The Best Nike American Football Training Equipment and Gear to Shop Now
Buying Guide
Fill your bag with high-performance Nike American football gear to be training-ready.
Before you step on the pitch for American football training, choosing the right gear can make sure you have an optimal setup. For example, the right American football gloves can help make the catch, the right boots will keep your feet securely planted and the right pads will help protect while giving—or delivering—a hit.
Use this guide to find the best American football training equipment for kids and adults.
The Best American Football Training Equipment by Nike
1. For Contact: Nike Padded Base Layers
Add Nike Pro padded base layers beneath your shoulder pads and American football pants for extra cushion as you practise giving and taking hits. These top and bottom base layers for adults and kids feature Nike HyperStrong foam padding on the hips, thighs, shoulders and ribs for a layer of cushion where you're least protected.
The compression base layers are lightweight, breathable and made with Nike Dri-FIT moisture-wicking technology to stay comfortable and dry throughout training.
(Related: Essential Protective American Football Gear to Buy This Season)
2. For Grip: Nike American Football Gloves
For defensive backs, receivers and running backs who want to make wow-worthy grabs or hold onto the ball through tough tackles, Nike American football gloves with Magnigrip technology are a must-have. These adjustable gloves stretch and move with your hand, while the grippy palm helps haul in one-handed catches.
If you're playing defence, look for a pair of Nike American football gloves with padding. They're made with grippy palms and fingers, enabling you to hold onto the ball as you rip past offensive linemen and tackle ball carriers. Padding on the fingers and back of the hand protects from bang-ups during a play.
3. For the Turf and Pitch: Nike American Football Boots
Nike American football boots are made for the rigours of the gridiron, meaning they can survive multiple seasons of training.
The uppers feature moulded elements that reinforce the heel, while a NikeSkin overlay creates a snug and streamlined fit. These boots balance durability with an ultralight feel, letting you streak down the sideline and cut between cones during drills.
Studs underneath will help dig your feet into the pitch. Nike American football shoes have a wide stud pattern on the bottom of the foot for stability and traction when conditions turn soggy. A stud placed under the big toe provides a stable base to unleash a powerful first step, whether to shake a defender or head straight for the quarterback.
(Related: The Best Nike American Football Boots to Wear This Season)
4. For Bumps and Bruises: Nike American Football Arm and Leg Sleeves
Find a Nike training sleeve to cover your arms and legs, as well as contact-support sleeves for your knees, forearms, elbows, shins and biceps.
These smooth, stretchy designs are built to stay in place, meaning they won't slip or cause chafing. They're made with Nike Dri-FIT Technology, which wicks away sweat. Abrasion-resistant fabric keeps your skin safe from the ground, while UVA and UVB protection guards against the sun.
Some training sleeves include soft foam in strategic areas, like forearms or knees, to shield from a tackle or fall during training. The padding is flexible, enabling you to still freely move.
Another perk: the surface of these sleeves are grippier than your forearm—especially if you are sweating—and can help keep the ball firmly nestled in the crook of your elbow, right where it belongs.
5. For Hydration: Nike Water Bottles
Dehydration can decrease an athlete's ability to perform high-intensity exercise. Get the most out of American football training by staying hydrated.
Nike water bottles and jugs are made from durable rubber and plastic, meaning they'll last all season, no matter how often they get tossed to the sidelines. Many are built with quick-flip tops that keep the mud and grime of the pitch out of your water. Find them in 24oz to 64oz options (approx. 710ml to 1900ml).
(Related: 7 Nike Gift Ideas for American Football Players, Coaches and Fans)
6. For Practice Throws: Nike American Footballs
A Nike American football is built to stand up to the elements. The tacky, textured surface is easy to grip and spiral even in wet and cold conditions.
Choose a durable, rubber ball to toss around a car park without worrying about scuffs. Or, grab a premium, synthetic leather ball with a stitched-in stripe for a match-day feel.
Nike American footballs are available in official or mini sizes (making training easy on the go).
7. For Carrying It All: Nike American Football Bags
American football training requires a lot of gear. Show up organised with a spacious Nike duffel bag. The main compartment is big enough for a helmet, jersey, boots and more, while inside zip pockets separate your mouth guard and gloves.
Carry by hand, use the shoulder strap or choose a backpack style. Nike duffels range in size up to 120 litres.
Shop Nike Duffel Bags
Words by Greg Presto