Goalkeeper gloves

Which Goalkeeper Gloves for Which Surface?

Just like with football boots, it's very important to know on which surface you will be using your goalkeeper gloves! If you use gloves designed for natural grass on artificial turf, the gloves will likely wear out much faster. Goalkeeper gloves for natural grass have a softer foam layer compared to those for artificial turf. While they offer excellent grip, they are more prone to damage if used on the wrong surface. If you primarily play on artificial turf or indoors, it's best to opt for "hardground" goalkeeper gloves. These gloves have a firmer and more durable foam layer, which means they’ll last longer. It doesn’t necessarily mean that gloves designed for natural grass aren’t suitable for use on artificial turf or indoor surfaces, but they will last the longest if used on the surface they were designed for.

Which Size of Goalkeeper Gloves?

Sizes vary by brand, so always check the size chart. Generally, gloves from brands like Uhlsport and Sells run large. If you feel pressure on the seams just by wearing them, they’re too small. When the gloves make contact with the ball, a lot of pressure is applied to those seams, which can cause them to tear quickly. It's better to go for slightly larger gloves than ones that are too tight.

Goalkeeper Gloves with or Without Fingersave?

Fingersave is a technique widely used in goalkeeper gloves. It protects the fingers from bending backward and also offers protection against collisions or when someone steps on your hands with their studs. It’s essentially a kind of insert behind the fingers that reduces the risk of finger injuries. However, some goalkeepers find the range of motion much more limited with Fingersave compared to gloves without it. This varies from keeper to keeper, so it's something you need to decide for yourself.

Expensive vs. Cheap Goalkeeper Gloves

When you browse the range of gloves, you’ll see a large price difference. These prices are influenced by the presence or absence of Fingersave and the thickness of the foam. The thicker the foam, the better the grip. Foam does show wear and tear quickly, but this doesn't mean the grip is diminished. The grip only truly decreases once the canvas of the glove is exposed through the foam. The gloves don’t necessarily need to be thrown away at this point, but can be used as training gloves. It's generally recommended to have a pair of training gloves and a pair for matches. This way, your gloves last much longer, and you always have gloves with optimal grip during the match.

How to Maintain Your Goalkeeper Gloves?

Although it’s inevitable that goalkeeper gloves will eventually need to be replaced, you can extend their lifespan with the proper care. With the right maintenance, the foam (and therefore the grip) will stay in good condition for longer. After training or a match, it's advisable to clean your goalkeeper gloves. There are special cleaners available for this. In addition to keeping the gloves clean, this also ensures that the grip is maintained for as long as possible.

You can take your gloves into the shower to wash them. Never wring them out, but instead, dry them with a towel and let them air dry. Never let them dry completely. Always store your gloves slightly damp. This refers to the foam on the outside of the gloves, which helps preserve the grip. If the gloves are not being used for a long period, it’s advisable to occasionally dampen them.

Still have questions about goalkeeper gloves? Don’t hesitate to ask our customer service.