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2021 Performance Glove Buyer’s Guide
Are you a golfer who wants a more durable glove? If so, our 2021 Best Performance Glove Buyer’s Guide has your back. Well, your hand, really.
We know there is a high demand for performance gloves made from synthetic leather with flexible mesh for a more comfortable fit. But if comfort is your primary concern, you might want to look into the “premium glove” category.
If you’re a performance glove person, you definitely want to know which glove is right for you. That’s where we come in. We put the best of the performance category to the test and even threw in a few rain gloves for good measure.
Whether you’re looking to buy a glove today, looking for some buying advice or just want a closer look at what’s on the market, this guide will help you find the right premium glove to fit your needs—and your hand.
WINNER – Mizuno Elite
If you want a glove that gives that “premium feeling” but lasts longer, go for the Mizuno Elite. Its consistent overall performance was impressive. This performance glove was outstanding across multiple key metrics, making it the undisputed winner of the 2021 Most Wanted Performance Glove Test.
- 5th in fit
- 2nd in comfort
- 1st in feel
- 7th in grip
THE BEST RAIN GLOVE - Footjoy Rain Grip
The Footjoy Rain Grip Glove reacts to the rain. The more rain, the more the glove grips. No need to wait for a dry spell or waste time wiping your grips. It's comfortable and breathable and even comes in cadet sizes. Bonus Tip: Give these a try if you tend to sweat a lot.
EXPERT TIP - Glove fitting?
Your glove is the only thing between you and the golf club. It should fit properly. A new glove should start with 1/4" of Velcro exposed. It's going to stretch. In addition to sacrificing performance, a glove that's too big will also be less durable. Ultimately that means poor sizing isn't just costing you performance; it's costing you money.
Other Notable Performers
FootJoy Hyper FLX: If you are looking for a glove with a perfect consistent fit, it’s the FootJoy Hyper FLX. Its flexible mesh material is strategically placed throughout the glove for added comfort. Throw in good grip and feel and you have yourself a glove that won’t disappoint.
Under Armour ISO-Chill: Want a glove that is close to premium leather without the constricting factor? The Under Armour ISO-Chill has you covered. Its soft leather and mesh material provide good support throughout the glove. The ISO also was also a top performer in the grip category which is important on those humid summer days.
Features That Matter To You
Comfort
Some golfers prefer thinner material that allows for more connection with the club. Others are happy to trade a bit of feel for the durability that a thicker leather often brings. Generally speaking, gloves in the performance category tend to be thicker than the premium gloves we tested. We still test each glove to ensure there aren’t any poorly placed seams or excess material that can cause discomfort or decrease durability.
Gloves like the PING Sport Tech and Mizuno Elite are great examples of comfort.
Fit
A properly fitting golf glove should be snug across the palm and fingers but somewhat restrictive when clenching your fist. There should a quarter-inch gap remaining on the Velcro closure pad after you’ve secured the glove. Also, when it comes to sizing, some brands are not consistent. One large glove may not be quite as “large” as the next. Not only should you look for a glove that fits properly but serious golfers should gravitate towards brands that can consistently reproduce the exact same-sized glove.
Gloves that offer multiple size options including “cadet” are usually the best fitting gloves. Gloves that can provide these offerings are Bionic Performance Grip Pro, PING Sport Tech and FootJoy Hyper FLX.
Grip
If you don’t wear a glove, this guide isn’t for you. (Duh, why have you read this far?) Why do most professionals wear a glove? Gloves are tackier than skin, particularly in humid conditions, and help maintain a consistent connection to the club. A glove that preserves that connection will help you to feel confident in every swing, knowing that you’re not going to lose control of the club.
Grip is obviously important in a glove but how does it perform in wet or sweaty conditions? A rain glove like the FootJoy Rain Grip can really help get some extra grip when wet. In sweaty conditions, the Titleist Players Flex held its own.
