11 Best Footballs (Review) In 2022

- The Best Football
- 1. Wilson NFL Super Grip Football
- 2. Wilson GST Leather Game Football Series
- 3. Wilson Composite Football
- 4. Rawlings NFL Downfield Youth Football
- 5. Wilson NFL MVP Football
- 6. Franklin Sports Junior Football
- 7. Wilson NCAA Composite Football
- 8. Wilson GST Composite Football
- 10. Wave Runner Grip It Waterproof Football
- 11. Nerf Sports Weather Blitz Football
- 12. Under Armour 395 Football
Football is one of the most popular sports, played in different ways. When you consider the various ways football can be played, you will come across the endless types of footballs used in the industry for each game. Every game is unique and quite enjoyable if the right ball is used. If you’re looking for the best footballs to make use of in your home with family or school with your college buddies, or tips to finding the best footballs, check out our impressive list below.
The Best Football
1. Wilson NFL Super Grip Football

Multi-layered lining
Ready for play
Recommended for players 9+
Tacky material
Wilson is a worldwide brand known for its manufacturing of top quality footballs. Their best product our team came across is the Wilson NFL Super Grip Football. This ball is designed to bring professional football games into the comfort of your backyard. If you have a family with kids aged nine and above, these footballs are the most ideal for them, thanks to their durable and exciting build. The junior size of the Wilson NFL football makes it a favorite amongst schools and homes.
The NFL footballs from Wilson features a synthetic cover, which is exceptionally durable. Pf synthetic materials ensure that the ball withstands the pressures that come along with playing a good football game. In addition to this cover, the ball offers an enhanced grip and multiple layers of lining. These features work together to give it a consistent shape despite how often it’s used.
Strong and durable
Leather
High quality
Highly-priced
Requires ongoing maintenance
Doesn’t do well with exposure to water
2. Wilson GST Leather Game Football Series

3-ply bladder
Proper Inflation Level: 13 PSI
Handmade in the USA
Junior Football: Ages 9-12
Here is another exceptional football from the Wilson family; meet the Wilson GST Leather Game Football, a member of the Leather Game series of footballs. GST football has made a name for itself over the years in all parts of the world. It is considered one of the softest leather footballs you will find in today’s market, and this, in addition to its distinct external design, it is a must-have for all football players.
We love the GST leather footballs because of its fantastic patented accurate control lacing, a system that isn’t common with other football manufacturers. This lacing system is pebbled instead of being as smooth as the others, and it also aids in more accurate throws thanks to an increased grip. We recommend this football for all players aged 9 to 12, high schools and colleges as well.
Good grip
Easy to throw
Official regulation football
Deeper color
Some maintenance is required
Weak grip surface
3. Wilson Composite Football

ACL lacing system
Ages: 14 to 18
Composite Cover Construction
Official Size Ball
Wilson is the first name in football and is most likely the very first ball you came into contact with. Wilson footballs are among the first any football lovers who pick up, pass around, kicks, or carry in all their games. For centuries, Wilson has studied the trends and carried their love of football into their designs for all players to appreciate.
The Wilson composite American football is a handmade leather football made originally in the US. It features top quality craftsmanship, performance, and quality, which has, over the years, been trusted by the NFL, colleges and high schools all over the country. Some great features of this football include an enhanced grip, the patented ACL lacing system, and an official size that makes it possible for professional games. You’ll never regret investing in this Wilson Composite Football.
Great looks
Soft and tacky
Durable
Not a competition ball
Price is high
Low durability
4. Rawlings NFL Downfield Youth Football

#1 Youth Size Football
Ideal size for kids or adults
Patented HD grip
Pumped up and ready to play
The NFL Downfield Youth Football is an all-team football and the number one ball in the world, used by New England Patriots. Their fans love this football so much that they’re ready to invest in it for their homes, colleges, and high schools. This football has a unique build, with five times more grip than the regular football on the market. In addition to this, the ball comes with a Rawlings patented HD grip, which is more beneficial than regular football.
Our team loves the NFL downfield youth football because of its ideal size. The size is suitable both for adults and children, allowing the adults to three long distances and the kids to hold on to the American football without any issue. A purchase provides you with a ball that is all pumped up and ready for your games. Consider the NFL youth football as the perfect stocking stuffer these holidays, and watch your patriots fan light up.
Price
Good grip
All-weather durability
Not real leather
Only lasts one or two seasons
Requires continuous maintenance
5. Wilson NFL MVP Football

