Every golf glove comes down to one core choice: premium leather or synthetic. Both have a place — here’s how they compare across the things that actually affect your game.
Feel and grip
Cabretta leather is a soft, thin sheepskin that sits closer to the skin than any synthetic, giving you maximum feedback and a more secure hold on the club. It’s what most tour players choose. Synthetic gloves have improved, but they still feel a layer removed from the grip.
Durability
Synthetics win on raw longevity — they resist wear and shrug off moisture. Cabretta is more delicate, but with basic care (air-drying flat, rotating two gloves) a leather glove lasts far longer than most players expect. Our Performance gloves add cabretta grip zones to a hard-wearing build, closing much of the durability gap.
Weather
In dry heat, cabretta breathes and wicks sweat well. In heavy rain, though, untreated leather can get slick — that’s where a dedicated all-weather glove earns its place. If you play in all conditions, owning both is the simplest answer.
Price
Synthetics are cheaper up front. Premium leather costs more but delivers the feel serious players want — and cared for properly, the price-per-round evens out.
So which should you buy?
Choose full cabretta — like our Tour range — if feel and grip are everything. Choose a hybrid Performance glove if you want that feel with extra durability for regular play. Not sure on size or hand? See our sizing guide and our full guide to choosing a golf glove. Browse the whole range of NGB Sports golf gloves to compare.