Goalkeeper Glove Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Fit

Getting your goalkeeper glove size right changes everything: a glove that's too big slips and costs you saves, while one that's too tight wears out fast and kills your feel for the ball. This guide shows you how to measure your hand and find the right goalkeeper glove size in two minutes, with our size chart (sizes 4 to 11) and fitter-tested tips from our store in Canada.

In this guide: How to measure · Size chart · Kids · FAQ

How to measure your hand for goalkeeper gloves

A goalkeeper glove size is based on the width of your hand, not your shoe size. Here's the method:

1. Take your catching hand (your dominant hand), palm open, fingers together.
2. Measure the width of your palm at the widest point, just below the knuckles, excluding the thumb, in centimetres.
3. Match that measurement to the size chart to find your base size.
4. Add about 1 cm (one size) if you like a little room at the fingertips, or if you're between two sizes.

Goalkeeper glove size chart

Here's our official size chart (from size 4 for kids to size 11). For adults, sizes 8, 9 and 10 are the most common. The measurement in centimetres is the width — the dimension — of your palm.

For the official chart and measurement diagram, see our goalkeeper glove size page.

How to choose between two goalkeeper glove sizes

Your measurement falls right between two sizes (say, between a size 8 and a size 9)? Here's how to decide:

• Wide hand or long fingers: take the larger size so you don't cramp your fingers.
• Brand-new latex: latex loosens slightly with use, so the larger size stays comfortable longer.
• Negative cut: it already hugs the hand closely — if you choose this cut, go up a size.
• Growing child: pick the size up, with a little room at the fingertips, rather than rebuying mid-season.
• Personal preference: love a tight, direct feel? Stay with the smaller size. Prefer comfort and cushioning? Go larger.

When it's a toss-up, our pro rule stands: when in doubt, take the larger size.

What size for a young keeper?

For kids and juniors, aim for sizes 4 to 7 depending on hand width. Young keepers grow fast: a size with a little room at the fingertips is fine, but avoid going too big, since a glove that floats hurts catches and confidence. Measure the hand at the start of each season.

Are sizes the same across Reusch, uhlsport and RG?

For the most part, yes. Most brands — like Reusch, uhlsport and RG — use the same numbering (4 to 11), based on hand width. A size 9 is a size 9 from one brand to the next.

The nuance is the cut: depending on the brand and the line, the same number can fit a little tighter or roomier. If you switch brands, keep your reference size and check the fit when you try them on, especially when moving from a negative cut to a roll finger cut.

A good fit, not just the right size

Once you've found the size, check the fit when you try them on: your fingertips should almost touch the end of the glove (about 0.5 to 1 cm of room), without bending or cramping the fingers. The wrist closure should hold securely without cutting off circulation. A well-fitted glove improves touch, catches and the lifespan of the latex.

Want to know how to choose the right model too (latex, cut, level of play)? Read our companion guide: how to choose your soccer goalkeeper gloves. And to round out your kit, see our goalkeeper jerseys and shorts.

The most common mistakes

Here are the pitfalls we see most often in store when it's time to choose a goalkeeper glove size:

• Measuring with the thumb included: it skews the measurement and gives a size that's too big. Measure the palm only.
• Choosing by shoe size: there's no connection — glove size is based on hand width.
• Buying too big "to last": a glove that floats slips and hurts catches. Keep about 1 cm at the fingertips, no more.
• Ignoring the cut: two gloves of the same size can fit differently depending on the cut (negative, roll finger, hybrid).

Frequently Asked Questions

In short

To choose the right goalkeeper glove size: measure your palm width in centimetres, match it to the chart (sizes 4 to 11), and add a size if you like a little room. When you try them on, aim for about 1 cm at the fingertips. When in doubt, come see us — we fit keepers of all ages and we'll help you find the perfect pair.