In hockey, the puck is flying towards the goal at crazy speeds. Therefore your ice hockey goalie glove is one of the most important elements of your equipment: they protect your hands while still giving your good fit to catch the puck.
Below is my guide to help you choose the best hockey goalie glove for you with the critical criteria, answers to your frequently asked questions and reviews of gloves for youth, junior, intermediate and senior hockey goaltenders.
Note: if you are looking for hockey gloves for players, head to my other article
This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (more info here).
Best hockey goalie gloves in 2022 - Overview
Choosing your hockey goalie glove
This complete article gives your all the information your need about choosing the right hockey goalie glove for you, including size, FAQs, buying criteria and reviews. But if you don't want to read everything, below is an overview of my selection of catch gloves for youth, junior, intermediate and senior goaltenders.
All gloves are a balanced of these criteria:
- protection
- mobility
- weight
- weight
- durability
- design
You have to choose what is most important to you and find the best fit for you.
2 Best Youth Hockey Goalie Gloves
4 Best Junior Hockey Goalie Gloves
4 Best Intermediate Hockey Goalie Gloves
BAUER SUPREME 3S - INTER
Best for balance protection / control
Available in Full-Right
5 Best Senior Hockey Goalie Gloves
BAUER SUPREME 3S - SENIOR
Best for balance protection / control
Available in Full-Right
Hockey Goalie Catch Gloves - Frequently Asked Questions
What does a hockey goalie catch gloves look like?
A hockey goalie catch glove, or simply a hockey goalie glove, is designed to protect the hand from injuries, catch and stop the puck, and enable the goaltender to use it for basic moves and stickhandling.
The main elements of a hockey goalie catcher glove are -
- Pocket: The pocket is a net-like webbing between the thumb and the glove’s index finger whose primary function is to catch the puck. A pocket on the glove is the primary distinguishing factor between hockey player gloves and goalie gloves.
- Cuff: The cuff is the portion of the goalie glove that sits on top of the wrist and extends up to the palm. The glove’s cuff determines how stiff or flexible the glove would be when blocking or catching the puck. There is also an inner cuff area to the glove, which the goalie can adjust to secure the glove against the wrist firmly.
- Palm: The palm on a hockey goalie glove is a large flat piece of the glove that sits on the palm of the goalie. It is designed to block the puck or to lead the puck towards the pocket. The palms of player gloves are designed to enable better grip and controlled stickhandling. The palm of goalie gloves is designed to block and catch the puck and hence uses more protective and stiffer material.
- Backhand: The backhand of the glove sits on the backhand of the goalie. It is designed to provide optimal protection to the goalie’s hand against slashes, injuries, or falls.
What goalie gloves do NHL players wear?
NHL goalies wear high-quality pro-level gloves made by leading brands like CCM, Vaughn, Bauer, True, etc. When choosing hockey gear for NHL players, specific attention is given to factors such as the fit, quality, styling, and suitability of the equipment to the player’s style of play.
How long do goalie trappers last?
If taken good care of, hockey goalie gloves can easily last for at least five years.
Should hockey goalie gloves be tight?
The goalie gloves should not be either too tight or too loose. The glove, when worn, should not be too loose to fall on its own and shouldn’t be too tight where the finger extends right up to the tip of the finger stalls.
How to break in ice hockey goalie gloves?
It is important to undertake the process of breaking in your goalie glove with utmost care and meticulousness.
An unnatural or uneven break could impact performance as well as comfort.
The process to break in hockey goalie gloves is as follows-
- Run hot water from your faucet (not boiling hot) on the outside area of the palm of your glove for about a minute.
- Now flip the glove and let the water run over the cuff area and the inside of the glove.
- Drain off excess water.
- Now, wear the glove. (Wait a bit longer if it is too hot)
- Adjust the palm and cuff strapping securely around your hand. Make sure you adjust it exactly the way you would when you actually play.
- Close the glove.
- Take off your hand without opening the glove.
- Wrap it in a towel, put the closed glove under some weights, and leave it for at least an entire day.
- After a day, unwrap the towel, open the glove and leave it again under some weights for half a day.
Alternatively, you could also use the baking method under the supervision of an expert to break in your goalie gloves.
