Which Field Hockey Glove Do I Need?

Which hockey glove do I need? Why do hockey players only wear one glove? Left or right hand? These are the questions we get asked most, in store and online, so we've answered them all below.

Updated October 2026 for the 2026/27 season.

Which Hockey Glove Do I Need?

Start with one question: do you want a glove to protect your hand, keep it warm, or both?

Gloves to protect your hand

Hands come in all shapes and sizes, so try gloves on where you can. These are our most popular protective gloves:

1. Grays Touch Glove
Our best-selling protective glove this season. It's palmless, so you can feel the stick in your hand, and Grays are known for gloves that fit well. Also available as a right-hand glove.

2. Y1 MK Pro Shell Glove
A top-end palmless glove with a high level of protection that doesn't compromise on feel. The open palm keeps a natural feel on the stick, and grip on the fingers stops your hand slipping. Available in long and short versions.

3. Grays International Pro Glove
A full-finger glove with a grippy palm. It's more old-school, but hugely popular with players who want maximum protection and don't mind losing a little movement in the hand and wrist. It also works well as an indoor glove. Also in aqua.

Gloves to keep your hands warm

Often bought for younger players but worn at every age, these are great for warm-ups and cold winter games.

1. Grays Skinful Pro Gloves
A market leader for us. Thermal-lined with a grippy palm, and available down to XXXS, which makes them brilliant junior hockey gloves. You can also wear one under a protective glove.

2. Mercian Genesis 2 Thermal Gloves
Fleece-lined with extra grip for all weather. They come as a pair and are great value.

Gloves that protect and keep you warm

The Grays G500 Gel Gloves have gel protection on the knuckles and a thermal layer to keep your hands warm. We usually recommend them for juniors, but they're great at any age. Also available in pink.

Does My Child Really Need A Hockey Glove?

If you've ever watched your child defend with their hand low and wondered whether it would hurt if the ball hit it, the answer is yes. Getting juniors used to wearing a glove early makes it second nature later.

Why Do Hockey Players Wear One Glove?

Grab a hockey stick and hold it properly, left hand at the top, with the head on the floor. Your left-hand knuckles are now very exposed. Now imagine a 160g ball hitting them at up to 80mph.

That's why most players wear a left-hand glove. Some also wear a right-hand glove for peace of mind when defending on the reverse. You can wear either or both, but we'd advise every player to wear at least a left-hand glove.

How Do I Choose The Right Size Hockey Glove?

Your glove should be snug but not tight. Brands measure differently, so check the size guide on the product page. A few things to know:

• adidas hockey gloves usually come up big, so go a size smaller.
• Grays hockey gloves fit as expected and go down to XXXS.
• Y1 hockey gloves come up a little big, so go a size smaller if in doubt.

For more detail, read our guide to what size hockey glove you need.

Can You Wash Hockey Gloves?

• Air them out to dry after training and games.
• Use Smellwell inserts to keep them fresh.
• If they really need a wash, hand wash only.

5 FAQs, Answered In Under 5 Words

Left or right-hand glove? Left, maybe both.

Protective or warm? Protective, unless it's cold.

Do I need a glove? Do you feel safe without?

Palmed or palmless? Palmless is most popular.

Best hockey glove? The Grays Touch does it all.

Indoor Hockey Gloves

Do you need a glove for indoor hockey? Yes. Your left hand will be low to the floor almost all the time, so a well-padded glove is a must.

Taking short corners? See our penalty corner gloves.

Ready to find your glove? Shop the full range of hockey gloves, or contact us on live chat.