Mark Greene
Whether you are having fun paintball shooting or doing some actual shooting at the gun range, you will need a pair of good tactical gloves to protect your hands and boost your aim and accuracy. At the very least tactical gloves should be strong, durable, and comfortable. There are plenty of tactical glove brands, but only a few are worthy of the name.
We want to save you the trouble of searching for the perfect tactical gloves. Read on to learn about seven of the best tactical gloves of 2020, their strengths and weaknesses, and factors to consider next time you go shopping for a pair.
The Best Tactical Gloves
   1. Our Pick: Seibertron S.O.L.A.G. Special Ops Combat Gloves
BEST CHOICE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Premium comfort and quality
- Combat design
PROS
- Micro-grips for a tight grip
- Soft inner padding
- Hard, durable outer cover
- Easy fit
CONS
- They are not breathable; expect sweating after about 90 minutes of use
- The PU may crack with time
DETAILS
Seibertron S.O.L.A.G. Special Ops Combat Gloves are the public’s favorite for a variety of reasons. They look good and feel even better. They also pack a variety of features suitable for combat use and more than capable of meeting your everyday needs.
Key Features
- Thousands of Micro-Grips
These gloves feature thousands of micro-grips along the palm and fingers. These micro-grips are designed to afford you a better and tighter grip on anything you hold. They especially come in handy when interacting with wet surfaces.
- Velcro Grip
You don’t have to worry about size or fit with the Seibertron S.O.L.A.G. Special Ops Combat Gloves. They feature a wrist velcro and strap mechanism along the top of the hand and arm. This mechanism allows you to loosen or tighten the fit easily and quickly for optimal comfort and perfect fitting. Â
- Tough Outer Cover
The Seibertron S.O.L.A.G. Special Ops Combat Gloves are some of the most durable tactical gloves in the market today. They are built using tough materials capable of withstanding corrosion and harsh elements. To this end, they will keep their good looks and perform flawlessly for longer than the average pair of tactical gloves. Their durability will depend on how you use them, and you can tell when they begin to wear out by inspecting the micro-grips for signs of fading and cracking.
- Soft Padding
While these gloves feature a tough outer cover they are soft and comfortable on the inside thanks to fel padding. This makes them comfortable to use even in tough activities and protects your hands from blisters and other dangers.
        2. Premium Pick: FREETOO Rubber Knuckle Tactical Gloves
  PREMIUM PICK
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Affordability
- Good quality
PROS
- A strong and durable outer cover
- Soft and comfortable inner lining
- Velcro grip for the perfect fit
- USMC approved for all-round use
CONS
- Is not breathable
DETAILS
This is an exceptional pair of gloves – it is at the lower end of the price bracket but ranks among the best when it comes to quality. You get more than you pay for with these gloves. They are ideal for all-round, everyday use thanks to their top range of features.
Key Features
- Durable Outer Cover
FREETOO Rubber Knuckle tactical gloves are designed for your protection. To this end, the outer cover is made of tough material that will protect you from a wide range of dangers including kickback from firing. The tough material is also durable, so these gloves will stay intact and maintain their good looks for a long time.
- Comfortable Inner Build
Beneath the tough outer cover is a soft and comfortable lining designed for your comfort. The inside of these gloves is lined with gel padding and other soft materials designed to protect your hands from dangers such as blisters and keep them comfortable in all situations.
- Velcro Grip
Fitting should not be a problem as long as you choose the right size thanks to the velcro grip mechanism on these gloves. You can adjust the fit as you wish. Speaking of grip, these gloves also afford you a tight grip on anything you lay your hands on.
- USMC Approved
These gloves are approved by the USMC for everyday civilian use. This means that you can wear them in many places and use them in various ways including shooting at the gun range or having fun paint-ball shooting.
           3. Best Value: 5.11 Tactical Hard Time Gloves
  BEST VALUE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Premium leather build
- Custom fit
PROS
- Made from authentic goat leather
- Light-weight and maneuverable for unhindered performance
- Extra protection at the cuffs and knuckles
CONS
- A bit expensive
- Not breathable – you will begin sweating after about an hour of use
DETAILS
5.11 is not a caliber or anything. However, the name is not as important as what these gloves have to offer. They are on the higher end of the price scale, but their features are worth it. For starters, they are made from genuine leather, feature a combat design, have a custom fit, and generally bring out the best of what the average glove has to offer.
Key Features
- Goat Skin Leather Cover
5.11 tactical gloves are made of actual goat skin leather. The leather is not only tough and durable but also feels comfortable and luxurious. It is capable of withstanding harsh elements and will protect you from cuts, bruises, shock, and much more.
