Quick answer: Choose hockey gloves by job: a protective shell glove guards the back of the hand against stick and ball strikes, while a light full-finger glove adds warmth and grip on cold, wet days. Pair either with a fresh stick grip: chamois for sweat and wet-weather tack, or a cushion grip for extra comfort on hard hits.
Your hands are always on the stick and often in the way of it, so what you wear on them and what you hold matters. A protective hockey glove reduces the sting of a stick strike, a winter glove keeps fingers working in January, and a worn grip turns slick in the rain and lets the stick twist on contact.
The team at Central Sports sees plenty of players who have upgraded their stick but are still playing with a grip that went shiny two seasons ago. This guide covers how to choose hockey gloves, the main types of hockey grip and how to regrip a hockey stick yourself.
Types of hockey gloves
Protective shell gloves
Shell gloves have a hard outer layer over the back of the hand and fingers, with an open or thin palm so you can still feel the stick. Many outfield players wear a single protective glove on the left hand, which sits at the top of the stick and is the most exposed in reverse-stick play and tackles.
- The Y1 MK PRO Shell Hockey Glove Short has a reinforced plastic shell, a short-finger design for dexterity, an open palm and Y1's HexGrip palm pattern. Y1 say the 2026/27 version has double the foam reinforcement of previous models.
- The Y1 XP Shell Hockey Glove Long extends the shell further down the fingers for more coverage, with an open palm and Hex-Grip palm pattern.
Short or long finger comes down to preference. Short-finger gloves feel lighter and freer for quick stickwork; long-finger gloves cover more of the hand for players who make lots of tackles or play in defence.
Full-finger grip and winter gloves
Lightweight full-finger gloves are less about impact protection and more about grip and warmth. They are worn on both hands and are a favourite for early-morning junior sessions and winter league games.
- The Kookaburra Nitrogen Gloves (Pair) are designed for juniors, with an elasticated wrist and a textured palm for grip in wet conditions.
- The Grays Skinful Gloves are built for cooler conditions, adding warmth while keeping a grip-focused palm for stick feel.
How to choose the right hockey glove size
A hockey glove should fit snugly with no loose material at the fingertips, while still letting you close your hand fully around the stick. Check:
- Fingers: the tips should sit just short of the end of the glove, not pressed against it.
- Grip: hold your stick in your normal position. If the shell stops you closing your hand, try the next size up.
- Wrist: the cuff should stay in place when you swing, without cutting off circulation.
Size ranges differ by brand, from junior XXS through to adult L in the gloves we stock, so check the size options on each product page. If you are buying for a junior who is just starting out, the hockey kit checklist shows what to prioritise first.
Hockey grips explained: chamois vs cushion
The grip is the wrap around the handle of your stick. It is the part of a hockey stick that wears out first and gets replaced least often. There are two main types:
| Grip type | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Chamois | Thin, soft and tacky, absorbs moisture | Players who want close stick feel and grip when hands get sweaty or the pitch is wet |
| Cushion | Thicker and padded | Players who want to take the sting out of hard hits, or who prefer a fuller handle |
The Kookaburra Chamois Grip 6T233 (yellow) and Kookaburra Chamois Hockey Grip (white) are chamois overgrips designed for moisture management and a non-slip feel. The Grays Cushion Grip is a padded replacement grip for players who want more comfort on impact.
You can wrap a chamois grip over an existing grip to build up the handle, or replace the old grip entirely. More layers make the handle thicker, which some players like and others find clumsy, so experiment.
How to regrip a hockey stick
- Remove the old grip if it is torn or slippery. Peel it off and clean any sticky residue from the handle.
- Find the start of the new grip. Peel back the first part of the adhesive backing, if it has one.
- Start at the top of the handle. Fold a little of the grip over the end of the handle to seal it, then begin wrapping down the stick.
- Keep the tension and overlap even. Pull the grip slightly as you wrap and overlap each turn by the same amount, so there are no gaps or lumps.
- Finish where the old grip ended. Trim any excess at an angle and secure the end with the finishing tape supplied, or a few turns of sports tape.
- Check the feel. Hold the stick in your normal grip. If it feels too thin, add a chamois overgrip on top.
Regular players should regrip when the grip goes shiny, starts to unravel or no longer feels tacky. A fresh grip is also worth adding when you buy a new stick; our guide on how to choose a hockey stick covers length, bow and composition.
Top picks from Central Sports
- Y1 MK PRO Shell Hockey Glove Short 2026/27 Unisex - Grey/Orange (£26.99): reinforced shell with a short-finger design for fast stickwork.
- Y1 XP Shell Hockey Glove Long 2026/27 Unisex - Black/White (£27.99): extended finger coverage for tacklers and defenders.
- Kookaburra Nitrogen Gloves (Pair) 6C2046 (£9.39): lightweight junior full-finger gloves with a wet-weather palm.
- Grays Skinful Gloves 6652 (£8.84): warmth and grip for cold winter sessions.
- Kookaburra Chamois Grip 6T233 (£5.95): a tacky chamois overgrip that handles sweat and rain.
- Grays Cushion Grip Hockey Stick Grip - White (£12.00): padded replacement grip to soften hard hits.
Hockey gloves and grips FAQ
Which hand do you wear a hockey glove on?
Most outfield players wear a single protective glove on the left hand, as it sits at the top of the stick and is most exposed. Full-finger winter gloves are worn on both hands.
Do you need hockey gloves?
They are not always compulsory for outfield players, but a protective glove reduces the risk of hand injuries from sticks and the ball, and winter gloves help keep grip in cold weather. Check your club or school rules.
How often should you regrip a hockey stick?
When the grip becomes shiny, slippery or starts to unravel. For regular players that is often at least once a season, and more often for chamois grips used in wet weather.
What is the difference between a chamois and a cushion hockey grip?
A chamois grip is thin, soft and absorbent, giving close stick feel and grip when hands are sweaty. A cushion grip is thicker and padded, adding comfort and absorbing some of the vibration from hard hits.
Good gloves and a fresh grip are some of the cheapest upgrades in hockey. Shop our hockey gloves and hockey grips, or ask the team at Central Sports in store to help you choose and fit them.
