Which goalkeeper gloves suit me best?
One of the most frequently asked questions in our store and online is:
"Which goalkeeper gloves fit me best?"
Makes sense — there are so many options and every keeper is different. Are you looking for gloves for yourself? Or maybe for your child, teammate, or as a gift? Then it’s smart to read this first.
Different keepers, different needs
At Jeugdkeeper.nl, we help keepers of all ages and levels, from enthusiastic youth players to professional keepers. Every day we get questions like:
“What are the best goalkeeper gloves for me?”
“I need gloves for a child, what do you recommend?”
“Which gloves work best on artificial turf?”
“Is fingersave a good idea or not?”
“What about grip and durability?”
All great questions — but the answer depends on a few things: your level, playing surface, technique, and not least — your budget.
We’ll explain step-by-step below.
1. What will you use the gloves for?
Ask yourself: when will you use the gloves?
Only for matches?
Only for training?
Or both?
Ideal:
One pair for training (durable foam)
+
One pair for matches (soft foam for extra grip)
Not possible? No worries. Then choose one pair that fits well and can do both. Better to pick slightly more durable foam then.
2. What’s your budget?
Goalkeeper gloves come in all price ranges — you can spend as much as you want.
Keep in mind:
Better grip means faster wear.
Top models offer amazing grip but the soft foam can wear out quickly — sometimes after just one training. That’s normal. As long as the foam isn’t worn through to the fabric, it still works.
We recommend beginners don’t start with the most expensive gloves. First work on your technique, then upgrade.
🧤 Tip:
If you see wear on fingertips or palms, it might be how you fall or get up. Pushing off with your hands is bad for gloves. Technique is key to lasting gloves.
3. Playing on artificial turf or natural grass?
Gloves aren’t always made for artificial turf. You can use grass gloves on artificial turf, but:
➡️ Foam wears out faster on artificial turf.
➡️ Especially young keepers experience this because of technique.
➡️ Stronger foam or special artificial turf gloves are smarter choices.
More artificial turf models with excellent grip are coming out — expect a higher price.
4. Fingersave — yes or no?
Fingersave gloves protect your fingers from bending backward. Handy in duels, collisions, or hard shots.
Brands have different names/systems:
Uhlsport: Supportframe, Bionic, Bionic+
Reusch: Finger Support, Ortho-Tec
Elite, The One Glove and others have variants.
Pros:
✔️ Better finger protection
Cons:
❌ Less feeling when catching
❌ Harder to block or throw well
❌ Difficult to handle balls to the side
❌ Sometimes more dangerous, causing worse injuries
Many keeper coaches dislike fingersave — some pro clubs ban it. We don’t recommend it either. But it’s a personal choice.
👉 If fingersave makes you more confident, that matters more than what a coach thinks. An unsure keeper never performs their best.
5. What’s the right “cut”?
The cut affects how the glove fits your fingers — a big factor in how it feels catching the ball.
🔹 Flat Cut
Classic fit. Comfortable, wide catch area. Rare nowadays.
🔹 Rollfinger
Latex rolls around fingers. More grip, snugger fit. Less common.
🔹 Negative Cut
Tight fit with seams inside. More ball contact and control. Very popular.
🔹 Hybrid Cuts
Combinations of the above, like rollfinger tips with negative base. Growing fast in popularity.
👉 Come try them in-store to feel the difference!
6. Size and fit
Always use the brand’s size chart — better yet, come try them on! Focus on width, not finger length.
Why?
➡️ Too tight = seams break
➡️ Too loose = no grip or control
Also check the closure (Velcro, strapless, elastic). That affects how secure the glove feels.
Don’t be fooled by colors or pro keepers
Cool gloves worn by your favorite pro? Remember:
Pros have sponsorship deals (€). That doesn’t mean their gloves are best for you.
👉 Pick what feels right for you. Not what looks best or what others say.
Come try gloves at Jeugdkeeper.nl
At our 200 m² store in Papendrecht, you can try and test all kinds of gloves. We have a rebounder so you can feel the difference between models. That makes choosing easier.
Every keeper is different — we take the time to help you find the right gloves. Because only with the right gloves do you stop more balls.
🎯 Jeugdkeeper.nl — The goalkeeper specialist of the Netherlands.
Online & in-store. Always honest advice. Always for the keeper.
💬 Need help choosing?
Send us a WhatsApp or just drop by!