Although it is very hard to hear, the harsh reality is that latex will wear, and this can happen from the first use.

Latex is a natural product and therefore cannot have a manufacturing fault, the abrasion and wear will come when the gloves come into contact with the ground from use. Latex is a soft product which is made to provide the grip that all goalkeepers needs and want!

Latex palms may begin to show signs of wear from the first use. This is unfortunately normal, it can happen in your first game just as much as it can in your fifteenth. It is possible to own two of the exact same gloves and see one pair last one month, while the other lasts four months.

If the latex starts to show signs of wear, don't worry! Glove wear is normal, that's just what latex does.

There is a huge misconception that when the latex starts the wear the gloves are no longer useable, this is not the case, latex will offer grip until all of the foam has worn down.

Latex palms are usually manufactured with a 3 to 4mm palm thickness, so the gloves will offer grip and continue to perform until you have worn through these layers and there is virtually no latex left on the palms.

LATEX WEAR FACTORS:

• AGE OF THE GOALKEEPER
• GOALKEEPERS TECHNIQUE
• THE PLAYING SURFACE
• HOW THEY WERE PREPARED
• CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWED
• VOLUME OF USE
• LUCK!

Goalkeeper gloves are predominantly designed for use on natural surfaces like grass unless specified (e.g. a specialist 3G/astro turf latex which sacrifices grip for durability).

If you are using a goalkeeper glove on an artificial surface such as 3G or astro turf you will be placing a higher level of stress on the latex, therefore it will wear much quicker than when used on softer grass pitches.

However, one of the harshest surfaces can be the hard summer end of season, pre season pitches, at these times of year with the warm weather and dry pitches, the gloves will wear quicker than the softer winter months, especially gloves that are used on an artificial turf pitch, this surface is a nightmare for goalkeeper gloves!

The surface is harsh and can deteriorate gloves from the first use, again in the summer months this is even more apparent as the rubber in these pitches becomes hot, it can burn the latex and cause quicker abrasion than usual.

To help against the above as best as possible, please ensure that the gloves are constantly moist/wet when in use, as soon as the latex is dry it will start to wear, the latex wants moisture and this is what will offer the grip and more durability of the foam.

NEGATIVE CUT
With Negative and Hybrid Negative cuts now being a very popular and sought after style, we must warn you that the stitched seams and fingers of the types of palm cuts do come under immense stress during the course of training and match-play.

Gloves featuring a 'Negative Cut' style will show wear on the fingertips and thumbs quicker than others, this is due to the way the gloves are stitched tightly to offer you that locked in fit you goalkeepers crave.

This type of cut provides a much tighter and more natural feel on your fingers, but as a result comes under immense stress.

ROLL FINGER
Another popular style for goalkeepers who want a “Thicker Feel”.

A roll finger cut is more prone to latex wear around the base of the fingers and is also more prone to stitching issues, as the middle two fingers are sewn on separately to the glove.

Great care should be taken when putting the gloves on and taking them off, especially the fingers.

Try to remove your hand from the gloves and not the gloves from the hand, put as little stress as possible on the seams, fingers and thumbs when taking your hand from your gloves.

The new trend in the goalkeeping world is strapless/lightweight gloves, these are very sought after and popular styles with many of our customers.

However we must stress that these types of gloves are very slim/tight fitting and are made to fit as close to the hands, fingers and wrist areas as
possible to offer a locked in fit and feel.

Unfortunately this does make the gloves more prone to stitching faults as they are more difficult to get on and even more so to get off, especially after use when the hands are hot and sweaty!

Please take extreme caution and as much care as possible when removing these types of gloves from your hands, try and remove your hand from the gloves and not the gloves from the hand.

Try to put as little stress as possible on the seams and the added stress areas, where the palm is stitched to the gloves, the thumb area, and the finger gussets.

If this style of glove is a concern please choose an alternative style/model or contact us before purchase and we can help with any other questions you may have.

Lots of gloves are now been manufactured with a protective film on the palms, we cannot stress enough for your to take the upmost care when removing the plastic film from the palms of your goalkeeper gloves.

We do appreciate that this can be a tedious and long winded process but removing the film as carefully as possible is key, so you do not knick or damage any bits of latex palm before you even use the gloves.

Our top tip for removing the film is to start the Glove wash steps from above, once your gloves are wet and have been submerged in water the film will start to loosen and will come away from the gloves much easier.

Please do not remove the film from the palms unless you are keeping them!

Once the film is removed from the palms we are unable to offer a refund or an exchange if the gloves do not fit or are unsuitable etc.