THE BEST PERFORMANCE GLOVES 2021 - FEATURES
| Product | Sizes | Cadet | Material | Colors | Hand | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | BIONIC PERFORMANCE GRIP PRO Check Price | S-XXXL | Y | CABRETTA LEATHER | 1 | R/L |
 | BIONIC RELAX GRIP 2.0 Check Price | S-XXL | Y | SYNTHETIC LEATHER | 1 | R/L |
 | BIONIC RELIEF GRIP Check Price | S-XXL | N | CABRETTA LEATHER | 1 | R/L |
 | BIONIC STABLE GRIP (NATURAL FIT) Check Price | S-XXXL | Y | CABRETTA LEATHER | 1 | R/L |
 | CALLAWAY WEATHER SPANN Check Price | S-XXL | Y | SYNTHETIC LEATHER | 1 | R/L |
 | COBRA MICRO GRIP Check Price | S-XL | Y | POLYURETHANE | 1 | R/L |
 | FOOTJOY HYPER FLX Check Price | S-XXL | Y | CABRETTA LEATHER | 1 | R/L |
 | FOOTJOY RAIN GRIP Check Price | S-XL | Y | QUICKDRY | 2 | R/L |
 | FOOTJOY WINTER SOF Check Price | S-XXL | N | AUTOSUEDE | 1 | R/L |
 | INESIS RAIN WEATHER Check Price | S-XXL | N | POLYESTER CATIONIC | 2 | R/L |
 | INESIS RESISTANCE Check Price | XS/S-M/L | N | POLYAMIDE/POLYURETHANE | 1 | R/L |
 | INESIS SOFT Check Price | S-XXL | N | CABRETTA LEATHER | 1 | L |
 | MIZUNO COMP Check Price | S-XXL | Y | SYNTHETIC LEATHER | 1 | R/L |
 | MIZUNO ELITE Check Price | S-XXL | Y | CABRETTA LEATHER | 1 | R/L |
 | NIKE DURA FEEL Check Price | S-XL | Y | SYNTHETIC LEATHER | 1 | R/L |
 | NIKE TECH EXTREME Check Price | S-XL | Y | CABRETTA LEATHER | 1 | R/L |
 | PALM THE RANGE Check Price | S-XXL | N | SYNTHETIC LEATHER | 1 | R/L |
 | PING Sport Tech Check Price | S-XXL | Y | SYNTHETIC LEATHER | 1 | R/L |
 | SRIXON ALL WEATHER Check Price | S-XL | N | SYNTHETIC LEATHER | 1 | R/L |
 | SRIXON TECH CABRETTA Check Price | S-XXL | Y | CABRETTA LEATHER | 1 | R/L |
 | TAYLORMADE RAIN CONTROL Check Price | S-XXL | Y | AUTOSUEDE | 2 | R/L |
 | TAYLORMADE STRATUS Check Price | S-XXL | Y | HYPERTEC | 1 | R/L |
 | TITLEIST PLAYERS FLEX Check Price | S-XXL | Y | PREMIUM SYNTHETIC | 1 | R/L |
 | UNDER ARMOUR ISO-CHILL Check Price | S-XXL | Y | CABRETTA LEATHER | 4 | R/L |
 | VICE DURO Check Price | S-XL | N | SYNTHETIC LEATHER | 2 | R/L |
 | WILSON STAFF CONFORM Check Price | S-XXL | Y | ABYSSINIAN CABRETTA | 1 | R/L |
 | WILSON STAFF RAIN NON-SLIP Check Price | S-XXL | N | CLARINO | 1 | R/L |
BEST GLOVE FOR ARTHRITIS - Bionic Relief Grip
Developed under the advisement of an orthopedic hand specialist, the Bionic StableGrip works with you to reduce pain that comes from swollen and sore joints. It has soft leather and a mesh lining on the knuckles that provide comfort and extra support.
More Tips
- Sizing can vary significantly between manufacturers. Even if you know your correct size, if you’re thinking about changing to a new model, try before you buy.
- The quality of closures is not consistent across all brands. Look for gloves that secure tightly and stay tight. The performance of lower-quality closures will degrade over time. A glove that doesn’t remain secured is worse than useless.
- While style preferences vary, finding the proper fit is a necessity. A properly fitted glove offers maximum performance, comfort and durability.
- Golfers with wide palms and comparatively short fingers should consider cadet-sized gloves. Unfortunately, not all models are offered in cadet sizes.
How We Test
We're here to help you find the perfect performance glove to fit your needs.
To do that, we employ a thorough and fully independent testing process that leaves no feature unexplored, no display unchecked, and no stone unturned.
Our Metrics
Performance gloves are tested head to head with rigorous protocols.
