When it comes to stickhandling, there’s no gear more important than your hockey gloves. You need something that can handle all those small flicks of the wrist and those slashes from the opponents with ease.
Even a few millimeters too high on the cuff or the wrong material for your palm will completely change your experience.
Luckily these top picks of the best hockey gloves keep all of that in mind. No matter what your price range or age, this article has the perfect option.
So read on for descriptions of each product and a buyer’s guide to help you choose the perfect one for you!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic
Budget Option
Bauer X
Best for Kids
Warrior Covert QRE10 – Junior
Best Overall
Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic
When it comes to mobility and dexterity, there’s no question that the best hockey gloves are Bauer’s Supreme Ultrasonic.
A snug-fitting body offers all the protection you need with triple-density Poron XRD foam placed along the backhand. While the Thermo Core liner within the glove keeps odor from seeping into the fabric and makes your hands feel breezy and light throughout even the toughest practices.
Plus the AMP flex cuff, with its stretchy nylon attachment, is perfectly designed for optimal wrist movement during a game. Without sacrificing any of the protection you want for your wrist from slashes and rough play.
Not to mention this is one of the few gloves with a three-piece flex thumb! With all these amazing features, the Supreme Ultrasonic is easily one of the best hockey gloves out there. And well worth the price.
Pros
- Great cuff and palm design for dexterity
- 3-piece fingers and thumb for mobility
- Triple-density protective foam
- Sweat-wicking liner
Cons
- Pricy
Budget Option
Bauer X
For a budget option, it’s rare to see a product as amazing as the Bauer X. Especially for a piece of hockey equipment that is so often overlooked.
A tapered fit in the cuff and body creates a snug fit that is perfect for players who want hockey gloves that feel like a second skin. Especially considering how lightweight and comfortable these gloves feel.
And a hard, plastic shell has been added on top of the foam within each finger to give you even more protection against those hard hits.
The two-piece fingers and thumbs in this glove might affect your mobility a bit, but the Taktile palm more than makes up for it. You’ll be able to feel even the slightest pressure from the puck, up your stick and into your gloves with this amazing technology.
Pros
- Lightweight comfort
- Great palm dexterity
- Protective shell
Cons
- Less finger mobility
Best for Kids
Warrior Covert QRE10 – Junior
With the Warrior Covert QRE10 Juniors, you’ll never be worried about your child’s protection in a game.
Warrior’s advanced foam technology is strategically placed throughout the body, fingers, and cuff of this glove to provide maximum protection in the areas it’s needed most. And the mesh cuff ensures that all the protective technology doesn’t get in the way of their dexterity.
They also go a step further with their durable palms. These gloves will last as long as you need against every practice and game your kid spends both on and off the ice.
All that technology does add a little extra weight. If your youngster is looking for something that feels light on their hands, one of the other top picks of the best hockey gloves might be a better option.
Pros
- Advanced foam technology
- Durable abrasion guard in the palms
- Mesh cuff for maximum mobility
- 3-piece fingers and thumb
Cons
- Heavy
CCM JetSpeed FT4
The modern, anatomical backroll design of CCM’s JetSpeed FT4s provides that tapered fit that everyone wants. And a short pre-angled cuff enhances the hockey glove’s mobility even more to create the perfect feel on your hands.
Pro Clarino along the inside of the glove produces a seamless palm-to-cuff transition that makes it a lot more comfortable. The lack of bumps and ridges also gives you a much better feel with your stick for heightened puck control.
To keep these gloves feeling fresh, CCM has treated the inner liner with a Polygiene coating. Then they’ve inserted a cushioned layer for extra comfort and to help stop odor from building up in the materials.
Though the Flex Thumb featured in this glove only has two pieces, the design is done so well you barely even notice the difference!
Pros
- Tapered design for better puck control
- Lightweight comfort
- Cuff and palm designed for heightened dexterity
Cons
- 2-piece thumb
CCM Tacks AS-V
Last on this list of the best hockey gloves are the CCM Tacks AS-Vs.
Each finger in these amazing gloves is filled with high-density EVA foam that provides both comfort and optimal shock absorption in key areas on your hand. Paired with the D30 foam along the back of the glove and your hand is prepared for any and all impacts.
Despite all that padding, CCM has also managed to add some incredible Vent Tech within the glove to ensure you never lose traction or dexterity from overheated palms.
Lastly, they’ve included three additional layers and materials to fight against odor and to keep sweat from seeping into your hockey gloves. It all adds a bit of weight, but what you get in return is definitely worth it!
Pros
- Great ventilation
- Heightened comfort
- Advanced foam technology
Cons
- Heavy
Hockey Gloves Buyer’s Guide
Size
To find the proper size hockey gloves for your hand, place the ruler at the base of your palm and measure until the tip of your middle finger. The measurement should be done in inches, that way all you have to do is double the number to get your glove size.
Hockey gloves are generally made in a range of 8 sizes. Starting at size 8, for children ages 3 to 5 or with a hand that measures around 4 inches, and ending at size 15, for players age 15 or older or with hands that measure 7.5 inches.
There are also three designs to consider when choosing your glove. The tapered fit has become increasingly popular, but there are also regular and wide-fitting hockey gloves on the market. Some brands also change the contouring of the backhand.
To find the right feel, pick a product where your fingers don’t curl, and your wrist is covered. You want it to reach high enough to meet your elbow pads without being so high they push against them and force them to shift from their proper position. And the tightness is an entirely personal preference.
Materials
If you want a product that is going to last, it has to have a sweat-wicking liner in it. Not only do these help with odor control, but the quick-dry features also prevent mold from growing over time.
The best materials are polyester or nylon. A fabric that’s been given a Polygiene treatment is another great way to ensure that you can use more durable materials without sacrificing sweat-wicking features.
Another important factor is the materials in the palm of your gloves. Anything too thick and you’ll lose some of the dexterity you need for puck control. If it’s too thin, it will break easily and you’ll have to constantly replace them.
Materials like suede and leather are the best options since they mold to your palms without compromising any durability. A synthetic leather would also work well here.
Protection Technology
The most important protection technology in your hockey gloves is the foam.
Each brand has engineered its own specific patterns and composition for the foams that they use. Some focus on layering, while others focus on geometrical structures to create strength and impact absorption.
The major brands all have reliable foam technology. But buying a product from a lesser-known brand comes with risks in this department. Be sure to test how hard the foam is. Anything too soft won’t absorb any of the force from hard impacts, but neither will foams that are too hard.
In terms of placement, you want harder foams in higher-impact areas like the back of the hockey gloves. While lesser more comfortable foams should be towards the inside. The entire cuff should also be a harder foam to protect from high sticks and slashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to break in hockey gloves?
Because hockey gloves are not as painful as skates before they’re broken in, the process is a lot less stressful. Simply wearing them around the house and massaging the palms periodically throughout their first season of use is enough.
How often should I wash my hockey gloves?
To make sure there is no build-up of oils and bacteria, it’s important that you wash your ice hockey gloves at least once a week. You also want to properly air them out after every game.
The Best Hockey Gloves Summed Up
When it comes to finding the perfect hockey gloves for your play, there are no better options than one of these top picks.
Whether you want something with all the best foam technology or something that feels light on your hands, this list has you covered.
If you’re interested in testing our your new gloves, give this online hockey training a shot! And for more information on the game itself, be sure to check out our Hockey page!