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If you play squash or racquetball, you know how a single bad grip can turn a winning rally into a frustrating error. A good glove is like a trusted teammate on your non-dominant hand — it helps you hold the racquet confidently, reduces slippage, and keeps blisters at bay. Think of it as the difference between driving a car with a loose steering wheel and one that fits perfectly in your hands. The right glove improves control, comfort, and consistency, which translates to more confident shots and fewer mid-match adjustments.
Gloves enhance grip by increasing friction between your palm and the racquet handle, especially when sweat starts to build. High-quality glove palms are often made from synthetic leather or tacky fabrics that hold well without feeling sticky. When your grip is reliable, you can focus on technique and placement rather than constantly readjusting your fingers.
Playing fast-paced court sports can cook up blisters quicker than you think. A thin, well-fitted glove acts like a second skin and reduces friction between your hand and the handle. This not only prevents painful blisters but also reduces the formation of thick calluses that can interfere with a natural feel for the racquet.
Good gloves wick moisture away so your hand stays drier and the racquet stays secure. Many gloves use breathable fabrics with perforations or mesh panels to move heat and moisture out, so even during a long, sweaty match you’ll maintain comfort and a steady hold — like wearing a tiny athletic towel on your palm without the bulk.
Fit is everything. Most brands size gloves by hand circumference in inches, so measure around the widest part of your palm (excluding your thumb) and match that number to the brand’s size chart. A glove that’s too tight restricts movement; too loose creates bunching and reduces control. Ideally, the glove should allow full finger movement while hugging your palm snugly — about how a baseball mitt should feel in the break-in phase.
Materials range from soft synthetic leather to technical textiles with reinforced areas. Synthetic leather often offers the best balance of tackiness and durability for racquet sports, while stretch fabrics on the back of the hand improve breathability. Look for reinforced seams and palms for heavy hitters; otherwise you’ll replace gloves every few months instead of every season.
Some gloves are ultra-thin to maximize feel, while others add padding on the palm or thumb to protect against impact and vibration. Choose padding based on your play style: sprinters and flick-shot artists often prefer thin gloves for precision, while aggressive hitters might want a touch more padding to tame sting and reduce vibration.
Most players wear a glove on their non-dominant hand — if you’re right-handed, that’s your left hand. However, some players wear gloves on both hands for extra grip during two-handed backhands or for equipment coaching. Check product descriptions carefully to confirm if gloves are sold individually or in pairs.
Amazon houses a huge range of glove styles, from budget synthetic options to premium specialty brands. The advantage is variety and quick shipping across the US, plus user reviews that help you weigh comfort versus longevity. If you like comparing several models side-by-side, Amazon’s filters make the process easier. Just be mindful of sizing variations between manufacturers.
Dick’s offers a solid selection of mainstream racquet and court gloves, and visiting a store lets you try on sizes before buying. Their online inventory often includes popular brands and seasonal promotions. For players who like the reassurance of in-store returns and fitting, this national chain blends convenience with a sporting-specialist vibe.
Although focused on tennis, both Tennis Warehouse and Tennis Express stock high-quality racquet gear that translates well to squash and racquetball, including gloves from top brands. These stores are great when you want expert product descriptions, customer reviews from other racquet athletes, and accessories geared specifically toward grip and handle fit.
Specialty shops like RacquetGuys and RacquetWorld gear their selection toward racquet sports players and often carry niche brands and hard-to-find glove models favored by competitive players. If you’re seeking performance-oriented gloves or brand-specific fits (for example, racquetball veterans recommend Ektelon or Harrow models), these stores are worth checking out.
Stores with an outdoors and performance focus like REI and Backcountry sometimes carry gloves that emphasize moisture-wicking and durable technical textiles. While they aren’t racquet-specific, their performance fabrics can be a great fit for players who prioritize sweat management and breathability above all else.
If you’re experimenting with gloves for the first time or need an inexpensive spare, mass-market retailers like Walmart and Academy Sports carry affordable models. They may not boast premium materials, but for casual players or practice sessions these options often provide acceptable grip and comfort at a low price.
Harrow and Ektelon are long-standing names in the racquetball and squash communities, known for gloves that strike a balance between tackiness and durability. Tecnifibre brings tennis engineering to court gloves with thin, responsive palms. Expect excellent feel and targeted reinforcement in key wear areas from these brands.
These larger racquet brands produce gloves with consistent sizing and materials suitable for beginners and intermediate players. They typically focus on broad appeal: comfortable fit, reliable grip, and easy-to-find replacement sizes at sporting goods stores nationwide.
Salming is a favorite among dedicated squash players, offering gloves that prioritize breathability and a close-to-racquet feel. Specialty brands often use slimmer profiles and minimalist padding so you can sense every nuance of the handle — ideal for players who live for finesse and fast wrist action.
Most gloves can be hand-washed gently in cool water with mild soap; avoid tossing them in a hot machine wash, which can shrink or degrade materials. After washing, press gently to remove excess water and shape the glove while damp. Treat stains promptly and avoid harsh chemicals that strip tackiness from synthetic leather.
Air-dry gloves away from direct heat sources. Stuffing a glove lightly with paper can help it keep shape while drying and prevent creasing of the palm surface. Store gloves in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving them balled up in a gym bag where mildew and odor can build up — think of storage as giving your glove its own mini locker.
Don’t buy based on price alone. A cheap glove that slips will cost you more in lost points and replacements. Try gloves on if possible, and read reviews focused on sizing and longevity rather than only promotional copy. Consider buying a slightly thicker model if you play frequently, and keep a thinner glove for tournaments where feel is key. Also look for seasonal sales at specialty shops or big retailers to snag premium gloves at a discount — prices can drop significantly at off-season clearance.
Replace gloves when the palm becomes glossy and slick from wear, when seams split, or when the fit loosens and the glove starts bunching. A glove that has lost its tackiness or is causing repeated slippage is costing you control, and no amount of tape or grip enhancer will fully compensate. For heavy players, plan on swapping gloves every few months; light players can often stretch a glove across a season.
Choosing the right squash or racquetball glove is a mix of personal feel, proper sizing in inches, and knowing where to shop. Whether you pick up a specialty model from RacquetGuys or a reliable midrange glove at Dick’s, the goal is the same: better grip, fewer blisters, and more confidence on the court. Try different fits, pay attention to materials, and don’t be afraid to invest in a glove that supports your playing style. With the right glove in hand, you’ll feel the difference immediately — like flipping a switch from hesitant to in-control.
