How to Choose Goalkeeper Gloves

By WeGotSoccer

For a goalkeeper, the right glove can be the difference between conceding a goal and making a match-saving stop. Each element of a glove, as well as its construction, plays a vital role in performance in varying situations. Read on before buying gloves for new the season to ensure you find the perfect pair!

LEVEL

Match: These gloves are designed for goalkeepers consistently playing at a top level — think high school and collegiate teams. Typically, they are constructed using high-quality latex to maximize grip of the ball. As a result, match gloves require a greater amount of care in order to extend their life.

Training: If you are a part-time goalkeeper, play less frequently, or are practicing to hit that elite standard, then training gloves are the way to go. Contrary to match gloves, these are built to be more durable, although they lack the same quality latex and grip technology.

SUPPORT

Fingersave: Depending on preference, fingersave gloves provide additional support in the form of spine-like inserts placed behind each finger. Fingersave gloves reduce the likelihood of hyperextension when catching a ball shot with force or diving at an attacker’s feet.

The adidas Predator Pro FS contains fingersave support to keep fingers in more natural positions.

Non-fingersave: The absense of inserts allows for full mobility of the fingers, with little to no added support.

CUT

Flat palm: The standard cut for goalkeeper gloves. These are created using a singular piece of latex foam and are generally feel looser on the hand compared to other fits.

A flat palm glove uses one piece of latex stitched around the outside of the fingers.

Roll finger: Here, the backhand is connected directly to the palm, resulting in a curve around the outside of the fingers. This allows for more latex contact with the ball and a slightly more tailored feel.

The latex of roll finger gloves is seamlessly connected to the backhand.

Negative cut: Having become more popular over recent years, negative cut gloves are similar to flat palms in that they each utilize one piece of latex. However with this style, the latex is connected to the backhand by stitched gussets located inside the glove. Because of this, negative cut gloves tend to provide the most snug, true-to-hand fit.

A negative cut glove places stitching inside the glove.

Hybrid: Exactly as the name suggests. Hybrid gloves are a combination of elements from any two of the above styles (flat palm, roll finger, negative), giving keepers a glove customized to their needs.

The PUMA Future 5.1 Grip gloves utilize a roll finger cut on the index and little fingers, with a negative cut on the ring and middle fingers.

PERFORMANCE

Weather and field conditions undoubtedly impact goalkeepers. For this reason, many manufacturers incorporate specially coated latex in their products, primarily at the match glove level. Nike, for example, applies its All Conditions Control (ACC) technology to enhance control in extremely wet and dry environments. Look for similar innovations across match gloves from different brands.

Nike’s All Conditions Control is promintently called out on the gloves.

Goalkeepers can shop a wide range of gloves from several top brands in the game right here from WeGotSoccer.

MORE RESOURCES

Click here for sizing information as well as tips on extending the life of your gloves.

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