What Goalie Gloves Should I Buy?
A Guide for Parents & Young Keepers
Whether your kid is just starting out in goal or playing serious matches every weekend, picking the right pair of gloves actually matters. Good gloves boost confidence, improve grip, and protect fingers — but the glove wall at the store (or online) can be a total guessing game.
Here’s what really matters when buying gloves — broken down into 4 key things: Fit, Grip, Durability, and Price.
1. FIT: Snug But Not Suffocating
Your gloves should feel like an extension of your hands — not like oven mitts. A proper fit means:
No extra room in the fingertips (this kills control)
Tight around the wrist without cutting off circulation
Snug palm and backhand for full hand contact with the ball
📌 Tip: Most brands list sizes by hand length in centimeters. Measure from the tip of the middle finger to the base of the palm. If in doubt, size down for younger keepers — big, floppy gloves lead to bad habits.
2. GRIP: The Sticky Secret Sauce
Grip is what helps you hold onto the ball — and it varies a lot between glove types.
Match Gloves: Softer latex, insane grip, but wear out quickly. Best for games.
Training Gloves: More durable, less sticky, built for reps and drills.
Hybrid Gloves: A mix of both — good if you want one pair to do it all.
📌 Tip: Wetting the palms slightly before a session can help activate grip on most gloves.
3. DURABILITY: How Long Will These Last?
The softer the latex, the better the grip — but the faster it breaks down. This is the tradeoff.
Expect match gloves to last 10–15 games (if cared for)
Training gloves can last longer, but don’t grip as well
Turf fields eat gloves faster than grass
📌 Tip: Always rinse gloves in cold water after use. Don’t throw them in the washing machine. Air dry them — never in the sun or a dryer.
4. PRICE: What Should I Spend?
You don’t have to break the bank, but price often reflects grip quality.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
$30–$50 – Solid entry-level gloves for training
$60–$90 – Great hybrid gloves, solid for both training and games
$100+ – Pro-level grip, but wear quickly — best reserved for serious match play
📌 Tip: Have 2 pairs — one for training, one for matches. It extends the life of both.
