Can You Use Lacrosse Gloves for Hockey?

For street or roller hockey in a pinch, maybe. For ice hockey, no. Here's how lacrosse and hockey gloves differ and why it matters for your hands.

Connor Stifel · General Lacrosse · Updated October 21, 2026 · 5 min read

The quick answer

IceDon't do it

Lacrosse gloves don't have the padding, wrist coverage or thumb lock to stand up to pucks and slashes.

StreetIn a pinch

For casual roller, ball or street hockey, lacrosse gloves can work for a pickup game.

Pro-level gear can get expensive, and players are always looking for ways to save. I remember saving for months to buy my first pair of lacrosse gloves, and they were worth every penny. Then one day a teammate asked me, "Can you use lacrosse gloves for hockey?" The answer isn't a simple yes or no.

Lacrosse gloves are flexible and light, but they aren't built for the physical demands of hockey, especially ice hockey. For casual roller or street hockey, lacrosse gloves might work in a pinch. For ice hockey, they fall short on protection, wrist coverage and thumb stability.

In this article, I break down the key differences, what players have to say, and whether lacrosse gloves can ever be a safe option for hockey.

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Key differences between lacrosse and hockey gloves

At first glance, lacrosse gloves and hockey gloves look a lot alike. They both protect your hands and let you control your stick. But they're built for different kinds of impacts and different games.

Here's a detailed comparison that shows why they aren't interchangeable.

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Can you use lacrosse gloves for hockey?

Some players have tried lacrosse gloves for hockey, but the results are mixed. Let's look at the pros and cons.

Pros

Lightweight design: Lacrosse gloves are usually lighter, which some players like for stickhandling.
Better flexibility: More finger mobility gives you finer control over the stick.

Cons

Not enough protection: Lacrosse gloves aren't built to stand up to hard pucks, slashes and body checks into the boards.
Thumb vulnerability: The more flexible thumb on lacrosse gloves raises the risk of injuries like dislocations.
Not enough wrist coverage: In hockey, your wrists take slashes and stray pucks. Lacrosse gloves don't have enough padding there to protect you.

For casual roller hockey or street games, some players find lacrosse gloves comfortable. In competitive ice hockey, though, the lack of padding makes them unsafe.

Can you use hockey gloves for lacrosse?

If you're wondering whether hockey gloves work for lacrosse, the answer is yes, but only for beginners, and only if your league allows it. Check with your league before game day.

Hockey gloves are bulkier because they're designed to absorb pucks and hard hits. They protect your hands well, but they limit wrist movement, which makes it harder to cradle, pass and shoot.

As a beginner, you might not notice the restriction right away, but as you get better, you'll want lacrosse gloves that give you more feel and dexterity.

Read more: Is lacrosse a contact sport?

Player experiences and opinions

To get a better perspective, I looked into player discussions about using lacrosse gloves for hockey. Some have tried it, but most don't recommend it.

Here's what they had to say:

"They work fine for roller hockey, but I wouldn't use them on the ice."

"Lacrosse gloves have way less padding and don't protect your wrists enough for hockey."
"I love the flexibility, but my hands took a beating. Not worth it."

One player remembered wearing lacrosse gloves in an ice hockey game and realizing halfway through that his hands didn't have the protection they needed. Officials may not always stop you from wearing lacrosse gloves in hockey, but experienced players agree they aren't safe for serious play.

One issue that came up again and again is that lacrosse gloves often lack a true thumb lock, leaving the thumb more vulnerable.

Why protection matters in hockey gloves

Like lacrosse, hockey is fast and physical, and proper hand protection is essential. Here's why real hockey gloves are a must for any serious player:

High-speed pucks: A hard slap shot can top 100 mph. Lacrosse gloves aren't built to absorb a frozen puck at that speed.
Slashes and checks: Hockey gloves are reinforced to stand up to slashes from other players' sticks, which lowers your injury risk.
Thumb hyperextension: Most hockey gloves have a built-in thumb lock to keep your thumb from bending too far back, a common hockey injury.

Without proper padding, you risk serious hand injuries that could sideline you for weeks or months. The right gloves aren't just about comfort. They're about safety.

Alternatives to lacrosse gloves for hockey

If you want something lighter than traditional ice hockey gloves, consider these options:

Inline hockey gloves: Built for roller hockey, they give you protection without the bulk of ice hockey gloves.
Lighter hockey gloves: Some brands make more flexible, better-ventilated models for casual play.

Lacrosse gloves at BattleLax

Coach's note: Plenty of kids I've coached, from Ontario to upstate New York to Virginia Beach, play hockey in the winter and lacrosse in the spring, and that's a great combo. Just keep two sets of gloves in the garage. Use your hockey gloves on the ice and your lacrosse gloves on the field, and your hands will thank you.

Gloves built for lacrosseFrom beginner to elite, all at BattleLax.