- Cuff Protection
These gloves kick protection and safety a notch higher as the leather covering extends to the cuffs, thus making them ideal for ‘dirty’ jobs.
- Knuckle Protection
In addition to cuff protection, these gloves also sport TPR-covered knuckles. This absorbs shock from impact and makes them ideal for dangerous jobs that may require you to use your fists.
- Velcro Wrist Grip
These gloves fit snugly not only on your hands but also around your cuffs thanks to the velcro wrist grip. You can adjust the grip as you deem fit for a customized feel.
- Light-Weight and Maneuverable
The goat skin leather cover is not only tough and durable but also light-weight. It is also maneuverable so that it does not get in your way unlike most other gloves that limit finger movement – it almost feels like your hands are free.
4. Blackhawk S.O.L.A.G. HD Tactical Gloves
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Affordable for gloves in its class
PROS
- Incredible durability
- Combat build and looks
- Doesn’t have caustic dye
- Tight grip and snug fit
- Ideal for tough jobs; heavy-duty use
CONS
- Lack of maneuverability
DETAILS
Another one from S.O.L.A.G., the Blackhawk S.O.L.A.G. HD tactical glove is designed for heavy-duty use, and its range of features are designed to take on the toughest of tasks. Safety is guaranteed, and so is comfort and a sleek look.
Key Features
- Hard-Shell, Rubber Reinforced Covering
The top side of these gloves is made of a hard shell reinforced with a rubber cover. Combined, these materials provide protection from all sorts of dangers and harsh elements. The knuckles and fingers also sport extra protection in case you need to use your fists.
- NOMEX/Kevlar Cover
Some parts of the Blackhawk S.O.L.A.G. HD tactical glove outer cover are made using either NOMEX or Kevlar – the choice is yours to make. These tough materials not only give meaning to ‘tactical’ but also ensure protection from high-impact contact and flames – it just goes to show that these gloves are indeed designed for heavy-duty use.
- Dual-Layer Leather Palm Cover
The lower side of these gloves features a dual-layer leather cover than runs along the palms and fingers. Considering that most of the contact happens here, the double-layer of leather provides extra protection. It also ensures a tight grip on all sorts of surfaces, including wet and smooth ones. Â
- Snug Fit
These gloves will fit you as if they are custom-made thanks to the velcro wrist straps. These straps are easy and quick to adjust.
5. Oakley SI Assault Gloves
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- A combat appearance
- Tough and durable material
- Soft inner lining
- Ideal for shooting
PROS
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Strong grip
- Snug fit
- Boosts accuracy and aim
CONS
- The greatest flaw of these gloves is that they are coated with caustic dye that tends to bleed on your hands. The dye is difficult to wash off, but the problem should disappear with time with each time you wash the gloves.
DETAILS
Oakley SI tactical gloves put the meaning in the words ‘combat’ and ‘tactical’. They are designed primarily for shooting but are also ideal for multi-purpose use. They look and feel combat-ready, and they certainly are thanks to their range of features.
Key Features
- Durable Outer Cover
These gloves are made of tough covering that is capable of withstanding a wide range of harsh elements and moderate impacts to keep your hands safe. It is also durable – it will last longer than the average tactical gloves, depending on how you use it. Â
- Breathable Surface
You don’t have to worry about sweating with these gloves as they have a breathable surface that lets the fresh air in while expelling heat. This makes them ideal for strenuous activities and usable even during the hottest of days. Â
- Comfortable Inner Lining
In addition to breathability, these gloves are lined with a soft material for your hands’ comfort. The soft lining also prevents against blisters, scratches, and other minor dangers.
- Tight Grip
The palms of these gloves feature a rubbery surface that facilitates a tight grip on all sorts of surfaces. The glove also fits well, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping off.
- Unmatched Shock Absorption
There is a reason why Oakley SI tactical gloves are ideal for shooting: they have one of the best shock absorption capabilities. This not only protects your hands from the kickback effect of shooting but also improves your aim and accuracy when target shooting at the gun range or hunting wild game.
6. JIUSY Military Rubber Knuckle Gloves
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Affordable
- Good-looking
- Touch-screen compatible
PROS
- Snug, custom fitting
- Durable micro-fiber cover
- Breathable material
- Light-weight and maneuverable
CONS
- Feature caustic dye that tends to bleed into the skin
- Delicate nylon cover that is not durable
- Short lifespan of about six months depending on usage
DETAILS
The price of these gloves and quality do not match – they are pretty affordable (and even cheap) considering their range of features. They feature a combat design and come in a variety of colors. They also fit snugly and provide all-round protection. Most notably, however, is the fact that they are compatible with smart phone touch-screens.
Key Features
- Touch-Screen Compatible
You don’t need to take these gloves off every time you need to use your phone as they are touch-screen compatible. They perform really well too, so don’t worry about poor interaction.
