WHAT EXACTLY ARE GOALKEEPER GLOVES?
Goalkeeping gloves are a central and often crucial part of a goalkeeper's kit - whether elite, amateur or child. They should optimise grip, protect hands and fingers, and provide the technical and mental support needed to perform in goal. Today's range includes several types, sizes and technologies, adapted to different hands and playing styles. Choosing the right goalkeeping glove is therefore a crucial issue for goalkeepers at all levels.
WHO USES GOALKEEPER GLOVES AND WHERE?
Goalkeeper gloves are mainly used by goalkeepers in football, but also in handball and futsal, for example, where secure grip and protection are essential. From kids' football and youth teams to the biggest stadiums in the world, gloves are standard in everything from training to competition and are considered essential by professionals, coaches and parents alike.
HOW ARE GOALKEEPER GLOVES CONSTRUCTED AND WHAT IS THEIR FUNCTION?
A modern goalkeeper glove often features latex on the palm for grip and shock absorption, an elasticated and durable material on the top for flexibility and protection, and often built-in fingersave technology to prevent overstretching. Adjustable wrist straps and different types of fit (negative cut, roll finger, flat cut) allow each player to find their optimal grip. Ventilation panels and extra padding increase comfort even during long matches.
WHY ARE GOALKEEPER GLOVES IMPORTANT?
The gloves improve grip (even in the rain), protect against injuries, maximise technique and boost confidence in all situations - from penalties to close-range battles. Technical innovations such as finger saws, vibration and pressure dampening allow the goalkeeper to perform optimally and reduce the risk of injury. Used at all levels of play, they have become an indispensable part of the goalkeeper's everyday life.
PRICES OF GOALKEEPER GLOVES
Prices vary depending on the material, technology and brand:
- Children's gloves: around €200-500 (EUR 15-60, GBP 13-55, USD 20-65)
- Training gloves: around £400-900 (50-110 EUR, 45-100 GBP, 55-120 USD)
- Match/professional gloves: 900-2 500 SEK (120-280 EUR, 105-260 GBP, 130-300 USD)
Top gloves with advanced latex or sensors are often even higher.
GOALKEEPER GLOVES CHILDREN
Goalkeeper gloves for kids: Kids' gloves are designed with extra-soft latex, comfortable fit and easy adjustment for small hands. They are easy to put on and take off, often have extra padding, and are specifically designed to support the development of grip technique and enjoyment of the game in young goalkeepers. The aim is to create safety, reduce the risk of injury and provide good conditions for technical and motor skills development at all levels.
GOALKEEPER GLOVES WITH PRESSURE SENSORS
One clear innovation is goalkeeper gloves with pressure sensors, which can measure grip force, pressure distribution and finger movement patterns in real time. Such gloves are used by professional clubs and in research for optimised training and injury prevention. The sensors provide direct feedback to both coaches and players, making goalkeeper training more data-driven and personalised.
BEST GOALKEEPER GLOVES
Which goalkeeper gloves do the world's best goalkeepers use? Many world stars - such as Alisson Becker, Thibaut Courtois and Gianluigi Donnarumma - play in top models from Adidas (Predator Pro), Nike (Mercurial & Vapor Grip) and Puma (Future NC).
They often choose size 9-11 and prefer negative cut or hybrid cut for the best fit and feel along with premium materials such as URG 2.0 latex, reinforced finger guards and customised wrist adjustment.
GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE SIZE OF GOALKEEPER GLOVES
Here's how to measure:
The length of the hand:
Measure from the top of your middle finger to the end of your palm (at the wrist).
Width of the hand (alternative method):
Measure across the widest part of your palm (without the thumb).
Size table (guidance):
Glove size | Age / Length | Hand width (cm) | Hand width (inches) |
---|---|---|---|
3 | 4-6 years / approx 120 cm | about 6.5-7.5 | 3,1-3,3 |
4 | 6-7 years / approx 130-135 cm | ca 7.0-8.0 | 3,3-3,5 |
5 | 8-9 years / 135-145 cm | about 7.5-8.5 | 3,5-3,7 |
6 | 10-11 years / 145-155 cm | about 8-9 | 3,9-4,1 |
7 | Older children / approx 155-165 | about 9-10 | 4,3-4,5 |
8 | Small/medium adult | about 10-10.5 | 4,5-4,7 |
9 | Medium/small adult | about 10.5-11 | 4,6-4,8 |
10 | Large adult | ca 11-12 | 4,8-5,0 |
11 | Extra large adult | ca 12+ | 5,0-5,15 |
Practical tips:
Choose a size about 0.5-1cm bigger than your hand for best comfort - your fingers shouldn't reach all the way to the top but it shouldn't be too loose either.
Measure both hands and start with the larger one.
Tips for children:
Children normally use size 3-7, adults usually use 8-11.
Example:
If your hand measures 18.5 cm from the top of the middle finger to the wrist, round up to the nearest whole centimetre, add 1 (18+1=19) and find the correct corresponding size in the table - here it is size 8-9.