The role of a goalkeeper remains a pivotal part of football, with the keeper acting as the final line of defence between the opposition and your team's goal. As a result, goalkeeper's gloves are not just accessories but essential tools that can make or break a game. With advancements in technology and materials, the options available today are more sophisticated and specialised than ever, so we've picked out five of the best goalkeeper gloves around to help you with your purchase.
Understanding the nuances of goalkeeper gloves is key to making an informed decision. From grip quality and durability to fit and comfort, each aspect plays a significant role in performance. Fortunately, we have already considered all of that for you. Whether you are looking for gloves for training sessions, competitive matches, or specific weather conditions, our comprehensive list is here to help you find the ideal gloves tailored to your needs, ensuring you stand out as a formidable force between the sticks.
Best goalkeeper gloves
- Reusch Attrakt Freegel Fusion - a great choice for most keepers
- Rectrix 1.0 - a top pick under 50
- uhlsport SPEED CONTACT SUPERGRIP+ - an excellent option to maximise grip
- adidas Predator Pro - best choice for wrist support
- Nike Phantom Elite - a top pick for wet weather
1. Reusch Attrakt Freegel Fusion
Best goalkeeper gloves overall
- Pro:Direct Sport - £140.00
- Amazon - £131.52 / $132.12
* prices are accurate at the time of the latest update
Why we chose the Reusch Attrakt Freegel Fusion
The Reusch Attrakt Freegel Fusion goalkeeper gloves can make any strike from any top-tier football boots that bit easier to keep out of your net.
The key to their performance is their grip. They feature Reusch's Grip latex with Fusion technology designed to perform consistently in all weather conditions over time. You also get Freegel silicone on the back of each glove to provide more flexibility without sacrificing stability and control.
The Evolution Negative Cut is another highlight of these gloves, as it combines some of the best elements of roll finger and negative cut gloves into one complete package. That means they can fit snuggly while still providing a large ball-to-hand contact area for superior control.
Ultimately, you won't find many gloves that are as well-rounded as these, which makes them some of the best for goalkeepers in our opinion.
Reasons to buy:
- Grip latex with Fusion technology provides consistent grip
- Evolution Negative Cut creates a snug fit without sacrificing control
Read More: Best football boots under 100
2. Rectrix 1.0
Best goalkeeper gloves under 50
* prices are accurate at the time of the latest update
Why we chose the Rectrix 1.0
If you're searching for a budget option to consider, then we think it's hard to look past these Rectrix 1.0 gloves.
Rectrix boasts its gloves are made from high-quality contact Latex for added grip, and feature a ton of padding on the backhand to keep you protected during a game. Moreover, you get mesh fabric around areas that require increased flexibility. This should also add to the breathability of these gloves, keeping your hands cool whilst you protect your net.
All in all, we feel the Rectrix 1.0 gloves are well worth considering if you're looking for a bit of kit that shouldn't break the bank.
Reasons to buy:
- Cheap to buy but still great quality
- Foam backhand keeps you protected
Read More: Best laceless football boots
3. uhlsport SPEED CONTACT SUPERGRIP+
Best goalkeeper gloves for grip
- Amazon - £125.00 / $206.00
- Pro:Direct Sport - £70.00
* prices are accurate at the time of the latest update
Why we chose the uhlsport SPEED CONTACT SUPERGRIP+
Once again, the clues are in the name as the uhlsport SPEED CONTACT SUPERGRIP+ gloves are designed to offer exceptional levels of grip between your hands and the ball.
Handling is not the only area where these gloves excel though, as uhlsport provides maximum flexibility, additional grip, and enhanced abrasion resistance through what the company calls 'rebound zones'.
uhlsport also boasts its new wrap construction brings unrivalled levels of friction for maximum grip in all catching situations, whether you're in the rain or between the sticks on a warm summer's day.
Ultimately, these gloves are a great option for anyone searching for some of the grippiest goalkeeper gloves on the market.
Reasons to buy:
- Grip zones wrap around the gloves to maximise grip
- Feature a unique half-negative cut
Read More: Best PUMA football boots
4. adidas Predator Pro
Best goalkeeper gloves for wrist support
* prices are accurate at the time of the latest update
Why we chose the adidas Predator Pro
For wrist support, make sure you consider these adidas Predator Pro goalkeeper gloves. They're designed to deliver unparalleled accuracy and exceptional ball control with their strapless construction.