Make sure to dry it out completely! See tips at the end of the article.
How to choose the best ice hockey goalie gloves - Criteria
Size/Length
Hockey goalie gloves come in four sizes-
- Youth- for ages 5-6 - length 4 ¾ to 5 ⅝ inches
- Junior- for ages 7-9 - length 5 ⅝ to 6 ¼ inches
- Intermediate- for ages 10-13 - length 6 ¼ to 7 inches
- Senior- for ages 13 and above - length 7 - 8 ⅜ inches
Ice hockey goalie glove size chart
Remember that you must be able to close the glove after wearing it.
Thus, the fit of the glove is the most important. Do not blindly rely on the age-based sizing of gloves.
Choose a glove that best fits you.
Left-handed vs Right-handed?
Regular Catch Gloves are worn on the LEFT HAND.
Full Right Catch Gloves are worn on the RIGHT HAND.
Not all gloves offer a Full right glove
Tightness/Fit
Getting the fit of the goalie catch glove is crucial. Ensure that the fit meets the following criteria-
- The room between the end of your fingers and the finger stalls should not be more than 1/2 inch. Less space means that the glove is too tight.
- Tighten the hand and wrist straps in a way where the glove is not too loose to fall on its own.
To ensure a proper fit
- Always wear chest protection before wearing the goalie catch glove.
- Pick up an untapped stick from the floor with your glove on. If the glove is too tight, you won’t be able to pick it up.
- Check if the glove closes completely. Check if your index finger extends beyond the break of the glove.
- Shake the wrist to see if the glove stays in place. If it falls off, the glove is too loose.
Weight
The weight of a goalie catch glove is not as important as that of player gloves. This is because goalie gloves are designed to catch or block the puck, while player gloves should protect without impeding movement.
Nevertheless, the goalie glove should not be so heavy that the player is unable to pick it up quickly. The glove, when worn, should be light enough to allow a full range of motion.
It is best to perform a few drills to check if the weight of the glove is not restricting movement.
Design/Construction
Understanding how the elements of the goalie glove are designed is essential in determining which type works better for your playing style.
- Cuff: One-piece vs. Two-Piece
A one-piece cuff uses a single surface area that connects the palm to the cuff. There is no break between the palm and the cuff.
A one-piece cuff has a larger blocking area and is stiffer.
On the other hand, a two-piece cuff uses a break between the palm area and the glove area. This allows excellent wrist mobility and makes the catch glove more suitable for passing the puck and taking shots.
- Pocket: Single T vs. Double T
In a single T pocket, a single structural divide runs through the middle of the pocket. This structure allows the goalie to feel the impact of the puck as it lands in the pocket.
In a double T-pocket, two structural pillars run down the top end of the pocket. It makes the pocket much wider and allows more room for the goalie to collect the puck.
- Pocket: Nylon Stringing vs. Cotton Stringing
A nylon stringing makes the pocket more tightly pulled than a cotton stringing. Cotton stringing gives more bend to the pocket and can work better at keeping the puck in the pocket securely.
- Break Angle:
The break angle is the angle at which the glove closes. Goalie gloves come in the following angles:
90 degrees- This is the least popular break angle. In this type of catch glove, the goalie needs to bring his fingers to touch the heel of the hand under the thumb. Thus, it is as if the goalie is doing a thumbs up to close the gloves.
60 degrees- At a 60 degrees angle, the tips of the fingers need to meet the tip of the thumb for the glove to close.
75 degrees- This angle sits between the 90-degrees and the 60-degrees angle and offers the most natural closure between the thumb and the fingertips.
The type of angle you choose depends on your style of play. The 60-degree angle is the most preferred and popular by goaltenders who use the traditional handshake position.
Protection level
The protection level of a goalie glove comes from the padding in the glove.
The backhand is the most padded area on the glove. In addition to that, a good quality hockey goalie glove also comes with padding on the undersides, fingers.
For added protection, look for a goalie glove with felt or foam on the inner palm.
Durability/Quality/Material
Hockey goalie gloves are made using synthetic leather or nylon on the outside, and the padding is made using a combination of foam and plastic.
Goalie gloves made using synthetic leather are more durable. Similarly, double-density foam is more long-lasting than single-density foam.
