For soccer goalkeepers, few things are as important as a good pair of gloves. They need to be comfortable, protective, perform at a high-level, and look great. A lot of major companies have their own line of goalkeeper gloves, which makes it a bit of a daunting task to pick out which ones are best.
A great pair of gloves will also last a pretty good amount of time, so it is a worthy investment for players who take their craft seriously. Below are 11 of the best goalkeeper gloves on the market right now, there will be something for everyone.
1. Adidas Ace Trans Pro
Adidas has a few options out there for goalkeepers, but the Ace Trans Pro might be one of the most well-rounded options. They can provide great all-around results, and come at a very competitive price that most people can get behind.
Maybe the best selling feature of these gloves is that people like how form-fitting they are compared to the competition. A lot of the top Adidas players in professional soccer use these right now, and they are good enough for them. Not only are they light and extremely flexible, but they provide a decent amount of protection.
Available in multiple sizes, getting the right fit is essential. Use some common measurements to shop online, and go from there. If the gloves are too big, a player will lose that touch that they are known so well for.
Pros
- Form-fitting gloves that allow for great touch
- Very light
- Easy to move around with
Cons
- Tough to size for without trying them on
- Protection is not the best
2. Puma EvoDisc
Goalies who have trouble holding onto the ball should look into the Puma EvoDisc. They are called that because of the disc used as a fastener, which some people like instead of traditional straps. It is a bit easier to make adjustments on the fly, but these gloves are also known for something else.
The grip is outstanding with these gloves, allowing goalies to secure the ball and not have to deal with any slippage. If a goalie has particularly smaller hands, this might be a huge selling factor when trying different lives out. Puma has a few solid options, but this might be the most innovative out right now.
Pros
- Outstanding grip
- Perfect fit
- Easy to find in stores and only
Cons
- Difficult to adjust fit on the fly at first
- Lacks backhand protection
3. Umbro Neo Pro Shotgun
Often considered one of the best all-around goalie gloves out there, Umbro has been at the game for a while. These gloves are relatively new, and they bring some modernization to the game. The cuts on the glove make for a very comfortable fit with great grip, and movement with the gloves is also extremely solid.
Players who enjoy a bit of a firm back on a glove will love these as well. Players punching up at the ball and putting in the extra effort will have their hands protected, which is always a huge selling point.
They might not get a ton of recognition because they are pretty basic looking, but goalies love trusting Umbro for their soccer needs. The focus on soccer almost exclusively gives them a huge edge over companies that might be spreading themselves a little thin.
Pros
- Provides great comfort and protection
- Powerful gloves for punches
- Robust
Cons
- Not the most stylish gloves
- Most of their features are just solid
4. Nike Grip3
Nike does not always get the reputation of being affordable, but the Nike Grip3 is great for those who are wanting high-end at a more affordable price. They might not be the best of the best, but these gloves are great for training or match play.
About the only sacrifice a player might be making is not having a cut that is as close to the hand as it should be. There is a slight lack of feel, but at such an affordable price, most are willing to overlook this. They are still very flexible, and players can control balls that they are used to. Having a pair of these to turn to can work for anyone from casual players to pros.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Provides great flexibility
- Works for training or matchplay
Cons
- Color choices are limited
- Does not do anything particularly well
5. Reusch Supreme G3 Fusion
Compared to a lot of other brands on the list, this might not be that well-known. They are an international company that some soccer goalies have fallen in love with for their focus on creating great gloves.
What makes these gloves great starts with the G3 Fusion foam used in the glove. Not only does a person get outstanding grip, but they have comfort and durability to go with it. Most companies have to sacrifice one of the other, but that is not the case here.
They are a little hard to find in some areas, but they stack up well against any other company out there. Players get a great amount of protection, and they do not have to sacrifice anything else along the way. They cost a little bit more money than the average options out there, but it is a different solution for people who do not seem to like any of the gloves from the big companies.
Pros
- Very flexible
- Provides a good amount cushioning
- Air vent system keeps things cool
Cons
- Hard to find at times
- Expensive
6. Renegade GK Fury
Known by many people as the official glove of the National Premier Soccer League, Renegade has grown his brand considerably over a year. They have a very high-quality option that players of all levels can benefit from, and the Fury series, in particular, has plenty of technology in it.
With a total of six different cuts to choose from, people can get the right fit for them. If a person is looking for that top-end feel instead of only comfort, they can go in that direction if they want. Others might want a customized option that this is available from other companies.
If there is a knock on these gloves, it is that they are not all that durable. They are meant to perform at a high-level for a short amount of time. The good news is that they are not that expensive from the beginning, but do be prepared to order a lot to go through them during the year.
Pros
- Six different cuts available for a goalie
- Outstanding grip
- Solid amount of comfort
Cons
- Lacks durability
- Price starts to add up when people need to replace more frequently
7. Uhlsport TensionGreen Super Grip
Some goalkeepers who have been at this for a long time say that these are the best of the best. If professional and college players are saying that, the statement must have some merit. This is certainly not the most well-known brand out there, but they put out a superior product that gives players everything they are looking for.
Everything from the fit to the grip in all weather conditions makes a lot of sense for players. All gloves require a little bit of breaking in, but that is very minimal with these. They look a little funky, leaving some players skeptical at first. Once they are ready to go, they perform well in all conditions, hold up as they should, and perform at a pro-level.
Pros
- Endorsed by top pro goalkeepers
- Works well in all conditions
- Great customization options for a perfect fit
Cons
- A little expensive
- Color options are a bit extreme
8. Under Armour Desafio Premier
A very good traditional cut goalkeeper glove option comes from Under Armour. They are not the most technologically advanced gloves out there, but they get the job done for players who are looking for a fit that matches their game.
