HOW TO CHOOSE GOALKEEPER GLOVES

Five questions decide the right pair. Answer them in order.

1. What size are you?

A glove that's too big costs you control; too small and it tears. Measure around your palm and use our junior & adult size chart. Junior keepers usually wear sizes 5–7.

2. Which cut suits you?

• Negative cut — seams inside, snug fit, best feel for the ball.
• Roll finger — latex wraps the fingers for the biggest catching surface.
• Flat palm — roomier, classic feel, good for wider hands.
• Hybrid — mixes cuts, e.g. roll fingers with a negative-cut palm.

3. Where do you play?

• Natural grass — soft, grippy latex gives the best hold.
• Artificial turf — wears latex faster; pick a tougher palm or keep a training pair.
• Wet weather — dampen the palm slightly before kick-off; many latexes grip better wet.
• Dry weather — rinse and dampen palms at half-time to restore grip.

4. Do you need finger protection?

Finger-save spines help younger keepers and anyone coming back from a finger injury. Many experienced keepers prefer the freer feel without them.

5. Match or training?

Use a softer, grippier pair for matches and a tougher pair for training. Your match gloves last much longer that way.

Make them last

Rinse in lukewarm water after use, never tumble-dry, and dry away from direct sun.