Note that most hockey gloves these days are made using a combination of over 30 types of material. The higher the quality of the gloves, the more long-lasting the gloves would be.
But no matter what type of glove you choose, you can extend its life using good care of the gloves. (Read the tips below for details)
Style
Style should be the least important factor to consider when choosing hockey goalie gloves as they have no direct bearing on the goaltender’s performance.
That said, every effort should be made to match the color of the gloves to the color of the pads.
New vs. Used Goalie Gloves
The cost of the total goalie gear is quite steep, and many players are often tempted to opt for used gloves.
However, you should never opt for used a goalie mitt as:
- Goalie gloves are a breeding ground of bacteria, and using used gloves could expose you to bacteria risks.
- Goalie gloves are broken-in in a way that meets the specific goaltenders’ requirements, and therefore used goalie gloves may not fit well.
- Goalie gloves are subject to immense wear and tear, and the padding on used goalie gloves may not be enough to provide sufficient protection.
2 Best Youth Hockey Goalie Gloves - Reviews
At youth levels, players alternate in the goalie position. Most of the time, there is no dedicated goaltender yet.
However, if your kid is already showing interest towards the position, having its own catch glove will allow him / her to practice more and perform better.
Choices are limited for youth players, but here are 2 good options:
Bauer GSX Prodigy
Pros:
- Great glove for beginners / recreational players
- Durable
- Excellent mobility
- Adequate palm flexibility for better closure
Cons:
- Not suitable for advanced level players
Review
This is an excellent hockey goalie glove for kids working on their goaltending skills. The glove is designed for more stiffness and rigidity to help beginners and recreational players block and catch pucks better.
For the pocket, the double T trap with soft lacing at a 75-degree break angle. The soft lacing works well at stopping puck rotations and preventing pop-outs.
The mobility-quotient of the glove comes from the use of a free flex backhand combined with a nash-lined palm.
Not only does this combination offer mobility, but it also keeps the glove adequately lightweight.
Overall, the Bauer GSX Prodigy is an excellent choice for those looking for a beginner quality goalie catch glove.
CCM YT_Flex 2
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Provides adequate protection
- Adjustable for a refined fit
- Offers good wrist mobility
- Allows quick closure
- Available in 3 color combinations
Cons:
- It could require a more extended break-in period
Review
The CCM YT _Flex 2 is an excellent goalie glove by CCM that is designed keeping the requirements of youth in mind.
What’s impressive about this glove is how easy to close it is. The single T 590-degree break angle (close to a standard 75 degree) pocket allows a tremendous puck impact feel. The pocket being a bit bigger also holds the puck well, and the easy closure only helps the cause further.
The goalie glove also strikes the perfect balance between rigidity and flexibility. The two-piece cuff lets the wrist move freely, and the rigid palm can block well without impacting its ability to fold for a closure. You also have the freedom to customize the fit further using the inner wrist straps.
The plastic inserts in the cuff and thumb area contribute towards making this glove more protective for the young goaltending hands.
4 Best Junior Hockey Goalie Gloves - reviews
For juniors, goalkeepers positions are more fixed and you start seeing more choices for catch gloves.
Below are some of the best with a good balance between protection and weight.
Brian Gnetik X
Excellent all-round
Pros:
- Excellent all-round construction
- Minimal break-in time
- Quick closure
- Comfortable and adequately protective
- Suitable for advancing goaltending skills
Cons:
- May not be suitable for absolute beginners
- The small catch circumference may require getting used
Review
Brian goalie gloves are known for their specialized design, quick closure, and minimal break-in period. Accordingly, this glove scores on all of these fronts.
The glove uses a smaller catch circumference which may take a while to get used to, but the perfect closure allows a secure hold.
The pocket itself uses a 75-degree (called 35-degree by Brian) break angle and a double T deep pocket that instantly neutralizes puck rotations.
However, what truly makes this glove increasingly popular among youngsters is its comfort. With the minimal break-in period, the non-slip SBA synthetic palm feels really soft on the hand and also allows maximum puck feel.
Overall, this goalie glove’s technology adapts to the advancing goaltending skills of junior hockey players.