The metrics we consider when rating performance gloves include Fit, Comfort, Feel, and Grip
THE BEST PERFORMANCE GLOVES 2021 - RESULTS
| PRODUCT | FIT | COMFORT | FEEL | GRIP | TOTAL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIZUNO ELITE Check Price | 5TH | 2ND | 1ST | 7TH | 91.5 |
| TITLEIST PLAYERS FLEX Check Price | 2ND | 10TH | 3RD | 1ST | 91 |
| PING Sport Tech Check Price | 2ND | 10TH | 3RD | 3RD | 90.5 |
| BIONIC PERFORMANCE GRIP PRO Check Price | 1ST | 2ND | 13TH | 3RD | 90 |
| FOOTJOY HYPERFLX Check Price | 2ND | 6TH | 3RD | 17TH | 89.5 |
| UNDER ARMOUR ISO-CHILL Check Price | 8TH | 2ND | 8TH | 7TH | 89 |
| FOOTJOY RAIN GRIP Check Price | 8TH | 10TH | 11TH | 1ST | 88.5 |
| COBRA MICRO GRIP Check Price | 8TH | 14TH | 8TH | 3RD | 88 |
| SRIXON ALL WEATHER Check Price | 8TH | 14TH | 3RD | 7TH | 88 |
| WILSON STAFF CONFORM Check Price | 17TH | 2ND | 2ND | 18TH | 88 |
| INESIS SOFT Check Price | 14TH | 6TH | 3RD | 18TH | 87.5 |
| NIKE TECH EXTREME Check Price | 8TH | 14TH | 8TH | 7TH | 87.5 |
| BIONIC STABLE GRIP (NATURAL FIT) Check Price | 5TH | 10TH | 19TH | 3RD | 87 |
| TAYLORMADE RAIN CONTROL Check Price | 5TH | 14TH | 16TH | 3RD | 87 |
| WILSON STAFF RAIN NON-SLIP Check Price | 14TH | 20TH | 13TH | 7TH | 85.5 |
| BIONIC RELAX GRIP 2.0 Check Price | 14TH | 10TH | 20TH | 7TH | 85 |
| CALLAWAY WEATHER SPANN Check Price | 8TH | 6TH | 20TH | 21ST | 84 |
| SRIXON TECH CABRETTA Check Price | 17TH | 20TH | 11TH | 21ST | 83.5 |
 | TAYLORMADE STRATUS Check Price | 23RD | 14TH | 16TH | 7TH | 83 |
| INESIS RAIN WEATHER Check Price | 22ND | 22ND | 16TH | 7TH | 82.5 |
| VICE DURO Check Price | 23RD | 14TH | 13TH | 20TH | 82 |
| BIONIC RELIEF GRIP Check Price | 19TH | 22ND | 22ND | 7TH | 81.5 |
| FOOTJOY WINTER SOF Check Price | 23RD | 6TH | 22ND | 21ST | 80 |
| MIZUNO COMP Check Price | 20TH | 26TH | 22ND | 21ST | 77 |
| PALM THE RANGE Check Price | 20TH | 24TH | 22ND | 26TH | 77 |
| NIKE DURA FEEL Check Price | 26TH | 24TH | 22ND | 21ST | 76 |
| INESIS RESISTANCE Check Price | 27TH | 26TH | 27TH | 26TH | 71 |
The Best Performance Gloves of 2021 – FAQ
Q: How much do I need to spend on a glove?
A: We found great options in 2021 for golfers looking for value as well as those looking for performance. If you want top-notch performance and consistency, expect to spend between $15 and $25 per glove. The best performing gloves in 2021 in our testing were the Mizuno Elite, Titleist Players Flex and the PING Sport Tech. But the Srixon All Weather glove performs well at only $10.
Q: How do I know when a glove fits correctly?
A: It’s a cliché perhaps but a glove really should fit like a second skin. There should be no extra material on the palm, fingers or the top of the hand. A glove is going to stretch. A new glove should fit snugly with a quarter-inch of Velcro still showing on the closure pad when secured. Take a look at this fitting guide for help.
Q: Do I need to wear a glove?
A: Ah, yes, as multiple major winner Billy Shakespeare once asked, “To wear or not wear?” A glove is, to a degree, personal preference. Certainly, there are some who pride themselves on playing bare-handed. While that approach can save a significant amount of money over a lifetime, it should be noted that the best players in the world all wear gloves. A properly fitted glove will help to ensure a consistent connection with the club regardless of heat, humidity, sweat, etc.
