11 Best Surf Gloves of All Time
Unless you have the privilege of only ever surfing warm tropical waters in places like Indonesia and Costa Rica, odds are you’ll need to invest in a solid pair of surf gloves at some point.
Surf gloves can make a huge difference in terms of comfort levels while surfing in cold waters, and in some areas it’s less of a matter of comfort, and more a matter of necessity.
If you’ve found yourself with freezing fingers one too many times, and you’re now scouring the internet for the best surf gloves- you’ve come to the right place.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick rundown of the 11 best surf gloves of all time:
1. O’neill Psycho Tech– Our top pick for an all-around epic surf glove
2. Rip Curl Flashbomb 5 Finger Glove– The easiest surf glove to take on and off
3. Billabong Furnace Wetsuit Gloves– High-quality 5mm surfing glove
4. Billabong Absolute Wetsuit Gloves– The best lightweight surf glove
5. Xcel Anti Glove– The surf glove for surfers who hate wearing gloves
6. Psycho Tech Lobster Glove– Our top pick for a cold water surfing glove
7. Bare 3 Finger Mitt– The warmest surf gloves
8. Skyone Wetsuit Gloves– The best multi-use wetsuit gloves
9. Scubapro Seamless Surf Gloves– Great 1.5mm surf gloves
10. Xuker Water Gloves– Awesome surf gloves on a budget!
11. WooWave Double Lined Gloves– Our top pick for surfers on a budget
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How to choose the best wetsuit gloves
Are they warm enough?
One of the most important factors when it comes to choosing the perfect wetsuit gloves, is that they’re actually warm enough.
If you’re going to be surfing in frigid waters, you are going to need a surf glove that’s thick enough, and high-quality enough to actually keep you warm.
Generally, surf gloves come in 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm and even 7mm thickness.
You’ll only need 7mm gloves if you’re surfing in extremely cold waters.
Aside from that, it’s a mix of personal preference and glove quality that’ll determine exactly how thick you want your surf gloves to be.
After all, it is possible to have some surf gloves be a little too thick. If you’re trying to stay warm while surfing, surf gloves are one a super important surf accessory.
Do you like the style?
Even if they’re warm enough, surf gloves are no good if you don’t like the way they fit you!
Wetsuit gloves come in a couple different styles, and it’s important to consider what you want before making a purchase.
For example, webbed gloves vs non webbed gloves.
For some surfers, webbed gloves are a game changer, and they make paddling much easier!
On the other hand, for surfers who like to have more range of motion, webbed gloves can be a total deal breaker.
There’s also 5 finger gloves vs mitten-style.
For surfers in extremely cold water, mitten may be the only way to go.
However, you’re definitely sacrificing some mobility but using mittens vs 5 finger gloves.
At the end of the day, it really comes down to personal preference!
Are they built to last?
If you purchase a pair of wetsuit gloves, you want them to last at least through several surf seasons. There’s nothing more frustrating than having the stitching on new surf products come apart after only one of two sessions.
It’s 100% worth it to invest a little more money in a high-quality surf glove, one that’s not going to fall apart after only a couple wears.
Not only is investing in a quality surf glove better for your wallet, it’s going to be better for the environment in the long run, by keeping less materials out of landfills.
How do they fit?
Comfort is key when it comes to surfing and surf gear, and so surf glove fit is a pretty key thing to take into consideration whilst shopping for the perfect surf glove.
While most wetsuit gloves come in a standard SM, M, L, XL, there is typically a little discrepancy across brands when it comes to the different sizes.
When it comes to a surf glove, you want the glove to be on the smaller side when you purchase it, as it will likely stretch a little over time.
11 best surf gloves of all time
1. O’neill Psycho Tech– Our top pick for an all-around epic surf glove
- Thickness: 3mm
- Price: $$
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Availability: Check Here
The O’neill Psycho Tech is the crème de la crème when it comes to high-quality surf gloves.
With state of the art, creamy Techno Butter 3 Neoprene, there isn’t really a better, all-around surf glove you could ask for.
These surf gloves are the perfect combination of lightweight and warm. O’neill’s patented Techno Butter Firewall is a great insulator, and will keep your hands and fingers warm even during marathon sessions.
