Goalkeepers are the only players in soccer who can use their hands to help their team to win. Literally, the fate of the team rests in their hands.
That makes soccer goalkeeper gloves a vital piece of gear, serving the dual purpose of performance and protection.
In reality, there are various parameters that affect the performance of goalkeeper soccer gloves. Add to that the multiple brands in a crowded market and the task of choosing a good goalie glove becomes somewhat complex for first-time buyers.
Based on our first hand experience, research, and in-house trials, we’ve determined that these are the 11 best goalkeeper gloves on the market right now.
Let’s get started.
1. Adidas Performance Ace Réplique Goalie Gloves
Pros
- A comfortable fit
- Offers a good grip
- Bright color combination
Cons
- Not the best breathability
The Ace Replique gloves are a combination of polyester and polyurethane. Additional layers of latex have been added to the all-around palm for extra grip. The positive cut design ensures a comfortable and looser feel.
We wouldn’t say that the latex palm material is super sticky. But with excellent latex-to-ball contact, the grip is not too bad either.
While we couldn’t test the gloves in wet conditions, Adidas mentions that they work well in all weather conditions.
The backhand is thickened with ridges for extra protection and the overall cushioning is good enough. The finishing is good and the full wrap wrist strap ensures a secure fit.
Considering the excellent finishing, we feel that the durability will not disappoint.
Note, there is also a fingersave version of these gloves available. However, the added finger protection comes at the cost of freedom of finger movement.
2. Nike Spyne Pro Goalkeeper Gloves
Pros
- Comfortable latex foam
- Good grip even in wet conditions
- Absorbs impact effectively
Cons
- Some issues with long-term durability
The first thing that you notice after wearing these gloves is the plush feel of the supersoft foam that surrounds your hands. Apart from polyester, EVA, and nylon, Nike has also added plenty of latex in these gloves to make the grip sticky.
The pre-curved design provides a good fit. Nike has added Spyne finger support that provides additional finger support. The good news is, this doesn’t affect hand movement or flexibility like traditional finger support.
Another feature is Bio-align technology that keeps the hands in a catch-ready position. The wraparound wristband provides good wrist support too.
All in all, these are a pair of good goalie gloves that offer excellent performance. They are not cheap, but the additional features are worth the extra money.
3. Renegade Rogue Soccer Goalie Gloves
Pros
- Loaded with features
- Great comfort and ball control
- Removable Endo-Tek inserts for finger protection
- Offers excellent value
Cons
- Not very durable
A prime feature of the Renegade Rogue gloves is the use of 4+3mm Giga Grip composite latex. The combination of comfort and protection is top-notch, offering you the best of both worlds.
The gloves provide excellent grip in all weather conditions while ensuring breathability.
Besides, the backhand has neoprene materials with thickened ridges that work great while punching the ball. Also, the use of Microbe-Guard fabric is an excellent feature.
That said, the durability of the latex material isn’t great. And not everyone liked the feel of the extended palm puller. But when you consider the price, the pros of these gloves easily outweigh the cons.
Of all the best goalie gloves, the Rogue has one of the freshest designs you can pick. When it comes to a combination of style and performance, these are one of the best keeper gloves on the market.
4. Reusch Goalkeeper Gloves
Pros
- Flexible and ergonomic feet
- Ventilation channels for airflow
- The latex offers good abrasion resistance
- Plenty of protection
Cons
- Not a versatile option
- Finger support may not be necessary for all
Unlike the top brands, Reusch concentrates only on manufacturing gloves. So, you can expect top-grade quality from them. And the Attrakt Freegel is among the coolest-looking pair of goalkeeper gloves on the market
The gloves look and feel premium and they are made from high-quality materials. The latex used offers the best combination of durability and grip. There is an additional latex patch in the vulnerable palm area to increase stress resistance.
Put them on and you will appreciate the soft and flexible feel. The design maximizes the contact zone and allows the fingers to spread.
The backhand has a mesh covering and FreeGel material to take the sting out of full power shots. Bonus feature- protection spines for finger support.
Admittedly, these gloves from Reusch are one of the best negative-cut goalie gloves you can pick. But there’s one problem- they are designed for use over artificial grass and hard grounds only.
5. Adidas Predator Pro Goalkeeper Gloves
Pros
- Flexible and ergonomic feet
- The latex has great grip
- Demonskin 2.0 spines on backhand
- Great balance between cushioning and ball feel
Cons
- Doesn’t perform well in muddy conditions
- An expensive option
The Predator Pro has a unique half negative cut which feels more like a flat palm cut with plenty of room around the fingers. Adidas has provided a fully wrapped thumb that improves the performance of the gloves by a lot.
Once you push the gloves down on your fingers, they feel super comfortable. The addition of rubber ridges to the backhand adds to the shot-stopping ability.
