As players work up a sweat and their hands become slippery, maintaining a firm grip on the paddle can become a challenge. This is where pickleball gloves come into play.
The best pickleball gloves are specially designed to offer players extra grip and comfort while playing the game. They are made from a variety of materials, including synthetic leather, mesh, and spandex, to provide players with the best grip.
We’ll talk about the different types of gloves you can get, what to consider when buying pickleball gloves, and what the best options are on the market right now.
Should You Buy Pickleball Gloves?
First things first, are pickleball gloves useful in the first place? Pickleball is heavily inspired by tennis, yet only a small percentage of tennis players use gloves compared to pickleball.
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To be completely honest, there is no objective reason as to why gloves are more popular in pickleball than in tennis. One theory could be because pickleball paddles have thinner handles than tennis racquets, but it’s usually harder to grip wider items than thinner—so that doesn’t make too much sense. Material also isn’t the answer, considering a lot of designs and materials used in today’s pickleball paddles are directly inspired by tennis racquets.
So, with that said, buying gloves isn’t something we can objectively recommend. It’s a hit or miss for everyone, but what we can say is that there’s more “hits” for pickleball players than tennis players. As in, lots of pickleball players use gloves.
If you’re still interested in getting gloves, then keep reading. This will be the most detailed guide on this topic you’ll find.
Types of Pickleball Gloves
When it comes to pickleball gloves, there are several different types available to suit the needs of every player. Here’s a closer look at each type and what makes them unique:
Full-Finger Gloves
Full-finger gloves are a popular choice among pickleball players, especially those who want maximum coverage and protection for their hands. These gloves are designed to cover the entire hand, including the fingers, to provide full coverage from the elements and prevent blisters from forming during play.
Full-finger gloves come in a variety of materials and styles, including leather, synthetic materials, and mesh. Some gloves also feature extra padding in key areas for added protection and comfort. They are a great option for players who prefer a tighter fit on their hands and want to maintain warmth during colder weather.
Half-Finger or Fingerless Gloves
Half-finger gloves are similar to fingerless gloves, but they only partially cover the fingers, leaving the fingertips exposed. This design provides some coverage and protection while still allowing players to maintain a good grip on the paddle.
Fingerless gloves, also known as half-finger gloves, are designed to cover the palm and back of the hand while leaving the fingers completely exposed. These gloves are ideal for players who want to maintain the feel of the paddle while still getting some extra grip and protection.
Both these gloves are typically made from lightweight materials such as neoprene or mesh, which provide a good grip and breathability. They are also available in a variety of styles and colors to match your personal preferences.
Padded Gloves
Padded gloves are designed with extra padding on the palm and/or fingers to provide additional cushioning and protection. These gloves are a great option for players who are prone to blisters or want to reduce the impact on their hands when hitting the ball.
Padded gloves are available in a variety of materials and styles, including leather and synthetic materials. They may feature gel or foam padding, which helps absorb shock and reduce pressure on the hands. Some gloves also feature ventilation or moisture-wicking technology to keep the hands cool and dry during play.
Unpadded Gloves
Unpadded gloves, as the name suggests, do not have any additional padding. These gloves are a good choice for players who want a lighter, more flexible glove that still provides extra grip and protection.
Unpadded gloves are typically made from lightweight materials such as mesh or synthetic materials. They are available in a variety of styles and colors, and they are a great option for players who prefer a more minimalist glove or who don’t need as much padding or protection.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Pickleball Gloves
Let’s delve a bit deeper into the factors you need to consider when picking the right pickleball gloves.
Material
Leather gloves are usually made from cowhide or goatskin, which is why they are pricier than synthetic materials. The upside of leather gloves is their durability and comfortable fit, which can mold to your hands over time. However, keep in mind that leather gloves require maintenance, such as applying leather conditioner to keep them supple.
Synthetic leather gloves are made of materials such as polyurethane, polyester, or PVC. They are generally more affordable than leather gloves, and some brands offer similar performance in terms of grip and comfort. One of the advantages of synthetic materials is that they are usually easier to clean and maintain than leather.
