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How to Choose Impact Gloves

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Industrial PPE Guide

How to Choose Impact Gloves for Workplace Hazards

Choose impact-resistant work gloves based on the actual workplace hazard, required protection, material, construction, grip, dexterity, fit and applicable standards.

B2B Buyer & PPE Selection Guide
● Quick Answer

Choosing impact gloves starts with the workplace hazard, not simply the appearance of the glove. The right impact-resistant work gloves should provide appropriate back-of-hand protection while also meeting the job’s requirements for cut resistance, abrasion resistance, grip, dexterity, fit, durability and applicable standards.

The practical selection process is: identify the hazard → determine required protection → evaluate additional hazards → check material and construction → confirm fit → verify standards → test or sample the glove.

ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 provides a U.S. classification system for occupational gloves offering back-of-the-hand impact protection, while EN 388 covers mechanical risks including abrasion, blade cut, tear, puncture and, where applicable, impact.

IMAGE 1 Recommended placement: After the introduction

Purpose: Show the relationship between workplace hazards and impact-glove selection.

Recommended visual: Professional industrial scene showing construction, automotive maintenance, heavy equipment and industrial assembly workers wearing different impact-resistant gloves.

ALT: Workers wearing impact-resistant work gloves for different workplace hazards.

What Are Impact Gloves?

Impact gloves are protective work gloves designed to reduce the forces transmitted to areas of the hand exposed to impact, particularly the knuckles, fingers and back of the hand.

A typical impact glove may combine:

  • A flexible textile or synthetic back
  • TPR or another protective impact component
  • Reinforced fingers
  • Reinforced palm areas
  • Leather or synthetic palm materials
  • Grip-enhancing surfaces
  • Adjustable cuffs
  • Stretch panels for mobility
Important: Impact protection is only one part of glove selection. A glove that provides impact protection is not automatically suitable for a cut hazard, chemical hazard, thermal hazard or every other workplace risk.

How to Choose Impact Gloves Step by Step

1

Identify the Impact Hazard

Determine what could strike, crush, pinch or otherwise impact the hand.

2

Check Other Hazards

Identify whether workers also face cuts, abrasion, puncture, chemicals, heat, cold, vibration or other risks.

3

Determine Required Protection

Match the glove’s documented performance to the identified workplace exposure.

4

Evaluate Construction

Examine TPR coverage, palm material, reinforcement, stitching, cuffs and protective zones.

5

Check Grip & Dexterity

Consider dry, wet or oily handling and the amount of finger control required.

6

Select the Correct Size

Make sure the glove fits securely while allowing the required movement.

7

Verify Standards

Confirm applicable standards, product markings and supporting documentation.

8

Sample Before Bulk Purchase

Evaluate fit, construction, grip and suitability before committing to a larger B2B order.

1. Identify the Type of Impact Hazard

Start by asking what is actually striking, crushing or trapping the hand.

Workplace Hazard Typical Exposure Important Considerations
Struck-by objects Tools, components or materials hitting the hand Back-of-hand impact protection
Pinch points Machinery, pipes and components Impact protection + dexterity
Heavy equipment Machinery maintenance and operation Impact + abrasion + grip
Construction Tools, materials and equipment Impact + cut/abrasion protection
Automotive work Components, tools and machinery Impact + grip + dexterity
Maintenance Hand tools and machinery Impact + abrasion + tactile control

2. Determine Whether Impact Is the Only Hazard

Do not choose a glove solely because it has TPR or another visible protective element.

Consider whether the job also involves:

  • Sharp edges
  • Blades
  • Abrasion
  • Puncture
  • Chemicals
  • Heat
  • Cold
  • Vibration
  • Oil or water
  • Welding
  • Electrical hazards
  • Heavy mechanical work
Key principle: Select a glove based on the complete hazard profile rather than a single rating or protective feature.

Understanding ANSI/ISEA 138 Impact Protection

For buyers supplying the United States market, ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 is an important reference for impact-resistant gloves.

