The 10 Best Hockey Gloves of 2025

When it comes to hockey equipment, the NHL is where the latest innovations are on display. It’s the stage where the newest and best products are put to the test by the best players in the world. NHL athletes demand exceptional performance from their equipment, and manufacturers deliver. These elite athletes help showcase the hockey gear that filters down to players at every level of the game.
 
At GearGeek.com, we’re obsessed with hockey gear. We track every piece of equipment used in the NHL, down to the brand and model. Curious about which gloves your favorite player uses or the latest trends across the league? We’ve got you covered. By watching every game and meticulously analyzing official game photos and team social accounts, we stay up to date on every gear change the moment it happens.
 
In this blog, we explore the 10 best pairs of hockey gloves in the game, ranked by their popularity among NHL players.

Users this month: 155 (21.38% of league)

Notable users: Aleksander Barkov, Elias Pettersson, Patrik Laine

The HyperLite model from Bauer’s always popular Vapor line of hockey gloves were designed for elite-level performance. They offer a lightweight feel, superior mobility, and excellent protection. Built with Bauer’s Taper Fit, these gloves provide a snug fit in the fingers and backhand while allowing for more wrist mobility, making them ideal for stickhandling and fast-paced play.

A key feature of the HyperLite gloves is ShockLite Foam, which enhances impact protection without adding bulk. The gloves also incorporate Defense Cloud Tech Foam, reducing overall weight while maintaining high-end protection. The HyperSense liner in the fingers and palm enhances comfort, delivering a broken-in feel right out of the box.

The DuraCONNEKT palm offers a superior balance of durability and stick feel, ensuring players have excellent control without sacrificing longevity. The exterior shell is constructed with Pro Lite Tex and Cable Mesh, providing both durability and a lightweight structure.

For moisture control, the ThermoCore Zero liner wicks away sweat while incorporating anti-microbial properties. The Free Flex cuff provides extended wrist mobility, giving players an advantage when shooting or passing.

Carolina Hurricanes’ star Sebastian Aho made the switch to Vapor HyperLite gloves in October 2024. They’ve been the pair he trusts now, after an exceptionally long run with Warrior Covert QR1 gloves.

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Users this month: 123 (16.97% of league)

Notable users: Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid, Sam Reinhart

The CCM JetSpeed FT1 hockey gloves combine lightweight construction, enhanced mobility, and premium protection. Featuring Pro Clarino palm material, these gloves offer a soft, game-ready feel while maintaining excellent durability and stick control.

Built with tapered fit technology, the FT1 gloves provide a snug fit in the fingers and backhand while allowing for greater wrist mobility. The Pro Flex thumb enhances dexterity, helping players maintain a strong grip on their stick.

For protection, Zotefoam and PE inserts ensure lightweight yet high-impact resistance, safeguarding players from slashes and puck impacts. The gloves also include a Polygiene-treated liner, which absorbs moisture and reduces odor buildup.

The Open Flex Cuff design allows for maximum wrist movement, aiding in shooting and stickhandling. Overall, the CCM JetSpeed FT1 gloves offer a balance of comfort, protection, and responsiveness.

The original release date of the FT1 model gloves is now only a few years away from its ten year anniversary. The level of popularity in the NHL that these gloves have maintained, is without a doubt very impressive.

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Users this month: 60 (10.9% of league)

Notable users: David Pastrnak, Moritz Seider, Jack Eichel

The Supreme Mach hockey gloves from Bauer were engineered for elite-level players who prioritize protection, durability, and maximum power in their game. Designed with anatomical fit technology, these gloves provide a close-to-the-hand feel, ensuring maximum responsiveness for shooting and stickhandling.
For superior protection, the Supreme Mach gloves feature ShockLite foam and Triple Density foam, which effectively absorb impacts from slashes and blocked shots while keeping that lightweight profile. The CURV Composite backhand improves durability and impact resistance, providing pro-level protection without sacrificing flexibility.

