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For most players on the pitch, a good pair of soccer cleats and a sturdy set of shin guards are the only pieces of kit they need to worry about choosing. But for goalkeepers, another piece of gear must be thought of: the gloves.
Goalkeeper gloves don't just exist to help keep warm in the winter or add an extra layer of style to a player's kit – most importantly, they're there to support a goalkeeper's most valuable asset, their hands.
We've rounded up the best goalkeeper gloves available today, depending on what you want out of your game. Whether you're on the hunt for the newest innovative glove or a budget-friendly pair to see you through your Sunday games, we've got an option for every skill level.
Click here to skip ahead to our round-up of the best goalkeeper gloves.
The best soccer goalkeeper gloves: Our top threeFAQs:Why are goalkeeper gloves important?
Anyone taking their position in goal seriously should invest in a good pair of goalkeeper gloves for several good reasons. The first reason is safety. Gloves are an essential piece of kit to help avoid injuries to the fingers and palms, as the gloves cushion powerful shots that would otherwise cause severe damage to your hands. Goalkeeper gloves also provide a better grip on the ball for making saves and distributing the ball.
Should goalkeeper gloves be tight?
Getting the right fit for goalkeeper gloves is crucial as it ideally shouldn't be too tight or loose. If the glove is too tight you could be shorting its life cycle as there will be an increased amount of stress on the materials and cushioning, which could cause splits, wearing it down over time.
When to replace goalkeeper gloves?
You'll know it's time to replace your goalkeeper gloves when it no longer offers good grip of the ball – which is critical. They will also need to be replaced if you notice the exterior material starting to crumble or deteriorate, which is a sign that it's time to go out with the old and in with a new pair of gloves – to help you perform the best you can between the sticks.
Shop: The best goalkeeper gloves
Bring your A-game with the futuristic-tinted Predator Pro, a skin-tight masterclass in ensuring you'll be able to ward off shots left, right and centre in your six-yard area. There's a reason why shot-stoppers like Gianluigi Donnarumma through to David De Gea have favoured them.
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There's no need to break the bank to ensure you've got a sturdy pair of gloves to see you through your stint between the posts – the Nike Goalkeeper Match delivers well beyond its price, providing all-around command and control at an affordable price.
Akin to the traditional Predator Pro, this expanded edition delivers where you'd want it to: right at the fingertips to improve your overall grip, allowing you to have that extra grasp on the ball. While its less rounded fingers will not be for everyone, the additional reinforcement and Fingersave spines make it a valuable tool for ensuring there's no shortchanging your hold on the ball.
Want to add a shot of retro style to your gear? This nifty black-and-white set from PUMA brings back monochrome glory and does a great job even with its distinctive style on top. Simple yet effective – it's guaranteed to deliver.