The standard establishes testing, classification and labeling requirements for occupational gloves providing back-of-the-hand impact protection.

Level 1 < 9 kN

Mean peak transmitted force

Level 2 < 6.5 kN

Mean peak transmitted force

Level 3 < 4 kN

Mean peak transmitted force

How to interpret the levels: Lower transmitted force corresponds to greater impact protection within the ANSI/ISEA 138 classification system.
Impact Level Mean Peak Transmitted Force All Impacts General Interpretation
Level 1 < 9 kN < 11.3 kN Lower impact performance
Level 2 < 6.5 kN < 8.1 kN Intermediate impact performance
Level 3 < 4 kN < 5 kN Higher impact performance

Buyers should avoid assuming that a glove with thicker-looking armor automatically provides a higher tested performance level. Check the applicable product marking and supporting documentation.

ANSI/ISEA 138 Impact Glove Levels

Lower transmitted force represents higher impact performance within this classification system.

Level 1 → Level 2 → Level 3

ANSI/ISEA 138 vs. EN 388

Buyers supplying different markets may encounter both ANSI/ISEA and EN standards.

Standard Primary Focus Buyer Consideration
ANSI/ISEA 138 Back-of-hand impact protection Check impact classification and documentation
EN 388 Mechanical risks Review abrasion, cut, tear, puncture and applicable impact information
Important: Do not assume that one standard’s rating can simply be converted into another standard’s rating. Identify the market, applicable standard and product documentation for the specific glove.

What Materials Are Used in Impact Gloves?

Impact gloves commonly combine several materials because no single material has to perform every function.

TPR

Thermoplastic rubber, commonly abbreviated as TPR, is frequently used for flexible protective components on the back of impact gloves.

Depending on the design, protective components may cover areas such as:

  • Knuckles
  • Fingers
  • Back of the hand

Leather

Leather may be used for palms or reinforcement areas where durability, handling and grip are important.

Buyers should evaluate:

  • Leather type
  • Thickness
  • Flexibility
  • Surface finish
  • Reinforcement
  • Intended application

Synthetic Textiles

Synthetic materials can be used on the glove back to provide flexibility and help maintain dexterity.

EVA and Other Padding Materials

Padding materials may be incorporated into selected glove constructions for comfort or additional cushioning. Their presence should not automatically be interpreted as a certified impact rating.

Impact Glove Construction: What Should Buyers Check?

The protective material is only one part of the glove. Examine the complete construction.

Back-of-Hand Coverage

Check whether the protective component covers the areas most exposed to impact.

Finger Protection

Some applications expose the fingers to impact as well as the knuckles. Review the actual protective coverage rather than assuming the entire hand is protected equally.

Palm Construction

The palm may need to support:

  • Abrasion resistance
  • Grip
  • Reinforcement
  • Flexibility
  • Durability

Cuff Design

Possible cuff designs include:

  • Elastic cuffs
  • Hook-and-loop closures
  • Neoprene cuffs
  • Shirred cuffs

Stitching and Reinforcement

Inspect high-stress areas for appropriate reinforcement and construction quality. For bulk purchasing, sample evaluation can help verify actual fit, stitching, material quality and construction before larger production.

Choosing Impact Gloves for Different Applications

Construction

Construction workers can encounter tools, materials, machinery and pinch points.

Depending on the task, a suitable glove may need impact protection combined with cut resistance, abrasion resistance, grip and dexterity.

Automotive Work

Automotive applications may involve hand tools, metal components, machinery, oil, grease, abrasion and impact.

Selection should balance impact protection with grip, dexterity and other application-specific requirements.

Heavy Equipment

Heavy-equipment environments can involve substantial mechanical hazards.

Consider impact exposure, abrasion, grip, dexterity, durability and equipment-specific hazards.

Oil & Gas

Oil and gas operations can involve tools, pipes, equipment and demanding handling conditions.

Impact protection may need to be considered alongside grip, cut resistance, abrasion resistance and other application-specific requirements.

