My favorite goalkeeper gloves are Sportout, Blok-IT, Renegade GK, and Jalunth. The likes of Reusch Attrakt SD, Adidas Predator, and Rinat Kancerbero also offer great value for the best goalkeeper gloves for youth.
The Sportout Goalkeeper Glove is my top pick because it can take the beating of tough saves. It’s well-made for me and my son, which is unbeatable for its price point. The other six goalkeeper gloves I’ve reviewed here are also reliable on the field and on practice.
In the table below I coved four the best picks fast.
7 Top Youth Soccer Goalie Gloves in Details
1. Sportout Goalie Gloves
I consider Sportout Youth & Adult as the best goalkeeper gloves for junior and young players. It has a sticky grip and rugged construction that can endure almost all field conditions. Moreover, it has a positive cut that provides the best ball contact for better gameplay. My son and I have a matching pair of these goalkeeper gloves and we’re quite happy with its performance on games and on practice.
Sport out is almost perfect, except for some minor issues. The finger spines take some time to get used to since the pieces are really stiff. My son also wishes that there’s more wrist support so the gloves feel more solid. After a season or two, these goalkeeper gloves will also lose its stickiness, which is just normal based on my experience with other football gloves for youth. Overall, these youth goalkeeper gloves will last longer if you use it on for practice than in actual field games. Please read here best football gloves.
Despite these downsides, I still swear by this Sportout goalkeeper glove. It’s equipped with a durable finger save system that prevents hyper-extension of my son’s fingers during the game. This is paired with a thickly padded latex foam layer that diffuses the impact. My son loves how these goalkeeper gloves are both well-padded and comfortable at the same time. It doesn’t split that fast either, which is a great value for its price.
In addition, these goalkeeper gloves have a double wristband design with an added elastic material. There’s a thick Velcro strap that keeps the gloves snug. And if you don’t like the finger saves, you can remove it anytime you want. I also like its one-piece palm where I can use a grip boost. It has a great fit, too, which is something that many goalkeeper gloves don’t get quite right. I can say that my money is well-spent on these youth goalie gloves. please read here Goalkeeper Glove Size Guide: Knowing Your Size
If you’re looking for goalkeeper gloves that can take the beating of outdoor games, my son and I highly recommend the Sportout Youth Goalie Gloves. It comes with a hand backbone and thick padding that shields the hands from impact. It’s not that expensive either, so you can get multiple pairs at a time without breaking the bank.
2. Blok-IT Goalie Gloves
Another goalkeeper gloves that I recommend is the BLOK-IT Goalie Gloves. These are goalkeeper gloves with finger protection, thanks to its finger saves that reinforce the hands against impact. My son loves these gloves as it lets him stop the toughest shots on the field. As a youth goalkeeper, my son stands by the performance of the Blok-IT Goalie Gloves.
But before I rain praises for these goalie gloves, let me mention some downsides. It’s less durable than Sportout and my son noticed that the seams have threads poking out after several games. Also, it’s a bit rigid for very young kids, so consider this for youth and teen players instead. You should also watch out for the sizing since it runs a bit small. One thing that my son noticed is that the thumb is a little large. It’s not a deal-breaker but it may feel weird at first.
On the upside, the Blok-IT Goalkeeper Gloves is made of a breathable material that wicks sweat and moisture, even on rainy games. There are finger saves inside as well to reinforce the fingers of every youth player. This is wrapped in responsive foam that cushions impact and for an excellent grip of the ball. And speaking of grip, these goalkeeper gloves have a German latex palm with the best stickiness.
Moreover, I like the stuff shielding at the back of these goalkeeper gloves. The wrist enclosures are also tight and solid, which adds support to the wrist area. You can also get it in different colors to match the taste of your young player. Above all, these youth goalkeeper gloves come with a money-back guarantee if there are problems on the pair. You’ll receive a full refund, which is a topnotch guarantee if you’re still exploring goalkeeper gloves kids.
