In a hurry? After testing dozens of golf gloves over the past year, my top pick is the FootJoy Pure Touch. It delivers tour-level feel with exceptional durability that justifies the premium price.

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I’ve been through more golf gloves than I can count. Some fell apart after a few rounds, others felt like wearing a plastic bag, and a precious few have become permanent fixtures in my golf bag. Today, I’m sharing my honest picks for the best golf gloves of 2026—gloves I’ve actually worn, sweated in, and trusted with my grip.

Quick Comparison: Best Golf Gloves at a Glance

If you’ve never worn a truly premium golf glove, the FootJoy Pure Touch will ruin you for anything else. I remember slipping one on for the first time and immediately understanding why tour pros obsess over their gloves. The Cabretta leather is buttery soft yet remarkably strong.

What I Like

• Exceptional feel – you can genuinely sense the club better
• Premium Cabretta leather conforms perfectly to your hand
• Excellent moisture management keeps grip consistent
• ComforTab closure eliminates pressure points
• Surprisingly durable for such thin leather

What Could Be Better

• Premium price point (around $30)
• White-only option limits style choices
• Will wear faster than synthetic gloves

Verdict

This is my go-to glove for tournament play and rounds where I want peak performance. Yes, it costs more, but the confidence boost from that perfect grip is worth every penny. If you’re a single-digit handicapper or just appreciate quality gear, the Pure Touch delivers.

2. Titleist Players – Best All-Around Leather Glove

The Titleist Players glove hits that sweet spot between premium feel and everyday practicality. It’s what I reach for on casual weekend rounds when I want leather quality without the guilt of wearing through a $30 glove on the range.

What I Like

• Genuine Cabretta leather at a mid-range price
• Excellent grip in moderate conditions
• Consistent fit across different glove sizes
• Reinforced palm adds longevity without sacrificing feel
• Clean, classic appearance

What Could Be Better

• Not quite as soft as the Pure Touch
• Runs slightly small – consider sizing up
• Limited color options

Verdict

I recommend the Titleist Players to most golfers seeking a leather glove. It offers 90% of the Pure Touch experience at 75% of the price. Buy a three-pack and you’re set for the season.

3. Callaway Tour Authentic – Best Value Leather Glove

Callaway doesn’t get enough credit for their golf gloves. The Tour Authentic competes with gloves costing $5-10 more while delivering genuine tour-quality performance. I started using these for practice rounds and was so impressed they’ve earned a permanent spot in my bag.

What I Like

• Excellent value for premium leather
• Optical fit technology ensures consistent sizing
• Perforated fingers improve breathability
• Durable construction outlasts similarly-priced competitors
• Comfortable from the first swing

What Could Be Better

• Closure tab could be more secure
• Break-in period slightly longer than FootJoy
• Less color variety than synthetic options

Verdict

If you want leather performance without leather prices, the Tour Authentic is your glove. I’ve recommended it to at least a dozen playing partners, and every one has thanked me.

4. TaylorMade Tour Preferred – Best Hybrid Glove

The Tour Preferred represents the best of both worlds: synthetic durability where you need it, leather feel where it matters. TaylorMade has engineered strategic material placement that just works.

What I Like

• Four-way stretch material moves naturally with your hand
• Leather palm maintains traditional feel
• Synthetic back extends glove lifespan significantly
• Breathable mesh keeps your hand cool
• Modern fit appeals to younger players

What Could Be Better

• Seams can feel noticeable at first
• Not as refined as full-leather options
• Tighter fit than traditional gloves

Verdict

I use the Tour Preferred for hot summer rounds when breathability matters. It’s also perfect for players who go through gloves quickly – you’ll get 2-3x the life of a pure leather option.

5. FootJoy WeatherSof – Best Budget Glove

Don’t let the low price fool you – the WeatherSof is one of the best-selling golf gloves in the world for good reason. I keep a three-pack in my bag for range sessions and casual rounds. The value is simply unbeatable.

What I Like

• Exceptional value – often under $15
• Surprisingly soft synthetic material
• Available in multi-packs for added savings
• Handles light moisture well
• Consistent fit and quality control

What Could Be Better

• Less feel than leather gloves
• Can get slippery in very humid conditions
• Not as breathable as premium options

Verdict

Every golfer should own a few WeatherSofs. They’re the workhorse gloves that save your premium gloves for when it matters. Perfect for beginners or anyone watching their golf budget.

6. FootJoy RainGrip – Best Rain Glove

Here’s a secret most golfers learn too late: regular gloves become useless in the rain. The FootJoy RainGrip actually improves grip when wet, using the same principle as rain tires on a race car. I never play in wet conditions without them.

