Nike released Vapor Elite lacrosse gloves in 2021, and as soon as they hit the market, they were the talk of the town. However, Nike Vapor Elite gloves were expensive. I have made a detailed Nike Vapor Elite lacrosse gloves review to help you make an informed purchase. 

The best lacrosse gloves offer high quality, a snug fit design, and a perfect grip. Well, the Nike Vapor Elite lacrosse glove has all these features. These gloves are designed for professional attackers who prefer comfortable hand movement and defenders who prefer protection from checks. 

Even Conor Wilson endorsed the Nike Vapor Elite lacrosse glove due to its soft and flexible design. They are also lightweight enough to improve shot velocity, making them a solid option for beginners and intermediate players. 

Key Features of the Nike Vapor Elite Lacrosse Gloves

Design and Features

My first thought after putting on Nike Vapor Elite lacrosse gloves was how soft they are. I was impressed by the three-layer sleek design. Nike has used premium quality leather in the outer layer to provide a durable, abrasion-resistant surface. Underneath, there is a breathable yet sturdy interior layer for added comfort.

Furthermore, It has a low-profile floating cuff design for multidirectional swift movement. At first, I thought it would loosen the glove on my wrist. However, it doesn’t affect the fit of the gloves as they are available in 3 different sizes.

Moreover, the design team has also added stretch gussets in the fingers for better flexibility. These gussets also enhance the gloves’ structure and provide extra protection along the knuckles and finger joints. 

Although the Nike team has thoughtfully designed these gloves, It all comes down to performance. So, let’s move on to the Nike Vapor Elite lacrosse gloves review and decide how all these flashy features affect performance and comfort. 

Fit and Comfort

These gloves have a tight fit, especially in the fingers, perfect for easy stick handling. I appreciate that they aren’t bulky and don’t slip off my hand. So, it doesn’t feel like I am fighting the gloves when trying to move quickly. 

However, I felt that the gloves were initially too tight, restricting finger movement. It resulted in a longer break-in period compared to other gloves. Thus, despite providing better mobility after the break-in period, the initial discomfort was off-putting for some beginners. 

Besides, the stretch thumb zone and the elastic stretch gussets gave me better flexibility. So, I had a very comfortable grip over the shaft. 

I also noticed that, when running down the field or dodging defenders, the gloves keep your stick close without feeling like you’re losing control.

Performance

Gloves significantly impact how well you handle your stick, and the Nike Vapor Elite gloves don’t disappoint in this area. They are 10% lighter than the original Vapors, which helps reduce wrist strain when taking power shots.

Besides, the palms on these gloves are super soft due to the two-piece Nash construction, providing a strong grip. On the other hand, the floating four-piece cuff allowed flexible wrist movement. Hence, the cuff isn’t restrictive, and the stretch thumb zone adds that extra freedom you need for better stick control. 

The Vapor Elites offer great coverage, especially at the base of the thumb and around the wrist, despite the flexible wrist movement. The padding nicely absorbs the impact of the check. I loved the effortless and secure feel during sharp wrist movements while dodging defenders. 

It’s one of the best lacrosse gloves, balancing a full range of motion, lightweight, and protective.

Durability

Some of the Nike Vapor Elite lacrosse gloves reviews have underscored the gloves for their durability. However, I used it for half a year, and they stood very well to my aggressive playing style.

It has a high-quality three-material layered palm, which provides quality with comfort. The palm of my STX Cell 5 was torn in just five months due to the ridges on my lacrosse shaft. But, there was no wear and tear over the top layer of the Vapor Elite gloves. 

Moreover, the inner layer of sweat-wicking is also amazing. Although it was damaged earlier than the outer layer, the sweat absorption was outstanding. Regardless, I found it less breathable as I sweat a lot in summer. 

Thus, if you play in warmer weather, try Maverik’s M5 or M6 with flow cool technology. These gloves are more breathable and absorbent than Nike Vapor Elite lacrosse gloves. 

Value

The Nike Vapor Elite gloves are at the higher end of the market, but you get what you pay for. Compared to other gloves I’ve used, like the Maverik M4s or STX Surgeon gloves, the Vapor Elites balance lightweight performance, flexibility, and protection exceptionally well. 

Even though they are a bigger investment upfront, the durability and high-quality features make them worth the cost. 

Comparison With Other Gloves

Compared to the Maverik’s M5 and M6 lacrosse gloves, I found the Nike gloves to have a more snug and responsive fit. 

M5 and M6 lacrosse gloves from Maverick both offer a mid-high profile wrist compared to Nike’s low-profile design. Those are protective but minimally restricting. Whereas, Nike Vapor Elite lacrosse gloves offer flexibility to use your wrist in multiple directions freely.

So, it may not be breathable enough like Maverick M6, It’s good for advanced playing styles.

People Also Ask

Nike Vapor Elite lacrosse gloves are one of the most premium quality gloves on the market. They are long-lasting, comfortable, and enhance performance. Although less breathable, the sweat absorption is good. 

Moreover, the snug fitting, extra padding, and flexible cuff make it a good investment for beginners and premium players. Besides, there are a lot of positive Nike Vapor Elite Lacrosse glove reviews to prove that it’s a good investment.