Goalkeeper Glove Buyer’s Guide
Cuts • Latex • Sizing • Care (Featuring Reusch picks)
Want cleaner catches, fewer spills, and gloves that actually last? This guide breaks down fits, foams, and maintenance—then points you to Reusch models we stock so you can buy with confidence.
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All-weather match grip: Reusch Venomous Gold X , Both Pure Contact Models→ tacky, game-ready latex
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Training workhorse: Reusch Attrakt (Infinity/Resist variants) → durability focus
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Youth first pair: Reusch Junior (Aero/Attrakt) → easy fit, great value
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Wet-game specialist: Reusch HydroGrip variants → optimized for rain
👉 Shop all Reusch Goalkeeping: [Category link]
1) Cuts: how the glove is stitched (fit & feel)
Cut | What it is | Fit/Feel | Best for |
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Negative | Seams inside the fingers | Snug, second-skin, precise | Smaller hands, “needle” saves, modern GKs |
Roll (Gunn) | Latex wraps around fingers | Round, cushioned, more contact area | Traditionalists, cushioned feel |
Flat | Single flat palm panel | Roomy, classic, easy on/off | Beginners, bigger hands, training |
Hybrid | Mix (e.g., roll index / negative middle) | Balanced grip + control | Want roll contact and tight control |
Fit rule of thumb: aim for ¼–½ inch of space at the fingertips—not floppy, not compressing nails.
2) Latex: grip vs. durability (choose by conditions)
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Match-grade soft foams (e.g., Reusch Gold X)
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Pro: Elite grip, “ball-sticking” feel
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Con: Wears faster—use for matches + light warm-ups
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Balanced/hardier foams (Reusch Infinity / Resist)
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Pro: Longevity for training or rough turf
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Con: Less tack than soft “game” foams
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Wet-weather foams (Reusch HydroGrip)
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Pro: Grips better when activated by water; excels in rain
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Con: Preserve for wet games to extend life
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Pro tip: Keep one match pair and one training pair. You’ll extend both pairs’ lives and keep match grip fresh.
3) Backhand & protection
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Flexible textiles with embossed backhand → lighter, faster reactions
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Punch zones → controlled clearances in wet/windy games
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Finger-spine options → extra protection; great for youth or recovering keepers
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Trade-off: a bit less flex; many modern pros go spine-less for agility
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4) Sizing in 60 seconds
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Measure around the widest part of your palm (excluding thumb).
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Add 1.0–1.5 in (2.5–3.8 cm) → convert to a US glove size.
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Between sizes? For Negative cuts, size up if you like a little room; for Flat/Roll, true-to-size is common.
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Youth sizing is simpler—go by age/hand length, but still leave that ¼–½ inch fingertip room.
If you wear inner gloves/strapping, you may need to size up.
5) Care that actually works (and what ruins latex)
Before first use:
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Light pre-wash in lukewarm water → air dry fingers-up (no heater or sun).
After every session:
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Rinse gently (no wringing), press water out with a towel.
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Air-dry away from heat.
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Store slightly damp in a glove bag or breathable pouch.
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Never leave in a hot car, near radiators, or in direct sun.
What kills latex: dirty turf pellets, sun/heat, harsh detergents, and over-drying.
6) Recommended Reusch picks
Availability and names can change—use these as shopping lanes; we link to current equivalents in our store.
A) Match-day grip (all-conditions)
Reusch Venomous Gold X — our bestseller for that “stick” you feel on the first catch.
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Why: Gold X latex = premium tack; flexible backhand; confident fit.
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Use: Match pair; rotate off for training.
CTA: Shop Reusch Venomous Gold X →[Product link]
B) Training workhorse / rough turf
Reusch Attrakt Infinity / Resist — durable palms designed for reps.
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Why: Less wear on abrasive surfaces; keeps budgets sane.
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Use: Daily training, turf-heavy schedules.
CTA: Shop durable Reusch trainers →[Collection link]
C) Wet-game specialist
Reusch HydroGrip variants — formulated for rain.
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Why: Latex that grips as water activates.
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Use: Rain matches; keep as a dedicated wet pair.
CTA: Shop rain-ready Reusch gloves →[Collection link]
D) Youth & first pairs
Reusch Junior (Aero/Attrakt) — value, fit, easy closure.
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Why: Confident grip without the price of pro foams; kid-friendly fit.
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Use: First seasons, camps, tryouts.
CTA: Shop Reusch Junior →[Collection link]
7) FAQs (quick answers)
How tight should GK gloves be?
Snug at the fingers and backhand, no nail pressure, and a clean closure at the wrist.
Why is my new latex “peeling”?
Soft match foams sacrifice cosmetic durability for maximum grip. That’s normal—don’t over-scrub.
Can I machine-wash?
No. Hand-rinse only; air dry away from heat.
How often should I replace gloves?
Match pairs: once grip noticeably drops (varies by usage). Training pairs: when tears or hard glazing appear.
The winning setup (most keepers end up here)
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1× Match pair (e.g., Venomous Gold X, Both Pure Contact models)
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1× Training pair (e.g., Attrakt Infinity/Resist)
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1× Wet pair (e.g., HydroGrip)
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+ Glove wash & bag
Try your next pair with zero guesswork
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Shop Reusch Goalkeeping:
[Category link]
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Not sure on cut/size? DM us a photo of your hand or use chat—we’ll size you in 2 minutes.
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