In conclusion, Blok-IT Goalkeeper Gloves offer the right balance between protection and comfort. My son uses this for his current games and he has no major complaints yet. I also like that it’s available in a wide range of sizes, including adult ones. If you’re worried about injuries, these goalkeeper gloves will give your young player added confidence and peace of mind.
3. Renegade Goalie Gloves
Renegade GK is a popular goalkeeper glove and for very good reasons. It has a professional-grade construction and material so it will last long. If you want your young player to have a good start, consider getting him or her this pair of youth GK gloves. In fact, Renegade is the official glove of WPSL and NPSL, which proves its efficiency on the field.
However, I also noticed some downsides to these goalkeeper gloves for youth. It will take time for a beginner player to get used to these gloves. It’s a little stiff, which is understandable because it comes with finger saves. If you’re looking for goalie gloves for indoor soccer, I recommend that you look for another pair because the potential of Renegade is best for outdoor games. Other than that, I don’t see any major problems to these gloves since it performs well on almost every game. please read here best goalie gloves for for indoor soccer.
The Renegade GK is a powerhouse pair for the toughest football games. One thing that makes this stand out on my son’s glove collection is its superb grip. It’s made of German Dura Grip that’s 3 mm thick for the best tackiness and endurance against impact. Aside from that, this youth glove comes with Pro-Tek spines for an added shield against high-speed catches. This has a negative roll which adds comfort to the wearer. There’s also a nylon strap puller on each glove so it’s very easy to put on and off.
Moreover, it’s equipped with Airprene 8CM wrist with an elastic slit. This is paired with a Duratek strap that serves as additional support for the wrist area, which comes handy on falls and bumps. What I also like about these goalkeeper gloves is its proprietary Microbe-Guard, which is the pioneer among goalie gloves. For its quality, I don’t mind spending a few more bucks.
In conclusion, the Renegade GK is the best bet if you want a pair of goalkeeper gloves that can stand the test of time. It’s a keeper’s favorite, which I confirmed after purchasing this for my son. He’s quite picky with his football gears so liking these youth gloves is like a seal of approval. As a dad and football player, I can’t put a price on that.
4. Jalunth Goalie Soccer Gloves
What I love about Jalunth Goalie Soccer Gloves is it fits like a second skin. It has a softshell with reinforced backing to cushion tough saves. Although it’s not as rugged as other goalie gloves I’ve tried, it still offers excellent hand protection and game performance. Your little keeper will surely love this pair since it also comes in different colors.
Still, there are some downsides to these goalkeeper gloves. I wish that the finger pads have better quality so it can last as an actual youth GK glove on a match. Also, you should watch out because the sizing runs large so always inquire first about the dimensions of the gloves before you buy a pair. There’s also a strong odor from the latex material so I have to wash it several times before I let my son wear it.
Other than the mentioned issues, the Jalunth Goalie Gloves remains a great choice for youth players. It has an embossed latex palm with an anti-slip design so young players can catch the ball more efficiently. Meanwhile, the backhand has a PU padding for better hand dexterity and cushion against an incoming ball. Overall, these goalkeeper gloves are 40% latex, 45% PU, and 15% polyester. There’s also a breathable mesh net that wicks away moisture.
Aside from that, these goalkeeper gloves have tight Velcro wrist straps. It adds support to the wrist and doesn’t come off easily. The stitching is also decent and it doesn’t unravel even after several games. For its price, all these features are a steal. Your kid will surely have fun wearing this on practice or during an outdoor game. It’s an excellent starter goalie glove that gives the right balance of comfort and performance.
If your son is getting started on football, don’t hesitate to get the Jalunth Gloves. These are flexible and comfy youth goalkeeper gloves that will help your young player adjust to the nature of the game. It’s also very affordable, which is a big plus on your end.
5. Reusch Attrakt Goalie Gloves
One thing that made Reusch catch my eye is its professional-looking design. It has a rugged backhand material as well as reinforced wrists for better protection. This is the perfect goalkeeper gloves for junior players who are set to be professionals in the future. For its price range, the excellent quality is quite surprising.
