Why Your Golf Glove Matters
The golf glove is the cheapest piece of equipment — and the one with the most direct impact on every swing. It's the only contact point between body and club. A worn-out or ill-fitting glove means grip pressure changes and inconsistent swings.
FootJoy's internal research shows the average amateur plays with a glove that should have been replaced 10-15 rounds ago. That's like running in worn-out shoes — you don't notice degradation until it causes a problem.
Leather vs Synthetic: Material Comparison
Cabretta Leather
Traditional choice from hair sheep. Best feel, grip, and fit of any material.
- Feel: Excellent (thinnest, most tactile)
- Durability: 8-15 rounds
- Wet performance: Poor
- Price: $18-$30
Synthetic (Microfiber)
Engineered materials mimicking leather's grip with better durability.
- Feel: Good (slightly thicker)
- Durability: 20-40 rounds
- Wet performance: Fair
- Price: $12-$22
Hybrid (Leather + Synthetic)
Leather palm for grip, synthetic back for durability. Best of both worlds for most golfers.
| Feature | Leather | Synthetic | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Durability | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Wet Grip | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How a Golf Glove Should Fit
- No excess at fingertips — glove ends exactly where fingers end
- Snug across palm — fist without restriction, no loose material
- Velcro overlaps ~75%
- Leather stretches; synthetic doesn't — buy leather slightly tight
| Measurement | Men's Size |
|---|---|
| 6.5-7" | Small |
| 7-7.5" | Medium |
| 7.5-8" | Medium-Large |
| 8-8.5" | Large |
| 8.5-9" | X-Large |
Many brands offer Cadet sizes for shorter fingers relative to palm width.
Rain and Cold Weather Gloves
Rain gloves use materials that grip better when wet. If you play in rain, owning a pair is a game-changer. Pair with wet weather apparel.
When to Replace Your Glove
- Worn-through spots — especially palm heel or thumb/index area
- Hardened leather — lost grip and flexibility
- Excessive stretching — loose and baggy
- "Shine" test — worn leather develops smooth, shiny surface
Making Gloves Last
- Remove between shots (reduces sweat saturation)
- Store flat with Velcro closed
- Rotate two gloves (doubles lifespan)
- Never machine wash
Best Golf Gloves by Category
For complete golf wardrobe, see our equipment guide and shoe guide.
Sources & Further Reading
- FootJoy. "Glove Fitting Guide and Material Science." footjoy.com, 2025.
- Golf Digest. "Best Golf Gloves 2025." golfdigest.com.
- MyGolfSpy. "Golf Glove Durability Test: 15 Gloves, 50 Rounds." mygolfspy.com, 2024.
- TaylorMade. "Grip Pressure Study: Glove Condition & Performance." 2024.