Chuck Ludwig
8 months agoWhy weren’t golfers used to test the Glove models on the practice tee?
Are we to believe that “Experts Interviewed” amounted to one (1) person’s
opinion?
Tim
1 year agoI have to say i enjoyed this “:test” but I feel your test should be on gloves you play in for a few weeks before ranking them. I say this because after two weeks of wearing the Mizuno elite, is showed significant wear and if it gets wet at all, it loses its ability to grip and become hard and slippery on the grip. Its great initially, but to me, this would be ranked towards the bottom after only a few weeks of use.
alex
1 year agoHow did Copper Tech do for those with sore hands/arthiritis?
David
1 year agoHirzl… unbelievable durability and absolutely the performance in wet conditions… cost more, but last months without being worn out… Shame they are not more popular… and no… I don’t work for them or even now them… I have used nothing but Hirzl for almost 10 years…
David
1 year ago* I don’t work for them or even know them…
P.J.
1 year agoBig miss here is Kirkland, not sure why you’d exclude any glove that was a winner last year. Having a ‘performance’ test now, then a “premium” test later seems just like more click bait. We just want to know what the best glove is…
Help me understand the difference between the best performing club and a premium glove?!?
Kurt
1 year agoJust wanted to mention that although I like the fit, I found the Mizuno Elite glove lacking in the design of its velcro closure. Something about the angle of the cut won’t allow it to grip like most other gloves. Also, think I will stick with the premium glove category (such as the Vice Cadet) because they can feel so much softer,
Kevin
1 year agoAs a left-handed player with XL hands, the best glove is whatever right hand XL I can actually find in stock to try on before I buy. It’s usually an awfully short list, and I’ve tried on enough other gloves that fit poorly such that I’m not willing to just order online and hope.
Tony
1 year agoI sweat a lot in the spring/summer/fall, so I use the FJ rain glove every round & they work great. The bummer is these only come in pairs. Does FJ sell these individually (left hand)? Is there a different/better glove for guys that sweat a lot?
tscdave
1 year agoI play MG Elite and I am quite happy with the performance. Over 200 rounds a year too.
Dave R
1 year agoJust a concern not mentioned in article. I believe the Bionic Performance glove is USGA legal, but the Stable grips are only legal in a golfing tournament if the golfer has a hand issue. They can use the golf glove in accordance with USGA’s guidelines as a medical device. I understand the built up pads on the stable grip could aid in the golfer having a correct grip. It would be great if MGS opined on the USGA legality of the Bionic Stable grip since they recommend it (Best Glove for Arthritis).
Mat
1 year agoI came here to say the same thing. Don’t get caught with one of these in a real match. You’ll get dinged for a training aid.
Alex
1 year agoBig fan of the Wilson Staff Conform. It’s a really solid cabretta glove and if you can find it on sale (currently $7.96 at budgetgolf.com) it’s a terrific value.
Dr Tee
1 year agoWilson Staff and Bridgestone E-series top my list (weird that no Bridgestone glove is tested or reviewed here). Tops in fit and FEEL which is most important to me. Both are much thinner and softer than anything other than Titleist Players glove and the Wilson glove seems strangely indestructible–wears super long and doesn’t lose its shape
mikecool
1 year agoSimple; BIONIC, play with it one time and you won’t want anything else!
Wash it once in awhile and you’ll get a couple of seasons out of it,
Mike
1 year agoGood review, but I’m not understanding any difference between a performance & a premium glove. To me, the only glove I’ll put on my hand is the one that works the best. So what’s the distinction?
Harry Nodwell
1 year agoA premium glove is full leather while performance is made from multiple construction materials. The performance glove is normally made from synthetic leather which is a little more durable than a full leather cabretta.
Mike
1 year agoThanks for clarifying, but I still don’t understand why I would choose between premium and performance. Wouldn’t I want the best glove regardless of what it’s classified as?
BrianL
1 year agoKirkland by a landslide – price and function. I’ve hit thousands of balls this winter on my covered patio. with just one Kirkland glove.
Dave R
1 year agoI didn’t see Kirkland tested this year – as I recall they won “Best Value” last year. I did find that in the heat of a Georgia summer they wore out much quicker as they soaked/dried. I’ve got 50+ rounds in with the one I started with in the fall.