However, these goalkeeper gloves are not perfect. First, I wish that the palm is more textured for added grip. To compensate for this, I had to get the two must-have goalie gloves accessories: a grip formula and a glove wash. Also, the open cuff design is a two-edged sword. If your junior player is a newbie, this may not be the best option since it allows free wrist movement. Anyway, it’s not much of an issue if the player knows the right technique as a goalkeeper.
Although Reusch goalkeeper gloves have some niggles, I still like its overall build. It has an ultra-durable foam palm that cushions the ball’s impact. Also, there are non-removable finger saves with stabilizes the fingers of every goalie. The finger saves are lightweight, which allows players to enjoy excellent protection without the heavy load. I also like the expanse cut of the fingers that increases the latex to ball contact on each save.
Moreover, the backhand of these youth goalkeeper gloves has embossed foam for better flexibility. This component makes the gloves tougher on any breakpoints. Although the open cuffs can be quite tricky, it would be useful for those who know how to use it. The cuffs are open but there’s a strap just below the wrist that stabilizes the ligaments on the arm.
Overall, the Reusch Gloves are topnotch options for junior goalies. It has tough and rugged construction made to withstand the toughest saves. I personally have one of these in my glove collection and I can’t wait until it fits my son. The design is brilliant since it boosts game performance, even on almost all conditions. Based on my son’s experience, this is the best wet weather goalkeeper gloves.
6. Adidas Predator Gloves
If you’re looking for the best goalkeeper gloves for 13-15 year old players, I’m confident with the Adidas Youth Predator 20. I got these youth gloves for my eldest, which we use for training. It has a thinner material that allows excellent hand dexterity for practice. It’s also very affordable, which is a big plus for those who are training on a budget.
Before I continue with the features, let me list down some downsides. First, these are just training goalkeeper gloves. It’s not made for actual games on the field because it has less padding and less protection than full-fledged GK gloves. Also, my son noticed that the fingers are longer than usual, but it doesn’t affect his practice anyway. You should be careful with the sizing, too, because it’s a tad smaller than most gloves in the market.
Despite the disadvantages I mentioned above, the Adidas Predator remains a useful pair of youth goalkeeper gloves. It has a positive cut for a good fit as well as a half-wrap wrist strap that makes the gloves lightweight but with a decent amount of support. Overall, this is made of 70% PU and 40% polyester, which lasts long if used as a practice glove.
Moreover, I like the addition of the foam at the back of the hand of these youth gloves. It adds finger support while working as a cushion against ball impact. There’s also a foam strip at the strap below the wrist. I also like the sticky latex palm that clings to the ball on both dry and wet conditions. On top of that, there’s a 2 mm padding at the palm area to disperse the force of the ball.
When it comes to youth practice gloves, I stand by the performance of the Adidas Predator. It may not be the top pick for field games, but it sure gives an added edge during football drills. Overall, these goalkeeper gloves can hold up on long hours of practice and regular use.
7. Rinat Kancerbero Gloves
If your youth player is up for a big game, I recommend the Rinat Kancerbero Goalkeeper Gloves. This pair is the definition of rugged and durable youth gloves. It has a professional quality and will last for dozens of games. They even offer free customization to the gloves! I bought this pair as a gift to my son for his birthday and he’s very happy and excited to use it in his next game.
Despite the great build and features, this Rinat pair isn’t perfect. I noticed that they use strong bars as finger saves, which takes time to get used. If your young player is new to goalkeeping, I don’t recommend this pair. It’s a rigid model and can hurt the hands of beginners. Nevertheless, the tough finger saves have a purpose so I will not discount the fact that this is still an awesome youth pair. Aside from that, it has thicker padding, which will affect the dexterity of the hands. Again, it’s a matter of getting used to, so it’s really a deal-breaker.
On the upside, these goalkeeper gloves are made of premium material. It sports Omega-Resistance, the proprietary latex material of Rinat, which is 10x stronger than traditional latex. Aside from that, these youth gloves have quantum spines that are made stiffer for better hand protection. It also has a flat cut that adheres to the natural contour and form of the hands. Although the padding is thicker than usual, these gloves remain comfortable for outdoor football games.
