5 Best Lacrosse Goalie Gloves In 2023
As a lacrosse goalie, gloves are one of the most important pieces of equipment you can own to prevent injury. Thumb injuries are a common injury amongst goalies, largely due to high velocity shots to the thumb and hand region. As a result, lacrosse equipment manufacturers have developed goalie-specific lacrosse gloves with extra padding in key areas like the thumb and fingers. With so many options on the market, we sifted through the best lacrosse goalie gloves and answered everything you need to know about finding the right pair for you 👇.
What Are The Best Lacrosse Goalie Gloves?
- Maverik Rome – Best Overall
- Maverik M5 – Traditional Look & Feel
- Warrior Nemesis Pro
- Under Armour Engage 2 – Budget Friendly (Best For Youth)
- Epoch Integra Elite – Most Comfortable
Our Pick
Maverik Rome Lacrosse Goalie Gloves
Offering innovation and functionality, the Maverik Rome provides the full package: maximum protection, breathability, and superior comfort. It’s two-part thumb design protects goalies from hyper-extension and high velocity shots, while providing outstanding freedom for hand movement.
Highlights
- 2-part thumb design to protect against hyper-extension and high velocity impact.
- Excellent freedom of movement
- Supreme protection across thumb and index finger
- Soft and natural palm with “trigger finger” texture for improved stick control
- Wicks moisture away to keep hand cool
- Magnetic cuff (can easily be removed)
Price
Higher end price point
Bottom Line
When it comes to goalie lacrosse gloves, the Maverik Rome is the best lacrosse goalie glove for all age levels. This glove comes fully equipped with everything a goalie needs (and more): extra thumb + finger protection, soft palm textured grip, and breathable, cool material. The magnetic wrist cuff even works well for adjustability. The Maverik Rome has a soft, supple exterior that hardens on impact. And lastly, the interior provides a snug fit with plenty range of motion.
Maverik M5 Lacrosse Goalie Gloves
Overview
The M5 is designed with unrestricted movement and instant comfort. Its two-part thumb construction provides enhanced protection from hyper-extension and high velocity shots. This glove has a traditional fit profile with some added volume in the fingers and back of hand, along with an Ax Suede palm that has a soft, natural feel.
Highlights
- Protects thumb from hyper-extension & high impact shots
- Provides extra cushion in the fingers and back of hand
- Evaporates heat & sweat within the glove
- Enhanced airflow through palm
- Includes adjustable cuff for a closed fit or flared fit
Price
Mid-low price point
Bottom Line
The Maverik M5’s are a great option if you’re looking for a more affordable version of the Maverik Rome. The biggest difference between the M5’s and the Maverik Rome are that the M5’s have a more traditional look and feel, along with a velcro wrist cuff instead of a magnetic wrist cuff. Although a step down from the Maverik Rome, the M5’s still provide first-rate protection, comfort, and breathability.
Warrior Nemesis Pro Lacrosse Goalie Gloves
Overview
This goalie-specific glove is designed to maximize feel while providing first-class protection. Its reinforced thumb provides protection, flexibility, and feel when handling your goalie stick. The Warrior Nemesis Pro is constructed with built-in foam around the fingers and thumb, along with a single-layer palm.
Highlights
- Greet feel
- All-around protection
- Easy to handle stick
- Simplified cuff for improved range of motion
Price
Mid-range price point
Bottom Line
The Warrior Nemesis Pro is a superb pair of goalie gloves for wrist mobility and stick handling. Many goalies really like the flared wrist cuff and soft palm material. I’d love to put these gloves higher on this list, however some goalies have complained about the thumb protection and durability when compared to Maverik’s gloves.
Under Armour Engage 2 Lacrosse Goalie Gloves
Overview
The UA Engage 2 provides a combination of dexterity, protection, and comfort. Its ergonomic back hand and thumb and are designed to improve range of motion for goalies. It also comes equipped with a flexible cuff that enables full wrist motion while still providing protection.
Highlights
- Ergonomic design for improved range of motion
- Flexible cuff
- Breathable and lightweight
Price
Low price point
Bottom Line
The UA Engage 2 are the best gloves for youth goalies. If you’re just starting out between the pipes, these gloves come in at a great price point and provide excellent protection and comfort. They are a bit different than other goalie gloves in that they are less bulky, making it easier to handle the stick – which fantastic for beginners! But keep in mind, with less padding comes less protection. So if you are playing at the high school level or above, I would opt out of these gloves. But if you’re playing goalie at the youth level, this is the perfect pair for you.
