Indoor soccer and field soccer are two very different beasts. While you will never see a professional field soccer goalkeeper on the pitch without a specialist pair of soccer goalkeeper gloves, it is quite common for indoor soccer or futsal goalkeepers to go glove-free. Most consider the smaller, heavier ball easier to control with their bare hands.
But indoor soccer is a highly dynamic game, with fast gameplay on the smaller pitch – often artificial turf –and a lack of an offside rule, meaning that shots on goal are often made from very close range. Defending the goals from these fast, hard shots can result in hand injuries, and the right pair of gloves can prevent them. As a result, we are increasingly seeing specialized soccer goalkeeper gloves for indoor soccer that offer enhanced grip and protection without undermining agility.
If you play indoor soccer, it is important to choose the right kind of goalkeeper gloves that offer grip and protection that makes the reduction in mobility worthwhile. Read on as we share our top five picks for the best indoor soccer goalkeeper gloves and our top tips on choosing the right pair. If you are looking for high-performance gloves, start your search at Storelli.com, where you will find a wide range of goalkeeper protective gear and goalkeeper accessories.
Our Favorites
- Best Overall Indoor Goalie Glove – Storelli Gladiator Elite 3
- Best Premium Grip & Fit Combo – Elite Sport Combat N Gloves
- Best for Ball Control & Flexibility – adidas Predator League Gloves
- Best Lightweight Futsal Gloves – KELME Futsal Goalkeeper Gloves
- Best Budget Indoor Training Glove – Nike Match Goalkeeper Gloves
The Best Indoor Soccer Goalie Gloves
Best Overall Indoor Goalie Glove – Storelli Gladiator Elite 3
Storelli's Gladiator gloves are ideal for top-level players who need to make every save and are the indoor equivalent of the Storelli Gladiator Pro 3. The 3.5mm ClutchGrip latex and the flat palm cut with rolled thumb give these negative-cut gloves great stickiness to hold onto the ball. Removable finger spines, which act a bit like shin guard sleeves for your fingers, offer protection against injury.
Pros:
- 3.5mm latex palm gives a tacky grip
- 5 removable finger spines for customized protection
- Roll-thumb and flat cut for enhanced grip and surface are
Cons:
- Premium gloves at a premium price
- Finger spines can add bulk
Ideal For: High-level keepers who want control and also value protection
Where to Buy: Available at high-performance gear retailers like Storelli.com where you will find a range of soccer goalie equipment
Best Premium Grip & Fit Combo – Elite Sport Combat N Gloves
The Elite Sport Combat N gloves are another professional option for elite players. They use 4mm of ES Centum latex for stickiness and a tight-fitting negative cut with stitched finger gussets to maximize coverage. Again, you have removable finger support for all five fingers for added protection, and the elastic wristband keeps the gloves firm. Additionally, air ventilation fabric keeps your hands cool.
Pros:
- 4mm latex and a negative cut for maximum grip
- Removable finger spines for personalized protection
- 360° wrist strap for a snug fit
Cons:
- Not everyone enjoys the tight fit
- At the pricier end of the spectrum
Ideal For: Competitive keepers who enjoy a snug fit
Where to Buy: Available from specialist online glove retailers
Best for Ball Control & Flexibility – adidas Predator League Gloves
In addition to the adidas brand recognition, the adidas Predator Pro Hybrid cut goalkeeper gloves offer great grip with URG 3.0 latex palms and a snug negative finger design. They also employ an adaptive knit backhand with silicone elements to enhance the punching zone. The strapless design makes them easy to put on and take off by yourself while still offering a snug fit.
Pros:
- URG 3.0 latex palm enhances ball control
- Knit backhand for responsive hand movement.
- Strapless design for easy use
Cons:
- No finger spine protection available
- Latex is less durable than other options
Ideal For: Technical goalkeepers who prioritize touch and agility over fuller protection
Where to Buy: Widely available at adidas.com and authorized resellers
Best Lightweight Futsal Gloves – KELME Futsal Goalkeeper Gloves
These innovative gloves from the Australian company KELME use a three-quarter design to protect your palms while leaving your fingers free for a natural grip. Specifically designed for futsal and indoor football, they will appeal to dynamic keepers who prioritize agility over protection.
Pros:
- Lightweight design for fast reaction play
- Good grip suited for futsal ball surfaces
- Breathable fabric for warmer weather
Cons:
- Minimal finger protection
- Not durable enough for training sessions and games
Ideal For: Futsal players who want minimal, agile gloves
Where to Buy: Available through futsal and niche goalkeeper gear outlets
Best Budget Indoor Training Glove – Nike Match Goalkeeper Gloves
These Nike gloves are the most affordable on the list and ideal for casual players who want to save money. The foam-padded palms absorb the impact of strong shots, while the latex surface offers a strong grip. Mesh panels enable airflow, and you can choose from a variety of stylish designs.