CCM Axis A1.5
Great for protection (especially thumb)
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Premium-quality
- Advanced protection
- Provides good value for money
Cons:
- More suited for intermediate level of play
- Difficult to break-in
Review
CCM Goalie gloves are renowned for their thoughtful design and the use of high-quality, durable products.
Therefore you won’t be surprised by the premium feel that the CCM Axis A1.5 goalie glove exudes. This modern hockey equipment boasts of a solid one-piece cuff. The cuff is sturdy and blends in well with the palm providing adequate blocking area.
The pocket uses the CCM 590 break that leans more towards the fingers meeting the thumb. The pocket uses a double straight tee with skate laces for more give. This holds the puck well without compromising on the impact feel of the puck.
However, it is the molded thumb on the back that distinguishes the CCM Axis from similar goalie gloves. The thumb is meant to absorb the impact of slashing. This thumb protection and the light foam padding on the fingers make these gloves score high on protection.
Overall, it is a beautifully designed glove that can easily support an intermediate level of play.
Bauer GSX
Best for recreational
Pros:
- Provides a natural-feel
- Excellent glove for beginner or recreational goalies
- Easier to break-in
- Durable
- 3 colors
Cons:
- Not suitable for competitive playing
Review
Bauer goalie gloves continue to evolve. This recreational goalie glove, too, has now improved to adopt new-age technology.
Thus, for the pocket, the glove uses a 75-degree break that closes quickly after a few trial drills. The initial break-in period of the glove is relatively low and works well for recreational goalies.
The double T trap pocket lets the goalie partially see the puck entering, and the improved lacing keeps the puck securely in place.
However, it is the backhand padding that makes this glove worth its price. The Free Flex technology that Bauer uses in many of its goalie gloves indeed promotes full hand movement. It makes closing the glove feel natural.
The cuff used is a one-piece cuff that provides a solid surface for neat blocking.
Overall, this is one of the best junior goalie gloves for recreational players.
Vaughn Velocity V9 XP
Best for control
Pros:
- Excellent protection
- Defined pocket closure
- Great fit and comfort
- Durable
- Boosts performance and skills
- 3 colors
Cons:
- The design requires some time to get used to
- May be a bit advanced for absolute beginners
Review
The thoughtfulness with Vaughn Goalie glove has been designed will appeal to you as you begin to use it regularly. To begin with, the closure of the pocket is beautifully defined. Moreover, the 60-degree break angle allows for a flatter, more natural closure. The double T trap stringing does not allow the puck to pop out easily.
As far as the cuff is concerned, the minimal design provides a clean surface for superior blocking.
However, this glove’s protection-quotient truly distinguishes it from most standard hockey goalie catch gloves. The glove uses almost no binding on the palm. While it results in improved blocking, it also protects against sudden stings and slashes. The glove also features thicker finger padding further fortified by an HD foam-based deflecting rail on fingertips.
This level of protection allows for free playing and thus boosts performance to a great extent.
Buy it / Read user reviews
4 Best Intermediate Hockey Goalie Gloves
For intermediate players, you start seeing pro-level features for great control and performance (while providing extra protection).
Below are some fo the best ones to consider.
Warrior Ritual G5 Pro
Best for performance
Pros:
- Customizable break angle
- Equipped with advanced technology for assisting saves
- Great for pro/advanced players
- Durable
- Minimal break-in period
- 4 color schemes
Cons:
- Advanced for recreational/beginner-level use
Review
The Warrior G5 Pro is one of the best hockey trappers available in the market. What makes the G5 Pro stand out is its unique technology that levels up to assist the goalie in fast-paced competitive games.
The glove uses the Warrior-special CoverEdge+ technology. This technology tilts the face of the glove forward. This forward-angle helps neutralize the puck angle, thus allowing quick saves.
The other stand-out feature of this Warrior goalie glove is that it has a removable palm-liner which lets you modify the block angle from the inherent 75 to both a 60 or a 90-degree.
In addition to this, the other performance enhancers include a no-binding one-piece cuff for superior blocking, an AxyFlex Single T pocket with excellent puck-impact, and long-lasting protection infused backhand and fingers.
Thus, the Warrior G5 Pro is a pro-level, well-thought-out glove that will instantly enhance the goalie’s performance while also adapting to his playing techniques.
