Goalkeeper gloves are an essential piece of equipment for any goalkeeper, as they provide vital protection and grip when handling the ball. However, finding the right size goalkeeper gloves can be a challenge, as there are many factors to consider. Below, we will discuss the key factors to consider when sizing goalkeeper gloves.
Measuring your hand
The first step in finding the right goalkeeper gloves is to measure your hand. To do this, there are two measurements you can look at when deciding. The first measurement is to help you figure out the length of your hand. This is typically the most important measurement when deciding between different sizes. To get an accurate measurement, use a measuring tape and measure the length from the tip of your middle finger down to the base of your palm.
The next measurement that can be helpful is the circumference of your hand. Utilizing that same tape measurer, wrap it around the widest part of your palm (just under the base of the thumb. So what do these two numbers mean by themselves? Well not much other than giving you information on the size of your hand. You will need to reference goalkeeper glove sizing charts to make a better guesstimate as to which size of goalkeeper glove would be the best fit for you.
Glove sizing charts
Once you have measured your hand, you can use a goalkeeper glove size chart to find the right size gloves. These charts typically list glove sizes based on hand length and hand circumference. Some charts, including ours, make an attempt to put typical age ranges with glove sizes but that is not as accurate. As goalkeepers get older, sizes tend to be all over the map. For example, there are 18 year old goalkeepers that wear size 8 and there are 16 year old goalkeepers that wear size 10. This is why it is important to measure and check the charts to align your measurement results.
The important thing to understand about goalkeeper glove sizing charts is that they are simply measurements of the goalkeeper gloves. There are many factors, which we will discuss below, that can also go into the fit and comfort of the goalkeeper gloves. When reading a sizing chart, it is important to understand what the numbers mean. When looking at the hand length section of a chart, the numbers you see will tell you how long the goalkeeper glove is. If you fall in between numbers, it is typically better to go with the larger size. This will allow the goalkeeper to grow into the glove as opposed to being crammed into a glove and making the goalkeeper uncomfortable. The circumference plays a factor when thinking about getting a glove onto your hand. Depending on the type of glove design, a wider hand can be a bit harder to fit into certain sizes of goalkeeper gloves.
You will often see goalkeeper glove sizing charts that make suggestions on glove size based on the goalkeeper's height. This is very similar to making a suggestion based on age range; it is a guess based on typical goalkeeper heights and sizes but it isn't the most accurate way to figure out a goalkeeper's glove size. When in doubt, measure it out.
Consider the fit
When selecting goalkeeper gloves, it's important to consider the fit. Gloves that are too loose will slide around on your hand, reducing your grip and making it more difficult to handle the ball. Gloves that are too tight can be uncomfortable and may restrict your movement. Look for gloves that fit snugly but not too tightly, with enough room to move your fingers and a secure wrist closure.
A lot of the decision is based on how comfortable the goalkeeper is. Some goalkeepers prefer their gloves to be really tight so they literally "fit like a glove". Other goalkeepers prefer a little more room and flexibility in their gloves. It all depends on the goalkeeper. There are goalkeepers who go a size larger than they typically would wear so that they can get the extra finger length that can help them make "fingertip" saves. Is it an exact science? No, it is all about the goalkeeper's level of comfort with the size and fit.
You also have to consider the cut of the glove. A size 9 negative cut goalkeeper glove tends to fit slightly differently than a size 9 flat palm cut. The flat palm tends to be more loose and less of a "true fit" around the hand. A negative cut goalkeeper glove with give you a more snug fit and slightly more flexibility than some of the hybrid cut goalkeeper gloves.
Material and design
The material and design of goalkeeper gloves can also affect sizing. Gloves made from synthetic materials tend to be more flexible and may stretch over time, while gloves made from natural materials like latex may be more rigid and less forgiving of size discrepancies. Additionally, some glove designs may be more suited to certain hand shapes, such as gloves with a more ergonomic design for hands with narrow fingers.
Added features, like removable finger protection, can also play a role in goalkeeper glove sizing. Oftentimes, goalkeeper gloves with finger protection can be a tighter fit and a little less flexible, especially in the beginning when the gloves haven't been broken in. This can lead to a goalkeeper feeling uncomfortable when wearing the gloves. Some brands throw on different additions to the backhand of the gloves, like spikes or gel designs, that can impact how the goalkeeper glove fits.
Try before you buy
Finally, it's always a good idea to try on goalkeeper gloves before you buy them. This will allow you to test the fit and feel of the gloves and make sure they are comfortable and secure on your hand. If possible, try on several different sizes and brands to find the best fit for your hand shape and playing style. Not all brands are going to fit the same so it can be difficult to go from one brand to the next without trying them on.
If you aren't able to try on that specific brand, take a look at the style of goalkeeper glove cut that you are interested in and see if you can find a similar style at a local sporting goods store to try on. Remember, when trying goalkeeper gloves on you want to make sure they aren't too tight at the finger tips and your hand feels comfortable in the gloves. It doesn't matter what anyone else says; if the goalkeeper doesn't feel good in them then it will be hard for them to perform at their best.
Finding the right size goalkeeper gloves is an important consideration for any goalkeeper. By measuring your hand, consulting size charts, considering fit and materials, and trying on gloves before you buy, you can ensure that you select the best gloves for your needs and play with confidence on the field. To see the variety of goalkeeper gloves that we have to offer in our online shop, head over to our store HERE . We have various cuts and sizes of goalkeeper gloves that are sure to fit your needs.
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