Calma Goalkeeper Glove Care Guide: Maximize Grip & Durability

Proper goalkeeper glove care is essential to maintain grip, durability, and performance. Follow these simple yet effective steps to keep your Calma goalkeeper gloves match-ready, game after game.

Why Calma Gloves Set the Standard

Calma gloves are crafted using only EU exclusive premium materials, including high-performance latex, trusted by professional goalkeepers such as Mark Flecken of Bayer Leverkusen and The Netherlands.

Climate Specific Considerations for Goalkeeper Gloves

Humidity and Glove Performance

• High humidity: Benefits latex grip, as moisture activates the latex. Gloves feel tackier and may perform better in wet conditions. Risk: If stored wet for too long, gloves can degrade or smell. Tip: Slightly dampen gloves before use to optimize grip.
• Low humidity: Causes latex to dry out and lose tackiness quickly. There is an increased risk of cracking and flaking. Tip: Store gloves in a slightly moist glove bag and never let them dry out completely.

Playing Surface Impact on Latex Wear

Surface affects the abrasion level, directly impacting latex lifespan.

• Natural Grass: The best surface for latex gloves. It is soft and less abrasive, allowing for softer, more delicate latex types. Tip: Use top-end gloves with soft latex for matches on natural grass.
• Artificial Grass (3G / 4G): Much more abrasive, especially artificial turf with rubber infill. Gloves wear faster, especially at the fingertips and palms. Rubber can stain all-white gloves and accelerates latex erosion. Rubber pieces can get embedded in latex. Tip: Rinse gloves after use to remove infill particles.
• Rubber Crumb Infill Surfaces: Slightly more abrasive but still tougher than any grass. May cause more wear and reduce latex lifespan.
• Without Rubber Infill: The surface is still more abrasive than natural grass. Tip: Use durable or hybrid latex gloves, or dedicated turf gloves with thicker or harder latex, or use training gloves or an older pair.

Removing the Protective Film from Goalkeeper Gloves

• Purpose of film: Some of our gloves come with a plastic film layer on the palm to preserve tackiness of the foam.
• When to remove: Only right before first use (ideally during your pre-match prep). Don’t remove it too early. Exposure to air or sun starts the latex aging process.
• How to remove: Peel slowly to avoid tearing the latex. Start at the wrist and pull smoothly toward the fingertips. Do not rush.

Pre-First Match Routine for Goalkeeper Gloves

Before using your gloves in a game, it’s essential to activate and condition the latex. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any factory residue or storage powder. Lightly squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Optionally, use for light training or warm-up to break in the grip and feel. Slightly dampen palms before match day use. Latex performs better slightly moist.

Post-Match Care Routine for Goalkeeper Gloves

What you do right after a match or training session greatly affects glove durability.

• Steps: Rinse off dirt, turf, and sweat under lukewarm water. Gently hand clean the palms. No soap unless absolutely necessary. Squeeze (don’t twist) to remove excess water. Air dry palms up in a well-ventilated, shaded area. Never leave gloves wet in your bag or dry them in direct heat or sun.
• Deep Cleaning Tip (weekly): For heavy build-up, soak gloves in clean water for 10 to 15 minutes, then repeat the rinse and squeeze process.

Goalkeeper Glove Care Steps

1. Step 1: Remove dirt and debris. Lightly clap the gloves together to shake off any loose dirt or mud. Use a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth to gently clean the surface.
2. Step 2: Hand wash only. Never use a washing machine. Machine washing can damage the latex and stitching. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild soap. Avoid harsh detergents. For best results, use a glove-specific cleaning solution to preserve grip and latex quality. Submerge the gloves and gently massage them by hand to clean thoroughly.
3. Step 3: Rinse thoroughly with cool, running water until all soap is removed. Never twist or wring out the gloves. This can stretch and weaken the latex.
4. Step 4: Dry naturally. Press the gloves gently with a clean towel to absorb excess water. Air dry at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight, radiators, or other heat sources. Place paper towels or glove shapers inside to help maintain the gloves’ shape as they dry.

Extra Care Tips for Long-Lasting Goalkeeper Glove Performance

• Minimise water exposure. Too much moisture can reduce grip.
• Always store in a cool, dry place. Never keep damp gloves in sealed bags.
• Clean gloves regularly to extend their lifespan and maintain peak performance.

Trust Calma Quality for Your Goalkeeper Gloves

Calma gloves are designed for optimal performance, comfort, and longevity. By following this care guide, you’ll get the most out of your gloves, protecting both your gloves and your game.