Pickleball Gloves: Stop Sweaty Palms from Ruining Your Game

If you’ve played pickleball, you know it’s not just about whacking the ball and hoping for the best. Sometimes our palms get sweaty, our grip slips, and our dreams of a perfect serve just slide away—literally.

That’s where pickleball gloves come in, like tiny superheroes for our hands. They help us hold onto our paddles, protect our skin, and keep us looking like we actually know what we’re doing (even if we don’t).

Pickleball gloves might look a lot like cycling or golf gloves, but they’re built for quick net action, surprise slams, and those sudden wrist flicks that leave your opponent guessing. The right glove can really make a difference, especially if you play a lot or your hands are always begging for backup.

When you’re shopping for pickleball gloves, a few things matter more than you’d think. Fit is huge—nobody wants baggy fingers getting tangled up in the paddle.

Materials matter too. Synthetics tend to last longer, but leather grips like a dream.

Breathability is key, unless you like your hands stewing in their own sweat. Padding? That’s a bonus if you care about your knuckles.

We checked all these features, plus price and style (because, let’s face it, we care), to help you find gloves that make your game smoother—and way less slippery.

Best Pickleball Gloves

Let’s be real—we’ve all had sweaty hands threaten to ruin a pickleball match. That’s why we’ve rounded up our top picks for pickleball gloves, ready to help us grip and rip with confidence.

No more slippery serves!

Franklin Sports Pickleball Glove

If you’re tired of slippery paddles and sore thumbs, this glove actually improves your grip and comfort.

Pros

• Grippy leather helps us hold onto the paddle even when we’re sweating
• Extra padding stops blisters from ruining our day
• Comfortable fit feels natural and doesn’t get in the way

Cons

• Only comes as a single glove, so one hand’s left out in the cold
• The padding is chunkier than we expect at first
• White color shows stains fast if our paddle handle looks messy

Every time we pull on the Franklin Sports Pickleball Glove, our grip instantly improves, especially when the match heats up and sweat starts pouring. The moisture-wicking leather really works, so we don’t need to wipe our palms on our shorts after every point.

The padding around the thumb and index finger gives us a much-needed break from blisters, even during long games. Getting used to the thicker padding at the thumb takes a game or two—at first, it almost feels like we’re wearing a tiny sofa on our hand.

But after a couple matches, our skin definitely appreciates the softer grip, especially if we haven’t built up callouses yet. The white leather stains easily, though, so this glove probably isn’t for the neat freaks among us.

One little quirk: each glove is sold individually. We need to know which hand we want it for, or we’ll end up with a glove for the wrong hand—and maybe a funny story for the next game.

Overall, it’s a solid choice if you want an easy fix for sweaty hands and don’t mind a little extra padding.

HEAD Web Extra Grip Glove

If you want a glove that helps you grip your paddle harder than you cling to your last shred of dignity on the court, this HEAD glove gets the job done.

Pros

• Reliable grip thanks to the silicone webbing
• Breathes well, so our hands don’t end up a sweaty mess
• Cushioning offers good protection during dives

Cons

• Needs to be replaced every few months with frequent use
• After a few washes, the smell can be stubborn
• Not as soft inside as true leather

When we wore the HEAD Web Extra Grip Glove, our hands didn’t slip once, even when we got a little too excited. The silicone pattern on the palm actually delivers—our paddles stayed exactly where we wanted them.

During some overly-enthusiastic dives, the padding saved our knuckles from new scars. We liked how the mesh kept things less hot and swampy.

After a few sweaty rounds, our hands definitely felt cooler than usual. The synthetic leather is nimble, so we didn’t feel like robots, and we still felt the paddle with every shot.

The main downside is the glove’s lifespan. With regular play, we needed replacements a couple times a year, and nothing ruins a handshake like glove stink that just won’t wash out.

Still, for the price, it’s a sturdy, grippy option that’s worth tossing in our gym bags—and honestly, it makes us feel a bit like superheroes on the court.

HEAD Renegade Pickleball Glove

If you want a glove that tackles sweaty hands and slippery paddles without breaking the bank, this one’s got you covered.

Pros

• Grips the paddle like a lifeguard holds onto a pool noodle
• Feels cool and breezy, even when we’re sweating buckets
• Outlasts our excuses for missing shots

Cons

• Runs tight—like it skipped breakfast
• The leather takes a session to soften up
• Some of us noticed finger seams give up before we do

After a few games with the HEAD Renegade Pickleball Glove, we noticed the comfortable fit and solid grip. No more watching our paddle shoot out of our hands like a bar of soap at the gym.

Playing outdoors, the mesh kept our palms about as dry as they get—unless we were stress-sweating from match point. We did fumble a little getting the glove on the first time.

It hugs our hand like it’s got separation anxiety, but by game two, the fit felt just right. The adjustable strap is handy, especially for those of us who never remember to trim our nails.

Durability impressed us. We saw only mild wear after repeated use, though the finger seams could be the first to go.

For the price, it gives us peace of mind that our grip—and dignity—are safe.

