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A golfer's only physical connection to a golf club is through the grip, so it makes sense that you want to do everything possible to hold on securely.
A golf glove fights back against sweaty palms, moisture, blisters, and the general wear and tear that hands go through during a golf swing. The best golf gloves provide comfort while ensuring a close bond between the hands and grip. Almost all golfers wear one for full swings, so a glove is among the most essential pieces of equipment they have.
The Best Golf Gloves - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Golf Gloves: Nike Tour Classic III
- Best Golf Gloves for Sweaty Hands: Under Armour Iso-Chill Golf Glove
- Most Durable Golf Gloves: Srixon Golf MLH Cabretta Leather Glove
- Best Golf Gloves for Women: Callaway Golf 2020 Women's Tour
- Best Golf Gloves for Men: Titleist Players Men's Golf Glove
- Best Golf Gloves for Hot Weather: TaylorMade Stratus Tech
- Best Budget Golf Gloves: Wilson Staff Grip Soft Glove
- Most Comfortable Golf Gloves: Wilson Sporting Goods Staff Model
- Best Breathable Golf Gloves: Callaway Golf Weather Spann Premium
- Best Luxury Golf Gloves: Footjoy Men's Pure Touch Limited
Whether you’re looking for the right glove for yourself or for someone else as part of a golf gift, finding a proper glove requires some knowledge. Like trying on clothes, picking a golf glove is largely about feel. Even so, understanding the materials, types, and styles can fast-track your search. In this review, we break down the best golf gloves and explain why each one earned its spot on our superlatives list.
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Best Overall Golf Gloves - Nike Tour Classic III
SPECS
- Fit: Men's
- Material: Leather
- Size range: M/L
- Type: Hook
- Waterproof: No
- Key features: Breathability with supple Cabretta leather
One of the softest and breathable golf gloves available, the Nike Tour Classic 3 uses supple Cabretta leather while maintaining breathability that makes it comfortable on hot days. The flexibility in the palm and strategically placed perforations on the fingers provide freedom of movement and comfort while supporting a tight grip that holds the club reliably in your hands. It’s a difficult combination to match, making the Classic the best overall golf glove on the market.
One important note on this glove is that it must be maintained. Extending its life means taking off the Nike Tour Classic between shots. Storing it in a Ziploc bag after play will also help keep it going. If you're really serious, you can even throw it in the washing machine along with the rest of your clothes to pull the oil out of the glove. In the absence of at least one or two of these steps, the glove may show inconsistent durability. Given the quality of this glove, it is definitely worth taking a couple of extra steps to ensure that you will have it on the course with you for years to come.
What We Like
- Perforated fingers
- Soft Cabretta leather
- Stretch zones provide flexibility
- Breathable, soft touch
What We Don't Like
- Needs to be maintained
- Prone to ripping if not taken care of properly
Best Golf Gloves for Sweaty Hands - Under Armour Iso-Chill Golf Glove
SPECS
- Fit: Men's
- Material: Leather
- Size Range: S-XL
- Type: Pull-on
- Waterproof: No
- Key Features: Fabric pulls heat away from skin
Golf is an outdoor game routinely played on warm days, and keeping your hands dry is one of the most important elements of having a secure grip. For those of us who sweat more freely than others, the Under Armour Iso-Chill has a solution to keeping your glove hand cool. The Iso-chill fabric stretches throughout the knuckles and up the sides of three fingers, providing the greatest amount of ventilation you will see on a predominantly leather glove.
We appreciate that this glove comes in four different color schemes with the white-and-black look being popular. There are also two all-white options and one American flag-inspired style.
What We Like
- Iso-chill fabric around the knuckles to keep cool
- Cabretta leather palm for comfort and grip
- Micro perforations for ventilation
- Moisture-wicking material
- Snug fit on top of hand
What We Don't Like
- It may feel overly thick to some players
- Exposed knuckles may take time to get used to
BUY: Under Armour Iso-Chill Golf Glove
Most Durable Golf Gloves – Srixon Golf MLH Cabretta Leather Glove
SPECS
- Fit: Men's
- Material: Leather
- Size range: S-XXL
- Type: Pull-on
- Waterproof: No
- Key features: Comfortable fit with durable grip
This Cabretta leather Srixon glove has a tremendous feel from the moment you pull it on. The quality of the leather combined with a snug fit and timeless all-white style make for a great start, but it doesn't end there. The glove performs well in all weather conditions and is known for lasting at least 10 rounds because of how durable the grip pad remains throughout its life.
