American football gloves are more than just a fashion accessory on game day. The right pair improves ball grip in all weather conditions, protects hands upon contact, and can even boost confidence when running lanes or in scrums.
With dozens of options from brands like Nike, adidas, Cutters, and Under Armour, it's helpful to know what distinguishes a good glove from a mediocre one. This guide explains everything. Browse our full range of American football gloves at EP Sports and discover the latest deals.
Receiver Gloves
Position-specific receiver gloves are designed for wide receivers. They are typically lightweight, flexible, and designed for one purpose: optimal grip on the football. The palms are coated with a grippy material—such as Cutter's C-TACK or Nike's Magnigrip or Magnigrip+—that improves catching and ball retention. Key features include:
- Sticky material for the palms of the hands that works in both wet and dry conditions.
- Thin, flexible construction on the back of the hand for natural finger movements.
- Close-fitting, shaping closure (with or without wrist strap).
- Machine washable materials so you can restore the grip after heavy use (we recommend doing this only occasionally and washing garments inside out).
- Suitable for the following positions: Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, Running Backs, Defensive Backs, Kickers and Punters.
- Popular receiver glove models at EP Sports include the Nike Vapor Jet 8.0 Gloves and the adidas Adizero 15.0 Electric Gloves.
Padded Receiver Gloves
In terms of positions, padded gloves are ideal for tight ends, fullbacks, and hybrid players who catch the ball but also use their hands for blocking, tackling, and interceptions. Key features of padded receiver gloves include:
- Additional padding at the knuckles and back of the hand, without sacrificing too much grip.
- Suitable for the following positions: Running Backs, Tight Ends, Defensive Backs, Linebackers and Defensive Linemen.
- Popular padded receiver glove models include: The adidas Impact 2.0 Padded Gloves and the Nike Superbad 7.0 Padded Gloves.
Lineman Gloves
Suitable for offensive linemen (such as tackles, guards, and centers) and defensive linemen (such as defensive ends and defensive tackles). In short: Effective gloves for linemen offer optimal hand protection and grip for blocking and pass rushing. Key features include:
- Reinforced padding on the fingers and back of the hand.
- Palm surface designed for durability.
- Suitable for the following positions: Offensive Linemen, Defensive Linemen.
- Popular glove models for linemen include: The Nike D-Tack 7.0 Lineman Gloves and the Under Armour Football Combat Lineman Gloves.
How to Determine Your Glove Size
Note: American football glove sizes can vary by brand. The following information is therefore only a general guide to determining the correct size: Specifications may vary depending on the brand. You can also find American football glove sizing information on each product page on our website.
Adult/University Size Guide
To find the right size, it's best to always click on the "SIZE INFORMATION" tab for the specific product you're interested in. Here's an example of where to find this information for the adidas Adizero Impact 2 padded receiver gloves.
As a general guideline, measure from the base of your wrist to the tip of your middle finger. Most brands specify their sizes as follows:
- Adult size, small (AS): 7–7.25 inches.
- Adult Medium (AM): 7.25-7.5 inches.
- Size for adult animals, large (AL): 7.5–7.75 inches.
- Adult size XL (AXL): 7.75–8 inches.
- Adult size 2XL (A2XL): 8–8.25 inches.
- Adult size 3XL (A3XL): 8.25–8.5 inches.
Gloves should fit snugly, without excess material at the fingertips. Gloves that are too loose reduce grip and can cause the ball to slip.
Youth Players
The same method applies to junior players: Measure from the base of the palm to the tip of the middle finger and then use the table below to find a starting size.
- Youth size Small (YS): 5–5.5 inch hand length.
- Youth size Medium (YM): 5.5–6.25 inch hand length.
- Youth size Large (YL): 6.25–6.75 inches hand length.
Gloves for youth flag and tackle football should fit snugly with minimal excess material at the fingertips to allow children to grip, catch, and pull flags securely. A slightly looser fit is sufficient for comfort for flag football players, but for contact/tackle football, a tighter, second-skin fit is preferable to maximize control and prevent the glove from twisting upon impact.
Cutter Glove Sizing
If you are interested in Cutters Receivers gloves, you will find a brand-specific size chart below. Click on the image for a printable size chart.
Care of Your Gloves
High-quality gloves offer a grippy finish that restores itself – simply wipe the palms with a damp cloth to remove dirt and restore grip. Most goalkeeper gloves are machine washable and dryer safe, which helps maintain performance throughout the season. Avoid exposing the gloves to direct sunlight, as UV radiation can damage the grip material.
Discover our complete collection of American football gloves today.
Other Signs of Wear and Tear to Watch For
Proper care of your American football gloves ensures that the palms retain their grip for longer and the seams remain intact. Wipe the grippy surface of the palms with a damp cloth after every practice or game to remove dirt. If you played in wet or muddy conditions, allow your gloves to air dry at room temperature. Regardless of the playing conditions, it's always advisable to remove the gloves from their bag and let them dry at home after playing.
Most receiver gloves are machine washable; however, we recommend not washing them frequently. After washing, turn them inside out and allow them to air dry. Avoid radiators, tumble dryers, and direct sunlight, as heat can damage the grip coating of the receiver gloves.
Grip Boost Football Gel for Optimal Glove Performance
Don't miss that crucial catch because of worn or slippery gloves. Grip Boost Football Gel (59 ml bottle) is the scientifically backed solution trusted by receivers, tight ends, and other players in the UK and EU to restore and enhance glove grip play after play. Developed at the University of Maryland with a unique polymer derived from crab shells, this non-toxic gel forms a thin, adhesive-like film on your palms without leaving any residue on the ball.
Why Players Choose Grip Boost
- Restores grip like new gloves – Reactivates the grip of worn gloves, extends their lifespan and saves you money.
- Works in any weather – Provides reliable traction in rain, humidity or dryness, when you need it most.
- Fast-drying formula – Dries in 15–20 seconds in the air, ideal for reapplying on the sidelines between plays.
- 60 applications per bottle – A 2-ounce bottle lasts for an entire season with regular use.
- Compatible with all brands – Any pair of American football gloves works great with Grip Boost gloves and improves any football or batting glove.
Simply apply a drop the size of a 5-cent coin, spread evenly, and let it dry. Step onto the court with unwavering confidence and make even one-handed catches look effortless – in any weather.
