. 

Cutters gloves grip can be revamped with just a simple swipe down with a damp cloth. 

I’m also a big fan of the solid color throughout, making it easier to look good during the game. 

Features:

• C-Tack for sticky and extra grip 
• Lightweight and breathable fabric 
• Restore C-tack material with a simple wipe down
• Machine Washed

3. Under Armour F8 Football Gloves

Overview.

The UA F8 gloves are another great option for receiver football gloves. 

On Sundays, you can see Justin Jefferson wearing these gloves. 

The high-quality materials provide maximum protection. 

Available in a number of sizes and colors, these gloves are ideal for any receiver that wants enhanced grip of the ball. 

Features:

• TurfGear back of hand for ultra-durability
• GlueGrip make sure gloves have tacky grip and additional stick
• 3D print overlay for extra support
• Adjustable cuffs

4. Seibortron Pro 3.0 Ultra Stick Football Receiver Gloves

Overview.

The Seiborton 3.0 gloves are ideal youth football gloves or practice gloves. 

They can handle all weather conditions from rain, sun or shine. 

Besides being reliable gloves, they are significantly more budget-friendly than other football gloves.

Features:

• Double threads stitching to reinforce fingertips
• Ventilations for breathability 
• Wrist hook and loop closure 

5. Nxtrnd G1 Pro Football Gloves

Overview.

The NXT-Grip tech makes the Nxtrnd G1 gloves one of the stickiest gloves, second to the Cutters. 

These gloves truly have a skin-tight fit but they are extremely breathable at the same time. 

Due to the mesh finger liners, you can expect cool and dry hands during brutal hot games. 

Features:

• NXT-Grip Technology consistent stick and stitching for added strength
• Skin Tight Fit feels like a second skin
• Finger liners made of mesh to keep hands cool and dry

6. Grip Boost Peace, Shaka, and Hook ‘Em Football Gloves Pro Elite

Overview.

Who doesn’t want the iconic Tyreek Hill peace, literally, in their hands? 

The Grip Boost is the best glove to counter all weather conditions. 

Both adult and kids football gloves are available.

Features:

• Lightweight polyster hand technology
• Breathable ventilation for hot and humid temperatures

7. Adidas Freak Max 2.0 Lineman Football Gloves

Overview.

Shoutout to all my linemen, you guys are the real MVP. 

The interior of the Freak Max 2 is lined with foam padding that provides extra shock absorption as well as providing an extra layer of protection against injuries during contact sports.

With the signature Adidas 3-stripe design, these gloves add a stylish touch to your outfit on game day.

Reminder: keep those hands inside the numbers, once they start going out, refs are going to throw that flag. 

Features:

• GripTack – unique palm treatment to help with weather conditions
• AeroReady – a material designed to keep hand sweat free and cool
• Molded padding for impact absorption
• Comfortable and ergonomic

Football Gloves Buying Criteria.

When choosing football gloves, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you select the right pair for your needs. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Material

I remember trying different gloves with leather and synthetic materials. While leather gloves felt soft and had a natural grip, they required more maintenance to keep them in good condition. On the other hand, synthetic gloves were lightweight and breathable, which was great for hot games, and they didn’t require as much upkeep. 

Fit

I made the mistake of choosing gloves that were too tight once, and it was uncomfortable and restricted my movement. Lesson learned! Now, I always check the size chart provided by the manufacturer to make sure I get the right fit – snug but not too tight, so I can move my fingers freely.

Grip 

is a game-changer for catching passes. I found gloves with textured palms and sticky silicone or rubber patches provided an enhanced grip, making it easier to catch and control the ball. Some gloves even had extended tacky fingertips that helped with ball control. It made a noticeable difference in my performance as a receiver.

Breathability 

Football games can get intense, and sweaty hands can affect grip and comfort. Gloves with mesh or perforated panels helped to keep my hands cool and dry by allowing air to circulate, which made a big difference during hot games.

Durability 

Football gloves go through a lot of wear and tear, especially during practices and games. I looked for gloves with reinforced stitching and durable materials to ensure they could withstand the demands of the game without falling apart.

Design and Style

Lastly, I liked to choose gloves that matched my team’s colors and my personal style. It may not affect performance directly, but feeling confident in my gloves and looking good on the field gave me an extra boost of motivation.

Budget 

As a student-athlete, I had to consider my budget when choosing football gloves. I found that there were options at different price points, and while higher-priced gloves may offer more advanced features, I was able to find gloves that fit my budget and met my needs.

How to Properly Care for Football Gloves:

Taking care of football gloves is important to ensure their longevity and performance on the field. Proper care can help maintain grip, breathability, and overall comfort. Here are some tips on how to properly care for football gloves:

1. Clean after each use: After each game or practice, it’s important to clean your football gloves to remove dirt, sweat, and odor. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, as different materials may require different methods. In general, you can use mild soap or sports-specific cleaner, and gently hand wash or machine wash (if allowed by the manufacturer) on a gentle cycle. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can damage the gloves.
2. Air dry: Allow your football gloves to air dry after washing, and avoid using direct heat or placing them in a dryer, as high heat can shrink or warp the gloves. Hang them or lay them flat in a well-ventilated area until they are completely dry before using them again.
3. Store properly: When not in use, store your football gloves in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and mildew growth. Avoid leaving them in a damp or sweaty environment, such as in a sports bag, as this can cause unpleasant odors and deterioration of the gloves.
4. Avoid excessive stretching: Avoid pulling or stretching the gloves excessively, as this can weaken the material and affect the fit. Put them on and take them off carefully to avoid unnecessary strain on the gloves.
5. Rotate gloves: If you have multiple pairs of football gloves, it’s a good idea to rotate them during practices and games. This allows them to air out and dry between uses, reducing the chance of odor and extending their lifespan.

