Next Trend G3 Pro Football Gloves Review: Small Tweaks, Big Upgrade?
Introduction
The padded receiver glove space has been heating up, and Next Trend is right in the mix with their latest release, the G3 Pro. Building off the momentum of the original G3s from last year, the Pro version makes several subtle yet meaningful improvements that could push these gloves into the elite category for padded receiver gear.
We got our hands on five colorways: purple, Columbia blue, all-white, black, and pink. As always, Next Trend offers matching gear, gloves, socks, arm sleeves, all in coordinated colors, which is a huge plus for players wanting to keep their look sharp on game day. Let’s break down what makes the G3 Pro stand out, and how it compares to its predecessor.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Straight out of the box, the G3 Pros look sharp. The first thing that pops is the more visible branding. The back-of-hand now has a bold white “Next Trend” wordmark that stands out way more than the original silicone cutout logo from last year’s G3s. That low-key design worked for some, but the updated, bolder look gives the G3 Pro a cleaner, more modern appearance.
Packaging is simple and includes a nice little bonus, if you purchase two or more items from the Next Trend website, they throw in a wristband. Small touch, but cool for loyal fans.
Fit and Feel
The fit on the G3 Pros is tight and supportive, just like the original G3s. But you’ll immediately notice a slightly improved feel, largely due to upgraded stitching. Early models of the original G3s had double stitching around the fingers, which made the gloves feel a bit bulkier. Later runs were improved with single stitching, and the G3 Pro makes this the new standard. The reduced bulk allows for a more natural, second-skin fit without compromising structure.
The material on the back of the hand is still pretty thick, more on that later, but it does wrap the hand securely. It runs consistently through the fingers and even between them, giving you full coverage and stability. The thumb pocket in particular fits very tight, which is great for locking in control during catches, though it may feel snug for some.
The wrist closure remains unchanged with a neoprene cuff and Velcro strap, and the gloves stay secure even when worn unstrapped thanks to the tight wrist entry.
Ventilation: A Much-Needed Fix
The biggest change with the G3 Pro is ventilation, and it’s a very welcome improvement.
One of the main criticisms of the original G3s was how hot they got during gameplay. With no airflow channels and a thick padded build, the gloves would trap heat quickly. The G3 Pros address this with strategically placed ventilation holes throughout the fingers and back of hand.
You’ll see two holes on the index, several along the pinky, and a couple more in the middle of the glove. You can even see your skin through some of these holes, proving they’re doing their job. These vents allow heat to escape much faster, keeping your hands cooler during long drives or hot-weather games.
While it’s difficult to simulate in-game sweat in a casual test, the ventilation difference is noticeable even when just wearing the gloves indoors. It’s not a complete fix—padded receiver gloves will always run warmer—but it’s a smart improvement and one of the most meaningful changes between the two versions.
Grip and Performance
The grip on the G3 Pros remains excellent. Next Trend continues to use their proprietary NextGrip palm, which is both durable and tacky. It holds up well over time and performs well in various weather conditions.
What’s especially nice is how much catching surface area the glove offers, thanks to the glove’s slim construction and well-fitted fingers. There’s no unnecessary bunching or excess material, so you get maximum control when hauling in passes.
In terms of feel, the palm strikes a great balance—it’s not paper-thin like some ultra-light receiver gloves, but it’s also not overly padded or stiff. You still get solid ball feedback and control, which makes the glove versatile for multiple positions.
Padding and Protection
Being a padded receiver glove, the G3 Pro offers solid protection without going overboard. The back-of-hand foam is thick enough to absorb impact from hand slaps, press coverage, and jams at the line of scrimmage—especially useful for receivers and hybrid players who do a little of everything.
The thumb and finger padding also help protect against awkward catches and helmet-to-hand collisions, while still allowing enough flexibility for high-level hand movement.
That said, the back-of-hand material is still thick, and while the ventilation helps a lot, it’s still a dense glove overall. A future version that thins out the material while maintaining protection would take the glove to the next level.
Style and Colorways
Next Trend nails the aesthetics once again.
The five colorways we tested were vibrant and clean. The Columbia blue stands out as a fan favorite, and the all-white version is as crisp as it gets. You also get bold options like pink and black for contrast-heavy uniforms.
Another big plus: full matching gear sets. You can grab gloves, scrunch socks, sleeves, and other accessories in the same exact color—perfect for team looks or personal branding.
In terms of branding, the larger “Next Trend” on the back gives it a bold, clean identity without being too flashy. For players who care about looking sharp, these gloves will definitely do the trick.
Durability
So far, no durability issues have popped up with the G3 Pro. One concern with the new ventilation holes is that they might compromise the glove’s structural integrity, but based on initial testing and community feedback, there haven’t been any signs of ripping or early breakdown.
The single-stitch design, while reducing bulk, seems to hold up well too. The palm material and grip surface stay intact through regular use, and the strap system feels sturdy without wearing down.
Of course, we’ll know more as players put them through full seasons, but early returns on durability look solid.
Final Verdict: Are the G3 Pros Worth It?
Absolutely. The Next Trend G3 Pro gloves take everything that was good about the original G3s and make it better—without raising the price or overcomplicating the design.
You get:
Excellent grip
Better breathability
Improved stitching and fit
Great aesthetics and matching gear
Solid protection for a padded glove
If there’s one area left to refine, it’s the thickness of the back-of-hand material. But even with that, this glove still performs at a high level and competes with much more expensive gloves in the padded receiver space.
Whether you’re a wide receiver, DB, tight end, or hybrid player who likes some added protection without sacrificing grip, the G3 Pro should definitely be on your radar.
