As a goalkeeper, one of your most important pieces of equipment is your gloves. Not only are gloves important to your goalkeeping performance, they are also expensive.
Gloves that are cared for and treated properly will not only make you a better goalkeeper, they will last longer.
A word of caution, more expensive does not necessarily mean more durable. In fact, it is usually the opposite. More expensive can often mean less durable. The softer the latex on the palm of the gloves the better the grip and performance. Soft latex will often wear out more quickly then firm or harder latex. Soft latex can often start to break down after the very first use and this is considered normal.
We highly recommend that our goalkeepers have at least two pairs of gloves. One pair that is only used for games, and one pair that is used for practice and warm-ups. Once your game gloves begin to wear out, you can relegate them to being your new practice gloves and purchase a brand new pair for games.
Elite Sport makes gloves for all types of weather and playing conditions. They have gloves for wet weather, dry weather, and more. Ideally you should have the right glove for whatever the playing conditions, but of course this will be dependent on your playing level and budget.
It is important to wash your Elite Sport gloves after every use. When your gloves get dirty, they will lose some of their grip and the ball will start to act like sandpaper on them. This can cause the palms and fingers to wear out very quickly. It is important to get the dirt out of your gloves as quickly as possible after every use.
Sweat can also have an adverse affect on your gloves. Not only will they stink. . . fungus and bacteria can begin to grow inside the latex. This can cause the latex to become brittle and flaky.
"Take care of your equipment, and your equipment will take care of you!"
Step 1
Gloves should always be stored in a protective glove bag when not in use.
Step 2
Remove the gloves from the glove bag.
Step 3
As you can see, even after a single use, the gloves have begun to accumulate dirt and grime that will result in reduced performance and deterioration of the glove material if not treated properly.
Step 4
For cleaning we recommend a mild dish detergent combined with some distilled water in a handy spray bottle.
Step 5
Place one glove on your hand and wet with warm water under a running tap. Spray some of the glove wash solution onto the dampened glove.
Step 6
Using the other hand, gently start to scrub the palms and fingers of the glove. Continue to add glove wash solution as required and scrub until all of the dirt is removed from the palm and fingers of the glove. Repeat Steps 5 & 6 with the other glove.
Step 7
Take one glove and fill it with warm water from the tap. Once the glove is full of water squeeze it until all of the water is out and then repeat. This will remove any sweat or bacteria that might be inside the glove. Repeat with the other glove.
Step 8
Once both gloves are washed, rinse them out in the sink by placing them under the running tap. Once all cleaner has been removed, gently wring the gloves out to remove any excess water. Do not do to this too hard as you may damage the glove and it is not important to remove all of the water.
Step 9
You should now see a noticeable difference in the palms of the gloves. It may not be possible to remove all of the dirt, but you can remove most of it.
Step 10
Locate the hook from your Elite Sport glove bag. If you can't find the hook, a coat hanger will also work.
Step 11
Take both gloves and attach them to the hook using the wrist tabs. Hang the gloves in a cool, dark location away from sunlight and/or direct sources of heat. Allow gloves to dry over night.
Step 12
Place the slightly damp gloves back into the protective glove bag. Seal the glove bag and store in a cool place until you are ready for the next match.
DO's
Do have two pairs of gloves. One for training and one for matches.
Do moisten your gloves before playing. It will improve the grip and durability.
Do get gloves that fit properly. Gloves that are too big will wear out faster. Gloves that are too small will rip at the seams.
Do wash your gloves after every game and practice.
Do relegate old match gloves to practice gloves when they start to wear out.
DON'Ts
Don't place gloves in direct sunlight or near a heater to dry them. This will destroy the latex of the gloves.
Don't spit on your gloves to moisten them. This will spread germs and cause bacteria to grow in the latex of your gloves. Use a spray bottle or water bottle instead.
Don't store your gloves for any length of time unless they have been cleaned first.
PRO TIP
"Often after training or games I will wear my gloves into the shower to clean them and get them ready for the next session or game. It is a matter of convenience."
Christian Oxner, HFX Wanderers FC
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