By following these care tips, you can help maintain the performance and durability of your football gloves, ensuring they continue to provide optimal grip, comfort, and breathability on the field.

5 Receiver Drills to Help Catch Better

Tennis Ball Drill

This drill helps to improve hand-eye coordination and focus on catching smaller objects, which can translate to better ball control on the field. You’ll need a partner and a tennis ball for this drill.

• Stand facing your partner, about 5-10 yards apart.
• Your partner throws the tennis ball to you with varying speed and trajectory.
• Focus on tracking the ball with your eyes and using proper hand placement to catch the ball.
• Catch the ball with soft hands, avoiding any excessive squeezing or “stabbing” at the ball.
• Repeat for a set number of repetitions or time, and then switch roles with your partner.

Jugs Machine Drill

This drill utilizes a Jugs machine or any other type of ball-throwing machine to simulate game-like passes with consistent speed and accuracy.

• Set up the Jugs machine to throw passes at varying heights, speeds, and angles.
• Position yourself at the appropriate distance from the machine, depending on your skill level.
• Focus on using proper hand positioning, hand-eye coordination, and soft hands to catch the balls as they are thrown by the machine.
• Start with easier settings and gradually increase the difficulty as you become more proficient.
• Perform multiple sets and repetitions to practice catching passes from different angles and speeds.

Focus and Concentration Drill: 

This drill helps to improve focus, concentration, and reaction time, which are crucial for making catches in a game situation.

• Stand in an open area with a partner or coach.
• Your partner or coach will randomly throw passes to you from different directions, simulating game-like situations.
• Focus on the ball from the moment it leaves the thrower’s hand, track it with your eyes, and react quickly to catch it.
• Practice catching passes with both your hands and your fingertips to improve your overall catching ability.
• Vary the speed, height, and direction of the passes to challenge yourself.
• Perform multiple sets and repetitions to improve your focus and concentration.

One-Handed Catch Drill: 

This drill focuses on developing one-handed catching ability, which can be useful in situations where you need to make a catch with only one hand due to defender’s interference or an off-target pass.

• Stand facing your partner, about 5-10 yards apart.
• Your partner throws passes to you with varying heights, speeds, and angles.
• Practice catching the ball with one hand, using proper hand placement and hand-eye coordination.
• Alternate between your left and right hand, and challenge yourself with catches at different heights and speeds.
• Focus on catching the ball cleanly and securely with one hand, using your fingers and palm to secure the ball.
• Repeat for a set number of repetitions or time, and then switch roles with your partner.

Concentration and Reaction Drill

This drill focuses on improving concentration, reaction time, and hand-eye coordination, which are essential for making catches in dynamic game situations.

• Set up cones or markers in a random pattern in an open area.
• Stand in the middle of the marked area, facing away from your partner or coach.
• Your partner or coach will call out a cone or marker, and you quickly turn around and locate the called-out cone.
• As soon as you locate the called-out cone, your partner or coach throws a pass to that cone.
• React quickly, locate the ball in the air, and make the catch using proper hand placement and catching technique.
• Vary the number of cones, distance, and difficulty of the calls to challenge yourself.
• Perform multiple sets and repetitions to improve your concentration, reaction time, and hand-eye coordination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best football glove? 

The best football glove on the market is the Nike Men’s Vapor Jet 7.0, which features an upgraded Magnigrip+ material that provides exceptional grip. These gloves are known for their durability and comfort, making them a popular choice for game day.

What gloves do NFL players use? 

Most NFL players use Under Armour, Nike, and Cutters football gloves. Each brand offers a wide range of styles, materials, and prices so that players can find the best fit for their needs. Some of the most popular models include the Nike Vapor Jet 7.0, Under Armour F, and Cutters Rev Pro 3.0

Receiver Gloves: 

Receiver gloves are worn by wide receivers, tight ends, and other skill position players on offense. They are designed to provide excellent grip to help players catch and secure the ball, even in challenging weather conditions. These gloves often feature sticky silicone or synthetic palm material that enhances grip and flexibility for better ball control.

Lineman Gloves: 

Lineman gloves are used by offensive and defensive linemen who require protection and grip during blocking and tackling. These gloves typically have thicker padding on the back of the hand and fingers to provide added protection against impact and abrasions, as well as improved grip for grabbing opponents’ jerseys.

Quarterback Gloves: 

Quarterback gloves are designed specifically for quarterbacks to provide a better grip on the football, especially in wet or slippery conditions. These gloves typically have a tacky palm material that helps quarterbacks maintain control of the ball while throwing, and they often have a snug fit for maximum dexterity and feel

What gloves does Justin Jefferson wear?

Justin Jefferson wears a pair of Under Armour F8 football gloves. The F8 gloves feature an ultra-sticky GlueGrip material to help him catch and secure the ball with confidence. They are also lightweight and flexible, providing Jefferson with maximum dexterity and comfort on the field. The all-white pair is our favorite. 

Executive Summary.

Choosing the right football gloves can make a significant difference in your performance on the field. The Nike Vapor Jet 5.0, Under Armour F6, and Cutters Rev Pro 2.0 are all excellent options that provide superior grip, durability, and protection. By following the care tips, you can ensure that your gloves last as long as possible and continue to perform at their best.