Built for Athletes. 100% Authentic Gear.

FREE Ground Shipping on Orders $120! - Shop Now

View as

Choosing Athletic Gloves for Youth

Athletic gloves serve different purposes depending on the sport and conditions. Football receivers gloves prioritize grip with tacky palm surfaces that help secure catches in all weather conditions. Training gloves focus on warmth and flexibility for outdoor workouts in cooler temperatures. Running gloves emphasize lightweight insulation and touchscreen compatibility for athletes who train in cold weather. When selecting athletic gloves for a young player, fit is the most important factor. Gloves that are too large reduce dexterity and grip, while gloves that are too tight restrict finger movement and circulation. A properly fitting glove should allow natural finger flexion without excess material bunching at the fingertips. The closure system, whether velcro strap or elastic cuff, should keep the glove secure during intense activity without requiring constant adjustment. For multi-sport athletes, having sport-specific gloves for games and a versatile training pair for general use covers most needs efficiently.

adidas Glove Technology

adidas builds their youth gloves with technologies tailored to each sport and activity. Their football gloves feature Griptack palm technology that provides consistent tackiness in dry and wet conditions, helping young receivers secure catches throughout a game. AEROREADY moisture management in the glove backing keeps hands dry by wicking sweat away from the skin, preventing the slippery interior feel that compromises grip. Climalite fabric linings in training gloves deliver lightweight warmth without bulk, keeping fingers nimble for ball handling and equipment use. Climawarm insulation in their cold-weather models traps body heat while allowing moisture to escape, preventing the clammy feeling that comes from sweating inside insulated gloves. Reflective accents on running and training gloves improve visibility for athletes who train in low-light conditions during shorter fall and winter days.

Finding the Right Glove Size

Proper glove sizing is essential for performance and comfort. To measure your child's hand, wrap a flexible tape measure around the widest part of the palm, just below the knuckles, excluding the thumb. Compare this measurement in inches to the brand's size chart. For football gloves, the fit should be snug with minimal excess material at the fingertips, as a tight fit maximizes grip surface contact and ball control. Training and cold-weather gloves can fit slightly more relaxed to accommodate layering or allow room for natural hand swelling during exercise. Have your child make a fist, spread their fingers wide, and flex their wrist while wearing the gloves to check for any restriction. If they are between sizes, sizing down is usually better for football gloves while sizing up works better for training and warmth-focused models.

Under Armour Glove Innovation

Under Armour equips their youth gloves with performance features designed for competitive athletes. Their football gloves use UA GlueGrip palm technology that delivers exceptional tackiness for reliable catches, even on cold or damp game days. HeatGear fabric in the glove back and fingers wicks moisture and provides a cool, comfortable feel during warm-weather games and practices. ColdGear Infrared lining in their winter training gloves uses a soft, thermo-conductive coating that absorbs and retains body heat to keep hands warm during outdoor workouts in cold conditions. Storm water-resistant treatment on the outer shell repels rain and snow, keeping gloves lighter and hands drier in poor weather. The brand's flexible knit construction in multi-sport training gloves allows full finger dexterity while providing enough structure for a secure fit during dynamic movements.

Matching Gloves to Activities

Different activities call for different glove features. For football, prioritize gloves with tacky palms and a snug, secure fit that maximizes grip and ball control. Receivers and defensive backs need the most grip, while linemen may prefer padded gloves with more protection and less palm tackiness. For general training in cold weather, look for insulated gloves with touchscreen-compatible fingertips so players can use phones and devices without removing them. Running gloves should be lightweight and offer just enough warmth to keep hands comfortable without causing overheating during elevated heart rate activities. For multi-sport athletes, a versatile pair of training gloves with moderate grip, light insulation, and flexible construction covers most needs outside of sport-specific game situations.

Ready for Any Condition

Young athletes train and compete in all kinds of weather and conditions, and the right gloves make a real difference in their comfort and performance. adidas and Under Armour design their youth gloves to handle the specific demands of each sport and season. Quality gloves give players confidence to make catches, maintain grip on equipment, and stay warm during outdoor training without sacrificing the hand dexterity they need. From late fall football games under the lights to early morning winter conditioning sessions, reliable gloves help young athletes focus on their performance rather than their comfort.

Caring for Athletic Gloves

Proper care keeps athletic gloves performing at their best. For football gloves with tacky palms, hand wash in lukewarm water with a small amount of mild soap, then air dry away from direct heat. Machine washing can degrade the grip surface over time. Training and cold-weather gloves can typically be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. Always air dry gloves rather than using a machine dryer, as heat can damage adhesive grip surfaces, shrink fabrics, and compromise insulation materials. Store gloves flat or in their original shape rather than balled up, as creasing can create permanent weak points in the materials. Wipe football glove palms with a damp cloth between washes to maintain grip consistency.

Building a Glove Collection

A well-equipped young athlete benefits from having the right gloves for each situation. A pair of high-grip football gloves covers game day needs for receivers, defensive backs, and skill position players. A versatile pair of insulated training gloves handles cold-weather workouts across any sport. For players who train outdoors year-round, lightweight running gloves add comfort during cool-weather cardio sessions. Buying sport-specific gloves rather than trying to use one pair for everything ensures each pair performs optimally in its intended use. When budget is a factor, start with the gloves for your child's primary sport and add training gloves as a secondary purchase.

Find the Right Gloves

Shop our collection of boys' gloves from adidas and Under Armour. Whether your young athlete needs game-day grip, training warmth, or all-purpose sport gloves, you will find quality options built for performance. Browse now and keep their hands ready for every play and every season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boys Gloves

Can he use boys thermal gloves to play football?

While thermal gloves will keep his hands warm, they are not ideal for playing football. They lack the extreme, specialized silicone grip (like adidas GripTack) required to catch a fast-moving football, and the fabric can be too slippery for secure ball control.

Are under armour boys gloves touchscreen compatible?

Yes! Most premium winter and athletic running gloves from Under Armour feature "Tech Touch" conductive threads woven directly into the thumb and index finger, allowing him to use a smartphone or tablet without taking his gloves off.

How do I clean smelly youth football gloves?

Football gloves trap intense sweat. Hand wash them in a sink using cold water and a mild, enzyme-based detergent. Gently scrub the silicone palms to restore their stickiness, rinse thoroughly, and always lay them flat to air dry. Never put them in the dryer.

How do I measure his hand for boys batting gloves?

To find his glove size, use a flexible measuring tape to measure the distance from the base of his palm (where it meets the wrist) to the tip of his middle finger. Compare this measurement (in inches) to the brand's specific sizing chart for a perfect, snug fit.

What is the difference between boys athletic gloves and heavy ski gloves?

Heavy ski gloves rely on thick, bulky fiberfill insulation, making it nearly impossible to bend the fingers or grip small objects. Athletic thermal gloves utilize advanced, ultra-thin micro-fleece to provide intense warmth while maintaining a sleek, aerodynamic profile that allows for full dexterity.