Beyond the durability, we like the soft feel that comes as a result of a silicon tanning process used in making the glove. Where some gloves get too stiff after limited use, this Srixon glove is easier to maintain. Although the breathability ranked below other gloves and the seam on the thumb is awkward at first, the performance and durability advantages far outweigh any negatives.
What We Like
- Durable material and design
- Silicon tanning process offers soft feel
- Cabretta leather used throughout glove
- Perforations throughout the fingers
- Comfortable fit around the wrist
What We Don't Like
- Not the most breathable glove
- Seam on the thumb can be uncomfortable
BUY: Srixon Golf MLH Cabretta Leather Glove
Best Golf Gloves for Women - Callaway Golf 2020 Women's Tour
SPECS
- Fit: Women's
- Material: Leather
- Size range: S-L
- Type: Hook
- Waterproof: No
- Key features: Increased tackiness for optimal grip control
High-quality women's golf gloves are harder to come by than men's gloves, so this option from Callaway Golf is welcome. With a narrower fit that is made for slender hands and long fingers, the Callaway is snug and comfortable. Callaway increased the tackiness from previous iterations of this glove, infusing Cabretta leather with Griptac to help the club stay firmly in your hands. The moisture wicking around the cuff and great number of perforations on the fingers help keep the glove dry on hot days.
Some wider hand types may not translate well to a narrower, longer glove like this one, so it's important to consider that before purchasing. If it does fit properly, this is the top choice in the women's glove market.
What We Like
- Cabretta leather infused with Griptac for stick
- Moisture-wicking around the cuff
- Great for slender hands
- Secure and breathable closure
What We Don't Like
- Fits too small for women with larger hands
- Can lose its fit after play
BUY: Callaway Golf 2020 Women's Tour
Best Golf Gloves for Men - Titleist Players Men's Golf Glove
SPECS
- Fit: Men's and cadet
- Material: Leather
- Size range: Cadet S-XXL
- Type: Hook
- Waterproof: No
- Key features: Ultra-thin for maximum feel
Consistently one of the best golf gloves on the market, the Titleist Players glove is immediately identifiable by its black hook closure and clean pearl coloring. The thin, breathable material is what makes this glove stand out. You can feel the texture of the grip in your hands as you hold a club. The glove utilizes proprietary fabric for comfort and support, as well as satin reinforcement at the cuff and thumb to aid in strength and durability. There are players who enjoy the soft feel of this glove to the point where they refuse to order any other.
The Titleist Players glove is definitely on the expensive side, but you are likely to keep it twice as long as many cheaper models. A high-quality glove like this one is a solid investment.
What We Like
- Thin material to enhance the feel
- Satin reinforcement at cuff for durability
- Proprietary breathable fabric
- Timeless style
- Consistent fit from glove to glove
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Needs maintenance if playing in humid conditions
BUY: Titleist Players Men's Golf Glove
Best Golf Gloves for Hot Weather - TaylorMade Stratus Tech
SPECS
- Fit: Men's and cadet
- Material: Leather
- Size range: Cadet S-XXL
- Type: Hook
- Waterproof: No
- Key features: Sweat resistant material to help maintain strong grip
Summer golf can be tough on gloves that get wet and easily worn down, but the TaylorMade Stratus Tech has cracked the humidity code. Relying on a mixture of leather and Hypertec material, this glove is both sweat-resistant and wear-resistant. The glove's top feature is helping golfers maintain a firm and sticky grip in hot conditions. The material on top of the hand is stretchy and flexible, and TaylorMade has included perforations there to enhance breathability.
Hot weather will ultimately wear down any glove, and the Stratus Tech does tend to sag after a certain point. Still, it is reasonably priced, and keeping a couple of extra gloves in your bag will help with overall wear.
