Best Lacrosse Goalie Gloves

Lacrosse Goalie Glove Buying Guide

Beyond identifying some specific products, we like to provide you with the tools to find quality gear on your own should you choose a glove outside of this list.

Here are some elements to consider when looking for lacrosse goalie gloves.

1) Protection

It goes without saying that if you’re looking for gloves, this should be number one on your list of things to consider.

Protection is not just key to avoiding injury but giving a goalie the peace of mind that they are protected. That assuredness goes a long way in keeping a player’s focus on the field and not the dreaded “what ifs.”

There are some key areas to pay attention to when it comes to goalie glove protection, number one being the thumb. Most gloves on the market now have some form of molded plastic or similarly stiff but malleable material to reinforce the thumb’s position on the stick. This is extremely important to preventing hyper-extension injuries when it comes to saving that laser beam wind-up shot from the top of the box.

The back of the hand and knuckles are also major points to keep in mind. No one wants to take a ball off the glove, but they especially don’t want this if their glove lacks the added padding to their knuckles.

When it comes to being in goal, it’s not so much a question of if you get hit in the thumb or back of the hand but when. Even all the protection in the world may not prevent a broken digit as users of even the most expensive gloves on our list have pointed out. But, good it can help cut down on the frequency and possibility of such an injury.

2) Comfort & Flexibility

Here comes number two in what to consider—freedom of movement especially when it comes to the hands and wrists is an invaluable quality of a good goalie glove.

Some of the products on our list feature flexible protective padding that only hardens in response to contact giving your hand a bit more mobility and comfort. A snug fit also helps with promoting security during contact and as you move for a save or cock back for a clearing pass.

When it comes to the wrist, companies have been experimenting with adjustable cuffs and even “cuff-less” models. These provide a wider range of motion which is great for those goalies that like to be the ones touching off a fast break or helping out in a set clearance.

As with all protective gear, you want to find a glove that fits your natural movements with as little obstruction as possible but still meets your needs when it comes to protection.

3) Durability

Goalie gloves are a major investment so you want something that will last for multiple seasons and withstand a barrage of contact should need be.

Certain glove models have definitely thrown out the extra frills that can pop up on gloves, things like exterior moldings and snag points that can wear down or break with only a shot or two. It is worth looking into the durability of any extra thumb protection provided by a particular glove you are considering because some products seem built to guard against major contact only once.

A lot of the gloves we covered in our list are newer models so we are not quite aware of how these will stack up three or four seasons down the line. So, it is worth considering the durability and trustworthiness inherent to the usual output of the company you are purchasing a glove from. When in doubt, stick to the top lacrosse brands like STX, Maverik, and Warrior.

4) Breathability

Do not overlook the breathability of goalie gloves when finding the best option for you. The last thing any goalie wants is to have their hands soaked in sweat as they try to control their stick on a clearance. It does not feel great and it does not play great either.

Back of hand ventilation is an element you should be looking for in a glove. Any form of tech that will keep the air flowing and recycled around your palms is a huge bonus.

Another major element is the moisture-wicking material. You want something that is breathable and keeps your hands as dry as can be for the most part, especially if you’re playing into the dog days of summer.

In addition to the material around your hand, look to the feel of the palm as well. The gloves above throw out some different types of palms, some sounding a lot more breathable than others. This may not be something you can wrap your brain around until you physically have the glove but is worth keeping in mind if you have the opportunity to try products on.

5) Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are the Holy Grail of our research and worth major consideration before you splurge on goalie gloves.

Do your due diligence and seek out every website and resource you can for some first-hand input on how any of the above four elements are for a given product. Other users can provide actual feedback to the fluffy sounding designs and paddings laid out in a glove’s product listing.

Additionally, reviews can be helpful in finding out any quirks to a glove’s fit or the buying process. Such feedback can be helpful in avoiding the pitfalls that may have ensnared other customers.

And don’t forget to leave your own review for whatever gloves you choose. It’s always good practice to pay it forward.

6) Budget

Find something that fits your budget…this is easier said than done when it comes to goalie gloves but still worthy of consideration.

Always keep in mind that if you’re cutting costs now, you’re likely giving up something in the future, whether it be the durability or extra protection of a more expensive glove. Pinpoint where exactly a product is saving you money and consider the implications of that cost-cutting to your safety and wallet in the long run.

A lot of gloves go on sale in the offseason if you are trying to save a few bucks. Alternatively, you can look for older models of elite gloves to save.