Nike Vapor Elite Lacrosse Gloves Review
A snug, low-profile glove with a floating cuff and a soft palm that holds up. Here's how Nike's Vapor Elite played after six months of aggressive use.
LaxDrip is reader supported. When you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we review.
Nike released the Vapor Elite gloves in 2021, and as soon as they hit shelves, everybody was talking about them. They weren't cheap, though, so I put together this detailed review to help you decide if they're worth it.
The best lacrosse gloves have high-quality materials, a snug fit and a great grip, and the Vapor Elite has all three. They're built for attackmen who want free hand movement and defenders who want protection from checks.
Plenty of pros wear them for the soft, flexible feel, and they're light enough to help your shot speed. For another take, check out Lacrosse All Stars' Vapor Elite review.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry Nike gloves right now. If you want a light, low-profile glove you can order today, the closest match is the Maverik Shift Field Gloves ($179.99). I've listed more gloves at BattleLax below.
Key Features of the Nike Vapor Elite Lacrosse Gloves
- Position
- Attack / middie / D
- Level
- Intermediate / advanced
- Released
- 2021
- Sizes
- 12", 13", 14"
- Cuff
- Floating 4-piece
- Palm
- Three-layer
- Built with
- Stretch gussets
- Stretch thumb zone
- Low-profile cuff
- Sweat-wicking liner
Pros & Cons
- Light and stylish design
- Snug fit in the fingers
- Four-piece floating cuff for better mobility
- Comfortable padded palm with great grip
- Too tight around the fingers at first
- Long break-in period
- Expensive
- Runs warm in the summer
Design and Features
The first thing I noticed when I put on the Vapor Elites was how soft they are. I was impressed by the sleek three-layer design. Nike uses premium leather on the outer layer for a durable, abrasion-resistant surface, with a breathable but sturdy layer underneath for comfort.
It has a low-profile floating cuff for quick movement in every direction. I thought it might make the glove feel loose at the wrist, but it doesn't affect the fit at all, and the gloves come in three sizes.
Nike also added stretch gussets in the fingers for better flexibility. They add structure too, with extra protection along the knuckles and finger joints.
Nike clearly put thought into the design, but it all comes down to how they play. Let's see how those features hold up on the field.
Fit and Comfort
These gloves fit tight, especially in the fingers, which is perfect for stick handling. I like that they aren't bulky and don't slip, so it doesn't feel like I'm fighting my gloves when I'm moving fast.
The Vapor Elite's snug fit.
At first, though, they were too tight and limited my finger movement, which meant a longer break-in than most gloves. They loosen up and move great after the break-in, but that early discomfort can turn off newer players.
The stretch thumb zone and elastic gussets gave me better flexibility and a really comfortable grip on the shaft.
When I was running the field or dodging defenders, the gloves kept my stick close without ever feeling like I was losing control.
Performance
Your gloves make a big difference in how you handle your stick, and the Vapor Elites don't disappoint. Nike says they're about 10% lighter than the original Vapors, which helps cut down wrist strain on hard shots.
The floating four-piece cuff.
The palms are super soft and give you a strong grip. The floating four-piece cuff lets your wrist move freely, so it never feels restrictive, and the stretch thumb zone gives you that extra freedom for better stick control.
Even with all that wrist mobility, the Vapor Elites give you great coverage, especially at the base of the thumb and around the wrist. The padding soaks up checks well, and they felt secure on sharp wrist movements while I was dodging.
It's one of the best gloves for balancing full range of motion, light weight and protection.
Durability
Some reviews have questioned the Vapor Elite's durability, but I used mine for half a year, and they held up really well to my aggressive style.
The three-layer palm gives you quality and comfort. The palm on my STX Cell V tore in just five months because of the ridges on my shaft, but the outer layer of the Vapor Elite showed no wear at all.
The palm after six months of play.
The sweat-wicking inner layer is great too. It wore out sooner than the outer layer, but the sweat absorption was outstanding. I did find the gloves less breathable than I'd like, since I sweat a lot in the summer.
If you play in hot weather, like July tournaments in Virginia Beach, try the Maverik M6 ($115.99) with its open vent and FlowCool tech. It's more breathable than the Vapor Elite.
Coach's note: Whatever gloves you wear, pull them out of your bag after every practice and let them dry. Wet gloves are what rot palms and stink up the car, not the brand.
Value
The Vapor Elites sit at the high end of the market, but you get what you pay for. Compared to other gloves I've worn, like the Maverik M4 and STX Surgeon, the Vapor Elite balances light weight, flexibility and protection really well.
They're a bigger investment up front, but the durability and quality make them worth it.
Vapor Elite colorways.
Comparison With Other Gloves
Compared to the Maverik M5 and M6, I found the Nike gloves have a snugger, more responsive fit.
The M5 and M6 both have a mid-high profile at the wrist, while the Vapor Elite is low-profile. The Maverik gloves are protective without being very restrictive, but the Vapor Elite lets you move your wrist in any direction freely.
So it's not as breathable as the M6, but it's great for advanced players. See how it stacks up in our best lacrosse gloves guide.
Gloves at BattleLax
BattleLax doesn't stock the Nike Vapor Elite, but these are the closest gloves they carry right now.
| Glove | Why it's here | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Maverik Shift Field Gloves | Light, flexible glove with an open cuff, closest to the Vapor Elite's low-profile feel | $179.99 |
| Warrior Evo V Lacrosse Gloves | Premium glove with 9 finger sections and no break-in | $189.99 |
| Maverik M7 Player Glove | Maverik's newest M-series glove | $149.99 |
| Maverik M6 Player Glove | Game-ready feel with a big open vent for hot days | $115.99 |
Shop the Maverik Shift at Battle Lax
Quick answers
What are the key features of the Nike Vapor Elite lacrosse gloves?
A light design, padded construction, a soft palm for grip and a floating four-piece cuff for wrist mobility. They balance flexibility, comfort and protection.
How do the Nike Vapor Elite gloves improve performance?
They cut down wrist strain, give you better stick control with a flexible thumb zone, and grip the stick well. The light build lets you move your hands fast and get your shot off quick.
Are Nike Vapor Elite lacrosse gloves durable?
In my experience, yes. The three-layer palm held up for half a year of aggressive play with no wear on the outer layer, though the inner sweat-wicking layer wore out sooner.
What sizes do Nike Vapor Elite lacrosse gloves come in?
Three sizes: Medium (12") for players about 4'6" to 5'6", Large (13") for about 5'6" to 6'0", and Extra Large (14") for players over 6'0".
Are Nike Vapor Elite lacrosse gloves good for beginners?
They can be. They're light and flexible, but the tight fit and long break-in can be uncomfortable at first, so newer players may prefer a glove that feels game-ready out of the box.
Final Verdict
The Nike Vapor Elite is one of the most premium gloves on the market. They last, they're comfortable and they help your game. They're not the most breathable, but the sweat absorption is good.
The snug fit, extra padding and flexible cuff make them a good investment for serious players, and there are plenty of positive reviews out there to back that up.
