How to Choose Soccer Goalie Gloves
If you're a goalkeeper, one of the most important pieces of equipment you'll need is a pair of soccer goalie gloves. Gloves protect your hands from the impact of the ball and provide extra grip for catching and holding the ball. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right pair for you? Our Soccer Experts highlight everything you need to know so that you’re able to find the right features and fit for the season ahead.
Types of Goalie Gloves
There are three different types of goalie gloves: match, training, and weather.
- Nike WMNS NSW REACT VISION "Black"
- Nike NBA Luka Doncic Dallas Mavericks Logo
- Nikes Air Max Plus LX
- Match Gloves: These are designed for competitive play mainly for high school players and up. Match soccer goalie gloves have the best grip and are made with the highest quality materials.
- Training Gloves: These are designed for practice and non-competitive play, especially for elementary and middle school players. Training soccer goalie gloves are actually more durable than match gloves but don’t offer as much grip.
- Weather Gloves: These are designed for wet or cold weather conditions. They are made with special materials to keep your hands warm and dry.
Consider the Cut of the Glove
When choosing soccer goalie gloves, it's important to consider the cut as this affects how the glove fits. There are three main types:
- Flat Cut: This cut is the most traditional and is characterized by its flat profile. It offers a comfortable fit and a larger surface area for ball contact.
- Rolled Finger Cut: This cut provides a snug, comfortable fit by rolling the finger material around the fingers. This cut offers a tight, secure feel on the ball.
- Negative Cut: This cut is made by stitching the negative space between the fingers. It offers the tightest fit for the best ball contact.
How to Measure for Goalie Gloves
To measure goalkeeper gloves, our Soccer Experts recommend following the steps below. It’s important to know that each brand fits differently so you’ll want to be sure to try them on well before the big game or your next practice.
- Measure the circumference of your hand at its widest part. This is usually just above the thumb joint.
- You’ll want to round this number up or down to the nearest whole inch. For example, if the circumference measures 6-3/4 inches, you’ll round up to 7 inches.
- Next, add 1 inch to this rounded number. This will be your goalie glove size. You can also use the chart below for additional help.
The fingers on your goalie gloves should extend about half an inch to a full inch past your fingertips.
Goalie Glove Size Chart
This is a generic goalie glove size chart. Be sure to pay attention to brand-specific sizing on the product page.
| Size | Hand Circumference (in.) |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.4 or less |
| 5 | 5.4—6.1 |
| 6 | 6.1—6.9 |
| 7 | 6.9—7.75 |
| 8 | 7.75—8.5 |
| 9 | 8.5—9.5 |
| 10 | 9.5—10.5 |
How to Care for Your Goalie Gloves
Taking care of your goalie gloves is important to ensure a long lifespan and good performance. Here are some tips to keep your gloves in top condition:
- Wash gloves after every use: Rinse your gloves in cool water after every use. If they are particularly dirty, you can use a mild soap to clean them, but avoid harsh chemicals or rough sponges.
- Dry gloves completely: Air dry your gloves by turning them inside out and placing them in a cool, dry place. Avoid drying them in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can damage the latex.
- Store gloves properly: After they are dry, store your gloves flat to help maintain their shape. Avoid storing them in damp or humid areas.
- Replace gloves as needed: Goalie gloves have a limited lifespan and will eventually wear out. Replace them when you notice significant wear and tear, such as holes or worn-down foam.
With these tips in mind, you'll be able to choose the right type of goalie gloves and keep them in top condition for every game or practice. If you have additional questions about how to choose goalie gloves or other soccer essentials, stop into your local ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN.