Mesh and nylon gloves are lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for players who play in hot weather conditions or sweat a lot. They can provide excellent ventilation and help keep your hands cool and dry during gameplay. However, keep in mind that they may not offer the same level of durability as leather or synthetic gloves.
Comfort and Fit
Finding the right fit is crucial when it comes to pickleball gloves. Most gloves come in sizes ranging from small to extra-large, so make sure to measure your hand before purchasing. A glove that is too small can restrict your movement and cause discomfort, while a glove that is too large can slip off during play.
Comfort is also an essential factor to consider. Pickleball gloves with padding or gel inserts can provide additional cushioning and support, reducing hand fatigue during gameplay. Some gloves also feature adjustable straps or wrist closures to provide a more secure fit.
Grip and Traction
The grip and traction of your gloves are essential for a good performance on the court. Pickleball gloves typically feature a textured palm or fingers to provide extra grip on the paddle handle. Some gloves also feature an anti-slip coating or pattern to enhance traction on the court surface.
If you tend to sweat a lot or have trouble maintaining a firm grip on the paddle, look for gloves with padding or gel inserts to provide additional grip and cushioning.
Durability
The durability of your gloves is an important factor to consider, especially if you play frequently. Look for gloves made of high-quality materials that can withstand wear and tear. Reinforced areas such as the thumb, index finger, and palm can help prolong the lifespan of your gloves.
Breathability
Breathability is an important consideration for players who play in hot or humid conditions. Gloves with mesh or ventilation holes can help wick away sweat and keep your hands dry during gameplay. Good airflow can also prevent the build-up of bacteria and odor, keeping your gloves fresh and hygienic.
Choosing the right pickleball gloves requires careful consideration of factors such as material, fit and comfort, grip and traction, durability, and breathability. By taking these factors into account, you can find the gloves that meet your needs and preferences and help you improve your gameplay.
Best Pickleball Gloves on the Market
When it comes to pickleball gloves, there are many options available on the market. To help narrow down the choices, we’ve put together a list of the top gloves based on factors such as material, grip, comfort, durability, and customer reviews.
NOTE: Pickleball gloves aren’t sold in pairs, they’re sold as one glove—meant to be worn on the hand that holds the paddle.
Selkirk Boost Pickleball Glove — Full-Finger Gloves
The Selkirk Boost Pickleball Glove is a popular choice among pickleball players. It’s a solid, all-around glove that works in all weather conditions—cold, hot, or wet. Granted, it doesn’t offer that much protection from the cold, because of the limited leather padding. On that note, there’s very little padding around the gloves itself, focusing mainly on the palm.
While the glove only comes in one size, it’s surprisingly stretchy without feeling cramped. This is most likely because the glove is made with Lycra, a polyurethane plastic that’s stretchy and self-healing.
Features:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Breathable mesh material made from Lycra
- Kangaroo leather and Tricot Perforated Coolskin technology improves grip
- Shape-fit design that’s meant to wrap around your hand and fit snuggly
- Adjustable wrist strap
Cons:
- Little to no padding (except for the honeycomb palm grip)
- Available only in one size (though it fits most players)
ProKennex Pure 1 Gloves — Full-Finger Gloves
ProKennex Pure 1 Glove is a high-quality racquetball glove that’s great for colder courts. Despite it being from a different sport, racquetball, it’s a perfectly fine pickleball glove. It provides excellent grip, comfort, and protection—just like other gloves in the market. The glove is thoroughly padded throughout the back with premium Sheepskin leather, keeping your hands warm.
The high-quality leather is also meticulously processed to wick away moisture, keeping the glove dry and soft for months before needing maintenance. The firm grip on Pure 1 is a step above the rest, because it’s built for racquetball, a sport with heavier racquets and stronger swings.
