FITTING & CARE
SIZING
Finding the perfect glove fit is largely based on personal preference, which can take time to determine. If you’re an experienced keeper, you most likely have a good idea of your preferred fit. But for those of you who are new to the game, we recommend keeping a few things in mind.
Goalkeeper gloves are predominately worn somewhat loose, or slightly larger than your actual hand size. This extra room allows for some movement upon contact with the ball to help "cushion" the impact which allows the goalkeeper to control a ball that is moving powerfully. Typically, a keeper’s fingertip should not touch the tip of the glove, nor should there be so much room that the glove feels sloppy.
As a player I like to find a glove that fit snug to my fingers and then go a 1/2 size larger. Generally ¼” – ½” of extra length is preferred. If you don’t have a ruler handy, a thumbnail’s worth of extra finger length is good.
If you have a ruler, measure the length of your hand from the tip of your middle finger to the end of your palm where it meets your wrist. If your hand measurement is 7 inches, go one size larger and purchase a size 8. For half sizes, ie. 7.5 inches, round up to the nearest full number (8) and purchase a size 9.
We recommend measuring both hands. Don’t assume both your hands are the exact same size. Measure both, purchase according to the larger measurement.
CUTS
Keeper gloves are like sneakers. There are different styles for different purposes. Similarly, goalkeeper gloves come in a range of different sizes, cuts and features. HPG offers four unique cuts, each designed to provide slightly different performance. Below we explain each of these cuts and what makes them unique.
Negative Cut
This palm is made of a single piece of latex and the stitching is done on the interior of the glove. The Negative Cut allows for a tighter fit around the fingers and hand and features the least amount of extra latex vs other cuts.
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Roll Finger Cut
This palm is attached directly to the backhand without using gussets allowing the latex to roll 3/4 circumference around the fingers. This cut allows for maximum latex contact with the ball. It also includes a stitch under the middle two fingers to help create the rolled effect. The Roll Cut offers a slightly looser fit than the negative cut.
SHOP NOWRoll Finger Cut
This palm is attached directly to the backhand without using gussets allowing the latex to roll 3/4 circumference around the fingers. This cut allows for maximum latex contact with the ball. It also includes a stitch under the middle two fingers to help create the rolled effect. The Roll Cut offers a slightly looser fit than the negative cut.
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Finger Save (Flat Palm) Cut
The Finger Save or Flat Palm is a classic entry level cut developed when goalkeeping gloves first hit the scene. Consisting of one single piece of latex attached to the back of the glove, each finger features individual plastic inserts to protect from finger injuries.
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Square Cut
The Square Cut has a flared fingertip for a looser and boxier fit vs a traditional rolled finger glove.
SHOP NOWSquare Cut
The Square Cut has a flared fingertip for a looser and boxier fit vs a traditional rolled finger glove.
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CARE
Purchasing a pair of goalkeeper gloves is an investment. We want to make sure you find the best pair for your needs, size and style of play. And once you’ve made the investment we want to make sure you get the most out of your gloves. We have decades of experience with a wide range of gloves and styles. Let us help you find the perfect pair.
First Wear
Some gloves come packaged with a plastic film. Make sure to remove that film prior to your first use.
If you purchased a pair of gloves with a colored / dyed palm, you’ll need to rinse them before your first use. During production, colored palmed gloves have a film left on them which decreases tackiness or grip. This is not a defect, but you will want to wash this off before your first use. If your gloves have white palms, you do NOT need to prewash your gloves.
We do recommend dampening your glove palms (regardless of color) prior to each use and sometimes during game play. A little spray of water on your palms, or a little bit of spit may gross out your mom but does wonders to increase the tackiness during game play. The tackier your gloves are, the easier it is to make a save.
Proper Storage
After a game don't just throw your gloves into a bag and forget about them until the next game. If your next game is tomorrow, wipe the dirt of the palm with a moist towel. Washing them for tomorrow's game may cause the gloves to be too wet.
If game day is tomorrow, wrap the gloves in a moist towel to keep them tacky for tomorrow's game. You don't want your gloves drying with the dirt and sweat in the palm. Over time dirt and sweat will absorb the natural moisture of the palm causing the glove to dry, crack, and peel.
Don't store your gloves more than a day wet since they will stink and begin to grow fungi. When storing your gloves, don't place them with palms together since they can stick together and rip when trying to separate.
A glove bag is the best way to store your gloves. The latex needs to breathe.
Cleaning
Clean your gloves - your mom will thank you for it.
Goalkeeper gloves are made to be durable but dirt and sweat can break down the latex of the glove. During play, dirt acts as sandpaper and dries the soft, tacky, porous latex of your glove palm into a hard crusty surface. Additionally, the toxins in your sweat can also dry out your gloves over time.
Rinsing your gloves after a game will help wash the spit, sweat, and dirt away and help prolong the lifespan of your gloves.
HOW TO CLEAN:
- Wash your gloves with luke-warm water. NEVER accelerate the drying process with dryers, the sun, or dehumidifiers. All the above will take the natural moisture out of the gloves causing them to be dry and brittle.
- Gently squeeze excess water out. Wringing them forcefuly can tear the seams. Be gentle.
- A mild detergent can be used to help with the smell and really dirty jobs, but it is not necessary.
- Hang dry.