NFL MVP Junior Football with pump and tee
Soft sponge rubber cover
Waterproof
Youth size; all composite leather
Wilson has made another headline in the world of football, thanks to its NFL MVP Football. It is a junior football that is dedicated to youthful play at all levels. This football is made from the finest of composite leather, and it comes with a tee and pump. The cover of this football is made from soft sponge rubber, which is resistant to all the pressures of the game.
We love the Wilson youth footballs because it is easy to grip and play with, especially when you’re aged nine and above. You can rely on this fantastic football to bring joy to your little players with each game. Other features include robust PVC construction, and the official NFL branding. The ball plays just as well as it looks good. Enjoy every new game with this ball.
Price
Lower cost Wilson brand option
Extensive durability
Questionable leather quality
Doesn’t last for long
Price
6. Franklin Sports Junior Football

Grip-rite 100 rubber
Official junior size
Raised rubber laces
Suitable for all condition play
Away from the globally recognized brands we know, we come across this fantastic football from Franklin Sports. Meet the Franklin Sports Junior Football, a unique and exceptional football made for everyday games. This is a rubber ball made from a super tacky rubber. The choice of material ensures the construction remains molded for a very long time. In addition to the rubber choice, we love that manufacturers have utilized raised laces in construction since this gives it a more professional outlook.
We love this junior football because it comes at the official junior size and, as such, fits comfortably into the hands of your little players. We trust in the Franklin brand, and we recommend it for all coaches of youth football teams and high school teams too. It is waterproof, durable, and mighty affordable.
Price
Safe for water play
4.2 out of 5 ratings on Amazon
Inconsistency of construction
Reduced value for money
Requires frequent replacing
7. Wilson NCAA Composite Football

Composite cover
Official size
Recommended for players ages 14+
Soft feel, excellent durability
Another Wilson football we love is the Wilson NCAA Composite Football. Manufactured in the official size of a football, this exceptional unit is designed especially for children aged above fourteen. The NCAA backs this football, and this can be seen via its NCAA branded composite cover. The two significant inputs the manufacturer was looking for during the design process, was to create a durable and soft football, which is highly resistant to pressure and forces from players.
This football blends high performance perfectly with pageantry, making it both functional and stylish. We guarantee exceptional value for your money when you choose to invest in this fantastic composite NCAA football.
High quality
More affordable leather options
Water-resistant
Don’t expose for long periods to moisture
Price
Requires initial care for leather
8. Wilson GST Composite Football

Composite
High-Grade Microfiber
Made in USA and Imported
Multi-Layered Lining
Manufactured in the USA with imported materials that exude quality and durability, we know that the Wilson GST Composite Football is one of the very best footballs in the market today. Built from world-class Butyl Rubber, this football can retain air longer and enjoy every snap on the field.
The GST Football features composite leather made from high-grade microfiber for a firmer grip. Other features include a multi-layered lining system, official NFHS sizing, and Accurate Control Lacing. Gain total control of your game with the GST composite NCAA football right from the kick-off to the last whistle.
Quality American product
Lining offers high durability
Quality grip
Can’t stay in water for long
High price
Constant maintenance is vital
10. Wave Runner Grip It Waterproof Football

Designed in the USA
High-Quality Materials
Perfect Size for Adults & Kids Alike
Sure-Grip Technology
Our next choice and probably the best option for you is this world-class football from Wave Runner. This Grip It Football comes your way to change all your games and make them utterly unforgettable. With its sure-grip technology and ideal size, this football can be used by the masses, both professionally and regularly, in your home or backyard.
The Wave Runner football can be used both indoors and outdoors. It features an all-weather material, an all-American construction, insane aerodynamics, and a 30-day return warranty with a full refund. Throw it! And catch with the ease of any professional football player, thanks to Wave Runner.
Official NFL game ball
Strong and durable
Leather
Not a competition ball
Low grip surface
Some maintenance
11. Nerf Sports Weather Blitz Football

Ages 5 and up
Durable design
Includes foam ball
Play like a pro
Nerf Sports loves football and its players so much they made a world-class football, the Nerf Sports Weather Blitz Football. This is an all-weather football designed to be durable and allow everyone to play like the pro they can be. Built for children aged five and above, the Nerf Blitz football features foam ball, a material that allows you to play in snow, rain, or the mud.
You will love playing football with this unit from Nerf Sports. Our team loves that you can play like a pro with this ball and enjoy your favorite game no matter the weather. Trust Nerf Sports to give your kids the best sporting entertainment they could ever have.
Approved by NCAA, NFHS
Most widely used game ball
The softest leather outer skin
Can’t stay in water for long
Constant maintenance is vital
High price
12. Under Armour 395 Football