People get this excellent fit and overall flexibility with the gloves thanks to finger lock construction and technology that Under Armour calls ClutchFit. This keeps everything locked into position and ready to go, while also allowing just enough flexibility, so a player does not feel restricted.
Under Armour is not the most trusted brand for soccer fans just yet, but they did get a lot right with this pair of gloves. They might not be for everyone, but it is hard to find a better overall traditional cut glove options out there.
Pros
- Excellent traditional cut fit
- Very durable
- Flexible
Cons
- Some feel they are too stiff
- Under Armour is not a trusted name in soccer compared to others just yet
9. FitsT4 Goalkeeper Gloves
Craftsmanship is the name of the game for FitsT4. The company knows that for them to stand down in a crowded field, they need to provide something that customers can truly see the difference with. Whether it is the materials used, or the overall build, people are very happy with how these gloves turn out.
The foam used by the company can help save a player’s hands during a match. Not only are they comfortable to wear the entire time, but they do a great job of reducing impact and preventing injury. A player still has plenty of touch, but they do not feel like they are running a huge risk.
They are also very flexible and overall comfortable in all weather conditions. They have excellent breathability, and they feel very lightweight when on, compared to the competition. All in all, as long as a person can get over the fact that they are not incredibly durable, this is a definite pair of gloves to consider.
Pros
- Offers outstanding protection
- Breathable and flexible
- Very affordable
Cons
- Lacks durability
- Limited color choices
10. Nike Spyne Pro
Nike has many options out there for goalkeepers, so it makes sense that at least a couple of them make this list. The Nike Spyne Pro might not be the most technologically advanced goalkeeper gloves that they have for sale, but they get the job done and work well for any type of player out there.
Design is something that Nike takes very seriously, and these are some of the most stylish gloves out there. The design is not too out there, but the unique colors make them pop.
Gloves can look great, but they also need to perform at a high-level. The grip with these gloves is the main selling points. They also just happen to be extremely heavy-duty for players who want a lot of use out of a pair of gloves. These will hold up longer than just about any gloves out there, and that is ultimately what a lot of players want.
Pros
- Heavy-duty design
- Very comfortable
- Stylish
Cons
- A little expensive for the technology used
- Feel very weird if the right fit is not found
11. Reusch Receptor Pro G2
These Ortho-Tec goalie gloves have a negative cut style to give one of the tights fits on the market right now. Meant more for younger players and women goalkeepers, it has turned into a trendy option on the pitch. They work especially well for those needing extra grip when the conditions are less than ideal.
The seamless design also makes things very comfortable for players who might struggle to find the right fit from other companies. Between the thumb and index finger is usually some type of seam, but getting the right fit will make sure that everything fits exactly as it should.
These are very durable gloves, and ones that can be used for every single match. Some goalkeepers will have different models for different conditions, but these excel in any type of conditions.
Pros
- Very durable
- Eliminates the seam between the thumb and index finger
- Works very well in wet conditions
Cons
- Work best for women and younger players only
- Color and design shows a lot of dirt
Choosing Goalkeeper Gloves
Equipments have an essential part in every soccer players game, but if there is one position where the gear matters the most, it’s the goalkeepers.
Having a good pair of goalkeeper gloves can be the difference between saving or conceding a goal. Traction, durability and overall performance is essential, but there are many other factors to consider before eventually committing to a pair of goalkeeper gloves.
Goalkeeper Glove Size Chart
In order to get the full potential out of a goalkeeper glove, it has to be right size. If not, it won’t matter which glove you end up buying. Take a look at the chart below and find out which glove size you should choose.
| Glove Size | Hand Length | Age |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6.3 in (16cm) | 8 to 10 |
| 6 | 6.7 in (17cm | 10 to 12 |
| 7 | 7.1 in (18cm) | 12 to 14 |
| 8 | 7.5 in (19cm) | 14 to 16 |
| 9 | 7.9 in (20cm) | 16 to 17 |
| 10 | 8.3 in (21cm) | Adult |
| 11 | 8.7 in (22cm) | Adult |
Different Types of Goalkeeper Gloves
There are many different types of goalkeeper gloves to choose from, but what makes them different? It mainly comes to down to the glove cuts. Below are 3 most popular goalkeeper glove cuts.
1. Roll Finger Cut
Roll finger goalkeeper gloves are the most traditional and popular glove cuts right now. The backhand is connected to the palm and does not use gussets like many other goalkeeper gloves. That’s why it’s called “roll finger”.
Pros
- Great latex contact with the ball
- Comfortable
Cons
- Doesn’t feel as tight as other gloves
- Feel a little more bulky
2. Negative Cut
Negative cut goalkeeper gloves is becoming more and more popular every year. They are mainly used by players with slimmer hands, as it provides a very tight fit.
Pros
- Grip
- Tight feel makes you more connected to the ball
Cons
- Durability is not the greatest
3. Flat Cut
The flat cut is one of the most classic and old glove cut variations. It’s still very popular, but it’s very rare to see professional using this. However, for beginners, it’s a good option. The stitched gussets on the flat palm cut is located on the outside instead of the inside like the negative glove cut.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Usually cheaper
Cons
- Not for advanced players
- Looser feel
- Grip is not as good
Making The Final Decision
Out of all the options available, Reusch Supreme G3 Fusion is the most versatile option that the majority of players will benefit from.
They get so many things right with this pair that it is hard to find any flaws. Reusch, in general, is a brand worth looking into for gloves that some people overlook initially. The Supreme G3 Fusion is one of their best all-around options for any goalkeeper.
