Choosing the right field hockey glove matters for control, protection and comfort — whether you're a youth player, weekend recreationalist, or competitive athlete. This guide presents four top options selected from hands-on testing, expert feedback and in-depth research to help you pick gloves that match your playing style and budget.
Considerations and Methodology
How we tested and chose these gloves
- Real-world use: We evaluated gloves in on-field drills and simulated impacts to check protection, flex and grip under game conditions.
- Dexterity tests: Half-finger/open-palm vs closed-palm designs were compared for stick feel, passing accuracy and ball control.
- Protection & materials: We inspected shell construction, padding density, cuff length and palm materials for durability and impact absorption.
- Fit and sizing: We checked wrist closures, cuff length and anatomical shaping for comfort and secure fit across sizes.
- Expert & user feedback: Input from coaches, club players and verified consumer reviews helped validate comfort, longevity and sizing realities.
What influenced rankings: balance of protection vs feel, build quality, price relative to features, and how well each glove suits typical player roles (defenders vs midfielders vs attackers).
Street Hockey Glove
Budget-friendly junior street/roller hockey gloves offering full-flex anatomical taper and high-density SHOK-SHORB padding for essential protection. Short cuff boosts wrist mobility; breathable lightweight construction aids play. Ideal for youth and casual street hockey, not intended for ice hockey.
Why pick this
- Comfortable, lightweight junior glove with SHOK-SHORB high-density padding and full-flex anatomical taper.
- Short cuff allows excellent wrist movement for stickhandling and quick releases.
- Built for street/roller play rather than ice hockey; sizing runs junior (10").
Analysis: This is a practical entry-level option for youth players and casual street hockey sessions. The padding provides basic impact protection while the breathable materials keep hands cool. It’s not a high-end field glove and lacks advanced palm grip features, but at this price it’s a sensible purchase for beginners or extra backup gloves.
GRYPHON G-Mitt G5
High-protection closed-palm glove with hard-shell knuckle guards and dense under-foam for impact absorption. Close-fitting lycra and palm grip maintain control while offering superior durability. Best for players who prioritize protection on the pitch over maximum dexterity.
Why pick this
- Hard-shell knuckle protection and dense under-foam give strong impact resistance to the first knuckle on each finger.
- Closed-palm design and close-fitting Lycra construction improve durability and protect vulnerable areas.
Analysis: The G-Mitt G5 favours protection above all else — ideal for defenders or players who take heavy blocking duty. The hard-shell design can feel stiffer and slightly reduce fine stick feel compared with fingerless models, but it excels at absorbing blows and holding up over time. For players who need maximum coverage without sacrificing a secure fit, this is a top premium option.
Anatomic Pro Field Glove
Fingerless half-finger glove with Lycra construction, elasticated towel wrist and Climagrip palm for all-weather grip. Offers outstanding flexibility and stick feel while protecting the back of the hand—an affordable choice for technical players who value control.
Why pick this
- Half-finger design and Climagrip palm deliver excellent stick contact and dependable all-weather grip.
- Lycra upper and elasticated towel wrist provide a snug, flexible fit that moves with your hand.
Analysis: This glove strikes a great balance between protection and tactile control, making it a strong value pick. It’s particularly well suited to midfielders and attackers who need maximum stick feel but still want some back-of-hand protection. Durable for its price point and comfortable in warm conditions, it’s a versatile everyday option.
STX Stallion Glove
Anatomically shaped field glove with open-palm and half-fingers for superior stick contact, plus knuckle protection that doesn't restrict movement. Adjustable Velcro closure ensures a snug fit. A balanced option for competitive players seeking protection and premium control.
Why pick this
- Anatomical shaping preserves range of motion while protecting knuckles; open-palm/half-finger layout maximizes stick feel.
- Velcro enclosure tailors fit across wrist sizes and keeps the glove secure during play.
Analysis: The Stallion delivers a near-ideal balance of protection and dexterity. It’s responsive for technical play, comfortable for long sessions and robust enough for regular competitive use. Because it protects without limiting control, it earns our Editors Choice for most players seeking an all-around reliable glove.
Comparison and Summary
At a glance:
- Best Overall (Editors Choice): STX Stallion Glove — Balanced protection and excellent stick feel; ideal for most competitive players.
- Premium Protection (Premium Choice): GRYPHON G-Mitt G5 — Maximum knuckle coverage and hard-shell defense; best for players prioritizing protection.
- Best Value (Best Value for Money): Anatomic Pro Field Glove — Fingerless design with Climagrip palm offers superb control and flexibility at a friendly price.
- Budget Option (Best Budget Pick): Street Hockey Glove — Lightweight, protective and affordable for junior players and casual street/roller play.
Key differences
- Protection: GRYPHON (highest) > STX (balanced) > GRAYS (moderate) > Franklin (basic).
- Stick feel / dexterity: GRAYS (best) > STX > Franklin > GRYPHON.
- Fit adjustability: STX (Velcro) and GRAYS (elasticated wrist) offer better customization than the basic budget model.
Which is best overall? The STX Stallion is the best all-around glove for most players — it blends control, protection and comfort without leaning too far toward either extreme. If your primary concern is heavy-impact protection, choose the GRYPHON G-Mitt; if you want tactile control for skill play, the GRAYS Anatomic Pro is excellent value.
Final Recommendation
Our testing and expert review panel found that there’s no one-size-fits-all glove — the right choice depends on your position and priorities.
- Choose the STX Stallion if you want a reliable, balanced glove that performs well in competitive settings.
- Choose the GRYPHON G-Mitt if you need heavy-duty protection (defenders or penalty-blocking players).
- Choose the GRAYS Anatomic Pro if you favor stick feel and all-weather grip at a modest price.
- Choose the Street Hockey Glove if you need an affordable junior/backup glove for street or recreational use.
These recommendations are grounded in hands-on field testing, material inspection, expert feedback and consumer experience. If you’re unsure, prioritize fit and try to test the glove on the hand you’ll wear it on — fit matters more than a small difference in price. Good luck on the pitch, and pick a glove that lets you play confidently and comfortably.