What We Like
- Wear-resistant combo of leather and Hypertec
- Consistent grip in hot conditions
- Stretchy, flexible material
- Perforations on top of hand
What We Don't Like
- Material can sag and lack longevity
- Inconsistent fit
Best Budget Golf Glove - Wilson Staff Grip Soft Glove
SPECS
- Fit: Men's
- Material: Synthetic leather
- Size range: M/L
- Type: Hook
- Waterproof: No
- Key features: Inexpensive multi-material construction
Among the most inexpensive golf gloves available, the Wilson Staff Grip Soft is a surprisingly durable option for recreational golfers. A great choice for beginners, the glove comes at one-third the price of some high-end models while still offering a sturdy glove that can last a handful of rounds.
The sacrifices are mainly in the overall material—the synthetic leather struggles with overall softness and a relative lack of grip security—but that's not to say you can't use it effectively. This glove can hold its own in the endurance and durability department, so it's a tremendous value for those not overly concerned with top-tier performance.
What We Like
- Inexpensive
- Performance mesh on knuckles
- Synthetic leather palm
- Multi-material construction for durability
What We Don't Like
- Lack of overall soft feel
- Issues handling moisture
BUY: Wilson Staff Grip Soft Glove
Most Comfortable Golf Glove - Wilson Sporting Goods Staff Model
SPECS
- Fit: Men's
- Material: Leather
- Size range: X-L
- Type: Adjustable
- Waterproof: No
- Key features: Super soft pre-curved fingers and smooth palm
If you’re looking for a high-performance glove without a high price tag, the Wilson Staff Model glove is a top choice. The biggest upside of this glove is the softness of the Cabretta leather, a smooth palm, and pre-curved fingers that add to the overall fit and comfort level. We are also fans of the reversed thumb seam and adjustable closure strap that provides some of the best security of any golf glove.
One drawback of this tight, comfortable fit is that the leather tends to bunch around the wrist. It's not necessarily an issue with comfort or feel, but the look isn't as sharp as it could be. If the style aspect doesn't bother you and your priorities lie with finding a soft glove at a lower price, it's worth experimenting with the Wilson Staff Model.
What We Like
- Soft Cabretta leather
- Precise fit
- Reversed thumb seam
- Pre-curved fingers
- Smooth palm for extra feel
What We Don't Like
- Material bunches around wrist
- Quick-appearing scuff marks
BUY: Wilson Sporting Goods Staff Model
Best Breathable Golf Glove - Callaway Golf Weather Spann Premium
SPECS
- Fit: Men's
- Material: Synthetic leather
- Size range: S-XXL
- Type: Hook
- Waterproof: No
- Key features: Perforations on palm and fingers reduce moisture
The Callaway Golf Weather Spann Premium makes moisture avoidance and overall breathability its top priorities. It's a unique style of glove that has synthetic material around the outer knuckles while relying on a large number of perforations in the palm and throughout the top of the hand to keep your glove hand cool. The stretch binding cuff will absorb moisture as it comes down your arms, so there is ample protection against rain and sweat.
The price is very low compared to other gloves in this category, so it makes sense that this is one of the most popular gloves on the market. There is a drop-off in padding, especially in the palm, but this is a top option for golfers hoping to keep their glove hand dry.
What We Like
- Synthetic, moisture-wicking material around knuckles
- Extra perforations on the palm, top, and fingers
- Reinforced palm patches
- Stretch binding cuff
What We Don't Like
- Could use additional padding in the palm
- Gets dirty quickly
BUY: Callaway Golf Weather Spann Premium
Best Luxury Golf Glove - FootJoy Men's Pure Touch Limited
SPECS
- Fit: Men's
- Material: Leather
- Size range: S-XL
- Type: Hook
- Waterproof: No
- Key features: Exclusive leather for exceptional softness
The gold standard of luxury golf gloves, the FootJoy Men's Pure Touch spares no expense in crafting the softest and best-fitting leather golf glove on the market. With an unmistakable all-white look, the Pure Touch excels in snug fits, in part because of elastic that comfortably hugs your wrist. The thick padding in the palms allows for a tight bond with the grip.
FootJoy notes that these gloves are available in limited quantities because of the selective leather and strict manufacturing process. They don't last significantly longer than other top gloves on the market, so it may be worth looking elsewhere if you are searching for longevity. Even so, the performance and feel of this glove are difficult to match.