Selkirk Boost Glove

If sweaty palms threaten your pickleball game, this glove gives you the grip you need—though your hands might feel like they’re wearing skinny jeans at first.

Pros

• Stays grippy, even when we’re sweating buckets
• Super breathable—our hands didn’t feel like baked potatoes
• Flexible fit that hugs the hand without bunching up

Cons

• Runs tight at first and takes time to “break in”
• “One size fits most” is optimistic—our big mitts felt cramped
• Grip starts fading after heavy use

After a few rounds with the Selkirk Boost Glove, we noticed the slipping paddles were history. Even when we played outside and the sun turned us into sweat fountains, the honeycomb palm gripped our paddle better than we could grip reality.

At first, sliding the glove on was a bit of a struggle—it felt like squeezing into our teenage jeans. But after a few matches, it relaxed just enough to feel comfortable without slipping or bunching up.

The soft lycra kept our hands feeling cool (at least temperature-wise), while the palm padding made us forget we were even wearing a glove. If your hands are on the larger side, just know this glove fits like it shops in the kids’ section.

For those of us with average or slimmer hands, though, it formed right to our grip. After heavy play, the grip started to wear a little, so hardcore players may want a backup.

But if you’re tired of losing control because of sweaty hands, the Selkirk Boost Glove is an easy upgrade.

HEAD Web Extra Grip Pickleball Glove

If sweaty palms and a slippery paddle are your nemesis, this HEAD glove might just save you from embarrassing flubbed shots.

Pros

• Awesome grip keeps our paddle from flying across the court
• Breathable spandex really helps our hands stay cool
• Knuckle padding saves us from painful dive attempts

Cons

• Fit can be a bit hit-or-miss
• May not last as long if we forget about the no-dryer rule
• Sizing runs a little small for some of us

We strapped this glove on and instantly noticed the grippy silicone web across the palm. Suddenly, our paddle didn’t twist around every time we went for a power serve.

It’s safe to say that sweaty hands don’t stand a chance against this thing. Our hands didn’t turn into baked potatoes, even in Florida’s ridiculous humidity.

The lightweight spandex felt like a second skin—well, maybe a superhero glove. Plus, during a nosedive (impressing literally no one), the extra knuckle padding kept our hands safe from dreaded court scrapes.

The HEAD glove isn’t perfect, though. Some of us had to wrestle with the sizing chart, so picking a size up worked best.

Also, if you toss this in the dryer out of habit, get ready for some shrinkage (yeah, we learned that the hard way). Still, for most of us, this glove is now a staple in our pickleball game days.

Python Vintage Synthetic Pickleball Glove

If you’re looking for a glove that actually stays put and doesn’t ruin your budget, this one nails it (and not just on the court).

Pros

• Gives you a steady grip, even when your palms get sweaty
• Snug fit keeps things comfortable without feeling too tight
• Wipes clean without any drama—kind of like our last loss

Cons

• Not as breathable as some pricier gloves
• Synthetic material feels a bit stiff at first
• Durability might drop off for heavy, daily players

Let’s be honest—we all want to look like we know what we’re doing out there, and this Python Glove helps us fake it till we make it.

We tried it on a warm Saturday and didn’t have to do that awkward hand-wipe-dance even once.

The elastic back really steps up, keeping our hands cool even when things heat up.

When it came to gripping the paddle, this glove kept us from launching it across the net (which, let’s face it, has happened before).

Our favorite part? We just tossed it in the wash and let it air dry—no special rituals needed to keep it in shape.

The glove felt a little stiff at first, but after a few games, it loosened up and started to feel more like a second skin—if that second skin was also really into pickleball.

If you’re playing every day, you might need to replace it sooner than you’d like.

But for the price, it’s a solid pick that gets us through sweaty games without embarrassing paddle-fumbles.

HEAD Airflow Tour Glove

If you’re chasing maximum airflow and a comfy fit but don’t mind a “use sparingly” warning, this glove mostly has you covered.

Pros

• Airflow keeps your hands cooler than our jokes at family reunions
• Snug fit makes us feel like true pickleball pros
• Padding around the knuckles is a nice touch (and saves our skin)

Cons

• The palm material sometimes tears faster than we can say “dink”
• Long-term durability leaves a lot to be desired
• The warning labels look scarier than some horror movies

When we put on the HEAD Airflow Tour Glove, the first thing we notice is how breathable it feels.

It’s like our hand just discovered air conditioning, which is a lifesaver during a heated pickleball rally.

We really appreciate the extra knuckle protection.

Banging your hands isn’t fun, but the soft padding helps us dodge those little bruises we all try to ignore.

The grip feels solid too, and the glove doesn’t slide around when our palms get sweaty.

If only it lasted a bit longer.

After a few intense games, some of us noticed the palm leather wearing thin or even tearing.

It’s that classic case of “looks great, works great… until it doesn’t.”

If you want comfort and can handle replacing a glove now and then, HEAD Airflow Tour Glove isn’t a bad pick for your pickleball adventures.