The palm and all 5 fingers are equipped with a tacky grip allowing for maximum dexterity and use.
Even slipping these surf gloves on is a breeze, thanks to their O-ring seal that conveniently keeps water out completely.
2. Rip Curl Flashbomb 5 Finger Glove– The easiest wetsuit glove to take on and off
- Thickness: 3/2mm
- Price: $$
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Availability: Check Here
The Ripcurl Flashbomb 5 Finger surf glove transforms the high-performing Flashbomb wetsuit into a wetsuit glove.
All of the features that you know and love from flashbomb wetsuits- high-quality, flexible, state-of-the-art e6 neoprene- all of these features are packed into this surf glove, for the warmth and dexterity your hands need for the best surf sessions.
The thickness on these gloves is 3/2mm- the palm is 3mm, and the cuff is 2mm for ease of use.
The palms and fingers of these gloves are equipped with non-slip tack, so you can have the most function possible.
3. Billabong Furnace Wetsuit Gloves– High-quality 5mm surfing glove
- Thickness: 5mm
- Price: $$
- Sizes: XS-L
- Availability: Click Here
The Billabong Furnace Wetsuit Gloves check all the boxes when it comes to a cold water surf glove.
These 5 finger gloves are 5mm of high quality neoprene, equipped with Airtight recycled stretch fabric for maximum flexibility, without sacrificing heat.
The interior fabric is Graphene recycler plus, which is actually made from recycled plastic- making this one of the most eco-friendly surf gloves on the market.
These gloves are totally water tight, and are guaranteed to retain warmth in your hands and fingers throughout marathon surf sessions.
The cuff on these gloves goes a little further down the wrist than most surf gloves, which adds a nice element of added warmth!
4. Billabong Absolute Wetsuit Gloves– The best lightweight surf glove
- Thickness: 2mm
- Price:$-$$
- Sizes: XS-L
- Availability: Click Here
The Billabong Absolute Wetsuit Gloves are a go-to for any surfers looking for a high-quality, lightweight surf glove.
The Absolute is made from 2mm of premium, lightweight neoprene, and has glued and blind stitched seams to keep cold water out.
These gloves have a smooth, second-skin feel on the exterior, and a smooth stretch interior.
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly surf glove as well, these gloves are made from partially recycled neoprene- plus one for the planet!
Overall, if you want a lightweight, affordable, and high-quality surf glove, you can’t beat the Billabong Absolute Wetsuit Gloves.
5. Xcel Anti Glove– The surf glove for surfers who hate wearing gloves
- Thickness: .3mm
- Price: $$$
- Sizes: SM-XL
- Availability: Check Here
The Xcel Anti Glove is the surf glove for surfers who don’t like wearing gloves.
Aptly named, this unique creation by Xcel is perfect for surfers in waters between 54-65 degrees, who just want a little bit of protection to keep your fingers from getting numb while surfing.
The idea with these gloves is that you won’t even notice you’re wearing them. They’re ultra-thin and lightweight, and made with durable, closed-cell skin and a stitch-free design.
If you just want a little something to take the edge off in slightly chilly waters, you can’t go wrong with the Anti-Glove.
6. Psycho Tech Lobster Glove– Our top pick for a cold water surfing glove
- Thickness: 5mm
- Price: $$$
- Sizes: SM-XL
- Availability: Check Here
The Psycho Tech Lobster Glove is exactly what you need to transform your cold water surfing sessions.
As the name suggests, this surfing glove is lobster-claw styled, with a separate space for your thumb and pointer fingers. While this style of glove sacrifices a little dexterity, it provides more movement than a mit, and it is much warmer than many 5 finger gloves.
On the exterior of this surf glove, you’ll find wind-proof Smoothskin, and O’neill’s trademarked Hydrophobic Technobutter 3. The palm also has a tacky grip, so you can pop up with ease.
The interior is equipped with Technobutter Firewall, to keep cold water OUT!
If you’re looking to surf in the low 40’s, especially if there’s wind, this is a surf glove that won’t let you down.
7. Bare 3 Finger Mitt– The warmest wetsuit gloves
- Thickness: 7mm
- Price: $$$
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
- Availability: Check Here
Description: 100 words
The Bare 3 Finger Mitt clocks in at a whopping 7mm, and is by far the thickest surf glove on this list!
