The Dos and Don'ts of Buying Goalkeeper Gloves

Talent will take you so far in sport, but you also need to have the right equipment. In football, for example, outfield players need comfortable and durable footwear, plus pads to guard their shins against injury. Goalies, meanwhile, need the right pair of gloves to help them punch, catch, and hold the ball.

However, not all goalkeeper gloves are made equal. They can vary enormously, not only in aesthetics, but in terms of safety, comfort, and efficiency. That’s why it’s crucial to shop with care, avoiding the common mistakes that many inexperienced buyers tend to make.

In this guide, we’ll look at some big “dos and don’ts” of buying goalie gloves.

Do: Research Goalkeeper Gloves to Learn More About Them

The first big “Do” on our list is research. If you’re new to the world of goalkeeping gloves, you have to put in some time to learn about them. Too many young and inexperienced goalies end up with gloves that simply don’t suit them because they failed to research them beforehand.

There are different materials. Different cut types, shapes, finger protection levels, closure systems, and more. Each of these factors has an impact on how a pair of goalie gloves fits and feels around your fingers, and how well you can perform while wearing them on the pitch.

Don’t: Rush in and Buy the First Pair You See

The first “Don’t” is to never simply buy the first pair of gloves you find without taking the time to look at other options and compare them. Maybe you’re in a rush. Perhaps you hate shopping and just want to grab some gloves and get out on the pitch. That’s understandable.

However, if you rush in and buy a pair without proper comparison and research, you could easily end up with gloves that just aren’t right for you. In fact, they might hamper your performance, making it harder to make saves or punch the ball clear.

Do: Prioritise Gloves to Suit Your Style of Play

These days, the role of the goalie is more diverse and flexible than ever. There are so many ways to play. Some goalies love punching and clearing the ball at every opportunity. Others like to pick it up and roll or throw it out with precision.

Well, no matter what style of play you lean towards, it’s crucial to find a pair of goalie gloves to match. For example, if you’re a big puncher, look for gloves with solid, cushioned backhands.

Don’t: Make Your Decision Based on Aesthetics

Here’s another common mistake that a lot of goalies – both young and old – often make: buying gloves based on how they look or other non-essential factors, like the brand name or the famous players that wear them in the Premier League.

Aesthetics aren’t entirely unimportant. It’s always nice to have gloves that look good. But appearance is far less important when compared to other key factors – like cut, protection, comfort, water resistance, and so on.

Do: Consider Your Typical Playing Conditions

Last but not least, don’t forget to think about the typical match conditions. Perhaps you often play in heavy rain, for example. In that case, you’ll need gloves with water-based features, like water-activated latex that helps you hold the ball, even when it’s slippery.

If you tend to play on quite rough or firm terrain, you’ll need gloves that are built to cope with it. Otherwise, they might quickly wear down and fray or tear after a few dives. There are even specific gloves made to suit artificial playing surfaces, and others that perform better on real grass.

Choose Your Goalkeeper Gloves with Care

As you can see, shopping for goalkeeper gloves isn’t as simple as it may first seem. It requires a certain level of care and consideration to pick the right gloves for your ability and style of play. Make sure to take your time. Compare your options and don’t settle for anything else than a set of gloves that suit you just right.