The knit backhand of these gloves features Silicone High Definition Grip elements, enabling precise clearances while maintaining flexibility. Adding to this, you get a URG 2.0 palm that incorporates a thumb wrap for improved grip, plus you get an abrasion zone that safeguards against wear during dives.
But why exactly are they a great fit for wrist support? Well, the knitted, strapless entry system means the gloves conform and fit tight to your wrist automatically. That means you don't have to rely on your own judgment and potentially do them up too tight. Also, being strapless, they allow for more flexibility, which means your wrist can move naturally rather than feel too locked in place from fitting too tight.
If that wasn't enough, these gloves are made with a minimum of 50% recycled and renewable materials, reflecting adidas' commitment to sustainability. Therefore, if you're after a top pair of supportive gloves, make sure you check out these Predators by adidas.
Reasons to buy:
- Strapless knitted entry adjusts to your wrist shape
- Backhand grip inserts give you control all over the gloves
Read More: Best adidas football boots
5. Nike Phantom Elite
Best goalkeeper gloves for wet weather
- Pro:Direct Sport - £115.00
* prices are accurate at the time of the latest update
Why we chose the Nike Phantom Elite
The Nike Phantom Elites are some of the top goalkeeping gloves on the market for tackling all manner of weather conditions.
This is due to them incorporating All Conditions Control (ACC) technology which, Nike boasts, gives you a consistent grip in both wet and dry conditions. Additionally, you get cushioned neoprene on the back of the hands which are designed to stretch to help you move more naturally when wearing them.
Overall, these Phantom Elites look to be a great pick for both tough Winter fixtures and warm Summer matches which is why we've included them on our list.
Reasons to buy:
- ACC technology maintains its grip no matter the weather
- The mesh between the fingers provides breathability
Read More: Best Nike football boots
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you play in goal, you probably have a few questions about the gloves you wear, but don't worry because we're here to clear up some of the most common queries.
Why do you need goalkeeper gloves?
There are several reasons why a goalkeeper will wear goalkeeper gloves.
To begin with, footballs, especially at a professional level, can travel at immense speed with a lot of power behind them, so a goalkeeper will need something to protect their hands as much as possible.
Moreover, you'll no doubt want to feel confident that when you try and catch a football, it will stay put. With goalkeeper gloves, the additional grip on the mitts should help keep the ball glued to your hands.
What should you look for from goalkeeper gloves?
We believe it's important to keep an eye on the following when purchasing goalkeeper gloves:
- Construction - Make sure the gloves you choose come with well-padded backhands, grippy palms, a secure closure system, and potentially even some form of finger support to avoid injury.
- Fit - You can either buy traditional fitting gloves where the palm is made from one piece of foam, or tighter alternatives where the palm material is stitched more towards to top of your fingers.
- Size - Getting the size right is key to making sure your hands and protected and comfortable. We'll come into more detail below.
What size goalkeeper gloves should you get?
Goalkeeper gloves usually come with a number to represent their size and, the smaller the number, the smaller the gloves.
Generally speaking, as an adult, you'll probably want to choose a size between 8 and 11 as these are some of the biggest sizes available, with 7 and under being designed primarily for younger players.
We'd recommend measuring your hand before purchase though and comparing the width and length of your palms against the manufacturer's size chart.
By doing this, you should be reassured your gloves aren't too tight upon receiving them as this can lead to premature wear and occasional splits.
How much should you spend on goalkeeper gloves?
This will vary depending on your available budget.
We'd recommend investing in a good pair if your main position on the pitch is between the sticks as you'll want to maximise your chance of saving every shot against you. However, as shown with the Rectrix 1.0s, you don't have to spend loads to pick up a good set.
On top of that, it's worth keeping in mind you might have to buy new gloves a couple of times a season depending on how worn down your pair become.
As a result, we'd perhaps recommend investing in a few pairs rather than one premium pair to last you throughout the season. However, the choice is yours.
How long do goalkeeper gloves last?
It is no secret that goalkeeper gloves take a lot of punishment throughout a season and therefore inevitably succumb to a bit of wear and tear.
Throughout a season, you may go through anywhere between 2-5 pairs of gloves depending on the volume of training/matches, the surfaces you play on, and how well you take care of your gloves when they're not in use.
With that being said, you can make your matchday gloves last a little longer by having a pair to use solely for training, therefore helping to keep your match gloves fresh and grippy enough for the big fixtures.