Best Hockey Gloves

At IW Hockey, we strive to help you find the best hockey glove to match your level of play. We categorized hockey gloves into three levels; Recreational, Performance and Elite with each category having the best 'Overall Performance' and 'Best Value'. Overall Performance is picked on everything tech and spec while Best Value factors in tech, spec and affordability.

While we are keeping this list to retail glove models only, we want to give you a quick heads up about IW's huge selection of Pro Stock hockey gloves. These gloves boast professional-level protection, comfort, and performance but at a stellar price. Not only that, they come with actual NHL team and player graphics that you can't get at the retail level.

$169.99 MSRP for Junior (10", 11", 12")
$199.99 MSRP for Senior (13", 14", 15")

The Sherwood Rekker Morph Pro Gloves pack elite-level protection and comfort at a value price point. With Nitrex foam and the Elite Pro Shield, these gloves deliver pro-caliber slash and shot block protection while staying lightweight and responsive for quick stickhandling.

A plush liner with AX Suede palms and MicroBan treatment keeps your hands comfortable, dry, and fresh all game long. Built with high-end materials and pro-level details, the Morph Pro proves you don’t have to overspend to get elite performance.

$119.99 Junior MSRP (10", 11", 12")
$139.99 Senior MSRP (13", 14", 15")

Built for competitive hockey players who rely on great protection but are seeking a glove at a more approachable price should check out the True Catlayst 5X5 Glove. Sharing the exact same protection package as the 9X5, it delivers pro-level protection so players can confidently battle in tight areas. With 360-degree slash protection, a Nash palm, and ThermaCool liner, the 5X5 is loaded with performance and skin cooling comfort.

$119.99 MSRP for Junior (10", 11", 12")
$129.99 MSRP for Senior (13", 14", 15")

The Warrior Alpha LX3 Team Gloves deliver excellent value by combining competitive-level protection, comfort, and mobility at an accessible price point. With dual-layer foams, plastic inserts, and Warrior’s Buttersoft Feel construction, players get pro-level looks, natural hand movement, and reliable durability right out of the box.

$69.99 Junior MSRP (10", 11", 12")
$79.99 Senior MSRP (13", 14", 15")

The Warrior Rise Hockey Glove is a premium choice for the recreational player wanting great protection in a lightweight and comfortable package. It showcases a Clarino palm for a great stick feel and comes with an added overlay for extra durability. A soft microfiber liner delivers out-of-the-box comfort and does a great job at wicking away sweat and moisture.

$59.99 Junior MSRP (10", 11", 12")
$79.99 Senior MSRP (13", 14", 15")

Sherwood's T70 SE Hockey Glove has a ton of value for the brand-new player, offering a fantastic protection package that includes dual-density foams in the fingers, backhand, and finger block. Finished with a Nash palm and two-piece thumb, the T70 SE lets you hit the rink with game-ready comfort and mobility.

What size hockey gloves do I need?
Measure the distance from the base of the palm to the tip of the middle finger and then double the measurement for your hockey glove size. If the measurement falls between two sizes, round up to the next closest size.

What's the difference between contoured, tapered, and traditional glove fits?
Contoured gloves have the least amount of internal volume from the fingers to cuff for maximum respsonivness. Tapered gloves have a contoured fit through the fingers and backhand, with added volume around the cuff for more wrist mobility. Traditional fitting gloves have added volume throughout the entire glove for a more spacious feel and flexibility. Choosing a glove fit is purely personal preference.

How do I break in new hockey gloves?
Most modern gloves now often have a "game-ready" design, which gives them a flexible and mobile fit right out of the box. Any gloves that feel stiff, using them in stickhandling sessions and practices will help naturally soften the glove.

What materials are hockey gloves made from?
Exteriors are usually made from nylon, polyesters, and synthetic leathers. Palms are made from either Clarino, Nash, or AX Suede, each offering different balances of durability, stick feel, and moisture management.

How should hockey gloves fit?
Your wrist should be fully covered by the cuff of the glove and your fingertips should not extend past the end of the glove's finger gussets. The top of the glove's cuff should meet the bottom of the elbow pad without any major overlapping or gap between the two.

How do I clean smelly hockey gloves?
Wash your hockey gloves in cold water using a sports gear detergent, and on the delicate cycle. Air dry outside in the shade or inside with a fan to help them dry. Be sure to air-dry hockey gloves after every use and apply a gear-specific deodorizer to maintain freshness for longer.

How do I make my hockey gloves last longer?
Air drying and using a gear deodorizer help reduce odors and breakdown of the glove. One of the most common issues is the palm wearing down and forming holes, which is caused by traditional hockey stick tape. Using alternatives like hockey stick grips adds much more lifespan to the palm.

Do more expensive hockey gloves really offer better protection?
Higher-end models utilize advanced foams and premium materials to handle intense impacts. They’re built for physical play while incorporating added technologies that enhance both mobility and comfort.

Should I choose a hockey glove based on my position?
Yes, both your position and playing style can influence the style of glove. Defensemen or shot-blocking forwards may prefer a glove that offers the most protection, while fast-skating players who rely on quick stand handling and shooting might prefer a glove with minimal weight and more mobility. It all depends on your gameplay and which fit profile best suits you.

How often should I replace my hockey gloves?
Gloves should be replaced once the palms wear out, the protection feels damaged or compressed, or if the glove compromises comfort and safety. Some players may require new gloves every season, while casual players can get several years out of a pair with proper care. It really depends on how often you play.

If you are unsure how to select the right size or having trouble deciding which level of play best suits your game, head over to our dedicated learning centers by using the buttons below!