- Microfiber Construction
These gloves are constructed using a tough micro-fiber cover capable of withstanding many harsh elements. The micro-fiber cover is also breathable so that your hands do not get sweaty. This makes them ideal for use during hot days and for heavy jobs expected to generate a lot of body heat.
- Adjustable Velcro Strap
Fitting should not be an issue with these gloves as they come with two velcro straps that ensure they stay on at all times. The straps are also easy to adjust.
- Stretchy Nylon
Part of these gloves’ outer cover is made of stretchy nylon that is not only soft and comfortable but also maneuverable. This means that you can use your hands without much strain. However, the stretchy nylon cover is not as durable as the rest of the cover.
- Reinforced Rubber Knuckles
The knuckles on these gloves are covered with reinforced rubber that provides moderate protection against shock and punctures.
Tactical Gloves Buying Guide
Most tactical gloves look compact while on display, but only a few actually are tactical. It is disappointing when your brand new pair of tactical gloves tears at the slightest strain or hinders your activities. To this end, it is important that you choose well. This is easy; just look out for the following features next time you go shopping:
- Cover Material
The type of material used to make tactical gloves determines a lot of things about them. For starters, durability depends on the sort of material used – leather is recommended, but some synthetic materials are just as durable. Additionally, weight and maneuverability are also affected.
Avoid tactical gloves made using cheap materials that will tear easily. Nevertheless, ensure that the cover is not so rigid that it will hinder maneuverability and compromise your performance in the field.
- Size and Fit
Your gloves should fit perfectly or else you will hardly get anything done. Unfortunately, sizes tend to mix up. As such, try your desired pair of gloves on before checking out. Additionally, check to see whether they feature velcro strap as it not only reinforces fitting but also ensures that they do not slip off when working, which is not only irritating but also potentially dangerous. Â
- Breathability
Tactical gloves can get so hot that your hands feel like they are trapped in an oven. This is why it pays to check whether the material used is breathable.
Breathability is a complicated issue. Breathable material is usually not as tough or durable and non-breathable covers, so many manufacturers choose to forego breathability for safety. Fortunately, you can solve this problem by taking off the gloves for a couple of minutes when you feel your hands getting hot and sweaty.
- Color
Most people prefer their tactical gloves to come in black – black not only looks good but also blends well with most other colors especially in the dark for covert operations. However, the color used is important as it is often tied to the presence of caustic dyes. Some types of dyes tend to leak and seep into the skin. At the very least these dyes are difficult to wash off, but in some cases they can cause irritation. It is recommendable to avoid caustic dyes altogether.
- Price
If money is not an object we recommend going for the best tactical gloves you can find. However, there are plenty of tactical gloves that are highly functional and durable, so look around. Having said that, avoid most of the cheap tactical gloves as the price often reflects quality; remember, you get what you pay for!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the typical uses of tactical gloves?
A: Tactical gloves are designed for a variety of uses. Most people use them for riding motorcycles owing to the increased level of protection they guarantee. Many people also prefer them over the common gloves for the winter season as they are capable of providing extra levels of warmth. They are also popular with hunters as well as paintball and airsoft fans as they protect against cuts and bruises. Finally, they are essentially a requirement for law enforcement professionals especially those in special operations units.
However, some types of tactical gloves are limited to law-enforcement and military use only – in fact, tactical gloves were not available to the public several years ago.
Q: Is it true that tactical gloves help with accuracy when handling guns?
A: Yes, tactical gloves may have something to do with your improved accuracy. For starters, they protect against the shock of kickback that is often offsetting. They also make it easier to pull the trigger. Psychology also has something to do with it: the compact feel of tactical gloves is a confidence booster.
Q: Can tactical gloves help with rheumatoid arthritis?
A: Yes, tactical gloves slightly help with RA. For starters, they protective layer limit contact with hard surfaces and thus suppress some of the pain. They also provide heat that helps sooth the knuckles and other aching joints. Â
However, you should be careful with sizing as tactical gloves that are too tight will make the condition worse. In fact, it is recommendable to consult your doctor before resorting to tactical gloves specifically for your rheumatoid arthritis condition. Â
Q: Why are most tactical gloves not compatible with smart phones’ touch-screens?
A: Touch-screens on most smart phones are activated by thermal recognition. Most tactical gloves, on the other hand, cover the entire hand and fingers and thus mask the thermal output from your fingers, thus making it impossible for you to use your smart phone.
However, some tactical gloves feature thin fingertips that allow some of the thermal signature from your fingers to penetrate through, thus making it possible for you to use your smart phone. The experience, however, may be wanting depending on the brand of touch-screen compatible tactical gloves you use.
