How To Choose The Right Goalkeeper Gloves?

So, it’s a new year with a new season ahead of us, and it’s probably the best time in the world to look for new goalkeeper gloves, goalkeeper jerseys and the like. Of course, nothing is better than the smell of latex in tha mornin’ (yes, sick goalkeeping type fetish, I know).

One of the key things you require in your quest for greater goalkeeping ability is quality goalkeeping gear, that is both durable and of the best manufacture. Here are some tips on finding the best goalkeeping gear and training equipment! So the first part in this weekly series will talk about goalkeeper gloves:

Uhlsport, Reusch, Sells, Puma, Nike, niche players like One Glove, Kaliaaer, GK1…you name it, the quest for goalkeeping gloves can be perilous and there are just so many quality goalkeeper gloves out on the market. Regardless of your choice of goalkeeper gloves you have to also navigate the various cuts and sizes available from the many lines of goalkeeper glove manufacturers around the globe.

Some better men, namely Simon and the boys from The Glove Bag came up with a fantastic guide to help you make the right choice when it comes to your selection, which you can find here. Though, two of the most popular cuts on the market are definitely the “roll finger cut” like those designed by Nike, and the “negative cut” found in many European manufacturers like Reusch and Puma.

Probably the main thing to remember with your gloves is that you want to go with a latex that is “all weather” and whose latex can withstand many different environments. Versatility is key, as I remember my time traveling around many different countries whilst trialling with clubs in Europe and Australia and the need to have gloves that could adapt to many different environments and terrain.

Goalkeeper gloves also need to be comfortable and the materials that are derived in its manufacture need to be both durable and breathable. Look for gloves with good ventilation, and that can provide stability and great shock absorption. Many goalkeeper glove manufacturers provide excellent quality latex derived from many sources around the globe.

Though, latex can also come in varying grades of thickness, many between 3-4 mm. Depending on the type of feel you wish to maintain around the ball, and your degree of expertise in having proper technique to absorb the power of the ball, choose a latex thickness that is comfortable and provides the ultimate shock absorption you can find.

Another popular trend is the need for finger support, and many of the leading manufacturers of goalkeeping gloves have developed and constantly evolved the need for the competitive goalkeeper to secure their fingers against injury.

I’ve never really been a big fan of finger support systems (I’m a bit outdated and old school), but the technology has its merit and you should look to manufacturers like Adidas and others whom have pioneered the technology.

Remember that having a glove size that is one size bigger than what you’re typically used to can benefit both the comfort and longevity of your glove. Tighter fitting gloves typically don’t provide the right comfort and I’ve always made sure that I grab one glove size larger than what my hand size is.

Since this is a rolling guide, I’d love for you all to put some more suggestions in the comment box below in regards to what you look for when buying a good goalkeeping glove. Now for some sugar…

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Next week we will be talking about goalkeeper jerseys and what you should look out for when selecting the best goalkeeper jersey for size, fit, durability and technology. Good luck with the prize draw!