10 Tips On How To Care For Goalkeeper Gloves
Goalkeeper gloves are one of the soccer gear that never lasts long and parents are forced to buy them two or three times a season. If you are a parent reading this post then you are one of them. One way to keep them longer is to take care of them by following these 10 tips on how to care for goalkeeper gloves.
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1. Use The Correct Glove Size
Wearing the correct glove size ensures you get maximum performance.
A tight or loose-fitting glove can increase its wear and tear and injure you.
You can read my post How To Choose The Best Goalkeeper Gloves For Kids.
2. Always Read The Care Instructions On The Gloves
Okay, I am guilty on this one.
Just because you bought a couple of gloves in the past this does not mean all gloves are the same.
Not all gloves are the same.
Here is a care instruction from Reusch.
3. Moisten Your Gloves Before Using Them
Moisten your gloves before using them to remove any preservatives from the manufacturer
This also softens the materials of the glove and becomes flexible.
Some experts even recommend washing your gloves twice.
4. Moisten Your Gloves During Game
Similar to tip number four above, moistening your gloves when playing is just as important.
You may have seen goalkeepers, even professionals, water or even spit on their gloves.
This is to moisten the latex so that it is not dry and brittle and gives a better grip.
5. Avoid Pulling Up Your Socks A Lot
The material of the socks is mostly polyester and when pulling up the socks the soft latex on the palm of the glove will wear out over time.
This also includes when pulling out the gloves or opening water bottles.
6. Use Your Knuckles When Getting Up
Goalkeepers land on the ground a lot because of the dives and push from other players.
Use your knuckles when picking up yourself because the material of the backhand is more durable than the latex on the palm.
This also avoids being stepped on your fingers by another player.
7. Wash Your Gloves After Using Them
Washing your glove after using them removes dirt that will end up caking on the latex and other parts of the glove.
Only wash by hand in warm water and do not use any aggressive solvents.
Avoid washing machines.
Most importantly, it removes bacteria that cause a bad smell on your gloves.
Use the instructions that came with your gloves.
8. Do Not Dry Gloves Under Direct Sunlight
Only dry your gloves at room temperature.
Avoid drying your gloves near a source of heat such as under direct sunlight, near radiators, or over a fire!
One immediate result is your gloves become stiff and brittle, and very uncomfortable to wear.
Over time your gloves will start to crack around the edges and the latex on the palm wears out.
9. Store Your Gloves In A Cool And Dry Place
This is to avoid exposing your gloves to UV rays and direct sunlight because they can compromise their durability.
The best place to store your gloves is your soccer bag
10. Get An Extra Pair Or Two
It is recommended you have more than one glove and rotate them throughout the season.
Better still, assign one glove to be used for practice and the other for game day only.
This will reduce the wear and tear of all your gloves.
Words of assurance
Goalkeepers panicked when seeing a small peel on the latex after the first use.
Be rest assured this is common.
Conclusion
You may notice in this post that a lot of emphasis is put on the latex on the palm of the glove.
That is because it is the softest material and is most likely to get damaged first.
if you follow my 10 tips on how to care for goalkeeper gloves I can guarantee your gloves will last longer.
Let me know if I missed any tips by commenting below.
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