Maintenance

Maintenance work often combines hand tools, machinery, components and unpredictable handling conditions.

Evaluate impact, abrasion, grip and dexterity together.

Assembly

Assembly tasks can require more tactile control and finger movement.

Avoid unnecessarily bulky construction when precision handling is important.

IMAGE 2 Recommended placement: After application section

Purpose: Connect different workplace applications with different glove requirements.

Recommended visual: Four-panel professional industrial photograph showing construction, automotive maintenance, heavy equipment and assembly workers wearing appropriate impact gloves.

ALT: Impact-resistant gloves used in construction, automotive maintenance and assembly.

How Much Protection Do You Need?

There is no universal impact-glove level that is appropriate for every worker. Selection should be based on the foreseeable hazard and required protection.

The Practical Selection Process

Hazard → Exposure → Required Protection → Construction → Fit → Verification

How Fit and Sizing Affect Impact Gloves

Correct sizing matters because the protective components need to remain properly positioned during work.

An incorrectly sized glove can cause:

  • Restricted finger movement
  • Excess material at the fingertips
  • Reduced dexterity
  • Slipping
  • Poor grip
  • Incorrect positioning of protective components
  • Increased discomfort

Practical Sizing Checks

  • Fit securely around the hand.
  • Allow natural finger movement.
  • Keep fingertips within the intended glove area.
  • Avoid excessive looseness.
  • Keep protective elements correctly positioned.
  • Allow comfortable performance of the actual task.
B2B tip: Evaluate samples on intended users before finalizing a large production order.

Grip and Dexterity Matter Too

Protection should not be evaluated in isolation. A glove may provide substantial protective construction but still be unsuitable if workers cannot manipulate tools or components effectively.

Grip

Evaluate whether the work involves:

  • Dry surfaces
  • Wet surfaces
  • Oily surfaces
  • Smooth components
  • Rough materials

Dexterity

Consider how much finger movement the worker needs. High-dexterity tasks may require a more flexible glove construction than heavy-duty handling.

Comfort

Workers are more likely to use protective equipment consistently when the glove is appropriate for the work and comfortable enough for the duration of the task.

Care and Maintenance of Impact Gloves

Follow the care instructions supplied with the specific glove.

  1. Inspect gloves regularly.
  2. Look for damaged impact components.
  3. Check stitching and seams.
  4. Inspect the palm for excessive wear.
  5. Look for cuts, tears or holes.
  6. Replace gloves when protective condition is compromised.
  7. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
  8. Avoid cleaning methods that may damage protective components.
Replacement reminder: A glove with visible damage should not be assumed to retain its original protective performance.

How to Choose Impact Gloves for a Bulk or B2B Program

For distributors, contractors, industrial buyers and PPE brands, selection involves more than choosing a single glove from a catalog.

Requirement What to Define
Application Where and how the glove will be used
Hazards Impact, cut, abrasion, puncture, heat, vibration and others
Protection Required performance characteristics
Material Leather, synthetic, textile, coatings and reinforcement
Construction TPR, padding, stitching, palm reinforcement and cuff
Grip Dry, wet, oily or general handling
Dexterity Precision, general or heavy-duty work
Sizes Required worker size range
Standards Applicable market and product standards
Branding Logo, color and design requirements
Packaging Retail, bulk or private-label packaging
Samples Pre-production or product evaluation requirements

Customization and OEM Impact Gloves

Impact gloves can be developed around application-specific requirements when an off-the-shelf configuration does not meet the buyer’s needs.

Potential customization discussions can include:

  • Glove materials
  • Palm construction
  • Reinforcement
  • Protective components
  • Color
  • Branding
  • Logo placement
  • Sizing
  • Cuff configuration
  • Packaging
  • Product specifications

OEM Impact Glove Development Workflow

Requirements → Design → Materials → Sample → Evaluation → Production → Packaging
IMAGE 3 Recommended placement: After OEM section

Purpose: Demonstrate how a custom impact-glove program moves from requirements to sample to production.

