Ideal gloves are lightweight, flexible and offer
maximum movement. Gloves are made from a variety of materials including leather and Kevlar. While leather gloves are more durable, they take longer to dry and are heavier to wear.

Gloves should fit like loose winter gloves over the fingers. The top of the glove should extend up the forearm to the bottom of the elbow pad to ensure full protection of the forearm area.

Ensure that the padding on the back of the glove and the hard shell components are of sufficient quality to protect your hand and wrist area,

which can be tested by pressing the back of the glove with the fingers. The compression should not be felt inside the glove. If the glove has laces in the cuffs, leave them in and do them up. Never remove laces. Laces prevent tearing of the side gussets of the glove.

Ensure proper air drying after ice sessions. Remember, never dry gloves over an open heat source. Gloves which have lost finger pads or roll pads should be repaired or discarded. Ensure the palms of the gloves are soft and in good shape through proper drying. Replace worn out palms at a leather or shoe repair shop immediately to avoid injury. Watering palms can cause them to become brittle and break down.

Whenever testing a pair of gloves, use a hockey stick to stick handle on the spot for a few minutes. The gloves should offer freedom of movement in a variety of positions without chafing or restricting movement.