The 15 Best Tactical Gloves

From tactical knives and weapons, pens, and flashlights to the backpacks to carry it all in, tactical gear has been updated many times over to keep up with the rising demands of soldiers in the field, those patrolling the streets, and civilians looking to stay prepared or update their existing tactical everyday carry. So it’s no surprise that tactical apparel has kept up with it’s hardware counterpart — tactical gloves in particular.

While there are many options to choose from — tactical gloves, combat gloves, shooting gloves, duty gloves, etc. — the best tactical gloves on the market right now offer unparalleled protection in the field while allowing the wearer to maintain complete dexterity and grip on the equipment they operate. We won’t judge you for picking up a knockoff brand of gloves from your nearest discount big box store, but for those who take their tactical gear seriously, we’ve curated this list of the best tactical gloves for work, play, and everything in between.

Mechanix M-Pact 3 Covert Combat Gloves

Thanks to a single-piece, impact-absorbing knuckle guard made from thermoplastic rubber, the Mechanix M-Pact 3 Covert gloves are just as at home in combat as they are on patrol in an urban metropolis. EVA padding also protects the outside of the fingers and thumbs from day-to-day impacts, while a reinforced palm and fingertips provide a superior grip on equipment while resisting abrasions and wear-and-tear in the field.

For less than $40, you’re getting a pair of all-purpose tactical gloves that provide complete hand protection in any environment while maintaining adequate dexterity.

5.11 Tactical Hard Time Gloves

Kevlar, reinforcement, and thermoplastic plating. These are just a few reasons why these mission-ready gloves were designed specifically for operators in the harshest environments both overseas and stateside. Along with rugged knuckle plating and a Kevlar knit construction, the Hard Time Gloves feature 5.11’s trademarked TacticalTouch fingertips for superior dexterity while handling firearms and other equipment, along with reinforced finger joints and a seamless goatskin palm.

Mechanix Recon Tactical Shooting Gloves

Mechanix Work Wear lands on this list again, this time in the form of the Recon Tactical Shooting Gloves. As the name suggests, these gloves are most at home at the shooting range, and also provide law enforcement officers with superior hand protection out in the field while responding to calls and making arrests.

Three-dimensional patterning allows the Recon Tactical Shooting Gloves to conform to the curves of the hand, and — similar to the 5.11 Screen Ops Gloves mentioned above — they’re touchscreen compatible thanks to hair sheep leather implemented into the fingers and palm that also provides plenty of dexterity.

Additional features include a thermoplastic rubber closure for a secure fit and flex points throughout for improved finger mobility. Wear them while patrolling the streets, on your next covert training mission, or at the shooting range. They’re quite versatile enough for all three.

Outdoor Research Ironsight Gloves

Outdoor brand Outdoor Research does leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to outdoor gear and hiking apparel. And although their tactical gloves are an often overlooked item from their store, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the Ironsight Gloves here.

Where the Ironsight Gloves really truly is their grip and tactility thanks to a durable yet dexterous synthetic leather construction and anti-slip silicon grip pads on the palms and fingers that provide a superior grip while handling your pistol, taking notes in the field with your tactical pen of choice, or apprehending a perpetrator. They also dry fairly quick, should your work take you into inclement weather and back.

Under Armour Tactical Duty Gloves

Sports and outdoor brand Under Armour has dabbled in the tactical game — albeit on a micro level — for several years, and their small yet worthy collection of tactical gloves never seem to stay in stock for long. Perhaps the best pair of tactical gloves by the brand is their Tactical Duty Gloves.

Compared to the rest of this list, these touchscreen-compatible UA gloves offer the most streamlined fit and are crafted from synthetic leather with a neoprene cuff. And while padding on the back of each pair provide adequate protection from the occasional impact from whatever you may encounter on your shift, they don’t necessarily look overly tactical in appearance. That makes them a safe bet for wearing just about anywhere — both on duty and off.

5.11 High Abrasion Tac Glove

5.11 is a brand that has become synonymous with tactical gear, and their gloves have risen to lead the rest of the pack. The High Abrasion Tac Glove, in particular, are an excellent choice for those who need a truly versatile pair of tactical gloves. Suitable for the shooting range, out on patrol, or even on the job site, these gloves are made from high abrasion synthetic suede that is as comfortable for your hands as it is long-lasting and hard-wearing.

The breathable, four-way stretch top keeps your hands cool, with extra protection incorporated into the padded knuckle. And, thanks to the webbing pull tab that doubles as a hanger loop, pulling these gloves off and on has never been easier.

Oakley Factory Pilot 2.0 Gloves

When most people think of Oakley, their minds immediately go to the rough-and-rugged sunglasses worn by bikers, badasses, and operators around the globe. Well, these Factory Pilot 2.0 Gloves live up to the exacting standards of durability, offering a state-of-the-art tactical glove option that combines highly rugged full-grain leather with micro ventilation perfect for keeping your hands dry and your grip secure on your knife hilt or pistol grip.