Features:
- Breathable Micro Channel Lycra for ventilation and comfort
- Premium Pittard’s leather with WR-100x tanning process that ensures a dry and firm grip on the paddle
- Soft and comfortable leather, with neoprene knuckle padding for protection
- The padding keeps your hand warm in colder courts
- Adjustable wrist strap
- Durable
Cons:
- Easily feels hot when playing under the sun
- Lots of leather on the glove means requiring more maintenance over months to keep the softness of the leather
Head Airflow Tour Glove — Full-Finger Gloves
The Head Airflow Tour Glove is a lightweight option between racquetball and pickleball. It provides tons of breathability and grip, without the larger leather padding you commonly see in racquetball gloves. The Airflow Tour still has leather though, premium perforated Cabretta leather on the palm for excellent grip.
The only problem I found with this glove are the numerous reviews talking about how the gloves did not last them long. There have been counter reviews though that defend the glove’s durability, stating that the gloves are solid and will last you long if you take care of them.
Features:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Breathable, yet somewhat thick mesh material
- Cabretta leather palm and Airprene knuckle padding for grip and protection
- Textured palm for added grip
- Adjustable wrist strap
Cons:
- Has lots of negative reviews about the durability (but there are also a lot of positive reviews)
Franklin Sports Gloves — Fingerless Gloves
The Franklin Sports Gloves are motorcycle racing gloves that happen to function perfectly for pickleball. It’s a fingerless glove, so your fingertips are going to be exposed. Although covered largely in leather, there’s still enough ventilation on the back of the hand with the mesh panels and fingerless design.
Because these gloves are used for motor racing, it’s truly built for all-weather situations and will grip firmly to your paddle regardless of how wet your hands are. The palm material is made of slip-resistant, wet-grip PVC, designed specifically to counter rain. This also makes the gloves resistant to vibrations, because the majority of the padding is on the inside of the hand.
Features:
- Palm grip is slip-resistant and designed to grip even when wet
- Large, leather padding all over the inside of the palm to combat vibration and hand fatigue
- Breathable through the finger holes and mesh material at the back of the glove
- Durable and heavy-duty gloves
- Machine washable
- Adjustable wrist strap
Cons:
- Less protection for your fingertips
- You need to buy the complete pair, because they’re sold as motorcycle racing gloves. This means paying the full price for both gloves
Gearbox Movement Gloves — Full-Finger Gloves
The Gearbox Movement is a premium pickleball glove designed for players who want a snug, but padded glove. Made of premium Cabretta sheepskin leather, Neoprene, Pittards leather, and other high-quality materials—this glove is one of the best on the market.
Pickleball players who want the best of both worlds between padding and fit will love the Gearbox Movement glove. There’s enough padding for protection and resistance, while fitting comfortably in your hands thanks to the soft, Cabretta sheepskin. Granted, there’s almost no mesh at all on this glove, so I wouldn’t buy it if you’re playing somewhere hot.
Features:
- Super-soft, Cabretta sheepskin, suede, and Pittards leather materials for durability and a premium feel
- Pre-curved design to improve fit around the hands
- Covered in high-quality leather, making it durable
- Lots of sizes to choose from
- Adjustable wrist wrap
Cons:
- No mesh, limited ventilation—bad for warmer courts
How to Care for Your Pickleball Glove
Proper maintenance of your glove guarantee that it remains clean, fresh, and functional. However, different materials, brands, and gloves will need different types of maintenance or cleaning. For the specifics, you’ll have to refer to the brand you bought the glove from.
Generally though, here are some tips on how to care for your pickleball gloves:
Washing and Drying
We recommend washing your glove after every use to prevent bacteria growth and odor buildup. When washing, use mild soap and warm water to gently clean the gloves. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as they may damage the gloves’ materials. After washing, rinse the gloves thoroughly and gently squeeze out excess water.
Never wring or twisting the gloves as it can damage their shape. To dry the gloves, lay them flat on a clean towel and let them air dry. Avoid direct sunlight or heat as it can damage the gloves’ materials.
Storage
When storing your pickleball gloves, make sure they are completely dry to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Avoid folding or creasing the gloves as it can damage the materials and shape. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
A good tip is to place a small amount of talcum powder or cornstarch inside the gloves to absorb moisture and keep them fresh. Of course, you should only do this if you don’t plan on picking up the gloves for several weeks. If you’re going to use it again in a couple of days, then skip the talcum powder or cornstarch.