ATERCEL Workout Gloves

If you want pickleball gloves that hug your hands, soak up sweat, and won’t fall apart after a few matches, ATERCEL is a smart pick.

Pros

• Excellent grip even when your palms are sweaty
• Breathable material keeps your hands cool
• Pull loops make yanking them off a breeze

Cons

• Fit can be a bit snug for some of us
• No padding on the fingers
• Velcro likes to munch on our clothes in the wash

Playing pickleball with slippery, sweaty hands is about as fun as stepping in a puddle with socks on.

We strapped on the ATERCEL gloves and noticed right away that our paddle stayed put, even after a few heated rallies.

The palm design gave us solid control and spared us from new calluses.

Pulling the gloves off was painless thanks to the handy loops.

No need to wiggle or curse under our breath.

We liked the way the mesh handled sweat.

Our hands stayed drier, and that toweling panel worked well for quick brow wipes during long games.

Sizing required some guesswork.

Going up a size made them feel less tight, but if you love a super snug feel, stick to your usual size.

The velcro shut fast and held tight, but beware—it got a bit too friendly with athletic shirts in the wash.

If you want a glove that puts in work and makes long games comfier, our experience with ATERCEL Workout Gloves left our hands—and our spirits—in great shape.

Python Deluxe Pickleball Glove

If sweaty palms make your paddle fly farther than the ball, you might want to try this glove.

Pros

• Excellent grip, even with sweaty hands
• Comfortable fit that hugs your knuckles
• Durable leather holds up to long rallies

Cons

• White sections get dirty faster than we’d like
• Leather can take time to break in
• Only one glove per package, so no matching pairs for us

Slipping paddles become a distant memory with the Python Deluxe Pickleball Glove.

We put it on and instantly noticed how the cabretta leather just wrapped around our hand, not too tight or stiff.

The grip strip across the palm is a game changer—no more flying paddles or awkward fumbles during big serves.

We also appreciate the breathability.

Thanks to the little perforations, our hand doesn’t turn into a sweaty mess, even during a tough match under the sun.

The thin dive pads give our fingers a buffer without turning us into boxing champs by accident.

The light-colored parts will let everyone know how much we love pickleball (and maybe how much we sweat).

It takes a few games to really break the glove in, but after that, it feels like a second skin.

We just wish they’d toss in a leftie, so both hands could match on the court!

Bionic Glove

If you’ve ever wanted your pickleball game to get an upgrade without the hand sweat drama, this glove might be the hero you deserve.

Pros

• Super comfy fit that hugs your hand just right
• Tackier grip means fewer paddle slips—nice for sweaty palms
• You actually notice less hand fatigue after long games

Cons

• Padding feels a bit thick if you want more direct paddle feedback
• Sizing runs a little large, so order with caution
• Price sometimes jumps around, which is not our favorite surprise

Our hands felt oddly pampered right from our first pickleball serve wearing the Bionic Glove.

The goatskin leather has a durable, grippy feel, and those mini-towels inside seem like they throw a personal sweat party every time we play.

We’re not saying it turns us into pros, but dry hands do wonderful things for confidence.

The pre-rotated fingers help the glove move with our grip instead of fighting against it.

When rallies start getting intense, we notice the padding keeps fatigue at bay.

It does mean there’s a little less direct connection to the paddle, though.

On hot days, that moisture control really makes a difference—our paddle’s not launching into orbit any time soon.

We do wish the sizing was more predictable.

If you usually bounce between sizes, maybe size down for a snugger fit.

And while we love a bargain, sometimes the price feels like it’s got a mind of its own, so snag it when you see a deal.

For us, the Bionic Glove isn’t perfect, but it’s a strong pick for folks who want drier, happier hands during pickleball.

Buying Guide

Picking out pickleball gloves shouldn’t stress us out—save the sweating for the court. Honestly, it’s all about knowing what you want before you just toss a pair in your cart.

First up, let’s talk grip. If your paddle keeps slipping like a wet soap bar, check the glove’s texture. We want control, but nobody wants their hand to feel like it’s scraping against sandpaper.

Then, there’s fit and comfort. Everyone’s hands are different, so trying on a few sizes makes sense. A glove shouldn’t squeeze so much it cuts off your circulation, but you also don’t want it flapping around.

Here are a few things worth thinking about:

• Breathability: Go for mesh or tiny holes to help your hands stay dry.
• Padding: A little cushion helps during long games. Too much, though, and suddenly you’re wearing boxing gloves.
• Wrist support: Some gloves add extra support, which might help if your wrists get sore.
• Material: Synthetics are easier to clean, but honestly, some folks just love that real leather feel.

Here’s a quick table to keep things straight:

Feature	Why It Matters
Grip	Prevents slipping
Comfort	Makes playing more enjoyable
Breathability	Reduces sweaty hand situations
Padding	Helps reduce shock and soreness
Wrist Support	Offers extra stability
Material	Changes feel and maintenance needed

If you can, try gloves on before you buy. If not, measuring your hand is the next best thing.

Nobody wants a “one size fits none” disaster.