The DuraCONNEKT palm offers an exceptional balance of durability and stick feel, ensuring a responsive grip while extending the glove’s lifespan. Inside, the ThermoCore Zero liner helps reduce moisture and bacteria buildup, keeping hands cool and dry throughout play.

With a Flex Cuff design, players experience unrestricted wrist movement, maximizing power in shots and passes. The Bauer Supreme Mach gloves deliver top-tier performance, protection, and comfort for serious players.

Boston Bruins’ star David Pastrnak was the first NHL player spotted with these gloves in April 2023.

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Users this month: 50 (6.9% of league)

Notable users: Rasmus Dahlin, Dylan Larkin, Brandon Montour

The Warrior Covert QRE hockey gloves were designed for players seeking a lightweight, mobile, and highly protective glove for fast-paced play. Featuring Covert Taper Fit, these gloves contour to the natural shape of the hand, providing a snug, anatomical fit for great control and responsiveness.

For protection, the Exo Protect System integrates high-density foams and plastic inserts to absorb impacts from slashes and pucks while maintaining flexibility. The AX Suede Pro Palm enhances stick feel and durability, ensuring a soft yet long-lasting grip.

The Buttersoft feel construction, featuring a combination of stretch gussets, a flexible thumb, and ergonomic breaks, gives the gloves a game-ready fit right out of the box. The SmartPalm+ technology adds an extra layer of reinforcement in key wear areas, improving longevity.

With an open cuff design for unrestricted wrist mobility and a WarTech FNC liner to wick away moisture and prevent odor buildup, the Warrior Covert QRE gloves deliver elite-level performance, comfort, and durability.

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Users this month: 43 (5.93% of league)

Notable users: Artemi Panarin, Nazem Kadri, Brock Boeser

CCM Ultra Tacks hockey gloves have been around for a number of years now. They are designed for players seeking a comfortable fit. Built with anatomical fit technology, these gloves provide a close-to-the-hand feel, ensuring excellent responsiveness while maintaining mobility.

For impact protection, the Ultra Tacks gloves incorporate D3O Smart Material in key areas, which absorbs and disperses high-impact forces from slashes and pucks. The PE foam and inserts further enhance protection without adding unnecessary bulk.

The Pro Clarino palm offers a soft, game-ready feel while remaining durable and enhancing stick control. The glove’s Pro Flex thumb allows for natural movement and a strong grip on the stick, improving overall handling and shooting performance.

The Open Flex Cuff provides additional wrist mobility, while the Polygiene-treated liner helps wick away moisture and reduce odor buildup. Combining comfort, protection, and performance, the CCM Ultra Tacks gloves are an excellent choice for competitive players.

New York Rangers’ fan favorite, Artemi Panarin, still keeps his trust in the Ultra Tacks gloves. This despite a few changes to Bauer equipment in other categories.

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Users this month: 34 (4.69% of league)

Notable users: Adam Fox, Tage Thompson, Anze Kopitar

The Pro Series from Bauer continues their tradition of a 4-Roll model. These hockey gloves are designed for high-performance players who demand pro-level protection, comfort, and durability. Featuring an anatomical fit, these gloves provide a snug yet flexible feel, ensuring control while maintaining wrist mobility.
For superior protection, the Pro Series gloves incorporate Triple Density Foam with PE inserts, which absorb and disperse impacts from slashes and pucks while keeping the gloves lightweight. The CURV Composite backhand further enhances durability and impact resistance.

The Pro Palm+ offers an elite balance of softness and durability, ensuring excellent stick feel. Inside, the ThermoMax+ liner keeps moisture away, and allows hands to stay cool and dry throughout intense gameplay while minimizing odor.

With a Free Flex cuff for enhanced wrist movement and a classic yet modern design, the Bauer Pro Series gloves deliver exceptional comfort and responsiveness, making them a notable choice for elite players.

