One of the most important pieces of equipment for soccer goalies is the gloves. Not just for the sake of the game but for the safety of the goalkeeper.
Since its introduction into soccer, the gloves have had their fair share of evolutionary upgrades. However, in the heart of all of its evolution, emphasis has been on improving its functionality. Very little has been done on changing its aesthetics.
In the Euro 2020, soccer gloves fanatics and goalkeeping enthusiasts watched in awe as Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Danish goalie Kasper Schmeichel stepped onto the pitch wearing gloves that seemed to be covered in spikes.
It was only a matter of time before other professional soccer goalies like David de Gea, Eduardo Mendy, Aaron Ramsdale, and Manuel Neuer caught on.
Considered to be one of the best soccer goalie gloves out there, the Adidas Predator gloves range was believed by a section of goalkeeping fans to have contributed to the success of the Italian team at the Euro competition.
What are spiky gloves all about, and why have they become a new craving for soccer goalies? This article takes an in-depth look at what makes these spiky gloves unique and sought after.
Read more:
- Do Soccer Goalies Have To Wear Gloves?
- Why Do Goalkeepers Spit On Their Gloves?
- Do Soccer Goalies Tape Their Fingers?
Quick Navigation
Why Do Soccer Goalies Have Spiky Gloves?
Being the only soccer players allowed to touch the ball with their hands and for protection from high-powered shots, goalies usually wear gloves. To effectively achieve this, these gloves are padded and super thick.
While spiky gloves are a new development as well as an improvement from what has been, they still serve the same purpose in functionality.
When goalies opt for spiky gloves, here are some reasons why they settle for it as an excellent choice.
Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Improved ball punches and clearance
One of the distinguishing features of spiky gloves is the beautifully adorned spikes/spines on its backhand. Are these spikes included on these gloves for just aesthetic reasons?
No, they are deliberately designed to cover across the punching area of the hand. These spikes allow for better punches and hits of the ball for better clearance.
From there, the goalkeeper’s punches to the ball will make it go with the outer trajectory that the goalkeeper wants, preventing the ball from slipping out of the backhand and continuing to fly into the net.
How does it achieve this?
The spikes help with an improved bounce-off effect from the gloves. This particular feature is popularly attributed to the success of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s superb ball punches and clearance at the Euro 2020.
Aesthetically appealing
Conventional soccer gloves have had the same bland look for ages. Although aesthetics have no functionality in the game, it wouldn’t hurt if soccer gloves benefited from the technological advancements the sport has enjoyed in recent times.
This is where spiky gloves stand out. They are a beauty to behold!
Apart from giving goalies better control and accuracy in their punching power, we can all agree that these spiky gloves have a unique appeal to them.
These demonskin gloves come with spikes ranging from 288 to above 400, giving it this dangerously intimidating look. These tiny spikes are easily noticeable on the gloves.
As a soccer goalkeeper, you play an important role in ensuring your team’s success. Wearing these spiky gloves will help you stand out more.
Additional cushion for reducing ball shot
A major issue most soccer goalies have to contend with is shot-related injuries. Since most balls are caught or deflected with the palms, much emphasis on padding has been focused on this area.
The backhand is also susceptible to high-impact shots from balls. When parrying the ball, soccer goalies can sometimes use clenched fists to punch the ball away from the goal area.
Although several soccer glove manufacturers have tried to include an extra cushion layer for the backhand, the spikes also help protect the ball as an additional cushion surface.
This extra feature gives goalies the confidence to jump at incoming shots with increased punching abilities.
Conclusion
The listed features on spiky gloves go without reasoning why soccer goalies opt for it as an excellent choice.
Soccer gloves have evolved from conventional protection equipment to cater to all the necessary functionalities needed by goalies to defend their goal lines effectively.
By having ergonomic flex zones, tighter finger and palm fittings, as well as spikes that allow for improved ball punches, these spiky gloves may rightly be regarded as the future of soccer gloves.
It’s safe to say that as a soccer goalie, these spiky gloves should be a priority to try out if one hasn’t already.
Hi there, I’m Jay.
Soccer is everything in my life! My friends and I have created this blog with all our enthusiasm, passion, and understanding after years of playing pro soccer. Hope you will enjoy it!