How To Buy Goalkeeper Gloves
When selecting a goalkeeper gloves your two top considerations should be budget and whether the goalkeeper needs finger protection?. Next consider how the GK glove will be used such as games vs practice. Lastly The glove cut or fit preference is based on physical characteristics such as height, weight, hand size, and length. Turf is more abrasive and harsh on GK gloves as well as the body.
Finger Protection or Spineless:
Goalkeeper gloves with finger protection are very popular for many developing keepers. They offer support and protection. Goalie gloves with fingersaves increase cost and change the catching experience. Using soccer goalie gloves with finger protection is a personal choice. There are also varying levels of flexibility in finger spines. If you prefer a more robust protection, you should consider Ortho-Tec Spines from Reusch. If you prefer a more flexible spine you should consider options from West Coast Goalkeeping. Brands such as One Glove, Elite Sport, etc... use standard segmented plastic spines that offer medium of both protection and flexibility. Brand such as T1tan and KPR offer excellent construction and premium materials in both finger protection and spineless gloves. You can discover all the goalkeeper glove options at Keeperstop.com by clicking HERE.
Budget:
When purchasing a goalkeeper glove it is best to set your expectations based on the family budget. More expensive gloves traditionally have better grip with superior materials and technology. More expensive gloves don’t last any longer or have more durability. GK gloves are perishable. There is no way around it. Cheap goalkeeper gloves may have more synthetic material, more durability, and less comfortable. Generally, the more expensive a glove, the softer and better the latex to provide the best possible grip. This counteracts durability. Some goalkeeper families mistake high cost for long lifespan in goalkeeper gloves, when it is actualky the opposite in most cases. However, there is a soccer goalie glove for every goalkeeper at every price point. Budget is one of the best place to start your glove search. Work within your family budget and read the product descriptions to ensure you spend your money wisely.
Playing Need:
Games vs practice is the first consideration. Game gloves will traditionally be more expensive as they have better grip, more technology, and comfort. Soft all weather game latex is tacky, offers cushioning, and makes catching shots easier. More durable practice gloves are less expensive in comparison. They may last longer in terms of number of saves and uses than game gloves. The increased life of the glove is due to more durable denser synthetic palm materials.
Other considerations are playing surfaces:
Turf vs Grass? Turf is more abrasive and harsh on GK gloves as well as the body. Grass fields will hold more moisture and as a result a softer all weather game glove may be more appropriate.
Climate? Do you play traditionally in dryer or more wet climate? Specialty gloves with wet weather game latex will increase the cost of the glove.
Glove Cut or Fit:
To build confidence and maintain control of a shot it is important to have the correct fit for your hand type. A goalkeeper with a more athletic build with wider hands may prefer a flat palm or roll finger. A goalkeeper with long fingers and a narrow palm may prefer a negative cut. Many goalkeeper gloves are offered in "Hybrid" cuts now to offer the best of both. This ensures a snug fit on the hand that is easier to get on and off no matter your hand size and shape. The glove should be comfortable on the hand because you'll be wearing it for 2+ hours at a time. Make sure the glove fits and feels right on the hand before using them. You can ensure you get the correct size by visiting our handy Sizing Guide section.
Picking a Glove Just Based On Color and Style:
Picking a goalkeeper glove based solely on color, style or matching your boots is a bad decision. Inevitably you will be disappointed. First and foremost is a goalkeeper glove with good grip or a soccer goalie glove with more durability for turf. The color and design should be one of the last considerations on your checklist as they are purely aesthetic and will not affect the way you or the glove performs.
The goalkeeper glove experts at Keeperstop.com in USA are happy to help select the GK glove that meets your playing and budgetary needs. We are happy to help. Call us at 860.904.7679 to speak with a goalkeeping expert or contact via email Paul@keeperstop.com
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