Moreover, the backhand has high-frequency embossed material that adds cushioning and volume to these goalie gloves. I also like that Rinat re-engineered the enclosure of these youth gloves. The wristband is now composed of two pieces linked by an elastic material for better fit and safety. For personalization, you can get your name printed on the wristband for free. Remember that if you availed of the customization, you can’t return the item if there are defects.
If you’re looking for goalkeeper gloves that can take the beating of wear and tear, Rinat will not disappoint. It’s a rugged pair made for youth and junior players with a customizable option, which is a small yet valuable feature. Price-wise, this pair is still in the affordable range. It also offers better hand and wrist protection than other youth goalkeeper gloves at the same price.
Youth Goalkeeper Gloves Buying Guide
When shopping for youth goalkeeper gloves, you must consider the following aspects carefully:
Practice glove vs. match glove
Goalie gloves come in either match/competition or practice versions. Match or competition youth goalkeeper gloves are equipped with thick padding, finger saves, and embossed material. All of these components are intended to cushion the ball’s impact on actual games.
On the other hand, there are practice gloves made of training only. These gloves have less protection and must never be used on actual field games.
Professional goalkeepers will not wear their match gloves during their training. This is because match gloves are more expensive so wearing it on drills is such a waste of money.
Proper cut
The glove cut refers to the design of the glove’s main shell. It affects the fit and feel of the youth goalkeeper gloves, so you must get one that suits you well.
The following are the most common glove cuts and its features:
Flat cut. This is the most common cut among inexpensive goalie gloves. It’s an entry-level choice that lasts for a game or two. This is a traditional option for youth players where there are seams on both the backhand and the palm.
Negative cut. In this cut, the latex palm is attached to the backhand through additional finger gussets. It’s somewhat similar to the flat cut, except that the gussets are stitched from the inside so the seams are also inside.
Roll finger cut. This goalkeeper glove cut, the palm is stitched to the backhand without using gussets. Such a design maximizes latex to ball contact during an actual game.
Positive cut. The positive cut is a flat cut re-designed to have more room than a negative cut. Also, the two middle fingers are stitched from the inside for a tighter fit. Like a roll cut, the palm and backhand are joined together without using gussets.
Palm material
The highlight of every youth goalkeeper glove is the material of the palm. Latex is the widely used material for glove palms because of its natural stickiness. Many manufacturers boast their proprietary latex blends that offer a whole new level of grippiness.
Remember that no matter how sticky your goalkeeper gloves are, it will soon lose its tackiness. This is simply fixed by using a grip boost.
Backhand material
Aside from the palm material, you should also check what’s at the back of the hand. Youth goalkeeper gloves usually have embossed material at the back of the hand to cushion the impact. Another option for youth players is a foam layer that reinforces the outer shell.
However, choosing backhand material can be tricky. If the backhand padding is too thick, it will limit finger flexion, which is a no-no for goalkeepers. Very thin backhand padding isn’t ideal either as it will defeat the purpose of wearing hand protection. Just find the right thickness and feel that will suit your technique.
Impact protection
When it comes to impact protection, youth players should look for goalkeeper gloves with finger saves. Finger saves are stiff plastic strips that act as an external backbone on your hands. This prevents finger hyper-extension and it will cushion the blow efficiently. I recommend a youth glove with removable finger saves so you can tweak it as you wish.
Youth and beginner players should only use gloves with finger saves to prevent injuries. However, watch out for models with stiffer finger saves as it can be uncomfortable to use.
Closure type
The closure of the youth goalkeeper gloves should always use thick and wide Velcro. This part can also have additional padding to stabilize the wrist for dives, saves, and impact. I recommend adjustable wrist straps with an elastic material that hugs the skin well.
There are also goalkeeper gloves with an open cuff design. This works, too, but it’s not an ideal option for very young players.
Sizing
Whatever glove you’re buying, getting the right size is almost everything. For youth goalkeepers, you should ensure that the gloves have the right size so it will not feel too tight. Also, avoid loose gloves as it will keep moving out of place during the game.