Bauer Supreme 3S
Best for balance protection / control
Pros:
- Excellent protection
- Superior mobility
- Durable
- Easy closure
- Suitable for skilled goalies
- 3 colors schemes
- Available in Full-Right
Cons:
- Requires some break-in period
Review:
Bauer goalie equipment fans will love the Bauer Supreme 3S catch glove. It uses sophisticated technology to fortify every element of the glove, right from the palm to the cuff and the backhand.
As far as the pocket is concerned, the glove uses the Bauer double-tee structure. Like other Bauer gloves, the stringing allows more give and creates a deeper-looking pocket to retain the puck better.
The palm of this goalie glove feels soft when worn, and yet the addition of Catchlite provides extra protection against snagging. The Quattro palm also allows more handling control.
The protection factor is also introduced on the cuff using the CURV technology. On the backhand, the Thermomax also strengthens protection while aiding free mobility.
Vaughn Ventus SLR2 Pro
Best for mobility (especially for wrist)
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable on the hands
- Suitable for long hours of play
- Fantastic closure and pocket construction
- Greater mobility
- Great protection
- 4 color schemes
Cons:
- Not suitable for beginners
- Those used to a one-piece cuff may not like the extra wrist mobility.
Review
This is yet another Vaughn goalie glove on this list of the best hockey goalie gloves.
However, unlike the Vaughn Velocity, this glove uses a two-piece cuff with a wider back opening that allows excellent wrist mobility. For goalies that like to engage in some passing and shot-making, this wrist mobility is a boon, and it does not come at the cost of a weak blocking surface.
The pocket of this goalie glove is also unique. It is much wider and deeper than other goalie gloves, and the extra circumference helps with puck retention.
The palm also uses a unique neoprene flex which grips the hand well, thus allowing more control.
As far as the padding is concerned, not only are the backside and the fingertips padded, but the palm, too, has been buffed up to avoid injuries on account of stingers.
What’s interesting is that this glove uses a molded palm which works well at giving the glove a better definition.
Brian Gnetik X
Excellent all-round
Pros:
- Excellent all-round construction
- Minimal break-in time
- Quick closure
- Comfortable and adequately protective
- Suitable for advancing goaltending skills
- 2 color combinations
Cons:
- May not be suitable for absolute beginners
- The small catch circumference may require getting used
Read the detailed review in the Junior section of this post.
5 Best Senior Hockey Gloves for Goalkeepers - reviews
For seniors, you can see a wide variety of products.
In this section I am introducing just one product that is a pro catch glove. The others are for senior players at good level but not pro levels. There is a big gap in price.
Brian’s GNetik IV
PRO Advanced level - more expensive but higher level of technology
Pros:
- Unmatched, super-advanced design and technology
- Extremely durable
- Highly impressive protection
- Adjustable fit technology
- Lightweight and comfortable
- No break-in required
Cons:
- Only suitable for elite players
- Expensive
Review
The best way to sum up this Brian hockey goalie glove is by stating that it is the absolute best hockey goalie catch glove available in the market.
The GNetik IV has used thoughtful, high-quality design and materials throughout the glove to make it a market leader.
Thus, it has a double tee pocket that’s not only the deepest pocket available on a goalie glove but also one that appears large and wide to the shooter.
The palm on this glove requires zero break-in time and can be closed right out of the box. The closure, too, feels snappy and natural, thanks to the 35-degree break. The break works seamlessly, no matter your catching style. The palm also feels very grippy thanks to the use of Nash interiors.
For comfort and grip, the goalie glove can be cinched down using the BOA dials on the hand to suit any hand type. Moreover, the fingers can be adjusted too for refining the fit even more.
Overall, if you are an elite-level player willing to pay a few extra bucks, this glove guarantees the highest level of protection, superior puck handling, and top-class comfort.
Warrior Ritual G5+
Best for performance
Pros:
- Customizable break angle
- Equipped with advanced technology for assisting saves
- Great for pro/advanced players
- Durable
- Minimal break-in period
- 3 color combinations
Cons:
- Advanced for recreational/beginner-level use
Read the detailed review in the Intermediate section of this post.