Pros:
- Affordable price for casual players
- Good protection from impact
- Stylish designs to suit your style
Cons:
- No finger spines or other advanced features
- Less grip consistency than premium models
Ideal For: Beginners or players needing affordable, basic indoor gloves
Where to Buy: Widely available through Nike and general sporting goods stores
What to Look for in Indoor Soccer Goalie Gloves
1. Latex Quality
Indoor soccer balls are slicker than field balls, and they fly around the pitch significantly faster. This means you need more grip to ensure control of the ball. Choose soft latex palms with at least 3mm latex to ensure a tacky grip that lets you control faster-moving balls.
2. Finger Protection
As mentioned, indoor soccer balls move quickly, and shots can often be made close to the goal, leading to high-speed, high-impact saves. This increases the possibility of finger injuries as powerful shots force your fingers backward. Protecting against these kinds of injuries is the purpose of finger protection technology. Finger spines offer protection against these kinds of accidents, but the trade-off is that the gloves feel bulkier and less tactile, which can hinder your agility. Removable spines allow you to add protection where you need it and maintain flexibility where you don't.
3. Glove Cut
Glove cut influences both how the gloves feel on your hands and how grippy the latex surface will be. A negative cut offers a snug, dynamic fit that can feel like a second skin, which will appeal to some players. This, combined with a flat cut and/or roll-finger cut, also increased your catch surface area. Together, these are often called a hybrid cut. But the right fit for you depends on your preference and hands. Players with larger hands might not like the tighter fit. The right glove sizing will make a big difference in fit, so follow goalkeeper glove sizing chart size finders carefully when buying online.
4. Wrist Support
When wearing gloves, you want them to feel like they will stay in place. This often depends on wrist support, but the more complicated the wrist strapping, the harder it is to put on and take off your gloves on your own. An adjustable, wrap-around wrist strap offers the most stability, though pull-on options are increasingly well-designed to stay in place.
5. Durability
The hard surfaces found in indoor play can also degrade gloves more quickly. Indoor keepers can expect their gloves to wear out faster than their field counterparts. Choosing durable gloves with reinforced seams and abrasion-resistant materials will help your gloves last longer, although the need for frequent replacement is to be expected.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right soccer goalkeeper gloves for indoor soccer can be challenging, as agility is of primary importance. That is why many players would rather risk using no gloves at all. However, if you know the key features to look for, you can find gloves that will enhance rather than hinder your indoor soccer keeping. Choose a snug, second-skin fit with a soft latex grip. If you are new to indoor soccer, opt for removable finger support to prevent injury as you get used to the style of play.
For some of the best, specialized goalkeeper gloves in the market, check out the premium collection available on Storelli.com.
FAQs
Do goalies wear gloves in indoor soccer?
Many goalkeepers choose not to wear gloves for indoor soccer because the smaller, heavier ball is easier to control with their bare hands. The extra bulk of gloves can also feel like a disadvantage in fast-paced games. However, an increasing number of serious goalkeepers are choosing gloves, as advanced latex can enhance ball control and help prevent hand injuries, which are significantly more prevalent in indoor soccer than field soccer.
Why do futsal goalkeepers not wear gloves?
The smaller, heavier ball used in futsal is often easier to control with bare hands than with gloves. That’s why so many goalkeepers accept the risk of injury and avoid wearing them. However, they have other strategies to protect their hands, such as taping their fingers and wrists using rigid zinc oxide tape. However, as technology improves, gloves are becoming more prevalent in futsal and indoor soccer.
Are expensive GK gloves worth it?
Whether it is worth it to invest in a pair of professional-level goalkeeper gloves for indoor soccer depends on your skill level. If you are an advanced player who knows how to control the ball without added grip and finger protection, you might not need them. But you might prefer them depending on your keeping style. Mid-level players who are still learning or players making the switch from the field to indoor can benefit from gloves. Casual players who aren't dedicated to mastering the specifics of the sport can also benefit from more affordable gloves, when injury prevention is more important than making every save.
Do pro keepers use fingersave?
In general, pro keepers don't use fingersaves in their gloves as they can reduce flexibility and agility in the hands. They have also learned how to keep their fingers firm and not allow them to roll backward, which can prevent injury. Fingersaves are more for players who are still learning these specialized techniques.