Next, the Predator Pro uses URG 2.0 latex which will provide you with an extra bit of grip. Some users may not prefer the strapless fit, but it fits snugly and delivers a natural-feeling fit.
Traditionally, the latex range used by Adidas isn’t long-lasting. But URG 2.0 does a better job of holding up with regular use than the previous versions with URG 1.0.
In short, the Predator Pro is one of the best soccer gloves from Adidas with a strapless design.
We have no second thoughts about recommending it for grass fields.
6. Renegade GK Vortex Goalie Gloves
Pros
- Vibrant design looks great
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Great customer service
- Duratek strap offers good wrist support
Cons
- Not the best for indoor soccer
- The mesh can trap dirt
The Renegade GK gloves are designed for pro players with great quality and features. The Vortex is no exception and has plenty of top-end features.
Firstly, these gloves have a negative cut to increase the surface area of the latex around the palm. As expected, Renegade uses Hyper Grip latex which adds to the overall tackiness.
The backhand is reinforced with 4 mm thick latex to provide more rigidity.
The palm area is pre-arched and helps in better ball control. The mesh body also ensures good breathability. One big plus is, you can add finger protection if needed.
That said, the durability of the latex isn’t the best in class. Limit their use to Sunday league games and the gloves will last longer.
Last but not least, they are competitively priced. Add to that the savings as an Amazon Prime user and you get excellent value.
7. Malker Soccer Goalie Gloves
Pros
- Great combination of comfort and protection
- Works in wet conditions
- Offers good value
Cons
- Not very durable
- The velcro strap could be better
The Malker gloves are made from natural latex foam with breathable mesh on the side of the fingers to ensure airflow. The gloves feel well made and the comfort levels are above average.
Embedded into the fingers are spines to prevent injuries during fingertip saves. Another protective feature is the double wristbands that reduce the chance of wrist sprains.
If you don’t prefer the restriction of finger spines, you will have to look elsewhere. However, the spines are not super rigid and the gloves allow you to move your fingers freely.
Like most modern goalie gloves, the curved design helps in gripping and controlling the ball. The palm area is enlarged to maximize friction and distribute the impact force.
While these aren’t the most durable training gloves, they ensure a solid grip on the ball in all conditions.
8. EFAH Sports Soccer Goalie Gloves
Pros
- Good grip and long-lasting
- A versatile performer
- Breathable mesh for comfort
Cons
- Not for experienced goalies
- Comfort levels are low
Not everyone needs the best soccer goalie gloves like the Adidas Predator Edge or the Nike Mercurial. Weekend warriors looking for a cheap but reliable option can take a closer look at these gloves from EFAH Sports.
Designed for kids and junior trainees, these gloves have latex padding that offers a decent grip and is wear-resistant. At this price, the latex quality should be average at best. But the performance left plenty of users impressed.
Overall comfort levels are good but not great. The stitching quality is impressive though. But the foam padding will wear out more quickly.
Obviously, you can’t expect premium quality from entry-level gloves. But considering the price, we have no second thoughts about recommending them to beginners or for less-competitive play.
9. WVVOU Soccer Goalie Gloves
Pros
- Ergonomic design offers a good fit
- Elastic and breathable
- Good stitching quality
- Palm print texture
Cons
- Limited durability
- Not the best backhand protection
While WVVOU isn’t a heavyweight brand, we were impressed by the volume of tech packed into these gloves. And compared to other bulky gloves, these feel light and flexible.
To start with, they are made from a combination of high-grade latex and knitted fabric that offers excellent breathability.
Next, the palm area is designed to match the real palm lines and offers better comfort.
The palm design also has a positive effect on the grip. Add to that the 4+3mm latex layer that keeps the grip sticky. Blue ridge lines on the back not only look great but add to your punching power. The entry is strapless and the elastic material stretches and molds to the shape of your hands.
On the downside, durability isn’t the best and the latex material will start losing its grip with time. But considering the affordable price, there isn’t much to complain about.
10. Puma Youth One Junior Goalkeeper Gloves
Pros
- Good quality latex
- Sufficient protection levels
- Eye-catching design
Cons
- Only for young players
The Youth One glove from Puma is designed to offer the best protection for young fingers. Made from a combination of latex, PU, and polyester, they are comfortable and lightweight.
For additional protection, there are the PFP (Puma finger Protection) spines. These lock at 180 degrees to prevent finger hyperextension. The backhand is embossed with latex to offer protection from impacts.
The cut is a combination of a roll finger and a negative cut which offers a good fit. The wrists have a hook-and-loop closure for a secure fit.
All in all, they offer up-to-the-mark ball control and comfort at an affordable price. A good pair of gloves for players starting their soccer journey.