Epoch Integra Elite Lacrosse Goalie Gloves
Overview
Epoch’s next evolution in goalie gloves features composite material in key thumb zones while using foam stacks and hard plastic to protect your hand from impact. The Epoch Integra Elite’s one-piece palm is designed for incredible feel, comfort, and cooling technology to reduce odor and sweat.
Highlights
- Padded goalie thumb
- Composite material
- Very comfortable
- Breathable palm with UV protection
- Shooting lace wrist adjustment
Price
Mid-range price point
Bottom Line
The Epoch Integra Elite’s are most comfortable and flexible lacrosse goalie glove. You can tell Epoch crafted them with these factors top of mind. However, where these gloves fall short is the thumb protection. If you take a hard shot to anywhere on your hand, these gloves do a great job at making sure you won’t feel anything. But if you take a hard shot directly to the thumb, you’re going to feel some pain. Because the Epoch Integra Elite’s are so comfy, they tend to lack protection in that oh-so-important thumb area for goalies.
What To Look For In Lacrosse Goalie Gloves
If you’re a lacrosse goalie, you know that having the right gloves can mean the difference between making a save and letting one sneak by you. With so many options on the market, here are a few things to look for when choosing lacrosse goalie gloves:
Protection
First and foremost, your gloves should offer adequate protection from hard shots and slashes to the hand. Most importantly, you glove should provide extra padding and reinforcement to key areas like the thumb. Goalies are most prone to thumb injuries, a fragile area that is openly exposed when holding your stick out in net. To mitigate injuries, the top manufacturers develop lacrosse goalie gloves with enhanced thumb protection.
Size
This one seems obvious, but it’s important that goalie gloves have a snug fit. Not just for comfort, a snug fit better protects your hand from high impact shots and checks.
Comfort
There is sometimes a trade-off between comfort and protection. For example, the Epoch Integra Elite’s are some of the most comfortable lacrosse gloves you’ll find, but lack a bit of protection in key areas. The goal is to choose a lacrosse glove with great protection, while maintaining a snug, breathable fit.
Durability
Goalie gloves take a lot of abuse, so make sure they’re built to last. Expensive gloves tend to be constructed with higher quality materials with the intent to last several years.
Price
At the end of the day, you have to find the perfect pair for your budget. Because goalies tend to experience thumb injuries, many prefer investing in high quality goalie gloves up-front. For youth players however, a more affordable option is totally common.
FAQ
Are lacrosse goalie gloves different?
Yes. Lacrosse goalie gloves are different from regular field lacrosse gloves in that they include additional padding around the hand, and especially the thumbs. To help goalies better absorb hard shots in fragile areas like the hand, equipment manufacturers make special lacrosse gloves for goalies.
Do you need goalie gloves for lacrosse?
Goalies are at risk of breaking their thumbs from high velocity shots if they do not wear lacrosse goalie gloves. If you are suiting up to play goalie in lacrosse, it is recommended that you wear goalie lacrosse gloves. The additional padding and reinforced thumb structure that comes with goalie gloves make for a safer experience in net.
Can I use hockey gloves for lacrosse goalie?
Hockey gloves have excellent hand and thumb protection, however they are not as flexible as lacrosse goalie gloves. Although hockey gloves will work in most cases, you may have some trouble throwing and cradling the ball.
What does a lacrosse goalie need?
Lacrosse goalies are required to wear the following gear:
- Lacrosse helmet
- Lacrosse throat protector
- Mouthpiece
- Lacrosse gloves
- Goalie chest protector
- Cleats
- Athletic protective cup or pelvic protector
- Goalies may wear elbow pads but they are not required.
Wrap Up
When choosing a lacrosse goalie glove, the most important considerations to keep in mind are protection, mobility, and comfort. The last thing you want to experience is a damaged thumb after taking a hard shot to the hand. So make sure to grab goalie-specific gloves from this list instead of wearing regular field lacrosse gloves. Even though protection is priority #1, it’s also beneficial for your fingers to have plenty of mobility and dexterity. The top goalies can quickly transition from making a save to clearing the ball with a pinpoint outlet pass. Lastly, in addition to protection and mobility, comes comfort. The best lacrosse goalie gloves almost feel like you aren’t wearing a glove at all. They’re soft, supple, and breathable to wick away the sweat. When looking for the best lacrosse goalie gloves to suit your style, you can’t go wrong with any of the options in this list.