If you’re planning on surfing in some frigid waters (Norway anyone?) then this is the glove for you.
These 3 finger gloves are made with neoprene, and feature a gauntlet-style cuff that fits higher up on the forearm, to provide additional warmth and protection.
With such a thick glove, you do lose a decent amount of dexterity, but if you need the extra warmth, it’s well worth investing in a pair of these.
8. Skyone Wetsuit Gloves– The best multi-use wetsuit gloves
- Thickness: 3mm or 5mm
- Price: $
- Sizes: S-XL
- Availability: Check Here
The Skyone Wetsuit Gloves are a surf glove designed with comfort and flexibility in mind.
Their main functions include keeping your hands warm and protected during your surf session.
These gloves have an extremely wide range of use.
While they’re awesome for surfing, they’re also great for a variety of other water sports, including diving, paddle boarding, spearfishing, and more!
To maximize functionality, these gloves are equipped with a high-grip feature texturing the palms, so they’re not slippery.
The seams in these gloves are both glued and blind stitched- these gloves are built to last, even at a very affordable price point.
Also, in case you order the wrong glove size, or they don’t fit quite right, the company is incredibly flexible with returns and exchanges to ensure you get exactly what you need.
9. Scubapro Seamless Surf Gloves– Great 1.5mm gloves
- Thickness:1.5mm
- Price: $$
- Sizes: Sm-XL
- Availability: Click Here
The Scubapro Seamless surf gloves are a great option for anyone looking for a thin surf glove.
I know what you may be thinking…. A thin surf glove? What’s the use in that? Well, there’s actually a few uses.
The Scubapro surf gloves are great for anyone who needs a little extra warmth in their hands, without sacrificing dexterity.
They can also be used for layering under a bigger, thicker surf glove in case you’re in extremely cold waters and don’t have a 7mm surf glove on hand.
These gloves are high-quality too- with heat taped seams, a printed palm for extra grip, and ultra-flexible neoprene, these gloves will get the job done.
10. Xuker Water Gloves– Awesome surf gloves on a budget!
- Thickness: 3mm and 5mm
- Price: $
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Availability: Check Here
The Xuker Water Gloves are a great surf glove option for anyone shopping on a budget!
These strong but flexible wetsuit gloves are glued blind stitched, or GBS.
GBS is a process used to manufacture high-quality surf gloves, in which they first glue the seams, and then stitch each side, about halfway through the material without fully penetrating with the needle.
The end result is a waterproof, toasty warm surf glove that will keep your hands warm throughout chilly surf sessions.
These surf gloves have an adjustable velcro strap wrist closure, which makes slipping them on and off a breeze.
If you’re looking for surf gloves but shopping on a budget, these are a fantastic option.
11. WooWave Double Lined Gloves– Our top pick for surfers on a budget
- Thickness: 3mm
- Price: $
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Availability: Check Here
The WooWave Double Lined Gloves are a top pick for surfers on a budget!
These 3mm surf gloves are made with durable, double lined neoprene, and the seams are glued and blind stitched to protect against wear and tear.
The palm of these surf gloves is lined with a rubberized, anti-slip grip material, and the adjustable velcro wrist strap makes them easy to slide on and off, and keep cold water out.
If you’re shopping for a pair of decent surf gloves, and the other options on this list are a little out of your budget, these are a solid choice!
Surf Glove FAQs
How do I care for my surf gloves?
The best way to increase the lifespan of your surf gloves is to take great care of them!
After every session, you’ll want to rinse the saltwater off them, and let them dry out of direct sunlight.
To wash them, you can first rinse them, and then soak them in some wetsuit soap and water.
You never want to put your surf gloves in the washer machine.
Are surf gloves supposed to be waterproof?
It honestly depends on the glove. Some of the more high-quality surf gloves on this list are going to be pretty much completely waterproof.
The surf gloves on the lower end might let a little water in, but they’re still going to keep your hands much warmer than if you were to forgo surf gloves all together.
Final thoughts on the best surf gloves
That concludes my roundup of the 11 best surf gloves! I hope this guide helps you to pick out the perfect surf glove to keep your hands toasty warm throughout your surf sessions.
Happy surfing!