Bauer Supreme 3S
Best for balance protection / control
Pros:
- Excellent protection
- Superior mobility
- Durable
- Easy closure
- Suitable for skilled goalies
- 2 color combinations
- Available in Full-Right
Cons:
- Expensive for recreational players
- Requires some break-in period
Read the detailed review in the Intermediate section of this post.
Bauer Vapor 2X
Great for mobility (especially at wrist)
Pros:
- Comes with extraordinary protection
- Equipped with a deep pocket
- Provides great wrist-mobility
- Durable
- Suitable for intermediate to advanced levels of play
Cons:
- Not suitable for players using a finger-to-thumb closure
Review
The Bauer Vapor 2X is a high-quality glove that further improves on the design of Bauer goalie gloves.
Thus, the Catchlite technology used is further improved by its use both in the palm and the T-trap. This protects against snagging, slashing, and any accidental skate brushes.
The Curv that runs all across the cuff to the back also improves the overall protection of the glove. Note that the Curv does not weigh down the free flex technology present in all Bauer gloves.
The one-piece cuff holds strong against pucks. The palm too seamlessly navigates the puck into the Single-T pocket. The use of maximum depth in the pocket and the close stringing work particularly well in preventing pop-outs. The 60-degree angle supports the hands-up style of play.
This Bauer goalie glove also excels in the wrist mobility department despite using a one-piece cuff. This advanced mobility is achieved using a slightly shorter cuff and a free-flex backhand that does not obstruct airflow. The adjustable straps also help cinch down the cuff to fit all types of hand types.
Warrior Ritual GT2
Best for comfort
Pros:
- Great fit for all hand-types
- Wide pocket
- Requires almost zero break-in period
- Lightweight and super comfortable
- Affordably priced
- 2 color combinations
Cons:
- Fixed break angle (unlike Warrior G5 Pro)
- Better suited for intermediate-level of play
Review
This goalie glove by Warrior is a fantastic design that offers magnificent functionality.
To begin with, the Warrior GT2 features a massive pocket. The break has been moved towards the thumb end to make the pocket appear larger.
The pocket also uses a double T structure that stops puck rotation instantly thanks to the thin laces and closer stringing.
The glove offers a super impressive snappy closure right out of the box. It uses the famous 75-degree break (unfortunately not adjustable like the Warrior G5 Pro) coupled with a forward thumb angle to make the closure feel more natural.
The palm-comfort also exceeds expectations for this price range on account of its lightweight feel.
The fit of this glove can also be fine-tuned to suit both wide and small or narrow hands using the internal adjustable straps.
How to take care of Hockey Goalie Gloves?
The best way to elongate the life of your hockey goalie gloves is by taking good care of the gloves both before and after every use.
Here are some tips for you:
Pre-use care:
- Always carry goalie gloves in a gear bag to avoid any unforeseen damage.
- Always wash your hands before putting on gloves to avoid transmission of bacteria.
Post use care:
- Always take your goalie gloves out of the bag immediately.
- Gently spray the gloves with a sports deodorizer to avoid the problem of smelly goalie gloves.
- The most important is to dry them well - Keep them outside for them to dry - you can use a fan to increase the drying and change the position of the glove for it to dry out everywhere + A dry rack is also great to increase the airflow inside the glove + or you can use a shoe and glove dryer, again to increase the drying.
How to wash goalie gloves?
Best is to hand wash your glove:
- Fill your sink or tub with warm water
- Add detergent and vinegar
- Let the glove soak for 45 minutes to an hour.
- Wipe
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Remove the gear from the water and allow it to dry completely - again the drying is the most important step!
Complete your hockey equipment set!
Other equipment to get for hockey players:
- Best hockey mouthguards - read article
- Best hockey skate laces - read article
- Best hockey goalie masks - read article
And if you want to work out off ice:
- 10 essential elements to cover in your off-ice workouts - read article
- 10 best off-ice hockey training equipment - read article
- Best hockey shooting pads and tiles - read article
- Best slide boards for hockey training - read article
- Best synthetic ice for hockey players - read article
- Best net targets and shooting tarps - read article
- Best hockey passers and rebounders - read article
- Best balance boards for hockey players - read article
Share it on your favorite social media!
