In today's game of football, it's nearly impossible to spot a player on the field not wearing gloves. Gone are the days where a player went out to play with nothing more than tape and a little Stick-em on their hands. Not wearing them leaves you vulnerable and gives your opponent a competitive edge over you.

There is a surprising level of nuance when it comes to football gloves. Each position group has their own distinct styles, but you really have to dig deep to spot the differences between brands. This difference is incredibly important. We went to Division I football players for their thoughts on the best gloves to play in, and they were very passionate about the gloves that they loved (and didn't love) playing in.

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Adidas

For skill players, the stickiness of Adidas' gloves is unmatched. All of their skill position gloves have GRIPTACK palm technology for more hand control when catching the ball. However, the longevity of these gloves is suspect–Adidas gloves have been known to be on the not-so durable side the more contact you get. One lineman said that his Adidas gloves tore apart after only one game. 

Nike

A great thing about Nike gloves is that they all come with a built-in padding. No matter what position or style, your hands are going to be protected with Nike gloves. These gloves are a great pick for hybrid-type players (Linebackers/Tight ends): you get a palm surface meant for catching the ball but with enough protection to battle down in the trenches. Nike gloves are a must-have for any lineman, but are becoming increasingly popular for skill players.

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Under Armour

Under Armour is unique when it comes to gloves. A brand renowned for their compression gear, UA applied that technology towards their design to create a high-performance glove. Each Under Armour glove contains HeatGear technology for insulation and is seamless to increase mobility. While this does sound great, reviews online gave the impression that the thin glove design made for a product that wears down easily.

The Final Rundown

Athletes are very particular when it comes to gear, so here are the big takeaways from each brand we've covered.

Adidas: Like their cleats, Adidas focuses their football gloves on skill and finesse. It's no surprise these gloves are a staple at 7-on-7 tournaments across the country but are seldom seen during games in the fall. They make gloves great for catching the ball and scoring touchdowns, but not for the more gritty work.

Nike: makes perfect gloves for those in-betweeners. A player can still maintain enough dexterity to catch a ball  while knowing that their gloves are durable enough to block an opponent. It's no surprise that Nike gloves are a favorite amongst football players.

Under Armour: makes unique gloves that make you stand out on the field. They aren't incredibly expensive, and for that they might be made with a less durable material than Adidas or Nike, but they make a product that has the ability to outperform both of those brands.

No matter which brand you choose, be sure to grab the best pair of gloves for you this football season!

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* Originally published on August 12, 2022, by Isaac Haney