1-ply Foam Backing
Black Lace and Black Stripe
Composite Cover
UA GRIP SKIN Technology
Under Armour is a sports brand that has been globally recognized for decades. They create equipment and clothing for all kinds of sports, ensuring you enjoy the game. Under Armour has created their 395 Football to have the ultimate grip during all matches. For a softer feel, manufacturers have used a 1-ply foam backing system that works together with the US grip skin technology for the last tack.
Trust the Under Armour Football to give you an exceptional feel whenever you’re playing a great football game. The rugged appearance of this composite football makes it the most suited for young players aged 9-12. Under Armour is tried and tested by sporting professionals.
Easy to throw
Good grip
Official regulation football
Inconsistency of construction
Reduced value for money
Requires frequent replacing
Football Buying Guide And FAQ
Features To Look For In Best Footballs
Buying a football is like buying any other product; you need to keep your eyes out for certain special features. being aware of these features helps you choose models that work well for the kind of football you play and where you play.
Association Approved - Footballs approved by the NCAA or the NFL are designed to meet the design requirements of both bodies. They are manufactured with the same dimensions and sizes used for balls in all professional games worldwide. If you want a durable ball and top quality, opt for one approved by the football associations. Manufacturers are quick to state if their football is association approved; thus, these footballs are very easy to identify on the market. to make a better choice, search online, and look through product reviews, where all of such information will be clearly outlined.
Grip - The grip is essential in football, and it determines how well you’ll be able to play. If your football gives you an excellent grip, it means you get to throw more accurate shots and handle it well during the game. The choice of material for your football is one way to know how high your grip will be. For the best grip, opt for leather footballs. Leather balls go through a tanning process that takes away the smooth exterior of the material to provide you with a surface that can be held or gripped. footballs made from composite materials aren't easy to handle regularly, likewise those made with foam.
Material - One vital feature players look for in their football is the material used. There are generally three types of materials used often for the manufacturing of football. These three materials are leather, foam, and composites. Every material comes with its set of pros and cons, making each one enjoyable uniquely.
- Leather - The first material we look at is leather. Leather is prevalent in football, and it is the material that all official National Football League balls are created from. To make leather balls tacky with an excellent grip, they are put through a unique tanning process by manufacturers. Out of the three material choices, leather footballs are of the highest quality, and they have the highest chance of lasting exceptionally long once they're maintained properly. Also, the grip of a leather football is excellent, and this can only be received when the ball is polished right out of its box. Also, manufacturers suggest you apply a leather conditioner to your leather football to last a long time. To store your leather football, keep it clean always, and store it in a space with excellent ventilation. All leather footballs can be used both on grass and turf without any issues.
- Composite - The composite material is the second most common option in the football industry. Composite footballs are made from faux leather, with a quality that will vary even though most of them will have a high resemblance to real leather. Composite footballs sometimes come out as a little less refined, which makes them also the more special. Also, these kinds of footballs don't require the level of maintenance leather footballs need. This is because they are much more tolerant of the weather and moisture. It’s also worth noting that composite footballs aren't really easy to handle, but they have an excellent grip thanks to their textured design. If you want to enjoy more rough play, composite footballs are the best option for you.
- Foam - The last material option is foam. Foam footballs differ in construction and style from the first two materials. These footballs are great for games held in your backyard. They're soft to touch, water-friendly, and very inexpensive. More so, if you're teaching your young ones to throw and catch, foam footballs will be a tremendous economic consideration.
Size - The size of your football is crucial because it affects your play. Suppose you're looking to achieve a good spiral or a way to throw your ball effectively, it’s vital to pay attention to your football size. Your ball should be large enough for you to have a firm grip always.
When a football is said to be official size, it means manufacturers design it with the same dimensions and weight as the balls used in the NFL. There are adult-sized balls and youth balls for the younger generation. The smallest ball size is the peewee ball, which is excellent for all kinds now learning how to play.
Football FAQ
Q: Do footballs arrive inflated?
A: Some footballs arrive already pumped and ready to play. On the other hand, other models come with a pump and needle to allow the user to pump to their desired size. Depending on your preference, you can work some magic with an already pumped ball, or look for one where you get to pump from the start. There is nothing wrong with either model, only a matter of preference.
Q: How do I inflate a football?
A: No matter how careful you are before, during, or after a game, your football is bound to get flat over time, and when that happens, it will need to be inflated. The process of inflation is often done with a low-pressure pump and gauge, and a long needle.
- Look out for the PSI or bar number.
- Remove the most prominent folds on the ball by rolling and manipulation.
- Move the bladder away from the valve by tapping the ball.
- Turn the valve to face you before lubricating your needle.
- Push the needle into the pump, and make sure it is inserted into the valve completely.
- Inflate your football to the recommended pressure before taking out the needle.