The all-weather gloves are designed with incorporated panels that stretch and flex with your hand movements, leading to a more natural fit. Thanks to the built-in carbon fiber panels, your knuckles will be protected all day long. You’ll love the minimalist feel and maximum comfort offered by these bad boys.

Scorpion EXO Covert Tactical Gloves

Scorpion is a brand best-known for its biker gear, all hyper-durable, high-performance clothing and accessories suited for life on the open road. But the EXO Covert Tactical Gloves take your gear to the next level, offering a truly flexible design as compatible with running and gunning as riding.

The Spandex-backed 3D molded knuckle armor offers protection and excellent flexibility, with just the right amount of padding incorporated into the palm and fingers to reduce impact without compromising your grip. In fact, the silicon-printed palm will actually enhance your grip, and the abrasion-resistant finish will ensure that these gloves last you for many years to come.

First Tactical Slash & Flash Hard Knuckle Gloves

First Tactical always puts its wearers first, engineering products using the latest and greatest materials, and getting everything field-tested by operators in the most demanding situations. It’s no surprise, then, that their Slash & Flash Hard Knuckle Gloves get a spot on our list.

These gloves are surprisingly lightweight, using a mix of lighter-yet-hardy materials like Kevlar and Nomex jersey. The palms are fully cut-resistant and can stand up to the sort of wear and tear you’ll expect while on the job or rolling out with your squad, and you’ll find the TouchTac fingertip design gives you excellent tactile response without compromising the protection your hands need. It’s functional, versatile, and reliable—just what’s called for in a pair of tactical gloves.

Glove Station The Combat

Whether you’re a cop gearing up for a raid or a soldier heading out on deployment, these are the gloves you want riding with you. Glove Station The Combat gloves offer thick rubber reinforced knuckle molding to keep the backs of your hands safe, and a polyurethane leather palm to minimize weight while maximizing grip.

The fingers and palms work great with any touchscreen device, and you’ll find they’re highly durable in any weather or environment. Thanks to the built-in rubber aero vents and padded mesh, your hands will stay cool and dry even hours into a tense combat situation. Now that’s a pair of tactical gloves you can count on.

Blackhawk S.O.L.A.G Recon Gloves

Started by a Navy Seal and renowned for producing the sort of gear beloved by men in uniform, Blackhawk delivers a truly next-level pair of tactical gloves in the form of the S.O.L.A.G Recon Gloves. The gloves offer double protection from both flames and enemy fire, thanks to the fire-resistant Nolex lining and the Kevlar reinforcement beneath.

The gloves are also resistant to being cut, perfect in case you find yourself in hand-to-hand combat situations. When it comes time to get in close and take down your target, the D30 knuckle pads pack a punch while shielding your hands from impact, and they offer full mobility no matter what you’re shooting.

5.11 Rope K9 Glove

For those K9 handlers who need better-quality, more customized gloves, 5.11 has got your back. The Rope K9 Glove is specifically designed for you. Designed and engineered thanks to feedback from both rappelling teams and active K9 handlers, the gloves come with a Vibram rubber anti-friction palm that will shield your hand from rope burn but offer excellent hold on any webbing or rope you use.

The four-way stretch top offers breathability, while the reinforced cuff seam ensures the gloves stay firmly in place. Whether you’re working with a K9 unit or rappelling down a rope onto a rooftop, these will be the perfect companion.

Magpul Patrol Glove 2.0

Take the Magpul Patrol Glove 2.0 out with you on the city streets, and you’ll always be ready for action. Built to be supremely lightweight and comfortable, the gloves have minimalist closed-cell foam padding at the back of the knuckles but integrate premium goatskin leather into the palm to improve your grip and extend the lifespan of your gear.

The wrap-up finger pattern and flexible knuckle panel give you better finger dexterity without compromising your tactile response. And just in case you need to quickly access your phone, the thumbs are touchscreen-compatible.

WTACTFUL Tactical Gloves

Whether you’re riding your Harley down the highway, heading out into the forest during hunting season, or patrolling the street, you’ll find the WTACTFUL Tactical Gloves make a great addition to your gear. Made from durable microfiber artificial leather, the gloves are super soft on your hands but rough and tough on the exterior.

With its reinforced palm, anatomically shaped one-piece thermal rubber knuckle guard, and breathable stretch nylon backing, these will keep your hands safe, cool, and ready for action. They even incorporate extra wrist support to reduce joint strain and make the gloves feel truly snug on your hands.

Blackhawk P.A.T.R.O.L. Barricade Gloves

Blackhawk maximizes both comfort and protection in the P.A.T.R.O.L. Barricade Gloves, a piece of hard-wearing equipment ideal for police and military use, as well as hitting the shooting range all geared up. The gloves utilize form-fitting neoprene, which is flexible and offers excellent range of motion for your hands and fingers.

The knuckle pleats are articulated to allow for easier, more natural movement, and the Kevlar incorporated into the palm is cut-resistant. Best of all, they’re touchscreen compatible and some of the most comfortable gloves you’ll ever wear.

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