ALT: OEM impact glove customization and manufacturing process.

Related Protekta Impact Glove Solutions

Protekta’s impact-glove category includes products intended for applications such as construction, automotive, maintenance, assembly and heavy-duty work.

Explore Purpose
Impact Glove Range Explore impact protection products.
Industrial Working Gloves Explore broader industrial hand protection.
Construction Hand Protection Review construction-specific protection requirements.
OEM Safety Gloves Discuss custom manufacturing and B2B requirements.
Custom Safety Gloves Explore custom product development.
Certification & Documentation Review available certification information.

Why Manufacturing Expertise Matters

Impact-glove selection is closely connected to product construction. For B2B buyers, working with a manufacturer can make it possible to discuss the relationship between:

Application → Hazard → Material → Construction → Protection → Fit → Sampling → Production

Protekta identifies product development, material selection, customization, sampling, quality assurance and manufacturing among its capabilities.

Verification matters: Product-specific protection claims should always be verified against the documentation applicable to the individual glove rather than inferred from general manufacturing capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are impact gloves used for?

Impact gloves are used for workplace tasks where the hands may be exposed to struck-by, pinch or similar impact hazards. They are commonly considered for construction, automotive, heavy equipment, maintenance, assembly and other industrial applications.

How do I choose impact gloves?

Start by identifying the type and severity of impact exposure. Then determine whether the job also involves cut, abrasion, puncture, chemical, thermal or other hazards. Compare the applicable performance requirements, materials, construction, grip, dexterity, fit and standards before selecting the glove.

What is ANSI/ISEA 138?

ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 is a U.S. standard for the performance and classification of impact-resistant gloves. It establishes testing, classification and labeling requirements for occupational gloves providing back-of-the-hand impact protection.

What is the difference between impact resistance and cut resistance?

They address different hazards. Impact resistance concerns forces striking or affecting protected areas of the hand, while cut resistance concerns contact with sharp edges or blades. A glove should be evaluated separately for each relevant hazard.

Are TPR gloves automatically impact-rated?

No. The presence of TPR or another protective-looking component does not by itself establish a particular tested impact performance level. Buyers should check the applicable product marking and supporting test or certification documentation.

Is Level 3 the highest ANSI/ISEA 138 impact level?

Yes. ANSI/ISEA 138 uses Levels 1, 2 and 3, with Level 3 representing the lowest measured transmitted force and therefore the highest performance classification within this system.

Do impact gloves also protect against cuts?

Not necessarily. Impact protection and cut resistance are separate performance characteristics. If workers handle sharp materials, the glove should also have the appropriate cut-protection performance for the identified hazard.

How should impact gloves fit?

Impact gloves should fit securely while allowing the required finger movement and keeping protective components properly positioned. Excessively loose or tight gloves can interfere with handling, comfort and effective use.

Can impact gloves be customized?

Yes. Impact gloves can be developed or customized for specific product, application, branding, sizing and packaging requirements. For an OEM program, buyers should define the application and hazards before finalizing construction and performance requirements.

Should I request samples before placing a bulk order?

For a new glove program, sample evaluation can be useful for checking fit, materials, stitching, construction, grip and suitability for the intended work. Sampling can help buyers evaluate a product before committing to a larger production order.

Sources & References

  1. ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 — Impact-resistant glove performance and classification.
  2. International Safety Equipment Association — Hand Protection
  3. ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 — Hand protection classification.
  4. EN 388 — Protective gloves against mechanical risks.
  5. OSHA — Hand Protection / PPE Selection Guidance

Need Custom Impact Gloves for Your B2B Program?

Define your application, workplace hazards, required protection, materials, sizing, branding and packaging requirements before starting product development. A sample-first approach can help verify the glove before larger production.

Explore OEM Safety Gloves
SEO implementation:

Keep the page’s primary intent focused on how to choose impact gloves. Link commercially to the Impact Gloves category and use the Certificates page for certification documentation rather than attempting to make this educational guide compete with those pages.

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