Kevin
1 year agoYeah, when I saw no MG Golf gloves on the list, I knew there would be lots of folks crying foul. Rightly so. They are great gloves. Also, the Zero restriction gloves are excellent and one size fits all. Bender gloves are up and coming and have a variety of colors and designs for more bold styles.. As far as quality, there is more out there than just the name brands..
Harry Nodwell
1 year agoMG Elite is a Premium glove. This is a performance glove review. The MG will be included in the Premium glove test coming out soon.
Bob
1 year agoZero Friction gloves are best I’ve ever had.
George
1 year agoMG unavailable in Canada 🇨🇦😕
Hank
1 year agoHow I miss Snake Eyes rain gloves. I have a few left, and they are my go to damp hands (rain and sweat) gloves. No other rain glove I have tried comes close.
Drew
1 year agoThere is absolutely no better value than Kirklands glove available at Costco. Three gloves for $15.
Harry Nodwell
1 year agoBargain for sure. They will be included in the Premium glove test
stu
1 year agoHow is a $5 glove included in the “premium” glove test……but not the value glove test?
Bulldog
1 year agoTotally agree. Costco golf’s best secret. As comfortable as a mainline company glove and long lasting.
Terry
1 year agoFor yars now I have bought RockBottomGolf-branded gloves and love them – real cabretta leather, long wearing, and great price!
Tom Grossman
1 year agoI think you missed the boat. You don’t need to spend even $10 to get a great golf glove. I am not paid or sponsored by them but I can tell you that the MG Golf DynaGrip Elite is a great glove! It is a true players glove and I would put it up against any you tested.and for only $6.99 you can’t beat it. Not sure why you only test the big name brands when it comes to gloves.
LD
1 year agoAgree completely. I’ve been using these exclusively for several years now. Really great gloves. Highly recommend them.
MyGolfSpy
1 year agoThose are actually full leather gloves and are included in our PREMIUM GLOVE guide coming out next 😉
Matt Blankenship
1 year agoDoes anyone wear a glove as loose as the flexing hand graphic in this story? That looks at least 1 and probably 2 sizes too big, imho.
Milo
1 year agoI wear Callaway Dawn patrol, cause I like wearing real skin over my skin. But honestly, I do prefer the feel of real leather.
George
1 year agoI have tried every glove on the market and the best fitting and performance glove for the money is the MG Golf Glove at $6.99 each!!!
Ian
1 year agoHow quickly do you go through them? Do you take them off every shot or rotate them during a round with other gloves? What kind of climate do you usually play in? I hear they have not the greatest durability compared to major brands.
Joel K.
1 year agoUmmm…have you not heard of Master Grip gloves? Their premium cabretta leather gloves are $7. One step down (a little thicker leather for durability) are $6 or something like that. I’m willing to bet they would compete well with the best performers in this $15-25 group. Tough to consider that range to be true “value”. A glaring oversight, IMHO.
MyGolfSpy
1 year agoThose are actually full leather gloves and are included in our PREMIUM GLOVE guide coming out next 😉
Tim
1 year agoThe size chart on the MG site is BUSTED!!! it keeps showing me as a small….i wear XL in every other glove. They need to fix that ASAP
JSilva
1 year agoNot sure if you tested the Master Grip gloves, been using them for over 40 years, IMHO best glove out there for durability, performance and price.
Harry Nodwell
1 year agoWe have tested it the past and will be included in the premium test which will be publish here very soon.
Bruce
1 year agoBest glove out is the Golden Eagle. Feels and wears like a Titleist Players and is $7 per glove. No Brainer.
Walter
1 year agoWhy no Kirkland gloves in the test?
Jim
1 year agoI was wondering the same thing myself.
Harry Nodwell
1 year agoThe Kirkland is in the premium test which is coming up very soon
G
1 year agoBought a 5 pack of Kirkland gloves last year. Impressed with durability. and cost was very reasonable. I’ve found with gloves, you get what you pay for.
Garen Eggleston
1 year agoI have used Master Grip for many years and really like their gloves and wondered if they were in the test
Scott
1 year agoWhy no MG Elite? Best premium feel glove for the value ($9) I have ever used.!
Harry Nodwell
1 year agoJust like you said, the MG Elite is a premium glove. This article is performance