What We Like
- Exclusive, soft Cabretta leather
- Elastic for precise fit
- Accurate sizing
- Thick, comfortable material
- Classic style
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Not more durable than its competitors
What to Look For in Golf Gloves
Type
The first question when choosing a golf glove is to make sure you have the correct hand. This can be confusing because right-handed golfers put a golf glove on their left hand, while left-handed golfers put the glove on their right hand. Most players wear only one glove because it enhances their feel, but there is no rule against wearing two gloves.
The two main types of golf gloves are pull-on and hook. The names refer to how the glove goes on your hand. Pull-on gloves have material that goes around your wrist. When the strap is closed, the top part of your hand and wrist are enclosed. With hook gloves, a Velcro strap comes from the side of the glove, leaving some space underneath and exposing more of your wrist. There is also an adjustable style, which uses a hook and loop strap design so you can adjust the tightness freely.
There is no right or wrong answer as to which type of glove you should use, and finding the best glove for you is likely going to be a trial-and-error process. One important thing to note is that it's common for golfers to find a comfortable glove in an unexpected type. Feel free to experiment with different sizes and types, because you may find the right glove where you least expect it.
Material
There are four primary options when it comes to golf glove material.
The first and most popular is leather, a breathable material that provides plenty of cushioning. Cabretta leather is a premium material widely used for a better feel. Leather comes with many performance advantages, but it will wear down quickly if it's not maintained properly.
The next most popular is synthetic material, which has a lower cost and better overall durability. The downside is that synthetic gloves do not breathe as well as leather and are less comfortable because of it.
Another option is mesh. Lightweight and cool, mesh gloves are thin to the point where it almost doesn't feel as if you’re wearing a glove. Mesh gloves are successful sellers in humid, warm climates.
Finally, there are hybrid golf gloves that use a combination of leather and synthetic material so the breathability and cushion advantages of leather can mix with the durability of synthetic. In particular, leather will be used on the palm and fingers to help with the grip, while synthetic is used in the joints and wear points.
Fit
Golf gloves are meant to be comfortably snug like a second skin on top of your hand, so the way each glove contours to your palm and fingers is important. You will want to feel flexibility in your fingers, but without any sagging in the glove material.
The fit categories are typically men's, women's, youth's, and cadet. Each glove contours to its hand type, with cadet gloves cut for people with shorter fingers and wider palms.
Certain gloves will be tighter or looser in different areas. For instance, some are tighter around the wrist and some have a looser feel. Other than being a tight yet comfortable fit, there is no right or wrong answer to how a glove should contour to your hand. It's all about personal preference.
FAQs About Golf Gloves
Are golf gloves worth it?
Wearing a golf glove is a necessity for the vast majority of players. Few professionals have success without one. The biggest reason is that gloves can prevent blisters and limit moisture at the same time. Swinging a club at faster speeds becomes difficult without a glove because the club moves too much in your hand. A glove helps ensure a golfer's connection to the grip and the rest of the club, so it's a necessary item.
How often should I replace my golf glove?
You can continue using the same golf glove until it becomes worn and shows meaningful damage. This is typically every 5-10 rounds or so, but it depends on how often you practice and what type of glove you wear.
The part of the glove most likely to wear down is the palm, the part of the hand that engages the most with the grip. A new glove will be slightly sticky and soft in the palm, but a worn-down one will become stiff and smooth. Ultimately, most gloves end up ripping in the palm if they are worn for too long.
It comes down to personal preference and common sense. If the club doesn't feel secure and comfortable in your hands, it's time to change. One common trick is to circulate through multiple gloves at a time and always keep a fresh one on hand.
Should a golf glove be tight?
A properly fitting golf glove will wrap snugly around your hand like a second skin. Gloves must be tight to ensure full control of the grip, allowing players to feel the clubface at impact while still having the security that the club won't slip.
There shouldn't be any additional room where the glove isn't tight against your hand, especially at the tops of your fingers and in the palm area. If there is any sagging glove material, it's a clear sign you need to try a smaller size. At the same time, your fingers should still be able to move freely so they can wrap around the grip with ease. Overall stiffness means you need to go up in size.