What I Like

• Grip literally improves when wet
• Sold as a pair for two-handed grip
• AutoSuede palm technology is remarkable
• Quick-drying material bounces back fast
• Also excellent in humid conditions

What Could Be Better

• Not ideal for dry conditions
• Thicker feel than standard gloves
• Higher upfront cost (buying a pair)

Verdict

If you live somewhere with unpredictable weather (looking at you, UK golfers), the RainGrip is essential. Don’t wait until you’re sliding off the club mid-swing to order these.

7. Under Armour Iso-Chill – Best Hot Weather Glove

Summer golf presents a unique challenge: sweaty hands destroy grip. Under Armour’s Iso-Chill technology actively disperses heat and wicks moisture. It’s become my go-to for those brutal August rounds when my other gloves are soaked by the turn.

What I Like

• Iso-Chill fabric genuinely feels cooler
• Superior moisture-wicking keeps grip consistent
• Lightweight construction enhances feel
• Stretch-fit design moves with your hand
• Modern athletic styling

What Could Be Better

• Less traditional feel than leather
• Durability slightly lower than competitors
• Higher price for synthetic material

Verdict

For golfers in hot climates or anyone who plays during summer months, the Iso-Chill is worth considering. The cooling technology isn’t just marketing – it genuinely helps.

Leather vs. Synthetic Golf Gloves: Which Should You Choose?

This is one of the most common questions I receive, and honestly, the answer depends on your priorities:

Choose Leather If:

• You prioritize feel and connection to the club
• You play in moderate, dry conditions
• You’re willing to replace gloves more frequently
• You’re a low-handicap player seeking every advantage

Choose Synthetic If:

• Durability and value are priorities
• You play frequently (3+ times per week)
• You live in humid or wet climates
• You’re newer to golf and still developing your grip

My approach? I own both. Leather for competition and days when I want peak performance, synthetic for practice and casual rounds. This extends the life of my premium gloves while ensuring I always have a reliable backup.

Golf Glove Sizing Tips

A poorly fitted glove is worse than no glove at all. Here’s how I ensure the perfect fit:

1. Snug but not tight – You should feel the material conforming to your hand without restricting movement
2. No bunching – Excess material in the palm will affect your grip
3. Fingertip fit – Your fingers should extend to the end of each finger without pushing against the seams
4. Closure comfort – The Velcro tab should secure comfortably without excessive overlap or stretching
5. Try before buying – If possible, try gloves in-store. Sizing varies between brands

Pro tip: Leather gloves will stretch slightly with use, so err toward snug. Synthetic gloves maintain their shape, so size for immediate comfort.

How Often Should You Replace Your Golf Glove?

I replace my golf gloves based on performance, not calendar dates. Here are the signs it’s time:

• Visible wear – Holes developing in the palm or fingers
• Hardening – Leather that’s become stiff or crusty
• Lost grip – Slipping even in dry conditions
• Stretched out – The glove no longer fits snugly
• Smell – Let’s be honest, gloves can get funky

For most golfers playing weekly, I’d expect a leather glove to last 8-15 rounds and a synthetic glove to last 15-25 rounds. These numbers vary based on grip pressure (death-grip players wear through gloves faster), weather conditions, and how well you care for your gloves.

Care tip: Never leave wet gloves balled up in your bag. Lay them flat to dry, and they’ll last significantly longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I wear a golf glove on my dominant hand?

No. Wear the glove on your non-dominant hand (left hand for right-handed golfers, right hand for lefties). This is the hand that maintains primary contact with the club throughout the swing.

Do professional golfers wear gloves?

Most do! The vast majority of tour professionals wear gloves during full swings. Some remove them for putting to enhance feel. A notable exception is Fred Couples, who famously plays without a glove entirely.

Can I wash my golf glove?

Synthetic gloves can be gently hand-washed with mild soap and air-dried flat. Leather gloves should not be washed – instead, wipe them with a damp cloth and condition occasionally with leather conditioner.

Why do golf gloves wear out in the palm?

This is usually caused by gripping too tightly or incorrect grip placement. The club should rest more in the fingers than the palm. If you’re wearing through palms quickly, consider a grip pressure lesson.

Should beginners wear golf gloves?

Absolutely. Gloves help prevent blisters while you develop calluses, provide a more secure grip while you’re learning proper technique, and can boost confidence. I recommend beginners start with an affordable synthetic glove like the FootJoy WeatherSof.

How many golf gloves should I own?

I recommend at least 3-4 gloves: one or two premium gloves for important rounds, a couple of budget synthetics for practice, and ideally a pair of rain gloves. Rotating between gloves also extends their individual lifespans.

Final Thoughts

The right golf glove can genuinely improve your game. It’s a small investment that directly affects every shot you hit. My advice? Don’t settle for whatever’s cheapest at the pro shop. Try a few options from this list, find what works for your hand and your game, and stock up.

If I had to choose just one glove to recommend, it would be the FootJoy Pure Touch for serious players or the Titleist Players for the best all-around value. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any glove on this list.

See you on the course!