To measure your glove size, you must measure the distance between the tip of your middle finger down to the bottom of the palm. Next, check the circumference of your hand along the knuckles. These two measurements are used on most sizing charts of youth goalkeeper gloves in the market.
Price
Personally, price is the last consideration if you want to get high-quality youth goalkeeper gloves. Always prioritize the material and the overall build.
Cheaper goalkeeper gloves are fine for beginners and youth players who are just learning the ropes of the game. Just make sure that it has ample protection against impact.
As your young player improves his or her game, you can invest in more expensive pairs that have better material, design, and impact protection technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best goalkeeper gloves to buy?
A: Some of the best youth goalkeeper gloves to buy are Sportout, Blok-IT, Renegade, and Jalunth. Adidas and Rinat also offer close-to-professional quality for junior players. All of these brands focus on hand protection without sacrificing game performance.
Q: What are the best goalkeeper gloves 2019?
A: The best goalkeeper gloves for 2019 is Sportout. It’s a topnotch pair that offers excellent performance and protection for a very low cost. It’s a top choice among youth and junior players for both practice drills and actual games.
Q: What gloves do professional goalkeepers wear?
A: Professional goalkeepers use SMUs or Specially Made Unique gloves. These are tailored and customized based on the needs and techniques of the goalie. It’s a bespoke pair for each professional player so they can maximize their full goalkeeping potential.
Q: Do professional keepers use fingersave?
A: Many professional goalkeepers don’t use finger saves because they prefer the utmost dexterity. Pro keepers skip the finger saves so they will have better ball control. Nevertheless, there are some who will use finger saves, especially if they are suffering from a finger or hand injury.
Q: How long should goalkeeper gloves last?
A: If you have competition-grade youth goalkeeper gloves, it should last for up to 12 games. However, this will depend on the overall quality of the gloves, field conditions, and diving techniques. The more stress your glove takes, the shorter its lifespan will be.
Q: What gloves does Leno wear?
A: Bernd Leno from Arsenal F. C. wears a high-end pair of Puma One Grip. This glove sports 4 mm of Ultimate Grip Latex that delivers topnotch performance on both dry and wet conditions. It’s made with a segmented backhand for full hand dexterity without compromising protection.
Q: Do professional goalkeepers get new gloves every game?
A: Some professional goalkeepers tend to change their gloves on every game. However, some will sport it for up to four games. Depending on the condition of the gloves, the goalkeeper will decide to switch on a new glove in between games.
Q: Why do goalkeepers tape their fingers?
A: Some goalkeepers tape their fingers and wrist for added stability and protection. They will wear this under their gloves, sometimes in place of finger saves. Nevertheless, there are more goalies who don’t tape their fingers than those who do.
Q: Are fingersave gloves better?
A: Finger save gloves are often used among young players to keep their small and soft hands safe from the ball’s impact. Older and more experienced goalkeepers rarely use this. Whether finger save youth gloves are better or not depends on the preference of the player.
Q: How often should you wash your goalkeeper gloves?
A: It’s important to wash your goalie gloves after each game. Also, you should use a dedicated glove wash to prevent damages to the material. Not washing your youth goalkeeper gloves regularly will cause dirt to accumulate. Dirty gloves get damaged easily, too. please read here how to wash goalie gloves.
Q: Why do goalkeepers wet their gloves?
A: Goalkeepers wet or spray a grip boost on their gloves to improve its stickiness. This will help them grip the ball better. Some would even spit on their gloves mid-game to restore the stickiness of the palm area.
Q: How do you make goalkeeper gloves at home?
A: If you’re into some DIY work, you can make youth goalkeeper gloves at home using a pair of traditional fabric gloves. You can use rubber pad cuts as backhand and palm cushion. If you have a latex pad, you can stitch it to the palm area, too.
Final words
The best goalkeeper gloves for youth will give every player an edge on the field. It improves their game and allows them to deal with the toughest saves. Most of all, it protects their hands from injuries! The likes of Sportout, Blok-IT, Renegade, Jalunth, Reusch, Adidas, and Rinat are champ options for every young goalkeeper. They offer excellent protection with the best game performance.