Goalkeeper football gloves are an integral part of goalkeeping equipment. Modern materials help goalkeepers play effectively in various games and weather conditions. Before choosing goalkeeper gloves, find out what to pay attention to when buying and how to find the right size.
Gloves are the most important equipment for any goalkeeper, which is why it is so important to buy a perfect pair. In our article, you will learn how to find the right pair of gloves. Goalkeeping gloves not only guarantee grip on the ball but also provide protection and cushioning for fingers, palms, and wrists.
Each manufacturer uses different latex formulas, and many use their own patented technology for the production of goalkeeping gloves. Some use a chemical treatment to give it some shape and flexibility. The thicker the latex, the harder it is for the glove to control and manipulate movements during the game.
There are various goalkeeping gloves available for all weather conditions, skill levels, and even those that are adapted for use on a specific field surface. Different types of palms are used to ensure maximum efficiency in certain conditions. Usually, for wet weather, a thinner latex is used to prevent the glove from retaining too much water, while thicker latex is more preferable to use in dry conditions.
Most goalkeeping gloves are made of smooth latex, which provides a better grip on the surface of the ball. Textured latex gloves provide greater durability but lower grip than smooth latex gloves. Some manufacturers also use different processing methods to increase the stickiness of the gloves.
The structure of goalkeeping gloves consists of four different parts, each of which has specific functions.
The backhand or the backside of the glove is designed to help protect your hand from the hits of the ball. The quality depends on what type of latex was used. Also, the quality of the backhand material affects the wear resistance and strength of goalkeeping gloves. At the same time, the latex should not be too thick to maintain maximum mobility of the goalkeeper's hands.
Finger protection is a huge advantage of a goalkeeper during the game, especially when stopping the ball. Finger protection gloves usually have a compacted finger structure to protect your fingers from heavy impacts. Brands produce gloves with both removable and built-in protection elements.
The most important part of professional goalkeeping gloves is the palm. The quality, comfort, and safety of the goalkeeper's game depend on the quality of the palm material. One of the best materials for making a palm is silicone. The soft and flexible structure ensures maximum grip on the ball.
There are approximately 4 different types of goalkeeper gloves fasteners: hook and loop, cuff and strap. Hooks and loops are the most common and have an elastic adjustable element that can be used to tighten and loosen the glove. Also, Velcro straps have a huge advantage, as they allow to quickly remove and securely fix the glove.
Match gloves for goalkeepers are designed for use during the game. They are made of high-quality latex to protect your fingers and have maximum grip technology, as well as an exclusive design. These gloves require a lot of care and last less than other types of goalkeeping gloves.
Training gloves are designed for use during professional and amateur training. They have an average level of grip on the ball but are made stronger and more wear-resistant than match gloves.
Also, goalkeeper gloves are divided according to their purpose, depending on weather conditions and the presence of finger protection elements.
Rollfinger Cut. Such a cut of gloves is very popular among goalkeepers. This cut can be recognized by the large contact area and more latex on the palm than, for example, on the palm with a classic cut. The latex wraps around the fingers, making the glove ideal for a goalkeeper who requires a tight fit and excellent contact of the latex with the ball.
Negative Cut.Another popular cut among professional goalkeepers. Negative Cut can be recognized by the seams located inside, unlike other types of gloves cut. This provides you with a tighter fit and control of the ball, as if playing with your bare hands.
Hybrid cut. In addition to the glove cuts already mentioned, many brands are experimenting with mixing traditional cuts to create so-called hybrids. For example, Surround Cut, which combines latex around the finger and Negative Cut leaving seams on the inside.
Negative Roll. It is a hybrid cut that combines Negative and Rollfinger to provide an even greater level of comfort, fit and maneuverability.
Now that you know what to look for when choosing goalkeeper gloves, it's time to choose the most suitable size for you. Use a tape measure to measure the circumference of the widest part of your hand, without taking into account the length of your fingers. For most, this should be lower than the end of the little finger and the beginning of the thumb.
Round this number to the nearest integer. Add 1 centimeter to the rounded number and you get the size of your goalie gloves. For example, if the measured length is 6.75, you round it to 7. Add 1 to determine that your glove size is 8.
