Goalkeeper gloves are the most important tool in a goalkeeper's toolbox and knowing when to replace them is a key component to ensuring maximum performance of the goalkeeper.
There is a very fine line between gloves that are aiding the goalkeepers' performance and gloves that have reached a point where they are now hindering the goalkeepers' performance.
Goalkeeper gloves by their very nature and design are fragile in relation to other pieces of equipment such as shin pads, cleats, etc. In order to provide maximum grip and performance, glove manufacturers use super soft latex foam. This foam will stick to the ball in various weather conditions and ensure that the goalkeeper has "safe hands".
This foam, when not cared for properly, will quickly break down and deteriorate to the point where the ball becomes slippery to the touch. No longer ideal for ensuring maximum performance. Proper care and management of your gloves greatly increases the life and performance of your gloves, but even gloves that are given immaculate care and attention will eventual break down and need to be replaced.
This degradation process happens over a period of time in small increments and often goes unnoticed by the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper can become conditioned and accustomed to gloves that are performing at less than maximum efficiency without even noticing it.
Anyone who has played as a goalkeeper for any length of time knows the feeling of putting on a new fresh pair of gloves and the stick and grip that comes with them. The reality is that gloves should have the same stick and grip every time they are used if they are cared for properly. Many goalkeepers are not educated about this fact, are too busy, or simply lazy and don't want to put in the extra effort to maintain their gloves.
There are many signs and indicators that your gloves have reached the end of their life cycle and will need to be replaced.
This glove is well used, but does not need to replaced yet. A proper washing will revitalize this glove and bring back most of the stick and softness to the foam.
This kind of wear and tear on the palm is very normal and often a result of poor diving technique and the goalkeeper using the hands to cushion the impact upon landing. The palm of the hand is not frequently used for catching and is far less important for maintaining a solid grip on the ball than the fingers and fingertips. Once washed, this glove will still have solid grip with the ball.
These finger tips are getting close to end of life, but still have sufficient foam on them to provide solid grip on the ball once they are washed and rejuvenated.
Minor damage like this is normal and can often happen during the first couple of uses. This type of wear and tear does not affect the grip or performance of the glove.
Normal wear and tear on the thumb of the glove. This glove once washed will perform like it was new.
The same glove from above after it has been washed and hung to dry. Soft, supple and grippy. Ready for the next game or practice.
This glove has reached end of life and needs to be replaced. No amount of washing or care will rejuvenate this glove to the point where it will aid the goalkeepers performance. It will only serve to hinder and impede the goalkeeper.
The finger tips are the most important part of the goalkeeper glove for gripping and catching the ball. It is of paramount importance that there is sufficient foam remaining on all of the finger tips. Once the foam has worn away to the point where you can see the backing material texture underneath, that is a sure indication the glove needs to be replaced.
The thumb is also extremely important for gripping and catching the ball. Once the backing material becomes visible underneath the foam, this glove will now need to be replaced.
This glove was stored for a long period of time without being washed or was left to dry in the sun or near a heat source. Even though the foam is not worn through, it has become brittle, slippery and flaky. No amount of washing will rejuvenate this glove. It will need to be replaced.
A closer look at the glove. No amount of washing or treatment will bring the foam back to a condition where it will aid the goalkeeper. This gloves must be replaced.
The foam of this glove has worn down to the backing material and must be replaced.
This glove has worn through the foam and the backing material to the point where the thumb now protrudes out a hole in the glove. This glove should have been replaced long before it reached this point of deterioration. Not only is this glove hindering the performance of the goalkeeper, it also puts the goalkeeper at risk of injury.
What's the verdict? Gloves just need some TLC and maintenance? Need new gloves?
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