Archery Gloves: Finger Protection Explained

An archery glove, also called a shooting glove, is worn on the hand that draws the bowstring. It shields the index, middle, and ring fingers — the three fingers that bear the string's tension — from pressure, friction, blisters, and longer-term injury. Bowstrings made of nylon or dacron exert significant force on bare skin with every draw, making finger protection essential for consistent, pain-free shooting.

Construction and Materials

Most archery gloves cover only the fingertips rather than the full hand. These individual fingertip covers are technically called finger stalls. The surface that contacts the dacron bowstring is kept smooth and slick to reduce friction, which supports a cleaner, more consistent release.

Common face materials include:

• Leather — durable and breathable; cordovan leather is recognized as especially slick and weather-resistant, making it a benchmark material for finger protection.
• Synthetic fabrics (nylon, neoprene, polyester) — more flexible and moisture-wicking than leather, though generally less stiff at the contact point.
• Nylon-faced finger stalls — notably durable and slick, reducing friction for faster arrow speeds and cleaner releases.

Some archer gloves include a wrist strap or elastic band to keep the glove seated during the shot. Others add reinforced fingertips or a padded palm for extended practice sessions.

Benefits of Using a Shooting Glove

Comfort and Reduced Fatigue

A protective layer between the fingers and string reduces accumulated pressure, helping archers — especially beginners who haven't yet developed calluses — shoot longer without soreness.

Safety

High bowstring tension can cause painful injuries or permanent finger damage without protection. Archer gloves lower that risk across all skill levels.

Accuracy and Consistency

A smooth glove face lets the string glide cleanly off the fingers, supporting a more repeatable release and tighter arrow groupings over time.

Archery Gloves vs. Finger Tabs

Archery gloves and finger tabs serve the same protective purpose but behave differently. With a glove, each finger interacts with the string individually. A tab creates a single flat surface across all three fingers, which many recurve archers prefer for shot consistency. Neither is universally superior — the right choice depends on shooting style, discipline, and personal preference. Both are permitted under USA Archery's traditional equipment rules, which allow finger stalls, gloves, and tabs for drawing the bowstring.

For sizing, measure the widest part of your palm below the knuckles. A glove that is too tight restricts movement; one that is too loose can catch the string and hurt accuracy.