Best Hockey Gloves 2026/27 — Left Hand & Right Hand Guide
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Hockey gloves protect one of the most vulnerable parts of your body on the pitch — your hands. A well-placed stick or ball to the knuckles is one of the most common hockey injuries, and a good glove makes a significant difference. Here's how to choose the right one.
Why Wear a Hockey Glove?
Unlike many sports, hockey gloves are worn on one hand only — the left hand for right-handed players (the hand closest to the head of the stick), or the right hand for left-handed players. This is the hand most exposed to stick contact and ball impact during play.
At higher levels of play, gloves are increasingly common even among outfield players. At junior level, they're strongly recommended.
Left Hand vs Right Hand Gloves
Most hockey gloves are designed for the left hand — this is the standard for right-handed players. If you play left-handed, you'll need a right hand glove. Always check the product listing before buying.
Browse our full range: Hockey Gloves 2026/27 | All Hockey Gloves
What to Look For in a Hockey Glove
Protection Level
Entry-level gloves use basic foam padding. Mid-range and high-end gloves use moulded hard-shell protection over the knuckles and fingers, with articulated joints for flexibility. For competitive club hockey, look for a glove with hard-shell knuckle protection as a minimum.
Fit
The glove should fit snugly without restricting grip. Too loose and it'll move around during play; too tight and it'll affect your feel on the stick. Most brands offer junior and senior sizing — check the brand's size guide for hand circumference measurements.
Grip
The palm of the glove should allow a natural grip on the stick handle. Leather or synthetic leather palms offer the best feel. Avoid gloves with thick padding on the palm — this will affect your stick control.
Breathability
Hockey is an intense sport and your hands will sweat. Look for gloves with mesh panels or perforated materials on the back of the hand to keep airflow moving.
Junior vs Senior Hockey Gloves
Junior gloves are sized for smaller hands and are generally lighter and more flexible. Senior gloves offer more coverage and protection. If a junior player has larger hands, it's worth trying a small senior glove for better protection.
Top Brands for Hockey Gloves
At The Hockey Shed we stock gloves from the leading hockey brands — Y1, Grays, Kookaburra and more. Each brand has its own sizing and protection philosophy, so it's worth reading the individual product descriptions carefully.
Browse the full range: Hockey Gloves 2026/27 | All Hockey Gloves | All Hockey Protection