11. Jalunth Goalie Soccer Gloves
Pros
- Affordable price tag
- Durable wristband with velcro
- Breathable mesh prevents sweating
Cons
- They run small
- Not professional gloves
These are another pair of gloves that are designed for kids and you can choose from five vibrant colors. Quite simply, Jalunth has proved that cheap gloves need not compromise quality.
The gloves have high-grade latex on the palm and faux leather on the backhand for protection. The gloves feel soft and offer sufficient flexibility for the fingers.
The latex quality is acceptable at this price, but don’t expect it to perform in wet conditions.
The downside to the soft feel is the lack of durability. Plenty of users found the latex cracking or peeling after a few months. In short, they are a great buy for regular training, without breaking the bank.
What to Look for in the Best Soccer Goalie Gloves?
While buying new gloves for soccer, there are plenty of points to keep in mind. Let’s take a quick look.
Glove Size
Picking the right goalkeeper glove size is more complex than picking new football boots. Firstly you need to measure your hands in the right manner and compare that against a standard goalkeeper glove sizing chart.
What makes the process more challenging is there are different methods of measurement that you need to use simultaneously. All the methods depend on the length and width of your hands.
But the process is not an exact science and some trial and error might be needed to get it right.
The good news is, once you form an idea about the glove size that fits you best, it gets easier.
Comfort, Fit, and Performance.
In reality, the concept of comfort varies between players depending on their experience. It goes without saying that premium gloves with a higher price tag will feel more comfortable.
That said, don’t pick a pair of gloves based on their popularity. Not even the best goalkeeper gloves will match every hand shape. Check if it provides the right feel and make sure that you are comfortable with the fit.
Next, check the ball control and grip offered by them. Protection should not come at the expense of flexibility and you should be able to move your fingers freely with the gloves on. You may prefer finger stays for additional protection.
Price
Entry-level gloves usually come in flat cuts and offer limited durability. But unless you are playing at a very high level, picking overpriced gloves with a super-grip doesn’t make much sense.
This makes it necessary to balance the performance you are seeking with the price factor. Bottom line: glossy brands and high price tags are not always the best option.
Match Gloves or Practice Gloves
Like other soccer equipment, you can always use a single pair of gloves for all types of play. However, it makes sense to use relatively cheaper, and more durable gloves for everyday practice.
Why so?
The fact is, premium-grade match gloves come at a higher price. Usually, the superior grip of latex comes at the cost of durability. And chances are, the sticky latex used in these gloves will wear away with frequent use.
We suggest you pick two different goalie gloves for practice sessions and matches.
What Are the Different Goalie Glove Cuts?
With a variety of goalkeeper glove cuts to pick from, it’s easy to get confused. So, here’s a look at the basic cuts to form a better understanding.
Negative Cut: This glove is made from a single piece of latex and the stitching is located in the inner face of the glove. This makes the fit tighter and it’s not the best choice for goalies with large hands.
Rolled Cut: This is a popular cut where the latex is rolled around the fingers to provide more comfort. The backhand is connected by using gussets. With rolled fingers, the fit is more relaxed.
Flat Cut: Here, the connecting gussets are between the finger and the palm. The stitching is placed on the outside. This is an entry-level cut and ensures a loose feel.
Hybrid Cut: This cut doesn’t have a specific format and is a mixture of two cuts. Brands get innovative with this cut and often these gloves come at a higher price.
FAQs
How do I choose soccer goalie gloves?
Choosing the right goalie gloves is a process of trial and error. It includes finding the best cut and size that delivers the best comfort and performance. One way is to try out the gloves of your friends to check how they feel.
How do you break in new soccer goalie gloves?
The best way is to put the gloves on and wrap your fingers around a soccer ball while practicing at home or playing with a softball for some time. You can also make a fist or even perform some pushups to make the material loosen up.
How tight should goalie gloves be?
The degree of tightness of the glove is an individual preference. However, don’t choose gloves that are too loose and are flapping around.
What happens if my soccer goalie gloves are too big?
Too big gloves will not allow you to grip the ball properly. You will also lose ball feel and control.
Why are goalkeeper gloves important?
Firstly, the gloves provide a large surface area for a better grip on the ball. In addition, they also absorb shock and protect the hands and wrists.
Final Thoughts
Standing as the last line of defense for your team is not an easy task. These are some of the best soccer goalie gloves that will boost your confidence no matter what level you are playing.
The Adidas Predator Pro is our top pick in this category. With a high comfort factor and grippy latex, it will provide excellent support for your hands.
One of the quickest ways to improve your goalkeeping skills with the new gloves is to use an Opengoaaal 3-in-1 Trainer.
By allowing you to focus more on the practice sessions and cutting down the interruptions, they are perfect for breaking in the new gloves.