Goalkeeper gloves

Latex: grip or durability

The latex in the palms is the heart of the glove. A soft latex, like Uhlsport's Supersoft, grips the ball remarkably well, even in the rain, but wears out quickly on synthetic and hard pitches. A more durable latex, like the Absolutgrip from the same brand, seeks the best compromise between grip and abrasion resistance, effective in both dry and wet conditions. Entry-level training gloves, like the Nike Match or Academy, use stiffer latex designed to last.

Most goalkeepers thus keep a pair of soft latex match gloves and a more durable training pair. Lightly dampening the palm before playing activates the grip, and the latex should be rinsed after each session.

Cuts: negative, half negative, roll finger

The negative cut places the seams on the inside of the glove, fitting the hand closely for a precise feel: it suits slim hands. The roll finger cut wraps the latex around the fingers, without gussets, providing the largest contact area. The half negative cut, noted as HN at Uhlsport, combines the two: interior seams on some fingers and layered materials between the palm and back for a snug yet comfortable fit.

The flat cut, which offers more room, is appreciated by goalkeepers who like to feel some ease in the glove. The choice depends on hand shape and personal preferences: a quick test with a fist and extended fingers reveals more than any technical sheet.

Signature gloves and children's models

Manufacturers offer their best gloves in the colours of the goalkeepers who wear them: Uhlsport with Mike Maignan, Reusch with Unai Simón or Dominik Livaković for the 2026 World Cup. These models follow the design of professional match gloves. For children, gloves with stays, like the Reusch Attrakt with finger support, protect fingers from powerful shots, and the children's sizes, from about 4 to 7, adapt to hand growth.

Size is measured around the hand at the knuckles, excluding the thumb, or from the tip of the middle finger to the wrist, according to the manufacturer's guide, with half a centimetre margin at the fingertips.

Making your gloves last

A glove should be rinsed with warm water after each use, without aggressive products, and then air dried, away from a radiator that hardens the latex. Store them with palms facing each other, without contact with the back of the glove, in a ventilated bag. Reserve match gloves for matches, and take them out a few minutes during warm-up to 'wake them up,' extending their grip.

The complete goalkeeper's kit

Gloves are accompanied by goalkeeper shirts, padded baselayers, shorts, and trousers that protect the hips, protective gear, and complete kits. Everything is gathered on the goalkeepers page.

New arrivals and good deals

The new arrivals showcase the latest models, the promotions show previous collections at reduced prices, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and sent out in 24 hours. The good deals, clearance, sales, and Black Friday have their football page, throughout the Black Friday, end-of-year holidays, winter sales, and French Days.

Frequently asked questions

Soft latex or durable latex: which glove for a synthetic pitch?

A soft latex, like Uhlsport's Supersoft, grips very well but wears out quickly on synthetic. The more durable Absolutgrip offers a better compromise with abrasion. Many goalkeepers keep a soft match pair and a more robust training pair.

Which glove cut to choose based on your hand?

The negative cut, with seams on the inside, fits slim hands. The roll finger wraps the latex around the fingers for the largest contact area, and the half negative combines the two. The flat cut, more generous, appeals to those who like some ease.

How to measure your hand to choose the size of your gloves?

Measure around the hand at the knuckles, excluding the thumb, or the length from the tip of the middle finger to the wrist, according to the manufacturer's guide. Keep half a centimetre at the fingertips. Children's sizes range from about 4 to 7.

How to clean goalkeeper gloves after a match?

Rinse them with warm water, without aggressive products, then let them air dry, away from a radiator that hardens the latex. Store them palms against palms in a bag with good ventilation, and lightly dampen the palm before playing to activate the grip.

Which goalkeepers wear signature gloves?

Uhlsport offers its best gloves in the colours of Mike Maignan, Reusch in those of Unai Simón or Dominik Livaković. These models follow the design of professional match gloves worn by these goalkeepers.