How to Pick Goalie Gloves for All Weather and Surface Conditions

There is a lesson that goalkeepers can learn from the United States Postal Service (USPS) creed. As a reminder, this is what it says: 

“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds".

If you’re wondering what the heck this has to do with soccer goalies, here is our rendition: 

"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor surface shall withhold goalkeepers from the best display of their shot-blocking ability". 

In other words, your gloves need to help you deliver the best possible performance, no matter the forecast or playing surface. In this post, we’ll identify the types of weather and surface conditions to prepare for, and how the right goalie gloves can withstand them. 

1. Wet Conditions 

Image Source: West Coast Goalkeeping

Goalkeeping in rain or on wet fields can make you second-guess your skills. When the soccer ball gets soaked, it feels slippery and is hard to grip, making the easiest shots seem unpredictable. 

And then there are your gloves themselves. Excessive water and moisture saturates the palms, making them an inflexible, slip-and-slide surface that isn’t great for catching or scooping the ball. 

But the fix is simple—get goalie gloves that maintain their tackiness in wet weather. Here at Storelli, our selection of gloves contain 3.5mm of German latex, the highest-grade available. 

The material maintains its stickiness even when drenched, allowing you to get a good grip on the ball in rainy weather. Additionally, some of our gloves contain roll cut fingers to further enhance grip, and textured punch zones to increase ball control. 

Recommended Pick(s): Silencer Threat Glove

2. Cold Weather

Image Source: Goalkeeper.shop

When talking or just breathing produces vapour, then burrr…it’s cold. But shivers and goosebumps are the least of your worries as a keeper (unless its so frigid that you have a risk of getting hypothermia). 

A low body temperature reduces oxygen delivery to your muscles, making them stiff. Hands and fingers become less nimble, less coordinated, and more injury prone. Cold temperatures also make the materials in soccer gloves stiffer when the thermometer drops. 

You need gloves that remain flexible and prevent your fingers from locking up. Some of our options contain embossed or ergonomic palms for added flexibility, which counteracts the cold. For young and inexperienced keepers, these gloves may come with removable finger spines to protect the finger from injury. 

Recommended Pick(s): Silencer Sly Glove, Gladiator Elite 3 Glove

3. Hot and Dry Conditions 

At the time of this writing, there’s a heat wave scorching the central and mid-Atlantic U.S. If you ever play in this oven-like weather, beware of what it can do to you and your gloves. 

Extreme heat is a recipe for dehydration, exhaustion, and heat stroke. Obviously, these conditions are performance killers, and in the case of heat stroke, a medical emergency. 

But hot temperatures can damage your gloves as well. Blistering heat dries out latex, making it brittle and less tacky—a recipe for reduced grip. The heat can also make your hands sweaty beyond belief, which is distracting. 

For hot weather, you need a pair of gloves coated with the highest-grade of latex so it doesn’t prematurely dry out. Our entire selection contains high-grade German latex, some of which even incorporate unaltered German Contact foam, the tackiest form of latex there is. Let’s just say they don’t dry out easily. 

When it comes to your comfort, you can also opt for a glove with mesh finger panels and backhand panels. These features allow air to circulate in the gloves, so your hands stay cool and dry. 

Recommended Pick(s): Gladiator Pro 3 Glove, Silencer Threat Glove

4. Artificial Turf

Image Source: Topgoalkeeping.com

Poor weather isn’t the only thing that ruins a good pair of goalie gloves—playing surfaces can also do them in. Artificial turf, in particular, contains sharp blades that can cut through glove materials. Repeatedly diving on and pushing yourself up from artificial turf can eventually create tears in your gloves. 

You’ll have to accept that artificial turf wears out all gloves faster than grass. But a pair of heavy-duty ones, built for durability, can better withstand it. We’ve built some of our goalie gloves for that purpose, lining them with extra palm protection and reinforced backhands so turf blades don’t beat em’ up so fast. 

Recommended Pick(s): Gladiator Pro 3 Glove 

5. Hard Ground 

Image Source: One Culture Football

Futsal and concrete courts aren’t exactly friendly to goalkeeper gloves. The surfaces don’t have the abrasive blades of turf but their textures—whether they’re grainy or coarse—can prematurely degrade latex. These courts are less common in North America, but you can find them here and there. 

Most keepers who play street soccer or futsal usually don’t wear gloves. But if you choose to wear them, your gloves should be hardy enough to handle these surfaces. Like those recommended for turf, get yourself a pair that has a heavy-duty construction, ideally, with enhanced palm protection and reinforced backhands. 

Recommended Pick(s): Lightning GK Glove

Always Deliver — With the Right Goalie Gloves

Aside from choosing weather & surface-appropriate goalkeeper gloves, keep the following tips in mind too. 

Keep at least two pairs on hand, perhaps one pair for one condition and a pair for another. Alternating between them will help extend the lifespan of each pair. 

Also, make sure you’re washing, drying, and storing your gloves properly. We can’t stress this enough—how you care for goalie gloves will influence how long they’ll last. 

Lastly, revisit your goalkeeping technique. Some habits can accelerate wear-and-tear. For example, if you’re pushing off artificial turf with your palms, you’re allowing the blades to tear the latex, so you’re better off pushing with your fists. Little things like that can make a difference.  

You don’t have control over nature or the venues in which you play. But remember our goalkeeper creed. You have control over how you respond to these conditions and that means fitting your hands into the right gloves at all times. 

Looking for soccer goalie gloves with superior grip? Browse through our selection of goalie gloves to find your ideal pair!