Future Hall of Famer, Patrick Kane, first made a switch to the Pro Series model as a member of the New York Rangers in 2023. He has been wearing them ever since.

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Users this month: 24 (3.31% of league)

Notable users: Drew Doughty, Zach Werenski, Noah Hanifin

Warrior’s Alpha DX gloves were built for players who demand elite-level protection, comfort, and mobility. Featuring Dynamic Strike technology and a similar look to the classic 4-Roll, these gloves provide an anatomical fit that contours to the natural shape of a player’s hand. Ensuring superior feel and flexibility while stickhandling and shooting.

For protection, the Hybrid Taper Fit allows for a snug feel while maintaining mobility, and the IMPAX foam technology absorbs and disperses high-impact forces from slashes and pucks. The plastic inserts further reinforce protection without compromising dexterity.

The AXI-Flex thumb enhances grip and prevents hyperextension, improving control over the stick. The Pro Palm+ is great for both durability and stick feel, ensuring longevity without any sacrifices. Inside, the WarTech FNC liner with Polygiene wicks away moisture and prevents bacteria, keeping your hands dry.

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Users this month: 24 (3.31% of league)

Notable users: Kyle Connor, Roman Josi, Nico Hischier

CCM HG12 gloves are largely recognized at the NHL and other levels of professional hockey. They feature a design and fit that most would recall as a carbon copy of the Reebok 11K model.

For superior protection, the HG12 gloves feature D3O Smart Material and high-density PE foam with plastic inserts, ensuring maximum impact absorption. The three-piece flexible index and middle fingers enhance dexterity, allowing for improved grip and response. The PE reinforced cuff provides additional protection and flexibility, allowing for unrestricted wrist movement.

Inside, the moisture-wicking Polygiene-treated liner keeps hands dry and odor-free throughout the duration of a game.

The CCM HG12 Pro gloves offer a classic look with modern pro-level performance, making them a top choice for serious players. The glove’s overall design has been around for over a decade now, and nothing would indicate that they are anywhere close to being phased out.

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Users this month: 23 (3.17% of league)

Notable users: Mitch Marner, Brady Tkachuk, Timo Meier

The Catalyst 9X model glove from True was designed for elite-level players, who mainly seek a highly mobile glove. Featuring a tapered anatomical fit, these gloves provide a snug feel in the fingers and backhand while allowing exceptional wrist mobility for precise stickhandling and shooting.

For protection, the EPP foam with PE inserts offers high-impact resistance without adding unnecessary bulk, ensuring superior durability and lightweight performance. The three-piece thumb design enhances flexibility and grip, allowing for better control over the stick.

The AX Suede palm provides an ultra-soft feel while maintaining its durability, ensuring long-lasting performance and superior stick connection. The Flex Cuff design allows for great wrist movement, enhancing overall agility during gameplay.

Inside, the moisture-wicking antimicrobial liner keeps hands dry and odor-free, maintaining comfort throughout intense play. Combining lightweight construction, elite-level protection, and premium feel, the True Catalyst 9X gloves are a top-tier choice for high-performance hockey players.

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Users this month: 19 (2.62% of league)

Notable users: Teuvo Teravainen, Ryan Hartman, Gustav Forsling

The CCM 4-Roll Pro hockey gloves are a classic choice for players who prefer a traditional fit with modern protection and comfort. Featuring a classic 4-roll design, these gloves provide a roomy, relaxed fit, allowing for good wrist mobility and freedom of movement.

For protection, the gloves incorporate high-density PE foam with plastic inserts, which allow for resistance against slashes and blocked shots. The open segmented cuff improves flexibility, ensuring unrestricted wrist movement for the player.

The palms on these classic gloves ensure long-lasting durability, but still feel comfortable with a hockey stick in your hands.

With their timeless design, premium comfort, and elite-level protection, the CCM 4-Roll Pro gloves are a go-to choice for players who are creatures of habit. This blend of tradition, durability, and high-performance continues to represent, even in these modern times of the game.

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